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| Golden Child performs during the press event. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa, Park Si-soo
Making it on the K-pop scene is increasingly tough ― so much so that an average of 50 hard-trained K-pop bands debut a year but most vanish from the radar after one or two rounds of performances.
Given the low survival rate, boy band Golden Child deserves compliments because it recently came back with its third album "WISH" and its agency finds it worth the investment ― although its name and fan base are still not so shining and solid.
In a showcase of the new album on Wednesday, the band's 10 members greeted reporters with confident smiles and words hoping that the new album will be a success. But members fell short of completely hiding their inner feelings: a sense of desperation and anxiety.
"You may be fans of other stars, but please keep us in your mind too," Golden Child main rapper Jangjun said after belting out the album's lead track "Genie."
"We will enjoy every moment on the stage and display our desperation at the same time."
Watch the music video of "Genie":
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| Jangjun, the main rapper, speaks to reporters. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment |
Golden Child debuted in 2017. Its latest album's lead track is a powerful dance-pop song whose lyrics reflect the band's wish to become a "Genie" that helps people realize their dreams. The album also contains cross-genre songs including R&B pop "Would U Be My," the acoustic pop "Listen" and the europop "Eyes on You."
"The lead track of our previous mini-album was titled 'Miracle,' which discloses our hope to achieve it," said group leader Daeyeol. "This time, however, we will transform ourselves into 'Genie' and present miracles to listeners with our songs."
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| Golden Child performs on Wednesday. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment |
Still, the team has its own roster of aspirations and ambitions.
"We want to be crowned No.1 on music shows," Daeyeol said of his wish.
"Having a gig at Gocheok Sky Dome is my goal," said Y, the main vocalist. Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul has Korea's largest indoor stage. "I also want to have an arena tour in Japan."
"I hope people are in bliss when they appreciate our numbers," lead vocalist Jibeom said.
Y said: "It would be great if our album sales and ranks on music charts are boosted, but what's more crucial is the public's perspective toward us ― we want to be known for musical versatility and continue to make enhancements."
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| Golden Child members speak during the press event. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment |
Despite being a rookie group, its performances at the event made it look like a seasoned outfit. In addition, two of its members ― Jangjun and TAG ― have taken active roles in writing lyrics for the band's songs.
"For me, imagination is the key source of inspiration, although myriad people cite direct experience as their wellspring," TAG said. "I believe in the power of imagination because even world hit series 'Harry Potter' was made out of it."
