Shinhwa news and interviews round up

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

Shinhwa Members Say ‘Shinhwa’ is Their Life-Long Career

The name of ‘Shinhwa’ is still powerful. Having debuted in 1999 and entering its 17th anniversary, there have been many ups and downs but they have maintained the group with their tight friendship and earned the title of being ‘the longest promoting idol group.’ Shinhwa was very well aware of the power that ‘Shinhwa’ possessed as a brand.

The Shinhwa members described ‘Shinhwa’ as their life-long career. They became singers, actors and entertainers, as they desired, but they say it wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for ‘Shinhwa,’ claiming that they have to work together as members.

Eric said, “I used to think that celebrities get consumed and disappear, like what happens to actors and stars. Everyone has their worries but the biggest worry for celebrities is that they could lose their job tomorrow or that they could no longer have a stable income. That’s the biggest stress.”

“No matter what I do, if I’m backed by ‘Shinhwa,’ which can be my stable career, that itself is a very important thing and thanks to that, I can carry out various individual activities,” explained Eric.

Eric said, “The kids start earlier these days but I left home when I didn’t know anything and spent 17 to 18 years with them. If Shinhwa comes to an end due to personal reasons or external circumstances, then half of my life becomes meaningless,” emphasizing the importance of Shinhwa.

Lee Min Woo, who was in charge of producing the album, revealed that he focused on bringing out each member’s charms.

Lee Min Woo analyzed, “Hye Sung took the center spot in vocals while Eric took charge of the rap. The members all have different tones. Hye Sung has ear-catching vocals. Dong Wan has a powerful voice that I personally like. It’s the voice that can express various styles in dance songs. Eric likes stylish tones, like me. Jun Jin’s voice has confidence and has good techniques. Andy is similar to me. It has a smart feel.”

When asked, “Wasn’t it difficult to go through the album preparation process?” Shinhwa expressed their confidence in the members’ expertise, as much as many years have gone by.

Lee Min Woo said, “I think I’m gaining expertise as I age. Everyone has progressed. It doesn’t simply end after singing one’s part or rap. Hye Sung said, ‘I hope this member could express this feel during this part,’ as he cared for others’ parts. I felt like his skills have advanced, which also motivates me to do well.”

He said, “Everyone has gained expertise so each member has his thoughts on what to do and how to sing certain parts. So I try to catch those points and come up with the songs that can hopefully bring out awe from the listeners.”

He added, “That process is not easy but since we are members, we worked with the mindset of preparing a gift for a girlfriend, thinking that it will be an album that will be gifted to the fans and the one that the fans will listen to. So we’ve been enjoying it.”

Meanwhile, the title song Sniper is an electronic shuffle dance song co-produced by Andrew Jackson and London Noise, featuring strong beats and sounds that remind of Western movies.


Shinhwa Shares on Being Role Models, Longevity and Pride in Dance Title Songs

Is there another group in the Korean music industry that has continuously been active for 17 years without breaking up other than Shinhwa?

Shinhwa has been dubbed the ′longest-running idol group′ for a while now. It′s hard for any other group to catch up to them. They′ve been active together for 17 years and they are still just as stable. If they stay as they are now, it seems like they can be together for the next 20, 30 years. All of Shinhwa′s activities is going down in history in Korean music.

Shinhwa is returning with its 12th official album WE. After its 11th album, The Classic on May 11, 2013, it′s a comeback in a year and nine months.

In a time when digital singles have become a regular in the music industry, Shinhwa has returned with a full-length album with ten tracks. That fact alone shows the principle of these idol veterans.

The chic style of music remains the same as it has in the past. The part to focus on is the performance. Although not yet revealed, Shinhwa says it is preparing a very powerful dance performance. The members are all in their mid-30s, but their passion is still the same was hen they debuted in 1998.

The title song Sniper is of the shuffle dance genre. The song was produced by British composer Andrew Jackson, with lyrics written by lyricist team, Jam Factory. Producing team, London Noise, also participated in the composition. As known, Andrew Jackson has previously composed Shinhwa′s This Love and Venus. This Love brought the most trophies that Shinhwa has ever earned. The lyricist team, Jam Factory, is also known for its work on EXO′s Overdose. The team has expressed the passionate love of six men who want the women they love.

The issues and ordeals have kept coming, but whenever they happened, the group became stronger. So the group has returned once again in 2015 with a completely full album. And we were able to meet Shinhwa.

- You′ve returned after over a year and a half. Please tell us how it feels to make a comeback.

Jun Jin: I didn′t think time would go by so quickly. Because of each member′s individual schedules, there was no time, but because we wanted everyone to hear good music, we worked hard on album preparations. It was difficult to prepare both the album release and a concert at the same time, but because we made a good album, I′m happy.

- What meaning does the album title WE have?

Eric: You can say it stands for Shinhwa and the fans teaming up and working hard together. That wasn′t the meaning of it actually, but because the album title is WE, our fans were working hard with us. I think we′ll receive a lot of love because of the album title.

- Lee Min Woo acted as the album producer. You must feel something different.

Lee Min Woo: This year is the year of the sheep. I was born in the year of the sheep, so I have a good feeling. Of the 10 tracks, they′re all so precious that not even one can be thrown out. Also, because each of the member′s personal colors shine, I′m even more content and satisfied. The other candidates for the title song were Ice Moon and Alright, but after I heard Andrew Jackson′s song, I changed my mind. So Sniper became the title song. I completely fell in love with the whistling at the beginning.

Kim Dong Wan: To elaborate, Lee Min Woo really gave a lot of attention to the album. To let the other members hear the songs, he pre-recorded the song and brought it. We couldn′t pay him the producing cost, and we should have paid him for the guide recording, but we didn′t give him that either (laughter).

- We heard a lot of attention was put on the performance.

Eric: Because we′ve done a lot of performances in the past, there weren′t a lot of things we could do that was new. But we were able to find something. It′s the kind of performance that will make each member′s parts grand.

- What are your resolutions for this promotional period?

Jun Jin: It′s before our promotions begin, but I think I′m receiving energy. I hope that we can complete our promotions in good health and without injuries. I plan on working hard without missing even the tiniest detail. I was wondering if junior high and high school students would know us, but they all knew. That′s all thanks to the power of broadcast. That′s how much power it has. I didn′t realize the importance of that in the past. I′m learning a lot of things.

- You′ll be holding a conert at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium on March 21 and 22. Do you have anything special planned?

Shin Hye Sung: Because it′s a concert after our album has come out, there will be a lot of new performances. From our debut to our 12th album, we sang a lot of songs. We′ll be letting fans hear a very abundant amount of songs.

- Because of MBC′s Infinity Challenge ′ToToGa,′ a lot of stars from the 90s are getting spotlighted. Shinhwa also received a lot of love in the 90s.

Shin Hye Sung: As a viewer, I felt great to see our seniors come out on television. Because we′ve continuously come out on broadcast, we didn′t feel too sad about not being there with them.

Kim Dong Wan: We weren′t sad because of the fact that we didn′t become past memories yet. But ′ToToGa′ was really fun.

- You′re the longest-running idol group. It′s been 17 years since your debut. How did you feel when you debuted and how do you feel now?

Jun Jin: When we debuted, I just promoted as a singer because I liked it. But now, I feel like I know a little more now.

Kim Dong Wan: A lot of things have changed. Broadcasts have gone from analog to HD. When it was our first album, it was cassette tapes, but now it′s not even CDs, but digital songs.

Andy: Our voice tones have changed. I′m able to feel this kind of maturity that I haven′t felt before in the members. During our debut, we lived together in a dorm, but now we all live separately. Even though we live our separate lives, I′m happy that we make time for Shinhwa activities.

Eric: At the beginning of Shinhwa activities, appealing to the public was important. But now, it′s more important to take care of the people who work with us.

- Do you feel burdened as the longest-running idol group?

Andy: There′s a feeling of responsibility and burden every time. We wonder if we can show a different color or have sucess each time.

- If you ask many idol groups who their most respected senior or role model is, they answer Shinhwa. How does that feel?

Kim Dong Wan: It doesn′t feel all that great if the reason is only because we′re long-lasting. It makes it seem like if you don′t become like us, you′re going down the wrong path. Even after disbandment, there are groups that are doing fine on its own. I think each group should promote in their own ways.

Shin Hye Sung: I hope they can also see the growing maturity, and not just the longevity.

- Until when do you think you can promote as singers who dance?

Jun Jin: For as long as we can. Even when we′re married and in our 60s and 70s, if we have enough to move our hands around, I think we can still do it.

Eric: From the beginning, we′re members who joined together to become a dance group. A dance title song and a full-length album is our value and pride. I think that′s the least bit of sincerity that can be shown to our fans. So I think we should do as much as we can until we can. If we ever come out with a ballad as a our title song, that means we really don′t have any physical strength. When that times comes, you really have to refrain from talking about our stamina. I think if we hear about it then, we′ll become hurt (laughter).

Kim Dong Wan: If there are fans, we can do it until whenver. The song Memory is a song for our fans, and in the lyrics, it says, ′I can hear your voice, you wake me up from my sleep.′ The cheers of the fans wakes me up. And we also wake up the hardcore fans in their hearts.

- The members are already in their mid-30s. If someone is to start a family, who will be first?

Eric: I′ve always stated that I want to get married first out of all the members. But this year, everyone′s on a marriage ban. For now, because we prepared so hard on this album, we′re going to focus on album promotions.

- What do you think will be the most worthwhile during this promotional period?

Kim Dong Wan: To get number ones on music programs

Shin Hye Sung: The power to fill an entire concert hall.

Lee Min Woo: The fact that we′re still going, that in itself, is worthwhile.

Eric: This promotional period just needs to end well.


Andy Apologizes for Gambling Ordeal and Thanks Shinhwa

Shinhwa is returning as six.

With this year being its 17th anniversary, Shinhwa, who flaunts its amazing longevity as an idol group, will release its 12th album. Ahead of this album release, Shinhwa had to overcome another set of ups and downs.

In November of 2013, Andy was involved in an illegal gambling case where he was summarily indicted, leading into a monetary penalty and a time of reflection. During his time of self-reflection, the members have been active with solo albums and acting, quietly waiting for their team members, making it possible for the entire team to come back together after a year and nine months.

During the interview, before anyone even asked, Andy apologized for his mistake and revealed his determination for the future.

"We′re making a comeback after a long time. Because of the big mistake that I caused, I want to personally apologize for making many people worry. I said it on Healing Camp yesterday, but I′m thankful for the members.

On the February 23 broadcast of SBS′ Healing Camp, Andy stated, "Even now, I still want to say that I′m very sorry for causing much worry with a shameful thing as a person and a well-known figure. And I want to say thank you so much to the members who always made it possible for me to participate in Shinhwa activities together like this. For me, it′s always like this. From the moment we debuted and until now, during our 17 years of broadcast promotions, I′ve been so thankful and so apologetic."

During the interview, Andy also stated, "My feelings of gratitude and apology have been big towards the members who have always stayed beside me. My first priority is to show a good image with the 12th album."

Jun Jin encouraged Andy by saying, "When we record with the members, we always try our best, but with Andy, maybe it was because of that mindset, he seemed to be working several times harder than before. Because of that, we gained strength."

Jokingly, Kim Dong Wan added, "I wish Jun Jin saw that and did a little better. If Jun Jin works a little harder, the rest of us can work comfortably."

In charge of the album production again, Lee Min Woo shared, "I put a lot of attention on the overall color. I worked, keeping in mind how I can pull out each member′s personal charms the best. I may be in charge of the entire production, but it can′t just satisfy me. We received over a thousand demo tapes, and because I wanted to show the best to the members, it was a bit difficult. It wasn′t easy to pick out the best song from so many demo tapes. The members and the staff, who worked so hard, are the reason why ten songs in the We album came out great."

The title song, Sniper, was created by Andrew Jackson, who composed This Love, which earned Shinhwa the most trophies in its history, and Venus. Composing team London Noise, also co-produced the electronic shuffle dance song with strong beats and sounds that is reminiscent of a western movie.

Shinhwa’s Jun Jin Says Shinhwa Activities Will Continue Until One Member Dies

The Shinhwa members expressed their love for the group.

During a recent shoot for KBS 2TV’s Hello, the MCs asked Shinhwa, which is the longest promoting idol group in Korea, “How long will you continue promoting as Shinhwa?”

Jun Jin answered, “Shinhwa will continue unless a member dies.”

Upon hearing his answer, Shin Dong Yeop commented, “I think a certain somebody will promote as soloist some day,” bringing out laughter from Shinhwa.

Lee Min Woo said, “Recently I’ve been wondering which member will get married first and whether or not all the members of Shinhwa will be able to get married.”

Lee Young Ja asked, “Raise your hand if you have a girlfriend,” and the Shinhwa members, who were full of energy a moment ago, became quiet or looked elsewhere all of a sudden, showing their side as idols.

Lee Young Ja commented, “This is the secret behind Shinhwa. When something come up about women, they protect each other,” making everyone burst out laughing.

This day’s recording introduced a boy who is worried about his mom who goes out at night. He said, “I can’t sleep at night because of my mom. My mom, who disappears at night, goes to exercise at 3 a.m. and meets her friend until 6 a.m. I don’t know what kind of exercise she’s doing and meeting who… I can’t just let her be when this world is such a dangerous place.”

The show is set to air on March 2.


Shihwa′s Jun Jin Says Shin Hye Sung Doesn′t Fart Because He′s an Emotional Ballad SingerShinhwa′s Jun Jin shared a story regarding Shin Hye Sung and farts.

Shinhwa recently participated in the recording of KBS′ Hello.

During the filming, a man in his 20s appeared to share a worry he had about his parents constantly fighting.

"It′s embarrassing, but my parents have been fighting for 20 years because of farts. The atmosphere in the house is so cold because of my father, who loathes it when my mother farts, and my mother, who farts freely. Even when we eat and my mother farts, my father stops eating, saying he lost his appetite. I just want them to stop fighting."

The MCs turned to Shinhwa, asking, "Don′t the Shinhwa members all fart in front of each other?"

Gathering laughter, Kim Dong Wan answered, "When a member farts inside a room, Jun Jin comes in and goes, ′Hyung, what? You called me?"

Jun Jin continued, "Shin Hye Sung doesn′t really fart when he′s around us."

MC Jung Chan Woo then said, "He must fart shyly," adding an imitation of a shy fart and making everyone laugh.

Jun Jin continued the laughter, saying, "Because we′re rappers, we just comfortably let them rip. I think Shin Hye Sung doesn′t fart because he′s an emotional ballad singer."
source: mwave 1 2 3 4 5

Comments

[mlmello.livejournal.com]

Shinhwa′s Jun Jin Says Shin Hye Sung Doesn′t Fart Because He′s an Emotional Ballad Singer

I live for shinhwa's articles...

[oneterrorist.livejournal.com]

Last article brought me here lol

Reminds of how in ep 2 of Shinhwa Broadcast they were saying how Hyesung would cover himself when they showered together. Precious bby

[missaoki.livejournal.com]

That last article.

[sheswatching.livejournal.com]

I used to get annoyed by JunJin when I first discovered SHINHWA, but clearly I was wrong because he is a true gift to this world. I love their ridiculous sense of humour and how gross they are. They seem really at ease this promo period, so I think delaying the album those few months was definitely a good call. :)