Those lucky enough to get tickets to iMe K-pop Fantival 2017 on August 26 were treated to a feast of fun. The bill was full of talent as five of South Korea’s most entertaining acts— Winner, B1A4, Halo, KNK and K.A.R.D — descended on the capital.
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Calling card
Suwitcha Chaiyong
Thai fans just can’t get enough of that K-pop stuff. And those lucky enough to get tickets to iMe K-pop Fantival 2017 on August 26 were treated to a feast of fun. The bill was full of talent as five of South Korea’s most entertaining acts— Winner, B1A4, Halo, KNK and K.A.R.D — descended on the capital. What followed was an unforgettable night packed with quality music and spectacle.
Opening act Halo worked hard to impress the audience, even singing the Thai song “Mai Mee Krai Roo (Nobody Knows)” by Peck Palitchoke. They were followed by the mixed-gender group K.A.R.D., who wowed the crowd with their vigorous act. Though they’re a new group, they performed like pros — especially Korean-American rapper B.M. who encouraged fans to interact with the group throughout.
After this were KNK, who mesmerised with their melodic singing. Established favourites B1A4 were next, cheering the crowd with their vibrant hits. Final act Winner performed their popular hits such as “Empty” and “Really Really.” Everybody went home with a smile on their face.
K.A.R.D. are a rare K-pop act because they have both male and female members. They combine the soulful singing of Jeon So-min, 21, and Jeon Ji-woo, 20, and the dynamic rapping of B.M, 24, and J.Seph, 25. Their tropical house tracks “Oh Na Na” and “Hola Hola” have been well received internationally. On the back of this success, the band are touring the world, performing in Europe, North America, South America as well as here in Asia.
The day before the festival, S Weekly had an opportunity to chat exclusively with K.A.R.D. at Grand Center Point Hotel, where they told us about the tour, their fans and each other.
Aside from being mixed gender, how do you differ from other K-pop groups?
Ji-woo: We’re friendly and unpretentious.
J.Seph: We’re like friends who are easy to approach.
You did an English version of the track “Don’t Recall.” Was it difficult?
Ji-woo: Yes. There were a lot of sounds that I found difficult to pronounce. And because it isn’t my first language, it took time to understand how to express the emotions through the language.
B.M.: Los Angeles is my hometown, so singing in English isn’t a problem for me.
Of all the places you’ve been to on tour, which has been your favourite?
J.Seph: I like them all. Every country gives us great memories.
So-min: If I really had to choose, I’d say LA. It was my first time there and it meant a lot to me.
Have you had any particularly memorable moments with your fans?
B.M.: Yes. I met a kid who told me that he had anxiety, but our music helped him overcome it. That was really big for me.
How does it feel to be famous?
B.M.: I sometimes feel like it isn’t real, even when I watch our videos. But when I meet our fans at gigs, I really feel like a star.
J.Seph: I’m still an ordinary guy named Kim Tae-hyung. But I become J.Seph as soon as I go onstage. I’m so grateful for the wonderful support of the fans.
What are your favourite and least favourite things about each other?
J.Seph: Ji-woo has such a fantastic voice. She doesn’t have any flaws. She’s perfect.
Ji-woo: So-min is a lovely person and a great singer. But she’s a picky eater.
So-min: B.M. is a terrific rapper and great dancer. He really owns the stage.
B.M.: J.Seph is thoughtful and mature. But he can be quite forgetful.
What is your goal this year?
Ji-woo: We’d love to receive an award.
