From left: Song Seunghyun, Lee Jaejin, Choi Minhwan, Lee Hongki, Choi Jonghoon. Credit: Sara Jane Ong
It’s getting hot in here. As Singapore goes through a drought – we have just experienced the driest month since 1869 – even visitors to our too-sunny island are feeling the heat.
One Lee Hongki certainly thinks so. The charismatic lead singer of Korean pop rock band FT Island revealed, “It feels good to be in Singapore. Korea is really cold at the moment so I was very happy to be in a warm country but it’s really too hot here!”
But it was definitely the boys of FT Island – Hongki, Song Seunghyun, Lee Jaejin, Choi Minhwan, and Choi Jonghoon – who raised the temperatures at their press conference, held before their gig, at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. The boys were unusually coordinated in smart black-and-white outfits, looking very smart and clean cut. Even resident fashionista Hongki had clean nails – the singer loves nail art.
Bassist Seunghyun. Credit: Sara Jane Ong
FTHX concert = FT x Thanx: FT Island wants to thank their fans
The heat seemed to affect the other members too, as the FT Island leader Jonghoon and the baby of the band Minhwan, were unusually quiet. But guitarist Seunghyun started off by greeting the media in English only with “My name is Seunghyun. Thank you, good day!”. The valiant attempt elicited good natured laughter from his fellow band members and everyone in the room.
Hongki emphasised that the important thing about this Asia tour was that the band organised it on their own and said, “Our ideas are all in the tour and concert.”
Lead singer Hongki. Credit: Sara Jane Ong
Staying power
When asked about how they felt about being in the band for so long, Hongki spoke up, “It wasn’t an easy start, we were the first idol band in Korea. We were also really young when we debuted. Many thought that we were good at instruments but how long can we last in this industry. These stereotypes and doubts were a challenge. But after eight years, we managed to move on and hopefully make the music we want – music we can put our souls in.”
Hongki went on to share that their next album will be the first to compile all the members’ ideas and music tastes. While they weren’t sure whether the audience will like it, they were anticipating the response.
Birthday boy and leader Junghoon. Credit: Sara Jane Ong
Happy birthday Jonghoon!
Perhaps one reason why the boys were a little less energetic was that they were up late celebrating one of their member’s birthday. It was revealed that there was a birthday boy in the room – Jonghoon turned 24 on the day of the concert, March 7, 2014. Instead of telling us what present they had given the leader, the cheeky Hongki said that they were hoping Jonghoon would have prepared something for them instead.
Someone pointed out that Jonghoon had been putting in time in the gym as he was looking rather beefier lately. With a shy smile, the leader admitted that he has been working out but wasn’t ready to reveal his body just yet.
To this, Hongki jumped in to inform the media that Jonghoon “doesn’t reveal his body to just anybody”.
Guitarist Jaejin. Credit: Sara Jane Ong
Jaejin thinks Hongki’s acting is awkward
Jaejin sang on the soundtrack of Hongki’s recent drama Bride of the Century. The bassist said, “It’s the first time I actually followed a drama, since I sang on the soundtrack and it was fascinating to hear my singing in the shows. In the beginning of the drama, Hongki was a little awkward. Maybe it’s been some time since he’s been away from acting but from the third episode, he got into the role.”
Of course, the lead vocalist had to protest and defend his acting, insisting that only people who knew him felt that they saw a different side of him on screen but the audience found his acting natural.
Drummer Minhwan. Credit: Sara Jane Ong
Fans, remember to wear your sneakers
Finally, the mild mannered youngest member spoke up when speaking about the concert tomorrow. “For fans, used to wearing heels, we encourage you to wear sneakers so you can enjoy our music.”
Hongki agreed by adding that “your legs and arms will be very tired tomorrow so get ready to go crazy”.
The 2014 FT ISLAND 6th Anniversary [FTHX] Live in Singapore will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on March 8, 2014 at 7pm.