[INTERVIEW - cut] MBLAQ @ Hallyu Wave Magazine

MBLAQ are a five member group who debuted in October of last year. The dance group managed by Rain received attention from the beginning, and have come to Japan to perform as the opening act for "Rain Love Tour 2010" at Saitama Super Arena. We talked to them in their dressing room.

MBLAQ debuted in October 2009 under Rain's production. Even among boy groups they stand out as being blessed with having good looks and figures, and have received the nickname "chic-dol." They released their second single "Y" in May of this year. The main track "Y" is a dance song with the theme of "the love of a man who has been betrayed by love," and it's said that it was originally going to be released by Rain himself.

Q: What was your impression after hearing "Y" for the first time?

G.O: Our previous song "Oh Yeah" was one that let out a fun mood in all aspects. This time's "Y" is based on one image, but the expressions and message are different based on each part. I thought that was interesting. When I first listened to it, I thought that it would be fun to do a musical-like performance, and Rain gave us choreography like that, so I was able to practice happily.

Q: The singing parts for this song are minutely distributed. Was it Rain who decided who would sing each part?

Seungho: Yes, he did. From the start, our parts were divided up within the group. When I heard the song I predicted that "this might be my part," but I have no discomfort with how Rain decided our parts.

Q: Compared to your debut song, you can feel that Mir's dancing has improved. Did you do any special training?

(The other members jeer)

Mir: (Embarrassed laugh) During the promotions for this song, we each had our own activities so I didn't do any special practicing, but I tried my hardest.

Q: Joon's sensual choreography at the start of the song leaves a strong impression. What kind of guidance were you given?

Joon: That choreography as also done by Rain. First he showed me by example, and told me to do it like that, but I couldn't easily do it. He gave me the advice that, "Men have to be able to show their sexiness without taking their clothes off," and with my cell phone I filmed him dancing, and practiced many times while watching it.

Q: In the previous song Cheondung rapped, but this time you're singing.

Cheondung: At first I was in charge of rapping, but I went to Rain and said, "Rapping is good too, but from now on I'd like to sing." As a result of that, I've been able to sing this time.

After finishing the opening act at Saitama Super Arena, MBLAQ watched Rain's performance. Leader Seungho says, "From the moment he stood on stage, I thought that his aura was completely different from ours. I felt that he's someone in the clouds, still far from us."

SOURCE: Hallyu Wave Magazine
TRANSLATION: lnw1984@AbsoluteMBLAQ
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