FLARE U: "We admire AKMU's creative music… We want to craft our own stories too" [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The group FLARE U named AKMU as their role model, expressing their ambition to present music that carries their unique color and story.

FLARE U (Choi Rip-woo, Kang Woo-jin) recently met with StarNews for an interview to mark the release of their second mini-album, "LOVEHOOD."

On this day, FLARE U shared their thoughts on the stories they plan to tell next, mentioning AKMU in the process.

Kang Woo-jin said, "I want to unfold a story with an interesting concept," adding, "Just like AKMU's music, which starts from something small but possesses a distinct color and narrative, I want to create songs that have a clear identity. I admire their intuitive yet unconventional lyrics and the creative way they tell stories."

Choi Rip-woo also added, "It is impressive how they make mainstream music while still pursuing what they personally want to do," stating, "They seem to have a strong sense of self, which I deeply respect."

Regarding the team image represented by keywords such as refreshing, youthful, and pure, FLARE U expressed a desire to show a more serious side. Kang Woo-jin stated, "Being bright does not mean lacking seriousness," explaining, "From the planning stage of this album, we offered many opinions and delved deeply into the music. We hope people will recognize the earnestness with which FLARE U approaches their music."

They also shared candid thoughts on the team's identity as a duo. Choi Rip-woo noted, "Most idol groups I have seen since childhood consist of four to five or more members, so debuting as a duo was itself novel," adding, "Because we do everything together as two people, we can rely on each other, and our individual presences stand out more on stage. We want to become a duo that is remembered for a long time."

Kang Woo-jin said, "Before debuting, I was worried about being just two members, but I thought it could actually be a differentiating weapon," continuing, "In reality, our activities have been so much fun that my worries seem unfounded. Being only two means we rely on each other even more in certain aspects."

Their goals for this activity period were also clear. Choi Rip-woo stated, "Since it is a result that can only be achieved if many people listen to our music, I believe charting itself is a meaningful achievement." Additionally, Kang Woo-jin said, "Our goal is to chart and enter the top 10," expressing his ambition by adding, "It is nerve-wracking to come back alongside formidable senior artists, but I definitely want to win first place on a music show as well."

They are also looking forward to opportunities to get closer to fans before the year ends. Both members expressed hope for fan meetings or fan concerts. Kang Woo-jin said, "Since debuting, I have gained more experience than I had imagined, from music shows to festivals," adding, "Now that we have released our second album, I want to create a space where we can meet fans directly."

They also revealed their desire to expand their respective areas of activity. Choi Rip-woo said, "There is a lot I want to do," citing overseas fashion weeks, exhibitions, and concerts in his hometown. Kang Jin-woo stated, "I want to sing in more countries and accumulate diverse experiences," adding, "I want to gain new inspiration through busking and travel, and grow further as a musician. In particular, I want to perform live in the UK, where many of my admired artists are based."

Finally, they conveyed their sincerity to fans. Choi Rip-woo urged, "Since this album has a very different atmosphere from our previous work, there will be fun in exploring it track by track," adding, "I hope you will continue to watch how FLARE U grows as a team going forward."

Kang Woo-jin said, "Since the main theme of the album 'LOVEHOOD' is love, I hope that listening to the music becomes a time for each person to reflect on what kind of love has come into their life and what love truly means."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original