Korean Singer Eric Takes Part in SMAP’s New Album

Korean singer Eric’s participation in a new recording by the Japanese group SMAP has drawn the attention of the Japanese media.

The online edition of the Japanese Asahi Shimbun reported Thursday that Eric, a member of the Korean idol male group Shinhwa, wrote lyrics for the rapping part of the song “Tokio,” which is contained in the new recording of the Japanese group. The new album “Pop up! SMAP” was released on July 26. “Tokio” is a remake of SMAP’s previous hit song.

Eric recorded the song in a studio in southern Seoul.

The Korean and Japanese groups’ friendly relationship began after Shinhwa’s Shin Hye-sung and SMAP’s Kusanagi Tsuyoshi sang the duet song “Sky,” featuring lyrics written by Shinhwa’s Lee Min-woo, for the Japanese group’s 16th album “Sample Bang” released in July last year.

It is the first time for Eric to individually take part in a recording by the Japanese group.

Eric said, “SMAP is one of my favorite groups. I was glad to work with them. I hope Japanese fans will love both SMAP’s new recording and Shinhwa’s first Japanese album, which will be released on August 16.”

source: KBS Global