Endless invasion

Infinite go over the top

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of 411 Entertainment and TV Direct

K-pop is a fiercely competitive business, so rookie group Infinite had to work hard to distinguish themselves from all the other newcomers. The seven-member group released their debut EP, First Invasion, in 2010. In the middle of last year they followed that up with their album Over the Top, which features the chart-topping singles “Be Mine” and “Paradise.”

More recently, Infinite released the ballad “Only Tears” and have been busy promoting their latest album, Infinitize.

The guys visited Thailand last March to perform at the Korean Music Wave in Bangkok K-pop extravaganza. While they were in town, the guys — leader Kim Sung Gyu, 23, Jan Dong Woo, 21, Nam Woo Hyun, 21, Howon (Hoya), 21, Lee Sung Yeol, 20, Kim Myung Soo (L), 20, Lee Sung Jong, 18 — met up with the local press for a group interview at the Renaissance Hotel. The guys told us about their group, the secret to their perfectly synchronised dance moves and about their upcoming fan meeting in the Land of Smiles.

Question: What was your first impression when you first got together?

L: I thought that everybody was really good looking! When we first met, we had to perform individually. I was surprised how great their skills were. I was also impressed that all the guys were enthusiastic and had a strong passion for singing and dancing.

Question: Was it hard working on the energetic choreography for “Paradise”?

Hoya: When we first started, we felt that all our choreography was tough, so we spent hours practising really hard. By the time we came to dance for “Paradise,” we’d learned more dancing skills so it didn’t seem too hard.

Question: What’s your secret for perfecting your dance moves?

L: We video ourselves when we practise, then watch the video clips carefully to find out when somebody makes a mistake. Lead dancers Hoya and Dongwoo usually give advice to the members who make mistakes so that they can improve their skills.

Question: How did you feel when veteran entertainer Jang Nara said that Infinite was her favourite among the new boy bands?

Hoya: We were impressed and honoured. We’ll try harder to make an even better album in the future.

Question: Dongwoo, did you enjoy working with the duo Baby Soul & Yoo Jia on the single, “She’s a Flirt”?

Dongwoo: They were laid-back and easy to work with. The songwriter who wrote “She’s a Flirt” also taught me a lot.

Question: L, were there any fun incidents when you were acting in the TV drama, Shut Up Flower Boy Band?

L: I was busy working on the set on my birthday, and I had no idea that my group planned a surprised birthday party for me. I felt exhausted working on my own, so I was very happy when I saw them on the set.

Question: Sung Gyu and Woo Hyun, was performing in the stage musical Gwanghwamun Sonata more difficult than singing onstage with Infinite?

Sung Gyu: They’re just different. In the play, I had to become a different character, whereas with Infinite, I can just be myself.

Woo Hyun: I was glad to have an opportunity to perform with our leader. It was fun. Acting in a musical has a different appeal to singing onstage.

Question: Do you have a special message for your Thai fans?

Sung Gyu: We will have a fan meeting in Thailand in July. It’ll be very special because there’ll be a solo performance by each member of the group. There will also be lots of surprises. You won’t want to miss this event!