[Interview] Eric Nam Dishes About 'After School Club' & His K-Pop Solo Career At KCON 2014

B2M solo vocalist Eric Nam is one of the leaders in the movement to deliver K-Pop to worldwide audiences. As the host of Arirang TV's popular music interview show "After School Club” Eric Nam has helped to bridge the gap between Korean speaking idols and their burgeoning global audiences.

English-speaking K-Pop fans have flocked to “After School Club,” which provides an opportunity for fans throughout the world to interact with their favorite K-Pop idols during its live stream. “After School Club” or “ASC” incorporates social media and YouTube in a unprecedented way.

Due to the success of “After School Club” and his appeal as a Korean-American solo artist, it was not surprising to find a large crowd gathered outside of the Viki booth at KCON 2014 that were hoping to have a chance to take a selfie with Eric Nam.

Viki sponsored the Eric Nam selfie experience at KCON 2014 and was also a Red Carpet sponsor. Eric Nam hosted the Red Carpet which led to the two “M Countdown” concerts. Fans who were present at the Red Carpet, as part of the fan engagement portion of KCON, and media were provided with the opportunity to hear Eric Nam deliver live English commentary for Viki TV.

During his appearance at the Viki booth, Eric Nam provided an interview to KpopStarz in which he discussed his experience as a Korean-American performer in K-Pop, Kollaboration, and the role that “After School Club” has maintained in the globalization of K-Pop.

KpopStarz: I really enjoy watching “After School Club” because I think the show has helped to make K-Pop more accessible to international audiences. How do you think “After School Club” has impacted the Hallyu Wave?

Eric Nam: The coolest thing about “After School Club” is that up until the show, fans were relying on other Korean shows with translations and captions, but now it is at a point where we can talk to them in Korean, as well as English. This brings more of a Western approach which is why it is so relevant to fans around the world.

This is also why it is so much fun to do. Fans are loving “After School Club” and engaging with us. We are so thankful and appreciative that people take the time to watch our show and interact with us.

KpopStarz: Do you find it surprising to see that there are now K-Pop fans throughout the world?

Eric Nam: Yes, I had no idea that so many people would be here. To see, meet, and be able to talk to fans or people who are interested in learning more about K-Pop, as well as Korea has been fascinating. It has been interesting to realize that K-Pop is a global movement.

KpopStarz: As a Kollaboration participant, what advice can you give to other Kollaboration contestants?

Eric Nam: I think Kollaboration has played such an important role in developing and nurturing Asian American talent. The more that people are involved, the bigger and the greater that it can become.

It is very important for people to get out and show their talents, while not being afraid to push the boundaries and limits of social norms. Instead of looking at what is expected of you, if you have a dream or a passion, go after it. That’s what we were made for. I encourage people to hone their craft and know what you love. Kollaboration is such a great venue for that.

KpopStarz: What has been your favorite thing to do so far?

Eric Nam: Coming to KCON has been a very cool experience. Stepping into the dressing room before I came out to the Viki set, I wanted to tear up. It’s so awesome that people are here, loving what we do.

 As an artist, there is nothing more amazing than having someone tell me that they connected with my music or they connected to my personality. The rewarding thing to hear is that you helped me so much. Honestly, I can’t say that I played a big role in this, but if I have in any way impacted someone that makes my day worthwhile.

 KpopStarz: Which “After School” guest has stood out from others?

Eric Nam: EXO definitely stands out. It was the first time “After School Club” hit worldwide trending. That was very cool. ZE:A was on the first show, so I will always remember them. After the show, I became close to Siwan and Kwanghee, so we see each other every once in a while.

Recently, INFINITE was just hilarious. Aside from them being my friends, they were hilarious from beginning to the end. Myself, along with the writers and Kevin (U-KISS), we all agreed that was one of the best shows we have done to date.

KpopStarz: That is the perfect segue to my next question. You recently collaborated with Hoya from INFINITE. Which other K-Pop artists would you most like to work with?

Eric Nam: There are so many K-Pop artists I would love to work with. I would love to do a hip hop collaboration, also. San E. or Dynamic Duo, also Bumkey and Verbal Jint. To be able to feature a collaboration with them would be amazing.

In K-Pop, Henry (Super Junior-M) is one of my great friends. Fans have suggested this collaboration and I think it would be great, as well. It would be really fun to do something together. Ailee is also a great friend, she would be another wonderful person to work with. It would be fun to work with Ailee, because we could sing in Korean and English, as well.

KpopStarz: Have you considered acting within K-Drama or film?

Eric Nam: I have considered acting and have auditioned. Unfortunately, I have been turned down for the roles I auditioned for. My acting is great, but I still need to work on my Korean pronunciation, which needs to be perfect for dramas or film . I have come to terms with this.

I was born and raised in the United States. I will never have the same perfect pronunciation as someone who lived in Korea their entire lives. It is the same for a Korean person who moves to the United States after living in Korea for 23 years, they will never have perfect English, as well. At first, this was very stressful for me and I had a hard time.

Now, I have accepted that it is what it is and if I can find a role [in a drama or film] that is willing to accept me for that, it would be great. It would be a great challenge.

KpopStarz:  Do you think it is more difficult to perform as a K-Pop artist who is Korean-American?

Eric Nam: In Korean and English, I sound completely different. I feel like I sound a lot better in English, honestly. Trying to bridge that gap, with feeling and emotion, is the hardest part for me. I can knock an English song in an hour to two hours, a Korean song could take a couple of days. It’s been a challenge, but it is something that I am learning. I hope to be able to continue to improve on that aspect.

KpopStarz: Which aspect of KCON 2014 are you most looking forward to?

Eric Nam: The Viki booth has been awesome. I get to meet my fans, as well as my friends and family. This definitely the highlight. We also have the Viki TV Red Carpet which will be fun.

I have met almost every single person there before and have interviewed many of the artists who will be on the Red Carpet. We have hung out. It should be like friends hanging out and should be fun. I am also looking forward to the performances.

I honestly wish I was performing. I will save that for next year. I hope that KCON will have me, next year. More than anything, I am so thankful and appreciative that people invited me out. My fans lobbied for me to be here, so I am thankful to my fans and Viki. I am so excited and happy to be here.

KpopStarz: Can you tell me about any future projects or collaborations that you have in the works?

Eric Nam: I don’t have anything I can talk about. Hopefully, I will have an album out by the end of the year. I do a lot of guide vocals for the group Boyfriend. I am also working with 100% and Nicole Jung from KARA. Seeing them in the studio, helping them while they learn from me and vice versa, is a lot of fun. Hopefully, we will have more to come.

Eric Nam hosts "After School Club" which can be found on Arirang TV and Viki.

Special thanks to Eric Nam for his gracious participation in the interview and Viki for interview opportunity at KCON 2014.

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eric nam
B2M
After School Club
viki
KCON 2014
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