#prilog

Ispovest V. S. (17) iz Beograda, 1977.godine

Prvi put sam ga videla na jednom koncertu u ,,Skenderiji", kada je svirao sa grupom Jutro. Sećam se da sam uzviknula ,,Jao, što je sladak!" i momentalno se zaljubila. Bože, koliko to traje, eto, od sedamdeset treće...

Onda je došlo Bijelo dugme, ploče, televizija. On je postao slavan, a ja sam, kao i mnoge druge devojčice, počela da lepim njegove sličice u svoj dnevnik. Upoznala sam ga tek 4. marta 1977, posle beogradskog koncerta. Bila sam, kao i uvek, ludača, obučena u belo kô mala narkomanka. Sedela sam u prvom redu i toliko plakala da su se redari na kraju sažalili i pustili me iza bine. Ne mogu da ti opišem kako sam se tada osećala. Shvatila sam da od svega toga ne može da bude ništa, ali, znaš već - tu ne radi razum, nego srce. Posle koncerta odvezli smo se u Splendid da se presvuče, a onda smo bili na večeri u Šumatovcu, pa u Grmeču. Bila sam na sedmom nebu.

Kasnije, kad smo se već zbližili, svi su mu govorili: ,,Takva riba ti je potrebna, mlada, neiskusna", ali on nije ništa preduzimao jer je znao da sam uvek njegova, da ga čekam i da ću ga uvek čekati. Govorio je: ,,Ti si svesna da mi ovaj poziv ne dozvoljava da imam samo jednu ribu. Previše sam izgubio da bih to smeo da dozvolim. Brak je, po meni, jedna vrlo nehumana stvar. Ja sam muškarac, ja mogu da imam hiljadu žena, a ti treba da imaš samo jednog muškarca." Znam šta je pritom mislio: da je to trebalo da bude on. I, što je najgore, bio je...

Kada sam prvi put bila u Sarajevu, morali su da me guraju u avion koliko sam plakala. Prva dva dana uvek je bilo super, a onda bi počeo da ujeda. U jednom trenutku shvatiš da možeš i ti njemu da značiš, napališ se, onda te ostavi ko budalu... Ipak, uvek je znao da se lepo rastane sa mnom, da bi me sačuvao i za sledeći put. A to da sam ja velika glupača, to ne moram da ti pričam: kad dođe, ja sam presrećna. Nije mi potrebno da budem s njim više dana, dovoljno je samo da ga vidim.

Jedne noći, htela sam da se bacim sa terase. Sva uplakana pozvala sam ga telefonom: on je shvatio kako se osećam i uspeo da me odgovori. Ali ja znam da to nije rešenje. Moram da prekinem. Ovo me boli, grize, ujeda... Ipak, volela bih s njim da imam bebu. Misliš da je to glupo? Ne znam, možda i jeste, ali strašno bih to volela...

On mi znači apsolutno sve. Kada bi me sad pozvao i rekao: ,,Ostavi sve i dođi", ja bih sve ostavila. Možda je to do moje sujete, sve frajere koje sam želela imala sam, ali svi mogu da budu samo šetači i ništa više. Svaki frajer bio mi je bez veze. Ali imaću i njega. Kad-tad!

Zašto ga volim? Zato što je lud. Lud je sto posto!

Recept: najbolji pečeni rebrasti krumpiri (plus trik kako ih ne prerezati do kraja)

Pečeni rebrasti krumpiri, poznati i kao Hasselback krumpiri, su najbolje što se može izvući iz tog skromnog ali ukusnog gomolja. Nastali su u Švedskoj, u stockholmskom Hotelu Hasselback. Cijeli trik je u rezanju oštrim nožem na tanke slojeve, a jednom izrezane krumpire možete puniti raznim nadjevima (primjerice, češnjakom i peršinom), ili ih samo ispeći sa solju, paprom i maslinovim uljem. Za…

Mirisni, meki, aromatični pirinač dugog zrna basmati s komoracem Potrebno je:

250 g basmati pirinča

4 dl vode

komorač

2 mrkve

manja glavica luka

kašičica kurkume

kašičica svežeg đumbira

korijander u prahu

listovi kadulje

so

2 kašike maslinovog ulja ili kocka putera

Priprema :

pirinač  isprati u vodi  nekoliko puta  sve dok voda ne bude bistra

sipati 4 dl vode preko ispranog pirinča i staviti…

FTISLAND’s Song Seunghyun Exposed!

On December 3rd, 2013, four of the five FTISLAND returned to Kim Changryul’s Old School for a classy music talk ‘Music’s Dignity.’

JJ: Hello, I’m bassist Jaejin. Nice to meet you! JH: Hello, I’m guitarist Jonghun Wait, he didn’t introduce himself a pianist this time. What’s up? HK: Hello, I’m Hongki MH: Hi, I’m drummer Minhwan Seunghyun was absent because he was at a rehearsal for musical ‘The Three Musketeers.’ This meant, it’s time to talk behind his back! KCR: How dare he be absent when he knows about the consequences. To celebrate, let’s say whatever we want about him JH: Hongki has a plenty to say HK: It’s not that I have a plenty to say. But every time he comes back from the musical rehearsal, he talks about how much compliments he got MH: He shows off a lot HK: But from what I can tell, he didn’t improve at all. His acting his awkward and his singing isn’t any better. So every time he talks about how he got better, I cringe. But I just don’t say anything KCR: So Seunghyun says he’s gotten so much better and his posture has become more natural, but you all don’t think the same MH: The last time we saw Seunghyun’s musical was a year ago. So I think there has to be some difference KCR: Yes, he has to have changed somewhat. Jonghun, what do you think about Seunghyun? JH: I’m not really interested in him JJ: This is the best KCR: This is the scariest: the lack of interest! What about you, Jaejin?

JJ: This is crazy KCR: Jaejin, you won’t be absent, would you? JJ: I’m going to be here everyday. I think I have to. But I think Seunghyun will do well. I’ll see how well he does and if he doesn’t do well, I’ll criticize him then KCR: At least Jaejin protects Seunghyun HK: That’s because Jaejin was also in a musical JJ: Yes, I was… HK: We’ve got plenty of things to say about him when he’s not here. I’ll come on by myself JJ: I’m going to come on with him KCR: Hongki, you do some solo activities HK: Yes, I do KCR: You sang an OST for ‘The Inheritors’  HK: Yes, I sang ‘I’m Saying.’ I’ll also be shooting a drama and a variety show KCR: Don’t you ears itch? (Because someone is talking about him) HK: No, because I do all the talking JH: We are always on edge because he meets a lot of people KCR: I can see that JJ: Yeah, we never know if he will say anything stupid HK: When Hongki goes out for a meal with other staff members, I join them sometimes too. They already know so much about me KCR: Because he shares so much about everyone 

FTISLAND’s Seunghyun dissing did not stop here. Later in the show, Kim Changryul told the audience that they could still post questions for Seunghyun and the members will either pass them along or answer for him. Hongki volunteered to tell it all!

***The Mood***

KCR: Let’s talk a little about your new mini album. The title song is ‘Madly.’ What kind of a song is it? HK: Jin! JJ: In Korea, we are best known for ballads but in Japan, we do better with rock sounds. But this time, we are continuing what we’ve been doing in Korea and came back with a ballad KCR: Your last album had strong rock elements. But now, you are back to a ballad JJ: Yes, and it’s winter time too HK: It’s so cold lately. I feel lonely JH: I think it’s good that we can do both a strong rock and an emotional ballad because we are a band KCR: You also individually are studying music and writing songs. So I think we can look forward to what’s next HK: You can, you can KCR: We’ll listen to a song first. Who will introduce FTISLAND’s ‘Madly?’ HK: Minari~ MH: I’m bad at this so Jaejin should do it. I ‘m really bad at it KCR: Just try. You just have say “Here’s ‘Madly’ by FTISLAND” MH: I’ll try. Here’s FTISLAND’s new song. It’s a really good song that goes well with the season. We’ll be back after listening to ‘Madly’

<<FTISLAND – ‘Madly’>> KCR: The song is really good FT: Thank you KCR: It’s perfect for the season

***Cheongdamdong 111***

KCR: I saw that you are in a new reality program with CNBLUE, AOA and other staff members. And you come out as rivals with CNBLUE. Does this pressure you?

HK: It’s no pressure but it’s just so so. We are in a wrong team KCR: Why? HK: They took band trainees while we have two actors and two vocals. So it’s hard to teach them anything KCR: You can teach them singing HK: Singing is fine but what about the two actors? KCR: Learn acting JJ: Teach what you learn!

KCR: Hongki, you are good at acting HK: I’m out of shape KCR: Why? Your life is acting…Wait, what? KCR: But it’s not completely real, right? HK: It’s not. It’s almost real but kind of like a drama. It took some of the actual events and produced them like a drama KCR: AOA was on here recently and they shot that. They were so cute HK:  Many guys are interested in AOA lately KCR: Especially her in that recent drama HK: Seolhyun KCR: Yes, she was so cute in her drama. Is there an AOA member who you think is talented? MH: I don’t know about talented but Seolhyun is really pretty. So I watch her with a fatherly smile KCR: I do that too MH: Yeah, she’s so pretty KCR: What about you, Jonghun? JH: I like them all

KCR: Wow, you are a man JH: I just like that we are in the same company KCR: You must be getting closer with them through this reality show JH: I think so

HK: Not me. I’m still shy KCR: Why? HK: I make friends with guys easily but it’s hard to do with girls KCR: What about you, Jaejin? JJ: We rarely talked until now KCR: You didn’t really have a chance to see them, did you? JJ: No, we really didn’t. But now we got to talk human to human. So I guess we’ll get a bit closer now KCR: I hope you become friends and do things together. They do a lot of unit works. Minhwan can sing a duet with Seolhyun MH: I want to but the height difference…she’s really tall ***Hongki’s Nail Art*** KCR: A question for Hongki: did you get an award for nail art in Japan? HK: Yes, I did KCR: Congratulations 

HK: I was the first foreigner to win it KCR: You are shining in fields other than singing. Isn’t this the first time for a singer? MH: Yes, it’s the first for nail art KCR: What was the award for? HK: It’s called Nail Queen and it’s a huge award show in Japan. It brings in more than 800 reporters. And as the first foreigner, I got an award in Man’s Nail category

KCR: Did other members go too? MH: I couldn’t go JJ: We don’t do nail art KCR: You guys can’t stand other person succeeding KCR: So Hongki does nail art well. What about you Minhwan.? Do you have any other talents? MH: I don't have any JJ: He’s good at eating HK: And being cheap KCR: Why are you so good at dissing each other? Hongki is good at dissing too MH: I did musicals last year and still trying many different things to figure out what’s right for me KCR: What about you, Jonghun? JH: I go around and go fishing KCR: Oh, fishing. You mentioned that last time JH: I like the mountains and I like the air KCR: You are very nature friendly JH: Yes, so I recently started golf too KCR: That’s good. What about you, Jaejin?

JJ: I really wish Minhwan go on a eating show. Everytime I see him eat, I get hungry even if I had just eaten HK: Have you heard about the popular Internet show, America TV? KCR: The eating show? HK: We really wanted to do that. Like us playing games or Minhwan eating KCR: That sounds fun HK: We like that better than the media coverage KCR: Why don’t you propose it to your company? HK: We did and got rejected KCR: There’s nothing closed about FTISLAND. You are a very open team and friendly. So I think it’ll be fun to see you do that HK: Let’s do it today MH: Today? Let’s get back to dissing Seunghyun.

Question: Does Seunghyun wash himself? There are words that he doesn’t in winter MH: He does wash himself. But if we all have a drink, he can’t wake up the next day. So he ends up going out without washing himself because he was sleeping HK: He smells like a lonely man MH: H knows this. So he takes shower before going to bed instead. After we get home from drinking, he takes shower, sleeps and then goes out the next day KCR: Isn’t that fine? MH: He does wash himself but doesn’t get really clean KCR: What’s up with smelling like a lonely man? HK: He must have a bad liver. He can’t detoxicate himself KCR: I asked you earlier what else you are all good at. What other things is Seunghyun good at? MH: Seunghyun? He’s good at fooling around and jumping on you... HK: He’s not really good at anything KCR: Man, I’m in trouble if I’m in FTISLAND. But I think you can all say this because you guys are that close Question: Jonghun, is your shoulder ok? JH: I hurt my shorter while shooting a show KCR: How? HK: He was on a sports program KCR: Yes, Dream Team JH: I threw myself to press the button and hurt my shoulder. I have a bad shoulder to begin with so I just got back from a physical therapy too KCR: It’s harder to deal with injuries in the winter HK: Yes, we are worried KCR: It’s time to listen to a song. Since we talked about Jonghun’s shoulder, let’s play his song. Please introduce it for us JH: You don’t need anything else. Just listen to the lyrics KCR: Here’s FTISLAND’s ‘I Can’t Have You’ <<FTISLAND – ‘I Can’t Have You’>> <<Commercial Break>> KCR: I’ve asked the four FTISLAND members to tell us about Seunghyun, and it looks like Seunghyun has been listen to us

KCR: This is what he wrote: Ah Hongki…seriously. This is why I can’t miss radio. A lonely man smell? You always say that. And Choi Minhwan, I heard you JH: He must have texted HK: Seunghyun, it doesn’t matter what you say. You know why? Because you aren’t here KCR: Since Seunghyun is listening to us, let’s say something nice about him JJ: Yes, let’s make this right HK: Is there something nice to say about him? JJ: Compliment his height HK: He is tall KCR: Really? That must be nice HK: But he’s shorter than you KCR: Isn’t he? Yayy, I beat FTISLAND on something Question: Since you left us alone for the past 6 Christmas, let’s do something for this one KCR: You guys didn’t do anything with fans on Christmas for the past 6 years? HK:  We did something. We had a Christmas concert in Daegoo one year KCR: What are you doing for this Christmas? MH: We have a family concert in Japan at the end of the year. So we have to get ready for that KCR: So no schedule in Korea? HK: I have a drama

KCR: Didn’t you guys just have a tour in Japan? HK: We did KCR: You had a concert in Korea and then again in Japan. But again? HK: It’s a family concert KCR: So it’s with everyone at FNC? How fun! There must be a lot of different things you can do HK: Yeah, but we don’t have time to prepare anything together. I’m worried that it’ll be lame KCR: You don’t have do a lot. You should leave it to other members. HK: We should re-arrange songs and practice collaborations. But we just don’t have the time to get together MH: I think having just two weeks would’ve been enough KCR: I’m sure it’ll be great Question: Jaejin, please rap free style << Jaejin Raps >> HK: What is this? You could’ve done it in Korean JJ: This is hard.  I think rappers are the best KCR: I like you for doing it so casually JJ: Let’s move on Message: I got my college application result but I’m on the waiting list. So I’ve been feeling down for the past 3 hours. What do you do when you are feeling down? HK: What does it mean to be on the waiting list? KCR: It means you aren’t accepted but get a waiting number MH: How does that work? KCR: If someone accepted decides to not go to that school, then the first person on the waiting list gets to go instead MH: So she still has a chance to get in? KCR: It depends on her waiting number Of course FTISLAND would not know this. They’ve never actually applied for college ㅡㅡ;; KCR: What do you do when you are feeling down? HK: I eat or go meet friends JH: I think I eat too. I eat, punch and break things. I go play golf JJ: I go outside, walk around, eat and go shopping HK: I get nervous whenever Jaejin goes out KCR: Why? HK: Because he doesn’t come home JJ: Hongki, do you want me to share what you did yesterday? KCR: Did he not come home yesterday? HK: No, I live with my parents JJ: And yet he didn’t go home ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ MH: I call my mom or friends. I relieve stress by talking about it KCR: So you must not call the members MH: I do sometimes KCR: Really? They help you? JJ: He never calls us KCR: What does Seunghyun do? FT: What does he do? He’s usually with Minhwan. They are a combo KCR: He must be on the phone with Minhwan MH: We meet and go for a drink KCR: If you look at it, FTISLAND is an idol. But you guys talk so freely about drinking. Why are you like this? HK: We didn’t have much to hide from debut because so many people unveiled our past. So if we had covered things up, that would’ve gotten negative reaction HK: And we don’t get into trouble JH: We never got into trouble JJ: We are so good at self-control

KCR: You guys get together often, don’t you? HK: We meet everyday KCR: Is there anything other than music you talk about? HK: We talk about girls Question: If you could go on a trip right now, will you go alone or together? FT: We’ll go together KCR: What was the best trip you had together? FT: None JH: They don’t remember this but when we were in Pataya, I rode a boat by myself. I think that was the best for me HK: I had so many lizards in my room KCR: If you had a week or two, where do you want to go? MH: We had planned to go to Europe but now, we aren’t sure because of Hongki’s drama and stuff KCR: Are you thinking about backpacking? HK: Yes KCR: That’s all an experience and can help you write music HK: Jonghun will take his guitar KCR: You can perform on the streets MH: Or we can just buy one there KCR: Jaejin, introduce your song JJ: It’s a very smooth and flowing song. Please listen to ‘The Way Into You’ <<FTISLAND – ‘The Way Into You’>>  KCR: This is like a pop song JJ: Thank you KCR: To write a song, you should get together and listen to music together HK: We just visit each other’s studio. We share songs when they are almost done. So then, we can say it’s good or bad KCR: So must give each other musical advice JJ: Of course HK: In Jonghun’s case, he calls me to record guide for him JH: That’s because I can’t sing HK: Besides that, the song needs to sound as good as possible if we want to get it confirmed KCR: Have you give your song to a different group? MH: Not yet KCR: Who would like to give it to? HK: I want it to be mine JJ: We have to give it to a band. I once gave it to our former member Wonbin in Japan Wonbn~~~ T_______________T<3 Back to the topic of traveling, a fan suggested FTISLAND should go on ‘Rule Of The Jungle’ instead of going to Europe. Hongki and Jaejin said no thanks while Minhwan and Jonghun said they want to. But they have a scheduling conflict since they need to be free for at least 2 weeks. The following question asked how far back FTISLAND would want to go if they can go back to the past. All four of them said they want to go back to their trainee days. MH: I want to rewrite history KCR: But with the current members? MH: Yes

KCR: If you go back to your trainee days, what do you want to work on? MH: I think I’ll have more fun KCR: Didn’t you have enough fun? MH: No, I just started having some fun HK: I want to polish my basic skills. Because we were more about ensemble, I didn’t get to practice alone a lot JH: I want to study writing music more JJ: I wish I had written more songs Question::You all look so tired lately. How much sleep do you get? FT: We slept a lot yesterday KCR: Once you release an album, how much sleep do you usually get? HK: If we are really busy, 3 to 4 hours MH: Sometimes just one hour KCR: How else do you keep your strength? HK: I eat Vitamins and Omega

The youngest member who debuted at age 16 is now 22~ 

He has become a young man.  Those once shiny eyes now slightly feel sexy. It’s been 7 years since debut. Their heights, age, emotions and musical sense have all grown up. We are here with FTISLAND!  

On November 27th, 2011, FTISLAND joined DJ Park Sohyun for SBS Power FM radio ‘Love Game.’ It was the group’s first radio appearance for ‘The Mood’ promotion and first appearance since September. Maybe this was why they jumped a gun and said hello over music (their mic was off).

***INTRODUCTION***

PSH: We are meeting with FTISLAND. Welcome~ FT: Hello! PSH: It’s so good to see you. I’m about to cry because it’s been such a long time SH: You can if you want PSH: Can I really? PSH: Take a look at our BORA camera and introduce yourselves starting with the most handsome member… JJ: Hello, I’m FTISLAND Lee Jaejn PSH: Do other members admit it? JJ: Of course they do JH: We just let him be PSH: The best visual Jaejin said hello first. Let’s do the rest in order HK: Hello, I’m Hongki MH: Hello, I’m drummer Choi Minhwan PSH: Oh Minhwan, you really grew up. Even your voice has become a man HK: I think the introduction was incorrect PSH: Why? HK: It says our heights, age, emotions and musical sense. We didn’t get taller PSH: Wouldn’t one of you have grown up at least a cm or two?

SH: I got taller PSH: See? Please care about other members SH: But our heights are all similar PSH: We met when you were all teenagers. So one of you had to have grown. And as for music, all of the songs you’ve wrote are more mature and grown up. PSH: It’s Jonghun’s turn. Do it cutely JH: Hello, I’m piano playing Jonghun SH: Hello, I’m guitarist Seunghyun SH: I’ve always wanted to speak like an actor on radio PSH: We’ll let you do it one more time. Do it long. Actors always speak slowly

- Cue Actor Seunghyun -

SH: Hello everyone. I’m guitarist Seunghyun. Nice to meet you

>_____________< ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

PSH: Earlier Jonghun said he plays the piano. This is our first time seeing him play the piano on TV

JH: It’s my first time on TV PSH: You’ve always played the guitar. What changed this time? JH: I’ve played piano at our concerts but not on TV PSH: So it’s not awkward for you, right? JH: No, it’s something I’ve always been doing PSH: What do fans think? JH: They tell me not to play the guitar. They think piano is better Really? Ok, Primadonnas. Vote! MH: But Jonghun works out a lot so it looks like he’s gonna attack the piano. His shoulders are so broad HK: Our stylists are annoyed because his clothes don’t fit him SH: They got so broad. I don’t know when it’ll stop PSH: You could’ve shown off those muscles in the album. Why didn’t you do it? JH: Because it’s winter JH: I have my exercising routine. In the fall anc winter, I don’t work out. But in spring and summer, I do PSH: So for now, we can only imagine your muscles...

PSH: We have to talk about the MV. How was filming? HK: We just shot our group scene and got out PSH: Was Jonghun the main act? FT: Yes PSH: You guys didn’t wait for him? HK: He shot his scenes first in the morning. And because I had lip synching parts, Jonghun shot his, I shot mine, we did our group scenes and we were done

SH: Jaejin, Minhwan and I waited for a long time

PSH: What did you do while waiting? SH: We slept PSH: But I think your skin got better and you all got so handsome FT: Thank you HK: Because we didn’t have to come out on air a whole lot, our skin doesn’t need to rot and we can take care of it too PSH: Yes, because it’s hard to work while lacking sleep

***Cheongdamdong 111*** - Do you see Hongki's face? Why Are We Even Talking About This?- PSH: I was surprised to learn that ‘Madly’ is written by CEO Han Seungho FT: Yes PSH: We normally don’t talk about the CEO on air but he got famous through ‘Cheongdamdong 111.’ He did power play with Hongki over his car. Who do you think wins most of the time? 50/50? MH: Yes, I think so HK: I think this is how it works. If I bring something up face to face, I get what I want. But if it’s something we are in the back, the CEO controls everything PSH: So you have to say what you want at his face PSH: Is there anything that Hongki helped you to get? JH: Birthday presents. It was Minhwan’s birthday few weeks ago… PSH: Yes, some fans were asking what Minhwan got for his birthday JH: We just got cash and ate at a fancy restaurant HK: We could’ve done more PSH: Why? HK: We didn’t really use that money effectively. Jonghun just took us to a really expensive place… We could’ve done something more fun with that money PSH: He just used it all in one place? HK: He’s all about the show PSH: ‘I saw Hongki at a hospital. It was obvious what was wrong his him.’ MH: What were you doing? HK: I probably couldn’t even walk properly. I get a boil on my butt often JH: You didn’t have to tell… HK: I’m going to open up first and then expose others PSH: But I don’t think Hongki can expose others today because you are under spotlight today PSH: I’m best friends with Song Eunee and she’s your company family. How is she? HK: She’s the best PSH: But on TV, she always talks about CNBLUE Minhyuk HK: He’s her favorite PSH: She never talks about FTISLAND. What do you think about that? JJ: Whatever SH: I thought she was cool but I’m disappointed PSH: How is she nice to you? HK: She’s good to all of us. She emcees our evens and stuff so we are thankful. Only Minhyuk is her absolute favorite PSH: She always said Minhyuk is her favorite from the beginning HK: She likes the long ones MH: The ones with long legs PSH: You have long legs too HK: What? Who? PSH: Minhwan has long legs MH: I’m the shortest guy in FNC PSH: But you look tall HK: Because he’s always sitting PSH: Who invited Hongki here?

PSH: We have many individual questions today. This one wants to know what members did for Minhwan’s birthday MH: Seunghyun had a musical in Japan on my birthday and Hongki had to go to an award ceremony. We wee all separated. So we kind of skipped it PSH: Then what do you want as a gift? MH: We’ve been living together for a long time now that we just eat and drink together to celebrate PSH: Hongki, what would you have done for Minhwan’s birthday if you guys didn’t spend all that money at a restaurant?

HK: If we were to eat, we’d have eaten Korean food. And then go for tea at a café or go to a nice bar to enjoy cocktail or wine with the members. But we were too focused on eating. So the ending was too plain PSH: Whose birthday is next? FT: Jaejin PSH: Then you can do that for Jaejin’s birthday HK: But it’s in the middle of our promotion SH: We’ll just eat cake in the waiting room ***Who Picks On Jaejin?*** PSH: Another fan asks, ‘Jaejin, why are you getting skinnier? Is something picking on you? Tell me who so I can scold him’ JH: It’s Hongki HK: It’s not me PSH: Jaejin, point at someone

JJ: Honestly, our members don’t do me harm PSH: They shouldn’t JJ: Hongki used to by unveiling my relationship status on air. But lately, he’s been quiet PSH: He finally grew up JJ: No, it’s because he’s tired PSH: Why? JJ: His throat is stressed because of singing too much PSH: Can’t you just sing an easier song? HK: It’s not just the song. On the first day of our comeback, I counted how many times I sang and got about 15. We got one at midnight and had recording the next morning at 7. So we slept at a motel and stuff so it was hard to take care of my condition ***Who Will Be A Better DJ?*** HK: Me MH: I think Hongki because he has more experience JH: Hongki and Jaejin HK: Other members can’t enunciate SH: I can HK: Except for Senghyun PSH: So this means Minhwan and Jonghun can’t JH: We can’t. The Choi families have issues SH: Wow, this is Jonghun’s first time admitting it JH: It’s the only way to keep others quiet SH: You were so cool PSH: He knows how it works. Even if you can’t enunciate, we need a sensible person like you to be a DJ HK: He found his sense after 7 years JJ: Finally ***Track Talk*** PSH: Did you think your song should be the title song? FT: Not this time PSH: Then did you think it’ll just get buried? JH: What do you mean get buried? HK: I had a clear goal for my song. It’s for fun. It’s for LIVE PSH: It has a club feel to it HK: Disco SH: I think it’ll be fun to perform Hongki’s song LIVE PSH: So you made it with a goal HK: I always have a goal Track no.1: I Can’t Have You

PSH: Let’s hear the first song. The title is same as that by Bank, ‘I Can’t Have You.’ It’s by Jonghun HK: It’s been a while since I liked a song by Jonghun JH: If you listen to the lyrics, its my last message. All of my lyrics have been about one person and this should be my last word for her PSH: You are being a bit clingy JH: Yes but now I’m saying, since I can’t have you anyway, just leave HK: What if she comes back? SH: Then he’ll write a song ‘But, again’ HK: ‘Again and again’ PSH: Those songs could come on the next album but for now, it’s the last song Track no.2: The Way Into You PSH: We have to talk about Jaejin’s song. This feels very different. It’s relaxing JJ: I wrote this after other songs were done. I was wondering what kind of a song I should write for the album. It already had a ballad and so I decided to write a relaxing song. It’s a song you can listen to while driving PSH: If we can call Jonghun’s song masculine, Jaejin’s song is for girls JJ: Thank you PSH: When do you usually write songs? JH: I usually do it at night and dawn JJ: When I’m writing a bright song, I do it during the day. And for darker songs, I do it at dawn PSH: What about this one? JJ: I think I did it at 4 or 5 in the evening JH: I did mine after midnight After talking about their tracks, the conversation returned to the members’ beauty secrets. Hongki said he eats vitamins and Omega 3 every morning, while Minhwan is bad at keeping track of what he should eat. And then a mother sent in a message that her 7-year-old daughter loves FTISLAND and asked them to say ‘I love you.’ Jaejin said it in a super thick voice while Seunghyun did the cutesy version.   Another fan mentioned this month’s ESP Guitar catalogue featured Jonghun, Senghyun and Jaejin, and wondered if the members got them for free. MH: The ESP is a famous guitar brand. From Japan, they asked us to be the endorser…

HK: I don’t know how we are seen here in Korea but in Japan, we are a respected band. I think this question had an agenda. We’ll do our best with music.

FTISLAND is coming back in November with a new album that could turn the tides. It may take the band to the next step of accomplishing their musical dream, or blur the significance of their Autumn comeback.

On September 23rd, 2013, FTISLAND released mini-album ‘THANKS TO.’ It was the band’s first Korean album in a year, and most importantly, their very first self-titled album in Korea.

“It’s our gift to everyone who have supported us for the past 6 years,” said vocalist Hongki in various interviews. Hongki had contributed to half of the album by composing and writing two of the four tracks, including the title song ‘Memory.’ “‘Memory’ is about a goodbye but it has a melody and style that I like...Before I made ‘Memory,’ my favorite self-written song was ‘Black Chocolate,’ because it turned out exactly the way I had imagined it. But I think ‘Memory’ is pretty close to that.” -- Lee Hongki on Starcast 

For Hongki, releasing ‘Memory’ as the title song was a breakthrough moment. Since FTISLAND’s debut, he was merely seen as the band’s voice and face. He was the last member expected to actually write his own music. However, through ‘Black Chocolate’ and ‘Orange Sky’ included in their latest Japanese album ‘Rated-FT,’ Hongki has proven that he is not just a celebrity; he is a musician.

So how can the album be just a gift? It’s an alarm that alerts the K-POP industry of FTISLAND’s musical capabilities; It’s a traffic light that signals FTISLAND is ready to race as a band; It’s a degree that separates them from Idol groups. The album ‘Five Treasure Box’ may played the same role, but that was more of a reminder of FTISLAND’s success in Japan and a preview of the band’s next move.

The next move came but only lasted for two weeks. There were no variety show appearances, multiple radio interviews, and no LIVE opportunities on musical programs like ‘Sketchbook.’ Some of them could’ve happened, if FTISLAND wasn’t juggling with Zepp tour schedule in Japan at the same time. Credit: @OfficialFPrit

The insane schedule undoubtedly burdened the members. But the task of listening to ‘THANKS TO’ also fell upon the public. Whether a fan or not, the circumstances forced people to actually search for FTISLAND.

For example, FTISLAND made one radio appearance during the 2-week promotion period. They were on ‘Kim Chang Ryul’s Old School,’  a prime-time talk show that caters to the older generation. It was an ideal opportunity for FTISLAND to discuss their music, instead of pulling the usual Idol tricks. But at the same time, it cut out more than half of their usual audience members. Most of them probably never even heard of the program itself.

In a fast-paced K-POP world, the audience should not be making any efforts. In fact, why should they when the mass media is continuously flashing updates? Therefore, no one should really be surprised that ‘Memory’ was in the top 10 only on its release day and ‘THANKS TO’ sold fewer copies than ‘Five Treasure Box.’ And yet, FNC Entertainment is plotting to use the most natural outcome against FTISLAND and fans.

"My song is in the next album again. But it's not the title song." Credit: _woorngki_/yilamjai According to a fan account from ‘FTHX’ concert held on September 28th, Hongki told Primadonnas that their own song may not be the title song again. He also said Jaejin already has a song written that would make a great title song.

We know Hongki doesn’t hold anything back. And if there is a problem with FNC, he asks us for help. This time, he is reaching out to fans to protect FTISLAND’s music.

“The music that we want to do, the music that we want, and the music that is ours” was the theme of ‘FTHX’ concert. According to various reports, the concert started out with strong rock sounds and previous Korean hits including ‘Love Sick,’ and ‘I wish’ were performed close to the end. It’s almost as if FTISLAND had ordered the songs from their favorites to least favorites (aka. We don’t want to do this anymore). Their favorites included 11 songs that were released in Japan. The members had re-written the lyrics in Korean to share with Korean fans.

“I want to re-write these songs in Korean and release them. I want to release them as digital singles instead of CD and hope fans enjoy them. If you want to hear, call FNC. It could happen.” -- Lee Hongki on Hankook Ilbo

Trust Hongki on this one. FNC is more than capable of releasing re-written Japanese songs in Korea.

“FT Island’s Path”

They grew up beat by both heated praise and misunderstandings. But now, they have solved their biggest question. They only need to walk down their own path. Just like the way the five of them have already been doing; smiling and fighting together.  

One by one, five young men entered the studio and fought their way to say hello to their friend, the photographer. Then they exchanged their first-ever greetings with the editor and the stylist as if they had already met. While waiting for their turn to get their hair and make-up done, FT Island members sat around playing a guitar.

FT Island’s guitarist, Jonghun, had brought the guitar. Without stopping, Jonghun played a song after another. The rest of the members listened, said a few words, and got a chance to play a tune of their own. It all looked as a natural part of their daily life for these band members, who debuted as teenagers almost six years ago.

From the moment they first appeared with an unfamiliar title of an idol band, escalating scandals and doubts haunted FT Island.  At times, the members would explain themselves and express their frustrations on air.

The scandals mostly pointed to the same direction: a band should be composing and writing their own songs but FT Island wasn’t doing so. To the general public, FT Island was a mere idol group brought together by an entertainment agency.

“We’ve talked a lot about the public’s perception of us as an idol band,” said Hongki. “It’s now time to share the songs that we’ve wrote. We are always writing and composing songs.”

Just like Hongki said, FT Island was waiting for the right moment. 

All five members were disappointed that they still have not released their own track as the title song in Korea. It was the same case with their official album, ‘Five Treasure Box,’ released in September. The album featured several songs composed and written by the members. But they still say, they wish they could’ve done more.

“The album includes songs by us but we can’t take credit for it entirely,” said bassist and vocalist, Jaejin. “That’s why we can’t help but to feel disappointed.”

On a televised music program, FT Island members said they are going to go down the middle path between an idol and a band. It may be an ambiguous expression. But it is an answer that FT Island came up with after a long time.

“We aren’t trying to hide in the middle. We no longer care about being criticized or not. The time for that is now over. We didn’t like the word ‘idol,’ and wanted to become something different overtime. But an image doesn’t change easily. There were benefits to being an idol so we can’t simply deny it. That’s why we are trying to find the middle ground between an idol and a band. Fans who first liked us for our looks could come to our concert and like our music better.”

Because the general public did not always give the preferred response, FT Island suffered from heartaches for a long time. But the result of their diligence is shown in Japan.

In Japan last year, FT Island released its first official album, ‘Five Treasure Island.’ About 37,000 copies got sold and the album topped the Weekly Oricon Album Chart. It was the first time in Oricon history for a foreign male artist to take the number one spot on the weekly chart with a debut album. In addition, the album sales record is especially meaningful because it reflects the number of royal fans.

In Korea this year, FT Island members also got to perform their own songs several times.

“I felt so happy because I got to register copyrights for the first time,” said drummer Minhwan. “It was just for one or two songs but at least I can let people know that I’m making music.” Until now, the youngest had been quietly listening to the older members. But his innocence soon turns into seriousness. “Just like other bands, we would like to work together on an album for anywhere between 3 months to a year. But it’s difficult to even get 3 months. And that’s really disappointing because we want to play and perfect our own tracks.”

While talking about music, the members listened closely to each other, responded actively and offered their two cents. They had said that they get along well but their conversations show that they have discussed many things with each other over the years. If Minhwan fails to finish his thoughts, Jaejin was right next to him to help. And even if Seunghyun cut off Hongki from speaking, everyone let Seunghyun finish talking.

Even though they don’t work in an office, FT Island members have been out in the real world for six years. And to them, a band can be seen as their small society. How are these young five men staying so organized?

“I think when it’s just us, we can fight or make mistakes. But when we are outside, we should do well,” said leader Jonghun without hesitating. “But our younger members are such introverts that they always do as I say. Even when they have things to tell me, they keep it to themselves until later or beat around the bush. If they tried, they could easily be telling me what to do.”

Jonghun seemed to criticize the younger members but he first emphasized their ability to do well on their own and follow his guide

“I met the older members when I was in elementary school,” said Minhwan. “They all feel like a family now and more so because I don’t have any brothers.” The youngest seemed to have finished figuring out the older members long time ago. “When I see them fool around, even I think they are still babies. But when they are serious, they are really serious and can be trusted.”

Jaejin is the middle child among the five of them. And since the members started living separately six months ago, he’s been leading Seunghyun and Minhwan.

“When we got to live on separate floors, Jaejin opposed the move. But I think he’s enjoying the split the most now.”

Hongki said teasingly and Jaejin did not deny it.

“Life is beautiful,” said Jaejin. “I don’t want to be the tail. I want to be the head.”

Even when the five of them lived together, Jaejin acted as the bridge between the older members and the younger members, and worked hard to make communications smoother. Seunghyun calls Jaejin the most understanding of the older brothers.

Towards the end of the interview when the subject changes into episodes that happen at home, FT Island members get louder than ever. They try to speak first, get too excited and laugh out loud. The five young men who have talked about their future have disappeared. Five raucous teenagers have replaced them.

FT Island may appear as full-grown adults. But they are still growing.

Standing firmly on their friendship that they’ve built from years of happiness, sadness, arguments and conversations, FT Island will be expanding their grounds. Even if they can’t see the change right away, they will be patiently walking. ♥