The group first burst onto the Korean music scene three years ago with a debut album that went on to become the sixth best-selling album of the year.
With the Korean music-scene more inclined to R&B and hip-hop right now, FT Island’s success is considered quite a phenomenon.
"Rock is not a popular genre in Korea, and even less popular among teens. However, we think our music has influenced teenage fans to some degree, but it will take some time before rock can enjoy greater popularity," the group told Channel NewsAsia in an email interview.
Despite being a young band, the band-members are proud to be able to play their own music - another trait that sets them apart from the swarm of Korean pop acts.
"We take pride in playing our own instruments, unlike other idol bands. And we even jam with some of the other bands," said FT Island.
Their versatility was tested when an experimental sub-unit, FT Triple appeared out earlier this year.
The three-member stint saw Lee Jaejin , ditching his bass for guitar and front-man vocal duties alongside Choi Junghun , who traded his guitar for the piano, and drummer Choi Minhwan .
Rumour had it that the main reason behind the all-change musical act was to lighten the burden on lead vocalist Lee Hong-gi so he wouldn't strain his voice.
But the team-members are quick to fend that off such talk.
"FT Triple was formed to show our fans another side of us, something new and unique� said FT Island.
“But we still like it best when all five members perform on stage together. Although we've released the album as FT Triple as a trial, our next album will be released as FT Island, and we will continue to perform as five members," explained the group.
It wasn’t that the band's two other members weren't left idle during the FT Triple experiment either.
The band’s Hong-gi is a drama and theatre major and was cast in a stage musical while busy filming a Korean drama.
Looking ahead, FT Island will be embarking on an Asian tour, with stops set for in Taiwan, Thailand and Japan.
The Singapore stop is set for December 12, and FT Island say they will be performing the music fans want to hear at Seoul'd Out.
"We will sing the songs that you like. This is a very special event for us because we can meet Singapore fans up close and perform our music on stage," said the five.
When not travelling and performing, the teen rockers who age range from 17-years for the youngest and 19-years for the oldest, are like any typical Korean high-school kids with classes to attend.
"When we have no schedule, we go to school, and after school, we spend time playing computer games, surfing the Internet and watching TV... in addition to practicing our music and singing," said the Korean band.
So it's not surprising to hear them lament that they miss going on picnics and hanging out with friends.
But all five of them said they enjoy their work too much to give it up.
(Source: Channelnewsasia )
source: www.asianbite.com
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ouhh... ft island.. apsal la you guys suma pegi singapore tu. alang-alang singgah la malaysia sat. ahah :P dekat ja pun. *kalau mai sekali pun,, macam la mak aku kasi aku p. aloo.. tingin juga nak jumpak skali. HAHA. angan-angan mat jenin. tapolah.. angan angan can be true what.. ekeke :DD
