The boy group BTOB truly brings out a something’s different energy with unique style. These boys were born in between years of 1990 to 1995, although it consists of young members with an average of only 20.5 years told, but they could perfectly bring out the feeling of the 90's trend of New jack swing-genre type of music style in their title track, “WOW”.
Recently, the writer has been given the chance to meet up and interview the boys from BTOB through their recent release of their new mini album, “Press Play”.
Hyun Shik stated, “The title song “WOW” is a combination of 90's New Jack Swing style and some modern trend elements. With the fusion of catchy melody and attention catching lyrics made the song become fun and addictive.”
Il Hoon added, “Even though the lyrics of some tracks like “Red Lipstick”, “Black Stockings”, and “Bright Red Roses” may sound hilarious, but these songs tend to catch more attention and seemingly the lyrics will just sink into listener’s memories.”
BTOB held their comeback stage for “WOW” through the broadcast of Mnet's “M Countdown” on September 14th. It was said that BTOB's choreography and the retro music style reminded listeners of the 90s popular boy group, Deux's performance.
Following Korean movie, “The Introduction to Architecture” and tvN's drama, “Reply 1997”who released this 90s retro boom; BTOB is the first idol group to join the retro craze.
Eun Kwang stated, “In fact, we did not have much chance to watch movies or TV while we were preparing for out promotion. Thus, we never knew that the 0s wave is becoming popular. At the beginning, we were skeptical about the this retro attempt, but after knowing that “The Introduction to Architecture”and “Reply 1997” are gaining attention when we were putting in efforts in out comeback preparations, it made us confident about this new images.”
Min Hyuk added on by saying, “Prior to the completion of this song, we did had doubts about using this 90s music style. However, as soon as we listened to the song, we love it a lot. Indeed, the music trends keep going around like a cycle, we feel good to be able to catch up with the trend this time. 'If we say Cestsibon is the father of 70s-80s retro; in my generation, H.O.T would be the King of retro.' this is what Sung Si Won (Jung Eun Ji) said in “reply 1997”, which also describes the different retro wave each generation have.
So, for those who were born in the 90s, what does 90s culture mean to them?
When asked about what their favorite childhood games are, BTOB members answered, “The Booming Flowers”(an online game), flipping paper envelopes, top spinning. With these surprising answers, the BTOB members jokingly said, “Compare to other same age peer, we are more old school.”
When asked about what 90s songs they remember the most.
Hyun Shik said, “It's Sechs Kies' “Couple”. They melody is catchy, it is so easy to remember and I could hummed to it, I remember my close friends they liked this song as well.”
Il Hoon said, “I like Deux's “Come Back to Me”. I have watched their MV and performance stages, I think they are very charismatic. I think “Come Back To Me” had popularized the New Jack Swing style.”
Sung Jae, “I love all the songs from Kim Dong Ryul in the 90s. Until now, I still think his songs are very good. In particular, I like the song, “Should I say I love you again”from 2001, the lyrics have touched my heart. And this song brought my interest into music.”
Chang Seob said, “To me, Yada's “Jinon” is the best. This is the first song I sang in karaoke. Even though I was still young, but I like Yada more than the very popular H.O.T and Yoo Seung Jun.”
Eun Keang, “I really like GOD's “To Mother”. I was never a big fan of rock music, but it moved me after listening to this song. It was a song with very sad lyrics dedicated to mothers.”
Peniel said, “Since I was born in U.S.A, I did not really get to listen to K-Pop. I listened to my elder sister's favorite N'Sync, Backstreet Boys.”
Min Hyuk, “I think Seo Tai Ji and the Boys' “I Know” is a very good song during the 90s. Even though I did not learn about this song till later, but I was impressed by how great this song is.”
In March's Premiere Launch, Cube Entertainment's President, Hong Seung Song confidently presented BTOB as a group that has all talents and very unique. BTOB has the ability to sing, dance, play musical instrument, song producing, composing, writing lyrics and to master every genre of music.
Hyun Shik stated, “Although we are not yet to be able to show nothing else but an idol image, but we don't have any regrets. At this point, we need to expose ourselves more and let people to know about BTOB, and in the near future, we will be about to show each members' talents one by one, hoping to have fans from different age range.”
