That is the mission that rookie group B.A.P (‘Best Absolute Perfect’) has set out on. It sounds like a phrase you’d hear in sci-fi movies with evil villains or aliens from outer space, but that is the dream that B.A.P has set out to make into reality.
The six member group — comprised of leader Bang Yong Guk, Zelo, Himchan, Youngjae, Jongup, and Daehyun – sat down with Star News to discuss their dreams and goals.
The interview began with the reporter’s observation that the rookie group’s start has been as bold as their ambition. So far, B.A.P managed to draw 3,000 fans to their debut showcase, as well as ranked in the top 10 on Billboard‘s ‘World Album Chart’, ultimately pointing out that their debut has not been like that of a typical idol group.
Leader Bang Yong Guk stated, “Our six members’ unified dream is ‘world conquest’. We really want to become a world group. Although it’s a goal that’s far into the future, the dreams we currently hold are to stand on MTV’s World Stage in Malaysia as the representatives of Korea. Since our debut album is now out, we want to show everything that we’ve been preparing.”
Their debut album, ‘Warrior’, contains the title track of the same name, in addition to ‘Burn It Up’, ‘Unbreakable’, and ‘Secret Love’ (featuring SECRET‘s Song Ji Eun). The representative track of the album, “Warrior”, contains lyrics critical of society, a move that steps away from the ‘love song trend’ found in other male idol groups.
Himchan explained the process of how their album came to life. “When we work, we consult each other. While figuring out our first musical direction, we told ourselves to not do the same music as everyone else. That’s why we wondered how it would be if we incorporated a weighty topic like one that criticizes society, and that is how ‘Warrior’ was born. I want to keep singing songs that have morals to them.”
Bang Yong Guk added, “All six of us all hate following what others do. Rather than following someone else, we want to be a team that is followed by others. We practiced day and night before our debut to be noticed as such a group.”
Were the ‘six aliens’ able to meet their target goals? If the number of fans is any indication, they’ve already attracted over 18,000 registered members onto their official fan cafe. Their album has also sold 10,000 copies within two days.
Their performances have shown a charisma rarely seen from other idol groups, leading many to question if this group called B.A.P is truly a rookie. From their powerful choreography to their intense gazes, the boys sing and rap their way through the climactic performance.
Their powerful energy has even caused the stage to give way. During their pre-recording for SBS‘ ‘Inkigayo’, the stage was unable to withstand Bang Yong Guk’s “step performance” and gave way beneath his feet.
Jongup stated, “Whenever we stand on stage, something always breaks. In a recent recording, two mic packs were damaged, and we even cut open our hands. We never realize that our bodies have been hurt until the performance ends. When we’re up on stage performing, we are so focused that we aren’t able to feel that we’ve been hurt.”
The members revealed, “When we stand on stage, rather than being nervous, we shiver with excitement.”
Although the group has already proven themselves as quite capable of setting out to accomplish their mission — yet they still showed their rookie-like image through their humble attitude.
Himchan acknowledged that they still have ways to go. “Since all six of us are blondes, even fans still get confused about our names. So first, we should probably get our names out there before we are able to conquer Earth. (laughs) We want to become a team that leads the trends in areas including fashion, music, and dance. In particular, in 2012, we hope everyone will become blondes and use B.A.P’s dance to diet.”
Bang Yong Guk described the versatility of their musical style with, “We are currently a white canvas that any picture can be drawn on.” He continued, “All the members love African-American music filled with soul. If I can be born again, I’d like to be born as an African-American and do music.”
Source + Photo: Star News