[Interview] MBLAQ @ KANON Magazine

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Absolute quality you wouldn't expect from rookies

Talented chic group produced  by Rain

The big-name rookies who appeared in the Korean pop world bringing their debut album "Just BLAQ" in October 2009 -- MBLAQ. The group produced by Rain has garnered attention not only from within Korea, but also from major overseas labels. In Korea, many groups debut through music programs or showcases, but MBLAQ debuted at the opening stage of Rain's 2009 Asia Tour, "Legend of Rainism." Afterward they accompanied Rain during his Asia tour, and grabbed the spotlight in various countries.

The group name MBLAQ is an abbreviation of "Music Boys Live in Absolute Quality." True to their name, the five members who gathered have strong skills in dance and singing that you wouldn't expect from rookies. Also, many idol groups sell themselves with their freshness or boyishness, but MBLAQ's debut concept was being "chic." In particular, G.O appeared with a beard, which is unthinkable for young idols. They emit a uniqueness that plays a part in MBLAQ producing a color different from other groups. Musical talent, their concept, along with a refined style are the reasons for MBLAQ's popularity.

Interview MBLAQ

MBLAQ released their 2nd single "Y" seven months after their great debut in 2009. While retaining their MBLAQ-ness, their visuals and the ambiance of the song has changed entirely, drawing the interest of many listeners. In this interview, we close in on their true faces.

Q: From the time of your debut, you were referred to as "Rain's favorite children." Do you feel pressure from that?
C: Personally, I like the title "Idols raised by Rain."
G: Certainly there is pressure, but we're working hard to overcome that.
S: Right now we're accepting that pressure, and using it as encouragement.
M: It makes me feel like we need to work even harder because of it.
J: I don't want to sully the name of our big senior who is also a world star.

Q: What words of advice from Rain have left the greatest impression on you?
G: If you do your best, you won't have any regrets.
J: Sleep after you're dead.
S: Hard work will not betray you.
C: Watch out for your ears.
M: If you don't sleep now, you can achieve your dreams.

Q: What are your individual roles within the group?
S: I'm the leader, but I'm also everyone's older brother, and friend.
M: I'm in charge of rap, and in private I'm in charge of gags and being the maknae.
G: I'm the main vocalist. In private I'm the source of the group's energy (laugh).
J: I'm a vocalist, and in private I'm in charge of chocolate abs! (laugh)
C: I'm a rapper and vocalist. In private....nothing, really (laugh).

Q: You're all called "chic-dol," aren't you?
G: I really like being called that. It makes me happy. Recently I was the MC for a fashion-related program, and although I was interested before, my interest in fashion has become stronger.
J: I'm also very interested in fashion. Recently I'm interested in sleeveless shirts and short pants.
C: It'd be an exaggeration to call it "fashion," but I also pay attention to my clothes. Chic is great! (laugh)
M: I think that I'm not chic at all, but I like the word "chic." Normally I dress pretty roughly.
S: Me too; normally I like comfortable clothes. But I really like the word "chic"!

Q: Meanwhile, you also have the name "gag-dol." You have a side that's like comedians. Do the members play around with each other a lot?
S: When all the members are together, we always laugh and laugh until we're tired... Really, we all get carried away easily.
J: Normally, I don't play around much. The one who gets carried away is Mir!
C: G.O and Mir are the mood-makers.
G: I normally play around a lot, and I play the most tricks.
M: I'm a mischievous kid (laugh). When I'm with the members, the laughter really never stops.

Q: By the way, I heard that everyone in MBLAQ is blood type A?
M: I don't know if it's because of that, but we all get along well. My personality is "diligent man," I guess.
S: Everyone's really like brothers. My personality is very type A (laugh).
J: We're all stereotypical type A (laugh). My personality is the model of chic-ness...
C: I'm the type who carries through with something I want to do, no matter what.
G: We all worry about each other, which I like. I have an honest personality, but I try to keep in mind the position of the other person.

Q: Who are you especially close with in other groups?
G: 2AM's Seulong.
J: SHINee's Jonghyun and CNBLUE's Yonghwa.
S: BEAST's Jun Hyung.
M: In my case, none yet... They're all seniors who I have to greet politely, so there isn't anyone I'm especially close with.
C: Me too. I'm friendly with everyone, but not much time has passed since our debut so I don't really have one (laugh).

Q: You all have come to Japan many times before. What has been something memorable for you?
S: The concert we did in front of 10,000 people!
C: Working out at the hotel gym, then doing a concert.
M: The fact that Japanese people knew about us, and being able to perform in front of those fans.
J: I was really happy that fans came to greet us at the airport.
G: It was fun going up Tokyo Tower and being able to see all of Tokyo.

Q: Conversely, if Japanese fans came to Seoul, where would you want to take them?
G: I would want to take them to a Korean restaurant in Myeondong.
S: Myeondong for me, too. There are a lot of delicious foods and things to see.
J: N Seoul Tower. The air is nice, and you can see all of Seoul!
C: Hmm...Anywhere, as long as there's music! (laugh)
M: I don't know Seoul well, but how about my hometown, Jangseong? The air is nice and the water is clean.

Q: What do you have fun doing, besides music?
G: Watching movies.
J: Me too, when watching movies!
C: When I'm leading a cultured lifestyle. Such as watching movies on DVD.
S: When I'm playing with a new gadget. I like mechanical things.
M: When I spend time with my dad in my hometown, Jangseong.

Q: What kind of group do you want to grow into?
C: A group who never ceases to grow.
J: A group who doesn't seem stiff, who can enjoy the stage.
G: I want to become a group who produces new stages.
M: A group who always tries our best. And a group that reaches #1!
S: It'd be good if we could better express each of our good parts. I want to increase our talents as a group, and have people think of MBLAQ first when they think of a 5-member male group.

Q: Finally, please leave a word for Japanese fans.
G: To all of our Japanese fans, I love you! Take care of MBLAQ. Please love us! (laugh)
J: Japan is far, but yet close. I was very moved by the people who came to Korea just to see us, and who care about us. Thank you. In the future keep watching us, and please love us.
C: To our Japanese fans, thank you very much for caring about us. We will keep working even harder, in order to show you an even better appearance. Please show MBLAQ's latest album "Y" a lot of love!
M: I feel thankful to everyone who loves MBLAQ. We will continue working hard to become the best group, without forgetting our intentions. Everyone, I love you!
S: From now on, keep supporting MBLAQ. We also love all of you!

SOURCE: KANON Magazine
TRANSLATION: lnw1984@AbsoluteMBLAQ
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