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| From left, Nichkhun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho, Jun. K and Chansung of K-pop boy band 2PM pose during an online media event, Monday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Despite being on a long hiatus, K-pop act 2PM had an achievement last year ― its 2015 release "My House" climbed back to the top spots of multiple music streaming charts, thrusting the boy band that debuted in 2008 back into the spotlight.
"My House" is the lead single off the six-piece act's fifth full-length album titled, "NO. 5." The swing rhythm-based track belatedly became a viral sensation on YouTube after a series of videos featuring the members' sexy performances generated buzz online.
About a year after the belated success of "My House," the JYP Entertainment group has dropped its seventh studio album, "MUST," its first release since 2016. It took five years for all the members to reunite as they all ― except Thai-American member Nichkhun ― had to complete their mandatory military service.
Calling the success of "My House" miraculous, the six band members said the song also affected the production of their new album.
"Although we cannot exactly tell the reasons behind the success of My House, it still hinted to us what people were expecting to see from us," Chansung said during an online press conference on Monday, which took place a few hours before the album release. "Since we could easily grasp people's needs, we attempted to make the album's concept and the performance fit those needs."
Jun. K added, "We spent a lot of time thinking how we could make ourselves look even sexier… We also tried to add some heart-throb elements to our album for our followers."
Revealing that all members are now in their 30s, Taecyeon said they would showcase the "charm of our 30s" this time.
"We would look quite distinctive from what we were like in our 20s," he said. "Back then, we put emphasis on our youth, ambition and passion… But this time, we will highlight what we can best pull off at this age."
"MUST" is fronted by the lead single "Make It," in which member Wooyoung participated in the creative process. Wooyoung said that the new release is a must-listen for anyone craving to discover the most authentic side of 2PM.
"I started my work by asking myself two questions ― what should I say if I get to meet my true love and what should I do if 2PM has to make its comeback right now?" he said, explaining how he worked on the tune. "I spared no effort to write a decent piece for our members, who have been supporting me without waver."
Chansung added he also wanted to take part in composing the tracks for the album, but could not do so.
"While being enlisted, I lost my creative sense," he said. "I endeavored to make some songs and write lyrics, but my efforts were not successful."
Taecyeon wrapped up the session by answering how 2PM ― which has a string of hits including "Heartbeat" (2009) and "Again & Again" (2009) ― could stay together as a team for 14 years since its debut.
"Building trust through frequent conversation seems to have helped us reach this point," Taecyeon said. "The most crucial thing is to be considerate of the other members and treat them like family."
