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2PM get comfortable in Bangkok

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of 411 Entertainment

Though the K-pop group 2PM hasn’t visited Thailand often recently, the six-member band is still the favourite K-pop act of Thai fans. After working together for almost six years, the guys have grown from rookie singers into skilful artists with unique identities. Some members have had successful solo albums and some have become professional actors.

Recently, the guys — singer songwriters Jun. K, 27, Wooyoung, 26 and Junho, 25, rappers Taecyeon, 26, and Chansung, 25, and Thai member Nichkhun, 27 — released the catchy dance track, “My House,” as the first single from their new album No.5.

FIRST MEETING

Arranged by 411 Entertainment, 2PM finally held their first fan meeting in Thailand on August 29 at the event, 2PM Fan Meeting in Bangkok: Take You Home Tonight. The day before meeting, Thai press and some lucky fans met the group members at Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok for a short interview.

OLDER AND WISER

Everybody said they were happy to revisit Thailand, and Wooyoung spoke in Thai, saying that he loved the country. He also said he wanted to enjoy the nightlife here, while Junho was looking forward to having rice topped with stir-fried pork and basil. When the host, DJ Ong, asked how they have changed since their debut, Wooyoung said everybody had developed their skills and their individual work. Taecyeon giggled and said that the biggest change was to become older.

MESSAGE TO FANS

The fan meeting at Impact Thunderdome featured long interviews with each member of 2PM. Then, after the guys played games with fans, they watched a funny video created by the fan club Thai Hottest. The video featured a fan-made news programme which presented stories about 2PM to tease their idols.

The guys followed that with a video showing them working hard to learn Thai phrases. Finally, they spoke in Thai telling the fans that they have never forgotten the Thai Hottest and whatever happens, 2PM will be with them forever.

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Here are some questions from the interview.

Question: What is the theme of this fan meeting?

Jun. K: The theme is being together because Thai Hottest is 2PM’s family.

Question: Could you tell us about the album No.5?

Jun. K: Everybody in the group participated in this album, from giving ideas about hairstyles, costumes and choreography to the music. We all helped with the songwriting.

Question: Taecyeon, could you tell us more about the drama Assembly and the variety show, Three Meals a Day?

Taecyeon: Assembly is a story about members of the National Assembly. I play a government officer. For Three Meals a Day, I was in rural areas which I’ve never visited before. It was great fun. The filming process was laid-back and made everybody comfortable.

Question: How do you learn the script?

Taecyeon: It’s stressful to remember the script and I don’t have any special technique. I just reread the script until I know the dialogue by heart.

Question: How do you feel when fans say you are sexy?

Wooyoung: It’s our group concept. We try our best, and the comment means the concept works well.

Nichkhun: We can’t help it. We were born this way. What can we do about it? [Laughs.]

Question: How seriously does Jun. K work in studio?

Chansung: He’s dedicated to working. He never sits still. He uses a lot of energy to create songs.

Question: Nichkhun, could you tell us about your visit to Disneyland?

Nichkhun: I was in Japan to see Junho’s solo concert. After that, I went to Disneyland. Many people ask why I’m there so often, but it’s just a personal preference.

Question: Where would you like to visit the most?

Nichkhun: I haven’t been at a Songkran Festival for a long time. I’d like to be there with the 2PM members.

Question: Chansung, what kind of exercise do you recommend for us to be fit like you?

Chansung: You should walk often.

 

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