MANILA, Philippines – Overwhelmed by the immense support of Filipino fans, hallyu singer and actor Kim Hyun Joong promised that he’ll try his best to include the Philippines in his Asia tour that will start in December.
Kim Hyun Joong revealed this and more during his press conference at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City last Aug. 25.
The popular star is in the Philippines to promote his first solo album, “Break Down”, released by PolyEast Records, and meet his Filipino fans through a “High Five Touch” event at the TriNoma Activity Center in Quezon City.
This is Kim Hyun Joong’s second visit to the Philippines. He was here last year to perform at a concert.
During the press conference, Kim Hyun Joong talked about his new album, successful career, his supportive fans and future plans.
He said he was overwhelmed by the show of support he got from his fans when he arrived in the country.
“I was shocked and amazed by the fans who greeted me at the airport and here [hotel),” he said.
At the TriNoma event, the first 500 fans who bought the album were given the chance to have a “high-five" with Kim Hyun Joong.
“Break Down” is one of the most important milestones in Kim Hyun Joong’s career since debuting in 2005.
He said he was involved in making the album.
“I was involved in all the processes that went through with the album: jacket, the lyrics, melody. With your love, this will be a great success,” he said.
The mini-album features the title track that's produced by Ken Lewis who has worked with Eminem, Kanye West, Usher and John Legend.
“All the songs in the album are great. [For me] 'Break Down' is the best,” he said.
He has also released music videos for “Break Down” and “Kiss Kiss.” Asked what is the most memorable music video for him in the album, he said, “I tried my best for all the music videos that I’ve made. I cannot say right away.”
But the “Kiss Kiss” music video seemed to have stuck in his mind as he joked that it was the lowest budget music video.
Kim Hyun Joong revealed that his second album will be released in October and he will hold a concert and Asia tour in December.
“In October, there will be second album coming out and in December, there’s a concert and Asia tour. I’m not sure yet [about the venues] but I will try to include the Philippines,” he said.
There is also a plan for a free concert for his fans but he’s not sure of the details.
Asked what would be his next goal after conquering singing, acting and modeling, Kim Hyun Joong said as of now, he is focusing on being a singer and actor.
He said he cannot choose his preference between singing and acting since he loves them both.
“Again, it’s very hard to pick. Both of them are my professions and I’m loving it,” he said.
He said that there are challenges on being a solo artist.
“There have been a lot of actions and moments while I was doing my job and I’m expecting more,” he said.
He added that singing and acting are the two things that make him happy.
“It’s all related to what I’m doing and what I love and that would be singing and acting,” he said.
He revealed despite the hard work he’s doing, his fans have kept him going.
“When I’m on the stage, I feel like I’m getting tired but every time I have contact with the fans, that’s the time I get recharged,” he said.
On musical influences, Kim Hyun Joong cited Korean musician Seo Taiji as one of those who have made an impact to his career.
“There are a lot of Korean musicians who helped me out and brought me to what I am now. One of them is Seo Taji, one of the famous Korean singers and a (musical) legend,” he said.
At the conclusion of the press conference, he thanked his Filipino fans.
“Thank you for all the love that you have showered me. I’ll try to include the Philippines in the Asia tour. I will try to bring better songs and better performances,” Kim Hyun Joong said.
“Break Down” is exclusively distributed by PolyEast Records in cooperation with KeyEast Entertainment and CJ E&M Korea. The “High Five Touch” event was held with the help of TriNoma, Edsa Shangri-La, The Black Fleet, Astroplus, Sparkling, MYX, and Manila Bulletin.
Photos and article by JONATHAN M. HICAP of The Manila Bulletin
