Group "Loveholic" to Advance into Japanese Market

2006-04-25

"Loveholic," a modern rock band trio, has recently released its third album entitled "Nice Dream." The band has since engaged in brisk activities, while trying to advance into the Japanese market.

Loveholic will begin full-scale activities in Japan by releasing its first single album entitled "Loveholic" there on Apr. 28. This album will feature two songs from the group’s first full-length album, "Loveholic" and "Easy Come, Easy Go." The band sang these two songs in English.

Kang Hyun-min, one of the group members, said with confidence, "It’s not so important to release an album in Japan. What is more important is whether we can win recognition for our music."

Kang pledged to publicize their music through concerts in Japan, adding that Japanese fans think it natural to meet their favorite musicians at performances before broadcasts.

It turns out some South Korean singers’ claims about the performance of their albums in Japan are generally overstated. According to a report, only top star BoA has sold nearly 500,000 album copies, while other South Korean stars or singers who claim to have ranked second on various Japanese music charts have actually sold fewer than 20,000 copies each.

Nonetheless, many observers are making positive predictions about Loveholic’s advance into the Japanese market.

Kang has already won a prize in Japan. He won the "Gold Prize" at the Japan Record Awards, the most prestigious awards for top music writers in Japan, in December 2004 for "If I Have You," a song originally sung by the group "Ilgi Yebo." "If I Have You" won great popularity in Japan when it was used as the theme song for the popular Japanese TV drama "Tokyo Bay."

Lee Jae-hak, another member of the band, expressed his confidence about advancing into Japan. He said, "We cannot convey the meaning of the song’s lines directly to Japanese fans. But paradoxically, this will highlight the emotional impact of the song."

Ji Sun (vocals), the third member of the band, is reportedly intensely studying Japanese to prepare for the band’s activities in the country.

Loveholic is expected to release its first official full-length album in Japan in June after releasing its first single album there on Apr. 28.

Loveholic gave a comeback concert on Apr. 13 with its third album "Nice Dream." Before going to Japan, the band will give a concert in celebration of the release of its third album at the Centennial Hall of Ewha Girls High School in Jung-gu, Seoul from Jun. 2 to 4.

Source: http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1393574_11692.html