
I’m back from the meeting. From the company, CEO Jung Wook and two staff members were present, and like I told you before, as the fandom representative, Wonderful’s on/offline board member, founder of Wonderholic, and founder of Wonder Girls World, a total of 4 people, were present. It went on from 4pm for 2 hours, and our conversations were based on the written inquiries, previously sent by us to JYP. However, as many situations relating to Wonder Girls has changed, it was concluded that it’d be better to not use the original questions as is, and the content of questions were appropriately changed after discussions with the fandom representatives. Also, as we were conversing casually in a comfortable environment, it became difficult organizing the information according to the inquiries. And so, this was organized without any relation to the question list order, and has been divided into subjects.
1. US promotions
It was informed that ‘Wonder Girls at the Apollo’ has been scheduled to begin filming in October under JYP’s investment.That means the publication rights of the work is under JYP, and while there is no telling how much interest it will gain from broadcasting stations, it was said that he wants to be able to have it air in Korea and the States, as well as other countries.
They told us a little bit of the synopsis for ‘Wonder Girls at the Apollo’, but because it could be spoilers and cause issues, I won’t talk about it.
However, they said the script came out really funny, so I think it’d be safe to look forward to it.
Also, they are planning to to release their US album during the first quarter of next year, between January~March, alongside the broadcast date of their TV movie. We don’t know if the album will be releasing before or after the broadcast date, but they are currently working with major labels, and because of the recession in the American music industry, there is a chance that they will be able to release an album under JYP’s name.
Another topic in question is if their US album will be available to be purchased in Korea. We don’t know how they will go about it, but the company promised to make it so Korean fans will be able to have the US album in their hands.
2. Korea promotions
We asked about announcements of their promotions in Korea being too sudden. They said that it wasn’t a sudden decision, and were originally planning on Korean activities for July~August. However, after US activities were delayed, their US album and promotions in Korea were pushed back.They said if things went according to their early plans, talk of a September comeback could have become true. We asked many things on their Korean promotions in November. They said they are currently deciding on a title song out of all the songs they have finished recording. They added that they are planning on deciding on the title song and concept before the end of this week.
We don’t know how much of an influence it would have, but we earnestly requested that this album concept would not be retro, and that Park Jinyoung PD wouldn’t star in the MV. Also, when we suggested the idea of having different versions of MVs, they said they would think about a dance version MV.
This Korean album will be different from their US album, and it hasn’t been decided as to how many tracks will be in it, but they said it will be a mini album with at least more than 3 songs. The tracks to be included in the Korean album will all be new tracks. When we proposing a fan meeting, they said they are thinking of having nationwide fan signings. The company was considering a fan meeting as well, but they thought it would have to meet a certain size to happen, and said it’s too hard to decide on. However, because they think they need a time to personally communicate with fans, they answered that they’d do their best to organize such an opportunity.
3. Follow-up activities
We asked if they had any thoughts of having a solo concert or Asia/world tour with their Korean/US albums, but they said things will change according to US promotions, as it is their top priority.We also inquired on whether members continue on without solo activities. They said because plans in the States have continued to change, even if a member requests to appear on a variety show, it would be difficult. Because they’ve been met with such an important point in America, they will have to concentrate on the US. However, as there are no reasons for the company to restrict them, if the terms fit and members desire solo activities, if things go well in the States, they may also take on solo activities there.
4. Wonder Girls’ coordi problems
5. Wonder Girls’ management Unlike what a few fans worried about, when Wonder Girls members don’t have any schedules, everyday, from morning to the evening, they receive English, acting, vocal, and dance lessons. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with them health-wise.They said they’re sad that the girls are being accused of playing when they are working hard. The company also acknowledged that Wonder Girls’ online medium maintenance has been unsatisfactory.
First, because there are so many online mediums, they said they will take care of them through unified JYP accounts. When compared to other artists, content has not been uploaded smoothly, and they said it was because, unlike other those maintaining everything relating to other singers in Korea, two different teams handle their US and Korean work. And so, there is no exact division of work between the Korean and US companies.
After filming, decisions of where to have it edited, and waiting to see if it gains consent to post takes up time. Also, if videos shot in Korea are sent to the US, and vice versa, because the files are so large, it doesn’t get uploaded that well. They said they’re working on improving this. While it’s not too noticeable, they have cleaned up tags in their YouTube channel. They have acknowledged being a bit negligent, are sorry, and will post videos with more care starting today.
They stated Wonder Girls’ usage of SNS is their personal freedom, so the company can’t force them into anything. A member deviating from SNS use is something that happens in other singers, and because it’s something that has to do with their own personality, they can’t say anything about it.
When we talked to them about Jane’s SNS, they answered they can’t make any judgements as it clashes with one’s own freedom and the company’s asset.
Just, JYP recently arranged regulations regarding SNS. We also told them about releasing articles having to do with Wonder Girls more extensively. However, they said because there is a set method for press releases, there is no further action to take. For instance, the company informed reporters about getting the chance to broadcast a TV film in the States, but it was said that the news began pouring out on the official fan cafe after their comeback in Korea was announced. They said the company can only distribute press releases to reporter lists, and writing articles are up to the reporter themselves, so there’s nothing they can do.
6. Fan management
We suggested recruiting fan clubs, but they asked if it wouldn’t be hard recruiting with just a month of promoting. Instead, before their November promotions begin, they said they’d think about a secondary additional recruitment. They said they will announce the company’s decision sometime in mid-October. They also said they’ve figured out a solution for the issue with the Queen Bee light stick. The company has been aware of there being defective products, which is why they have not been selling them online. When they sold it offline, they turned it on themselves to make sure they were working, but they couldn’t always do that for online sales, and there were high possibilities of it breaking while being delivered. Because wires would have to be placed according to the Queen Bee light stick’s shape, it’s easy for defects to occur, so they’re on a tight schedule, trying to improve it before their November promotions. We suggested creating a new light stick design, but they said they would only be able to manage creating acrylic-based light sticks before then, showing an affirmative manner. We talked about different things regarding a new light stick design, and they promised to let us know about any final decisions, after further inquiries.7. Other suggestions
We suggested that, to increase the collection value of the to-be-released album, to make it sturdy. The company seemed to feel sympathy towards the solidity as well. To show a more unique outer look, they said they attempted the rectangular and triangular album shapes. Which is why, even though they’re made of paper, they’re more expensive than CDs in plastic cases.Regardless, they accepted the suggestion, and said they will consider making it more luxurious and sturdy, with a certain shape and material.
We also told them about criticism of the majority of JYP music sounding too quiet. They said this is another problem the company is aware of, and said it’s something that’s happened because the composers’ tendencies are different from that of the ones from other companies.
When it comes to composing and arranging at JYP, they go for minimalism, minimizing the instrumental sound, whereas you are limited to increasing the volume with music that uses instrumental sounds to its fullest extent.
Asking to change the way songs are is like, invading the composer’s territory and is something they can’t talk about rashly. As a way of improving these problems, recently they have been introducing new, concert and broadcast center, MR methods.
They said Wonder Girls’ song was recorded with a new method for the JYP NATION concert. Because the JYP NATION concert held on Christmas in Korea last year wasn’t filmed, they can’t release it as a DVD, but the JYP NATION Japan concert will be released as it was filmed. Nothing has been decided on regarding the release of it yet. They said there should be about an hour of content with Wonder Girls’, solo performances of 6 songs and joint performances from the second half of the concert. On Wonder Girls’ independent DVD release, as the quantity won’t amount to much compared to 2PM, looking at the company’s deficit, they said it would be difficult releasing one. Also, JYPE’s singer’s recent remarks regarding other companies’ singers hurt fans. The CEO said that he will work towards speaking more carefully from now on, and on the recent incident, the Wonder Girls’ fan manager gave a firm warning to the member in the said team.
8. Sunmi
Sunmi’s contract with the company is as it has been, and she is continuing to receive dance and vocal training and also takes part in the end of the month presentations, constantly being managed by the company. However, they said nothing has been decided on regarding her activities later on, and that it’s a subject that they can’t receive any questions on or answer.
The top content is what was discussed during the meeting. Some parts were satisfactory, while others didn’t seem like enough I felt that the company did their best to answer our questions sincerely. They also apologized for not being able to say anything regarding the company’s business, and not being able to answer and reveal some things in detail.
If there’s anything that you were curious about, but was not fully explained, I’m sorry, and I will end the post-meeting here.
Thank you.
Source: wonderfulsworld (Wonder Girls Official Cafe) Translations by: ch0sshi
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Date: 2011-09-01 09:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-01 09:54 pm (UTC)kinda feel bad for sunmi. seriously, she has a life of her own. and i hope the fans don't force her to do something she doesn't want to do, yet. there's a reason she's out of the limelight and i hope the fans respect that. she'll come out when she and jyp think it's the right time.
i wish them all the best. jyp seems to have a plan for them. a lot of things are tentative, but that's understandable. it's not easy breaking into the u.s. market and they have to be flexible to the changing times. i just hope they realize their strengths and their true appeal. and not waste it by trying to be something they're not--image and music-wise.
lol, i didn't intend my comment to be this long. :o\
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Date: 2011-09-01 09:58 pm (UTC)when did this happen? are they talking about the time 2pm all said they liked snsd more? also, what is this with the coordi situation, do korean wonderfuls not like jane?
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Date: 2011-09-01 10:28 pm (UTC)Also, Jane isn't the coordi/stylist--she's just their general manager.
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Date: 2011-09-01 10:03 pm (UTC)LOL
Date: 2011-09-01 10:19 pm (UTC)Re: LOL
Date: 2011-09-01 10:28 pm (UTC)Re: LOL
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Date: 2011-09-02 10:52 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-01 10:28 pm (UTC)So, someone said something and blah blah blah?
I wonder how the K-fans feel with the mention of the US advancement taking priority. It is said in a way that I would be offended if I were them.
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Date: 2011-09-01 11:03 pm (UTC)now i'm just hearing 打你打你打你打你打你打你打你打你 in his voice omfg
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Date: 2011-09-01 10:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-01 10:39 pm (UTC)And their 'online medium maintenance' is fine.
Honestly, there's really only one thing worth asking for as a fan and that's MORE MUSIC. I know Sunmi's leaving really made it hard but at the same time I can't believe WG have been doing this for 4.5 years and yet only have 1 full-length album, and 3 singles with unique non-album songs. Quality > quantity, yes, but IMO the new album really really should've come out already.
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Date: 2011-09-01 11:43 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2011-09-01 10:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-01 11:00 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2011-09-01 10:55 pm (UTC)FUCK YEAH. 2AM's Japanese album will include their performances but I wanted the whole thing.
Otherwise, ah... Poor Wonder Girls. Poor Wonder Girls Korean fans.
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Date: 2011-09-01 11:06 pm (UTC)this is interesting
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Date: 2011-09-01 11:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-01 11:10 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2011-09-01 11:39 pm (UTC)if it the movie production is under jyp care i know that at least the cinematography and songs will be great and no to triangular albums, makes me think of miss a.
also, i still hope that mimi will return to the group, and i love how she never really left, she's always training and hanging out with people from the company (i do know that she is very close to suzy).
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Date: 2011-09-02 07:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-02 12:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-02 02:10 am (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2011-09-02 02:09 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-02 03:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-02 04:48 am (UTC)It answers a lot.
And it takes more than 2 years to be successful in the US so I respect JYP for how he is working with the Wonder Girls.
And I still really like JYP music so I'm still anticipating how this will translate to their US market. I think it is great that he in using Nickelodeon because teens are gonna love the Wonder Girls and be a good market for them ;)
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Date: 2011-09-02 06:08 am (UTC)thank you fan representatives for saying this
Date: 2011-09-02 08:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-09-02 04:07 pm (UTC)