Tuesday, September 09, 2008

[08.09.08][trans] Longest running group Shinhwa: 6 members, 6 colors


Phase 2 of the Shinhwa members' solo careers is now in progress. Eric will be entering the Nonsan Training Center in South Chungcheong on 9th Oct to start serving his military duty, and in the meantime the other members will be involved in album promotion, concerts, musicals and variety programs. It will probably take another 4-5 years before the 6 of them reunite for group activities, and until then, the members will have to define their new roles after military service.

Junjin said at his concert on 5th September, that he is confident that "it will be the new era of Shinhwa when all of them return from the army." Until then, what are the plans for Shinhwa members?


The Army

Shinhwa members are all active in their solo careers now, and the first hurdle they have to cross is the issue of military service. The first to cross this hurdle will be leader Eric, who gave up his US citizenship in 2003. He will be serving in the civil service, and will return to showbiz after his army stint. After establishing himself as an actor with the dramas such as Super Rookie, KSA, Que Sera Sera and Strongest Chil Woo, Eric is likely to become the most-searched keyword after his return from the army.

There are no official events on Eric's pre-enlistment schedule at the moment, but he has featured in Son Dambi's new song Micheosseo (Crazy), which is likely to be released soon.


Concerts

Shinhwa fans have been in a happy dilemma lately, as the members are all holding solo concerts with dates very close to each other's. Four members are holding solo concerts in Seoul in September alone -Junjin on 5/6 Sept; Andy on 6/7 Sept; Dongwan on 20/21 Sept; and Minwoo on 28 Sept.

Other than Eric, all other members have released solo albums to relatively good reviews, paving the way for them to hype up their solo activities with concerts. Junjin prepared for his concert while establishing himself in the variety scene, while Andy's endearing title track has made its way into the hearts of fans.

Andy, who had held a series of small concerts titled The Miracles of June at the beginning of the year, said, "It was kind of a miracle that Andy could become a solo singer, that's how I came up with the name." Overcoming his insecurities, Andy will be presenting a true concert this time round. Kim Dongwan will also introduce the fans to his own musical style, and will be performing genres including rock and J-pop.

Lee Minwoo, who is the most experienced with concerts among the members, will be holding an album launch concert on 28 Sept. Equipped with a powerful stage charisma, and recognized for his musicality, he is the first Shinhwa member to become a producer/songwriter/lyricist.


Variety Shows

Since 2004, Shinhwa has become known for their performances on variety shows, perhaps for being idols who are able to amuse the viewers with their endearingly silly antics.

The members show their different personalities on variety shows, and among them Junjin is the most active on the variety circuit. Junjin earned himself the nickname of Junstin Jinberlake after releasing his first solo album featuring title track Wa, and has become a mainstay on several variety shows since then. He didn't react to the netizen's parodies of his song, and just went about his own business. Now with an attitude where he tries his hardest even at the smallest game, he has charmed his way into the hearts of the viewers.


Acting

Other than main vocalist Shin Hyesung, other members have all tried their hands at acting. Eric in particular, has been very active in dramas; while Kim Dongwan, Lee Minwoo, Junjin and Andy have experiences in movies, dramas and musicals.

For the rest who are not about to enlist yet, they still have the time for other acting projects, and they are apparently going through some scripts.


Change of Image

For his 3rd album, Shin Hyesung has suddenly abandoned his usual genre of ballads and moved on to other genres such as rock. Side 1 - Live And Let Live features the title track Because Of You, a Britrock track, while Awaken is an alt-rock track.

Shin Hyesung says, "I'm trying out other genres for now, and I hope that the change will help to make my ballads even better."


Source: asiaeconomic
Chi trans: wangshu_1115@shinhwayeah.com
Eng trans: midnightgirl13@shinhwabiz

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