Brazil fan once threw bra on stage at B.A.P. show
K-pop group B.A.P. on crazy fan encounters and why their latest album is not so aggro any more
K-pop boy band B.A.P and legendary Welsh crooner Tom Jones have something in common.
Surprised? After all, musically, they are as different as chalk and cheese.
But both acts have had the privilege of having swooning female fans hurl lingerie at them on stage during live performances.
In an e-mail interview with M, the handsome sextet, who have performed not just in Asia, but also in other parts of the world including Europe and North America, related their craziest fan encounters.
"It was in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil a couple of years ago," said 22-year-old Daehyun.
"In the middle of a performance, someone threw a bra (onto the stage) at us.
"At that moment, although all of us were shocked, we also thought, 'Wow, the audiences here must really enjoy our performance a lot!'"
Zelo, 19, the baby of the group, also has fond memories of B.A.P's European supporters.
"I remember (they) created special fan chants to show their love for us," he said.
So do these idols feel that Singapore's BABYz - the official name for B.A.P fans here - are too reserved?
Leader Yongguk, 26, replied candidly: "I think Singapore fans are 50-50. There are those who are really loud and support us enthusiastically, and there are those who watch our performances quietly. I'm thankful to have both types."
B.A.P, which also comprises Himchan, 26, Youngjae, 22, and Jongup, 21, will be in town next monthas part of their latest concert tour.
In November 2014, the boys made headlines when they filed a lawsuit against their agency, TS Entertainment, to terminate their contracts, citing unfair treatment and profit distribution. As a result, they went on a self-imposed hiatus for nearly a year.
Last August, they reached a settlement with TS Entertainment - to the relief of fans.
MORE FUN
B.A.P declined to answer any questions regarding the lawsuit, but it was clear that they had moved on.
Their fifth studio album, Carnival, is a stark departure from their previous testosterone-oozing, adrenaline-pumping chart-topping hits Warrior, Power and One Shot.
Carnival is fun and cheery, with most of the songs, such as Feel So Good, Go and Albatross, showing the boys' relaxed, playful side.
"It was an intentional, deliberate change of image," said Daehyun.
"Like our new music, all the members in our group are now bright and refreshed."
Yongguk added: "We hope to show a style of B.A.P that is different from before.
"I think it is very important for all artists, including ourselves, to attempt new challenges that are not constrained by preconceived notions."
Jongup said the new songs will show the group's "lively nature".
"We are actually like this when we joke and play (around) with each other," he said.
Now that the dust has finally settled on the legal saga with their management, don't bet on B.A.P disappearing from showbiz again.
"My goal for B.A.P is to become a group that stays together for a long time, be it another 10 or 20 years," said Himchan.
"I really hope to meet more of our fans around the world. It would also be great if more people in South Korea know us."
FYI
WHAT: B.A.P Live On Earth 2016 World Tour Singapore Awake!!
WHERE: The Star Theatre
WHEN: June 27, 7.30pm
TICKETS: $89 to $259 from Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg or 6348-5555)
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