INTERVIEW GOT7 is icon of candor

K-pop boy band GOT7 is poised to release its mini-album “Call My Name” on Monday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

Most K-pop stars are extremely cautious during media interviews. They are reluctant to reveal themselves to the fullest, usually to avoid making a slip of the tongue. But boy band GOT7, which is set to release its mini-album “Call My Name” Monday afternoon, was somewhat different.

When asked about his favorite B-side track, lead vocalist Youngjae said he had none.

“Honestly, our lead song 'You Calling My Name' is rocking, but other numbers in the EP are so-so,” Youngjae said after some hesitation. He explained he didn't want to lie and feel guilty.

The lead track of the album is “You Calling My Name.” Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

He was not the only outspoken member. Leader JB also frankly revealed that he has been physically strained due to the group's ongoing world tour. The septet ― comprising Mark, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, Yugyeom and JB ― kicked off its globe-trotting “GOT7 2019 WORLD TOUR KEEP SPINNING” in June.

“The tour was physically strenuous,” he said. “So our members had to take good care of themselves. In my case, I swallowed medicine whenever I felt bad to avoid getting sick, worked out a lot and took vitamins, which I don't usually consume.”

GOT7 openly talked about its burden too.

“We do feel the pressure when it comes to the album sales,” JB said. “We frequently think we should produce fair results. But for us, how much our members and fans are satisfied with the album is more crucial. We mind about our performance, but not to the extreme degree.”

“Call My Name” contains six cross-genre numbers including “Pray,” “Now or Never,” “Thursday,” “Run Away,” and “Crash & Burn.” Among them, the lead track boasts a catchy and unique guitar sound. JB and Park Jin-young, the founder of the band's agency JYP Entertainment, contributed to its lyrics.

The band will also abandon its comfort zone and return with chicness and sexiness this time.

“I think we have displayed our playful image enough,” JB said. “Hence, we sought a change. We thought we would not match with the wild image, so chose sexiness instead.”

Member Yugyeom added: “I am so thrilled to come up with a fresh release in six months. I am also excited to show off our new concept.”