GOKPOP | Exclusive K-News in Malaysia & Singapore

[Exclusive] The Hidden Gem sogumm Releases New Single 'Encourage' Featuring 10CM + Message to Malaysian Fans

Monday, December 21, 2020

Rising Korean singer-songwriter Sogumm has captured listeners' hearts with her unique vocal tone and relatable lyrics since her debut as an independent artist in 2015. Recently the singer released her new single titled 'Encourage' featuring 10CM which the track tells about love and how people can be a source of encouragement for one another.

In conjunction with her new release, GOKPOP caught up with sogumm and talked about her collaboration with various artists and her thoughts after crowning as the winner for AOMG's survival program 'SignHere' and winning the 'Rookie of the Year' at 17th Korean Music Awards.

Q: Tell us more about your music style. Introduce to those who have yet to know about sogumm and your music.

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sogumm: This is a difficult question to answer. It’s hard for me to define my style in one sentence. I still don’t know what kind of person I am. I think I am still in the process of getting to know myself. After trying more things and got to know me better, I should be able to define my style in one word.

Q: You have collaborated with various artists such as ZICO, OHHYUK, DJ Wegun, Jay Park and more since debut, how did the collaboration come about?

sogumm: Thankfully, even when my name wasn’t well known, many artists supported and asked me to work together because they saw the potential in me. So, many musicians supported me when I started to work on my own album. Everyone who helped me did it as a favor that all of the collaborations so far flowed smoothly.

Q: What encourages you to join AOMG’s audition program 'SignHere'?

sogumm: I heard about the audition program ‘SignHere’ while I was working on multiple projects simultaneously. I had this feeling that joining the audition would challenge me to reach a new breakthrough as an artist. As I joined, I wondered “Maybe this could be an opportunity for me to challenge myself to live my life to the fullest.”

Q: How do you feel crowning as the winner of AOMG’s audition program and signed under the label?

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sogumm: At first, I was so happy that I had won, but I felt a lot of pressure. Maybe it’s because I didn’t expect to win but, I was at a limbo. On one hand, I just couldn’t believe it and on the other hand, the mental burden of it was consuming me from the inside out. After getting through those moments, I feel a lot less pressured by it now.

Q: How do you feel winning the ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 17th Korean Music Awards?

sogumm: I also can’t believe this happened and I’m still at awe about it. When I look at the trophy, I still think “Did I really win this?”. It’s such a prestigious award and I don’t think that I won because of me being great. I want to take this chance to thank the producers and everyone who helped me with the album process because it was all from their great efforts.

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Q: What’s your upcoming plan in 2021?

sogumm: 2020 was a year of adjusting to life at AOMG and thinking about what to do from now on. I think 2021 is going to be the year that I put those thoughts into action. I want to release an album and show you guys a lot more of myself.

Q: Any message to fans in Malaysia?

sogumm: Hello everyone! I know that COVID-19 has taken the best of our lives this year, but I hope that you guys were able to feel a little encouraged through my new single ‘Encourage’. I will be looking forward to the day that I get to meet you guys on stage after the pandemic. Thank you.

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Her vocal tone may not be mainstream but there's no doubt that this uniqueness made her shine as one of the most recognised rookies in the R&B scene. Be sure to check out sogumm's latest release 'Encourage' and you definitely love it:

photos credit to AOMG, sogumm

Thank you Maxperience for the interview opportunity.

exclusiveinterview

[EXCLUSIVE] Lee Dong Wook, Kim Bum and Jo Bo-Ah Share Behind-the-Stories of 'Tale of Nine Tailed'

Sunday, November 29, 2020

tvN's latest romantic fantasy drama, "Tale of the Nine-Tailed" is dominating the viewership ratings in Korea since its very first episode. The captivating storyline pairing with the actors' impressive acting have brought each character to life and made the story more relatable. This explains why the drama has been receiving much love across Southeast Asia especially in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Ahead of the final episode, we have an exclusive written-interview with the heartthrob cast, Lee Dong Wook, Kim Bum and Jo Bo-ah - to share about their characters in the drama and some behind-the-scenes stories.

Q: Share us one thing special about your character.

Lee Dong Wook (LDW): Lee Yeon has a cool character from the inside. He does not blame on anyone’s fault and has a cool mindset of accepting the situation given and bearing it silently.

Jo Bo-Ah (JBA): Ji-ah experienced an accident that made her parents disappeared when she was young, after which she began to chase after existence that people do not believe in and became a producer of supernatural programmes. So the point about her having extra strong courage compared to ordinary people is special.

Q: We love the relationship of Lee Yeon and Lee Rang. How was acting with each other as half-brothers in the drama?

LDW: I knew Kim Bum long time ago so it was comfortable to film with him. I was especially touched by how he prepared thoroughly and did his best for each and every scene.

Kim Bum: We are siblings in this drama, so senior Lee Dong-wook always take care of me like his younger brother. This made me feel that I could rely on him. Also, in episode 9 of the “hungry ghosts forest” scene, before we jumped off the exit, Lee Dong-wook patted on my head and that was his ad-lib. I was amazed by how he took care of such details in every scene.

Q: Which was the most fun scene to act or your favourite scene in the drama?

Kim Bum: In episode 4, the scene in Joseon era where Lee Rang was stabbed by Lee Yeon was the most memorable to me. From that onwards, Lee Rang went astray and started to lose his belief in ‘kindness’. Personally, I think it was one of the best scenes.

Q: How was the setting and atmosphere during the filming?

JBA: The atmosphere was really good. The director cares and respect us a lot, we were able to film in a warm and relax atmosphere. Lee Dong-wook was the happy virus on site. He did a lot of ad-libs and there were NG sometimes as they were too funny.

Q: The cast seems to have a really close friendship. Tell us more about the friendship with your co-stars.

Kim Bum: I'm in the same company with my senior Lee Dong-wook and we know each other for a long time but this is our first time to film together in the same drama. I can really learn a lot things from him. Jo Bo-ah has a very bright energy so it was always fun to film with the two actors on set.

Q: Any message to fans and viewers in Malaysia and Singapore? Many have responded they enjoyed watching the show!

LDW: I am very sorry for not being able to meet you in person due to COVID. But I am thankful for receiving the warm welcome during each of my visit, and thanks for always supporting me from afar. I really want to see your smiling faces in person soon. Please stay healthy until we meet again. Thank you.

Kim Bum: I believe everyone is going through a hard time. Thanks for showing your love from afar for 'Tale of the Nine Tailed' and thanks to that I am able to finish the filming well. I hope we can meet soon in the near future.

JBA: 'Tale of the Nine Tailed' is a drama with lots of special setting and stories embedded in it. Appreciate if you love and have fun watching our drama.

Questions of Lee Dong Wook

Q: You have many action scenes in the drama, which scene you think is the most difficult to film?

LDW: Action scene is always accompanied by dangerous factors so it is never easy. Even a slight carelessness can lead to an accident and someone will be injured. So I am always focused and cautious when filming.

Q: You have acted in a couple of fantasy dramas, any other fantasy or superhero characters you would like to take up? Or can we look forward to see a human-character for your next project?

LDW: Will I get to play another fantasy role? Haha, if it is a new character that I have not tried before, it will be good.

Q: Whenever you have a new drama, your natural red lips are always a hot topic on social media. Do you put extra care on it? Many fans have been asking to share your secret tips for lip care.

LDW: No, I am born with it haha.

Q: What is one thing you were satisfied about and one thing you were regretful about ending the drama?

LDW: I am satisfied that the long filming has completed without any accident, while regretful that I could have tried harder.

Questions for Kim Bum

Q: It’s been awhile since your last drama and we love your works! How does it feel being part of the drama scene again and what attracted you to take up this role?

Kim Bum: Filming a drama after a long time brings me more thrill in a pleasant way rather than strains. Lee Rang from 'Tale of the Nine Tailed' is a very charming character, you will feel his loneliness and wish to stay by his side.

Questions for Jo Bo-Ah

Q: Nam Ji-A was involved in a couple of horror scene, were you frightened while filming it?

JBA: It was very fun during the filming. The nine-tailed foxes were handsome and the children were cute. Applying special makeup like the Imoogi’s scales and blood was also refreshing and very fun. But as I watched it on TV, it was scary like the first time I am seeing those scenes.

Q: This is your first time working with Lee Dong Wook and Kim Bum. What’s your thoughts before and after working with them?

JBA: I think both the two of them are perfectly match with the nine-tailed fox image. When acting with them, they had good manners and took care of me, I was able to film relaxedly.

Q: The character Nam Ji-A has a strong personality and is brave to seek for truth. Then how about your character in real life?

JBA: In real life, I think I'm not that brave and strong compared to Ji-ah, so I was able to learn those parts during my acting.

Q: Has being part of ‘Tale of the Nine Tailed’ made you desire to be in a fantasy drama again?

JBA: Yes. I had a lot of fun filming 'Tale of the Nine Tailed'. The action, special makeup and fantasy setting involved a lot of reactions which was really fun to act. I hope to challenge another piece of work with a different type of fantasy.

Q: If mint choco is for Lee Yeon then what about Nam Ji-a? Are you a fan of Mint Choco as well?

JBA: Mint-chocolate is also my favourite.

Q: As the drama is coming to the end, what is one takeaway you have and what’s the one thing you hope viewers to remember after watching the drama?

JBA: I learn different things and gain different feelings every time I film a piece of work. This time I also felt and learnt a lot from people that I worked with. We all did our best in our own characters. I hope you could have fun watching and gain a bit of healing from it.

'Tale of the Nine-Tailed' offers a unique take by mixing Korean folk tales with a relatable modern setting. Lee Dong Wook starring as a modern day male nine-tailed fox, Lee Yeon who was once the mountain spirit of Baekdu Mountain. He sacrificed his life to resurrect the life of the woman he loved and now living among humans for thousand years as a human form of nine-tailed fox.

Meanwhile, Jo Bo-ah starring as a fearless, young TV producer who goes by the name of Nam Ji-ah. She sets her sights on Lee Yeon for a story and as their lives intertwine, they find themselves entangled in a thrilling romance. Kim Bum however starring as Lee Rang, the step-brother of Lee Yeon who's also a nine-tailed fox.

Final two episodes will be airing next week so be sure to watch 'Tale of the Nine Tailed', the thrilling tale of legends and love on tvN Asia (Astro Ch.395) and Unifi TV (CH 211) on Thursday and Friday at 9.50PM.

image credit to tvN

CLC

[EXCLUSIVE] Find Out What CLC Said @ 'Helicopter' Online Media Showcase: Wish to Meet Fans Soon!

Sunday, September 20, 2020

CLC released the highly anticipated visuals for the record on 2 September. Co-written by member Ye-Eun, the trap pop and EDM powerhouse song “Helicopter” hit 20 million views on YouTube in less than four days – setting a new personal record for the group. Also, since its release on 2 September, the album had sold a total of 12,834 copies which is 3.5 times higher than their previous first-week sales record.

We caught up with the group to talk about the new release and what they’ve got planned for this comeback.

Q: It has been one year since the last CLC comeback, how have you been? Do you feel nervous to perform on stage after a year?

YEEUN: We have individual promotional activities and have spent much time on self-development as well. It's been a productive year for us. It'll be a lie if I say I'm not anxious, but we feel more relief as we prepared very hard over the past year. We’re confident because we are well-prepared.

Q: How does this comeback, ‘HELICOPTER’ stands out from your previous comebacks?

SORN: This comeback is different from other comebacks because “HELICOPTER” has lyrics that tell the story about CLC and our future. I feel a special connection to this song and I want our fans to get inspired by this song like all of us too.

EUNBIN: Our new single “HELICOPTER” is a song every single CLC member liked since the beginning. So I feel confident and assured about it. It’s the story of CLC.

Q: What feelings or message do you want to leave your listeners with after hearing this song?

YUJIN: “HELICOPTER” talks about “rising up”. The world is going through a challenging time right

now, so I hope people will feel better and get energized by listening to our music.

EUNBIN: And there is an English version of the song too. The lyrics of the English version came out so well, so I wish our international fans will check it out and receive the energy and message that we want to deliver.

Q: Is there any part of the world that you want to go to someday on tour?

SORN: We’re in a tough time right now, but when things get better, I hope the seven of us will get to go on a world tour, visit our fans, and share fun and happy moments with them to make up for all the times they spent waiting for us.

Q: If you would like to enter the acting industry as an actress, any roles you hope to receive?

SEUNGHEE: I want to be the best friend of the female lead.

YUJIN: I want to play the daughter of a rich family. I think I’ll do a good job at playing a sassy character too hehe

SEUNGYEON: I want to be a warrior in a historical drama or a spy.

SORN: Because of TikTok, I’ve started to have interest in acting. For the past 5 years I’ve always told everyone that I really hate acting, but this year, I’ve been thinking I might actually do really well. If there is a chance, I would like to act in a comedy-drama either in Thailand or Korea.

YEEUN: I don’t have any plans yet, but if I’m given the chance, I want to play a role that could be in the film “The Thieves.”

ELKIE: I’ve tried acting but I haven’t been the lead role yet. I heard from my actor friends that being the supporting character and the main character are completely different, so although it may be difficult to lead the whole piece as the main character, I want to give it a try!

EUNBIN: I really want to be in an action one day.

Q: Early this year, CLC's 'ME(美)' and 'Devil', ranked 5th and 7th respectively on BILLBOARD World Digital Songs Chart. So, what are your goals for this comeback?

SEUNGYEON: I heard wonderful news recently—I heard that BTS ranked #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It’s a huge accomplishment and a sign that K-pop is being loved by people from all over the globe. We also hope to get to see our name on the Billboard charts this time.

Q: CLC received their music show win for their previous comeback! What ceremony would CLC be preparing if ‘HELICOPTER’ receives a music show win as well?

SEUNGYEON: I want to shoot a special choreography video with the pilot uniform on at a heliport.

EUNBIN: I’ll have a discussion with my bandmates and let you know. Personally, maybe a ceremony with the propeller hat on?

Q: Please give a shout-out to CHESHIREs in Singapore and Malaysia!

SEUNGHEE: I wish I could get on a helicopter and fly to you right now! Dear CHESHIRE, I always miss you and I’m always thankful for you. Stay safe and let’s get through this together. Love you!

YUJIN: CHESHIRE, your support always gives me energy! It’s so disappointing that we can’t meet because of the COVID-19 situation. Stay healthy until we meet! Love you always! SEUNGYEON: Hi Singaporean and Malaysian CHESHIRE. Thank you for always supporting us from such a distance. Although we can’t actually meet, I know we’re exchanging feelings on social media, gaining energy, and staying together! Hope we will be able to meet very soon. I miss you so much!

SORN: Hello everyone! I hope that you guys are doing well. Thank you for always waiting for us, and I hope that you guys will like our new single. If there is a chance in the future, we would love to go see you all in person! Please wait for us guys.

YEEUN: Dear Singaporean and Malaysian CHESHIRE :) Are you all doing well? Thank you for always sending love and support for CLC from afar. We will give our best so you can be proud of us! When things get better, we will come to visit you. Please stay healthy and wait for us! Love you~

ELKIE: Thank you so much for supporting us from a distance, CHESHIRE! I’m so sorry we can’t come to meet you at the moment. Let’s get through this well and find the right time to meet! Miss you lots! Love you!