Trio’s triumph

K-pop kings hit Bangkok

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of E-Intent

Since forming in 2010, K-pop trio JYJ have earned a great reputation for their powerful lead vocals and harmony singing, as well as their ability to write and produce their own music.

However, after releasing their fourth album Their Rooms, Our Story in 2011, Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun and Kim Junsu put their group activities on hold to pursue their individual interests.

SOLO STARS

Good-looking 28-year-old singer Jaejoong released two solo albums, sang songs for TV and movie soundtracks, and acted in several TV series. He recently won the Top Excellence Award for his acting in the high-rating TV series, Triangle.

Yoochun, also 28, has developed into an award-winning actor starring in many different TV series. His latest work is the popular action-thriller series, Three Days.

Powerhouse vocalist Junsu, 27, has received critical acclaim for his fantastic stage play performances. His latest role was playing Dracula in a play of the same name. Aside from acting in plays, Junsu has released three solo albums.

RETURN PERFORMANCE

Before Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu do their military service, they decided to get together to release their new album, Just Us, which quickly became a top-selling album in South Korea. JYJ then embarked on a concert tour around Asia.

At Challenger Hall 1 on September 25, the JYJ Asia Tour Concert in Thailand: the Return of the King concert kicked off with the trio singing together. The opening set featured the dance songs “Creation,” “Be the One” and “Bobo Boy.”

MOVING MUSIC

As well as their group performances, the three guys had great solo spots during the concert.

Versatile singer Junsu impressed the fans with his powerful voice and vigorous dance moves, especially during his groovy dance songs “Tarantallegra” and “Incredible,” which got everybody up on their feet to dance along.

Jaejoong also put on a great show with his beautiful singing on the slow rock songs “Butterfly” and “Mine.” Unfortunately, the fans seemed too distracted by his naked torso and sexy moves to concentrate on his great ability to hit high notes.

CUTE AND CAPTIVATING

Though Yoochun doesn’t have a powerful voice like his friends, his captivating performance still won over the fans, who couldn’t take their eyes off him as he sang the adorable “Spring Walk” and did some cool rapping on “I Love You.”

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A day before the concert, JYJ met with local press and fans at Central World for a press conference. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Question: How do you feel about visiting Thailand again after three years?

Yoochun: It’s overwhelming. Even though we haven’t been here for three years, a lot of fans welcomed us warmly. Thank you so much!

Question: How do you decide which one of you will sing each part in your songs?

Jaejoong: When we get a new song, we discuss it together and work out which one of us should sing particular parts to express the meaning of the song clearly.

Question: If you had to select one song from Just Us that best represents JYJ, which one would you pick?

Jaejoong: That’s a tough question. I like “Let Me See” a lot. That song is meaningful for us because when we sing it together, we’re able to see one another.

Junsu: I like the pop R&B song “Valentine.” It goes well with my personality. I’m charismatic and lyrics of the song are charming, like me.

Yoochun: I also like “Valentine.” We recorded it last year. A year later, when we sing this song, I feel blown away by it. I really like it.

Question: Junsu, you’re an outstanding actor in stage musicals. How do you choose which parts to play?

Junsu: When I consider a role for a stage musical, the most important thing for me is whether or not I like the songs. If there are songs I like, I accept the role.

Question: If possible, which roles you would like to see Jaejoong and Yoochun play in your recent musical, Dracula?

Junsu: Jaejoong’s look and fangs would be good for playing the part of Dracula. As for Yoochun, he should play a guy who falls in love.

Question: Junsu, how do you feel when the other members tease you during interviews?

Junsu: They’ve been like this for almost a decade, so I’m used to it. It wouldn’t be fun if they didn’t tease me.

Question: How do you guys feel about Thai girls?

Junsu: Thai people have beautiful smiles and the girls have pretty eyes.

Jaejoong: I’m wondering if Thai people naturally have thick eyebrows. When my sister cleans off her make-up, she doesn’t have any eyebrows, but our Thai fans seem to have thick eyebrows.

Yoochun: I like the way Thai girls speak and end each sentence with ka. It sounds really sweet.

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