INTERVIEW CNBLUE's Jung Yong-hwa finds new inspiration from collaboration with UVERworld
Members of K-pop rock band CNBLUE and Japanese rock band Uverworld pose during a collaboration concert at Pia Arena in Yokohama, Japan, June 15. Courtesy of FNC Entertainment
K-pop rock band CNBLUE successfully held a joint concert with the popular Japanese rock band Uverworld, Saturday, at Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium in northeastern Seoul, following their first concert together in Japan last month.
Under the title “UVERworld&CNBLUE SUMMER LIVE IN JAPAN and KOREA ~UNLIMITED CHALLENGE~,” the two-part concert was CNBLUE’s first concert collaboration and Uverworld’s first show in Korea in its 24-year career.
CNBLUE’s leader and vocalist Jung Yong-hwa shared that the concert collaboration with the Japanese group was a chance to spark fresh inspiration, recalling the two bands’ first concert in Yokohama's Pia Arena on June 15.
“I’ve performed many times as a vocalist but I've always felt the need for new inspiration. After watching Uverworld’s performance, I was overwhelmed by their energy and was incredibly shocked by their unique way of delivering messages and songs. That day, our members and I shared many conversations after getting a lot of inspiration,” Jung said during an interview with The Korea Times, held at the office of the band’s agency, FNC Entertainment, in Gangnam District, Seoul, Friday.
“Until now, I often thought that there’s not much stage production to do for a band overall, other than just band performance. But I was greatly moved by (Uverworld’s) intention to really convey its message and deliver true music by using LED screens to put up videos and lyrics … It was so well-structured so I thought to myself, 'I still have a lot to learn.’”
From left, Uverworld's Shintaro, CNBLUE's Jung Yong-hwa and Uverworld's TAKUYA∞ pose during an interview at FNC Entertainment's office in Gangnam District, Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of FNC Entertainment
The collaboration concert came with a simple suggestion from Jung when he connected with Uverworld's vocalist TAKUYA∞.
“We had so many things in common. I wasn’t eating flour at the time so had a gluten-free meal and he also had a gluten-free diet. Our interests were very similar, and our mindset about wanting to do live performances clicked,” Jung said.
“After that, we kept in touch and I talked about how great it would be to perform together and (he) immediately agreed to do it. It's such a meaningful connection."
TAKUYA∞ added he has been a fan of CNBLUE, saying he also respects Jung’s talent as a songwriter.
“When CNBLUE performed in Japan, I went to its concert as a fan. I've always thought they were an incredible band, so when I heard the suggestion to perform together, I jumped at the chance right then and there,” he said.
“Their songs are very high-quality that can be appreciated worldwide... I also really value Jung’s talent as a composer. Although we don’t have any joint performance together this time, I hope that someday I'll be able to sing a song that Jung has written."
K-pop rock band CNBLUE performs in a joint concert with Japanese popular rock band Uverworld at Korea University Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seongbuk District, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of FNC Entertainment
Although the concert featured separate performances by each band, Jung said the process of preparing for the two-part concert still had meaningful lessons, even without any joint stages.
“(Starting with this concert,) I believe we'll gradually build up on our own story together. It's meaningful that both bands can watch each other's rehearsals and share the preparation process. And I think it also gave new inspiration and positive influences to the fans. This is our first collaboration, so I think this will lead to more exchanges in the future,” Jung said.
“It seems really great that we can positively influence each other, so we're planning to continue doing this in the future."
The two vocalists shared that these concerts were a chance to introduce each band to their own countries.
“Japanese rock bands tend to not pay much attention to their appearance, usually only focusing on their music wearing shabby clothes and shoes. I want to let people know that there are also beautiful bands like CNBLUE out there,” TAKUYA∞ said.
Jung also expressed excitement to help introduce a well-established Japanese band that is unfamiliar to Korean audiences.
“It's really regrettable that there are still people in Korea who don't know about such a great band. Uverworld is a band that performs in Japanese stadiums, so I think it's a wonderful opportunity to introduce such a great band to domestic fans,” he said, adding he hopes to further expand the chances with other bands as well.
“I want to continue to let more people know that there are great bands like Uverworld out there. And we don't get to experience foreign bands unless they come to Korea for a tour. So I hope there will be more opportunities to see fantastic performances in Korea."