KPop goes OPM?

MANILA, Philippines - “Being here (in Manila) is a highlight of our career,” share Kevin and his fellow ZE:A boys through an interpreter during their recent presscon at the Hard Rock Café in Makati City. The statement was met by cheers from fans who became wild every time a member of the group greeted them with “Kamusta po kayo,” “Ako po si,” “Salamat po,” “Mahal ko po kayo” and “Filipino fans are maganda.”

Kevin, Ha Min Woo, Hwang Kwang Hee, Jung Hee Cheol, Kim Dong Jun, Kim Tae Heon, Moon Jun Young, Park Hyung Sik and SiWan have been touring Asia for the past year to touch base with their followers outside South Korea. Manila is a must stop-over in the group’s promising career.

“We are very happy and excited about (this visit),” says Kevin in English. “This is the start (for us) to get to know (our Filipino fans).” It means finding time to experience Pinoy culture starting with food.

“It’s very hot,” says the group of Manila’s weather. “(But) the air-condition here (at Hard Rock Café) is strong.” Kevin and his boyband mates, however, are willing to go the extra mile to discover what Manila is known for. Definitely, they will have more fun time here as the Tourism Department advocates in its new campaign. Although Jeju Island has its own unique natural beauty, the KPop guys will be awed by the white sand and blue waters of Boracay and Palawan.

ZE:A entered Korea’s entertainment industry through the reality show titled Star Empire. It was followed by another TV show Empire Kids Return. The group also recorded albums Exciting and Watch Out. Like their musical influence Super Junior, the ZE:A guys can sing, dance and act. They are also into hosting and modeling.

With fellow ZE:A members who wish to record a Tagalog album in the future

“Before we (were launched), we had to train,” recalls Kevin. “We did weight training and (attended) singing and acting (workshops). We spent the whole day training. It was a bit tough.”

The group’s hard work has paid off. Proof to that is the popularity ZE:A is now enjoying. The Korean boys are here in Manila for a series of shows which kicked off yesterday at the Trinoma Activity Center. Fans can still watch them perform their hits also from albums Love Letter/My Only Wish, Lovability and Nativity tonight at 6 at the Glorietta Activity Center and tomorrow, Jan. 14 at the Market! Market! Activity Center.

“We are recording a new album,” says ZE:A. “I hope you will like it, guys. It will be released in mid-April. We want to do more genres (we can explore) in the new album. There’s a lot more we can offer. We also plan to do individual activities. So please stay with us. We will be happy if our songs become a part of popular dramas (as theme songs).”

How was it like recording Love Letter/My Only Wish for Japanese fans?

“There’s similarity between Korean and Japanese languages,” replies the boy group. “It’s easier for us to digest (Japanese) language. It’s easier to pronounce Japanese (words). Korean (words) are a lot more difficult to pronounce. Given the opportunity, we would like to do an album in Tagalog.”

If ZE:A boys can do that soon, Juan dela Cruz will come to them with open arms. Korean invasion seems to stay here for many years.