Right now is the age of girl groups. In the past 1-2 years there have been dozens of new types of groups, and just counting the girl groups there are easily about a hundred groups. If you consider there is an average of 5 members to a group, there are over 500 girl members.

As a result, competition among these groups is high, and a lot of energy and determination is required to rank these girl groups. Are Korea's girl groups doing well?

The group Shinhwa, which has been active for the past fifteen years, is an idol to many newer boy groups who dream of sweet longevity like Shinhwa. On the other hand the lifespan of girl groups seems to be much shorter than that. Included in that category is a girl group who has diligently moved forward since their debut 7 years ago in 2006, and that group is Brown Eyed Girls.

Recently in an interview, Brown Eyed Girls talked about their new album 'Black Box' and title song 'Kill Bill,' and also shared their life stories, solo activities, concerns and opinions on entering the industry overseas, and shared their secrets to a long-lasting girl group. They laughed continuously while sharing their ideal men, and got serious when talking about their music.

Regarding their ideal men, Brown Eyed Girls said they should be men who 'have clean fingernails and smell fragrant,' and 'have symmetrical faces.' They openly shared, 'You shouldn't be flustered, and must persevere without fear' and 'at times, call each other out, and it will help mold your teamwork.' The group kindly shared how to survive the harsh and vast music industry with sometimes strange but relatable words in their interview.

Let's first discuss your new song. What kind of song is 'Kill Bill?'

''Kill Bill' was a song we tried to relate to the masses. Although we paid homage to the movie 'Kill Bill' in the music video to bring laughter to the audience, it didn't go as well as we expected. We tried to elicit laughter through 'B level code,' but people assumed we would never do something comical, and instead tried to find hidden agendas in the song. It's hard to think that in this day and age there are people who don't know Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill.'' (JeA)

Was there a specific emphasis for 'Kill Bill?'

'There was a huge burden for our comeback because previously 'Sixth Sense' was such a hit. As a vocal-focused group at the time, we wanted to work towards that end. The starting intro is a 'fa' note, and is hard for most female singers to sing. We really sang with all our strength. We thought if we continued that route, we would put too much distance between us and the public. The fans seemed to like our appearance on 'SNL Korea,' so we decided to approach the public more comfortably.' (JeA)

How have you changed since then?

'There was been a significant change in makeup. We've erased our usual stage makeup and changed to a simple beauty makeup that isn't smokey.' (JeA)

'Previously we would wear a ton of makeup, but now even our eye makeup is quite light. Even so, because our 'strong' image has been so impactful, I don't think people even notice. For me, I'm practically not even wearing any makeup.' (Gain)

You've been a girl group for 8 years now. Have there been changes since then?

'When we get to a set there are increasing number of people we don't know. This is good but also sad. When we go to the waiting room for a music program, there are more people to receive greetings from than for us to greet. It's fun to see brand new juniors. We look at them with the 'proud mama smile.' They are much too young to be our competition. They're just different. They're all so pretty and charismatic, and are so talented.' (Narsha)

Your member's solo activities have increased. How has that affected the group?

'It feels a lot more solid. When we get together we know exactly what the members have been up to, so it's easy. We work together easily.' (JeA)

Are you satisfied with your solo activities? Gain's was especially unconventional.

'There was a code, and it was a big load to carry alone. Especially for 'Abracadabara,' the older members were so sexy and experienced that I had a hard time keeping up with them. I often thought to myself, 'If only I was as old as them.' I couldn't pull off the same kind of aura. Thankfully I was twenty-six when I started my solo activity with the song 'Bloom,' so I was able to express myself better. I'm glad overall it went well.' (Gain)

Let's go back to 'Kill Bill.' How was the performance?

'Although the song's concept seemed easy, the choreography was really difficult. When you're not singing, the dance moves are really difficult. It might have even sounded easy live, but it was close to impossible to sing and dance at the same time. Honestly we weren't ready even three days before our first performance. After our first stage, people started saying, 'It was not live,' as if it was the truth. They said 'They didn't do it live because they're older and it's difficult for them.' To be sure, we performed live.' (JeA)

Do you still get nervous for your first performance?

'We're always nervous for the first stage. But compared to the 5-6 times we used to record, now we finish it in about 2 takes. Since it is physically taxing, our recording time has significantly decreased. These days I'm more tired than the older members. I even take nutrition pills... I was fine up until last year but it seems like something's changed this year.' (Gain)

For this 8 year girl group, is there another change besides reduced stamina?

'Before we used to share the waiting room with several other teams, but now wherever we go we get our own room. Even if all the other groups share rooms, they always give us our own room.' (Gain)

'We always look out for the boy idol groups. Choreography teams treat us special. Et cetera.' (JeA)

'Like JeA said, we're always focused on the attention of the younger groups. We always think we need to show them something great. We can't help it because there are so many people watching us. We are always preceded and followed by male groups, from EXO to Beast... We're receiving a lot of energy from them.' (Narsha)

Is there one member who has gone through a big transformation?

'Miryo has exploded in her rap skills. She was good before too, but she's greatly improved. Even among our group we are all very surprised.' (JeA)

'Thank you for listening to me. Hard work does pay off. I think I've been holding onto the disappointing performance I gave on 'Show Me the Money.' Even though it's late, I'll work even harder to show you good things.' (Miryo)

'When I think about that incident it's a real pity. I'm sure Miryo carried a big burden because she was alone and had to perform on a survival-type stage. It was unfortunate that she wasn't able to showcase all of her skills. In reality when we walk into the recording room, she is something else... even the people who used to say stuff about her are raving about how good she is.' (Narsha)

Are there changes in the relationships between members?

'I think we've all put away competition, oversensitivity, burden, and greed for singing parts. Before during recording we would compete for parts, but now it's nothing like that.' (Gain)

Psy's 'Gentleman' features Brown Eyed Girls' arrogant dance. Gain even featured in the music video... Recently your new song 'Kill Bill' was featured on America MTV's 'Must hear pop songs.' Are you aware of overseas reactions?

'Although people say that K-pop has fizzled, overseas it's still very popular. We didn't know it, but there are some places where 'Abracadabra' is still in the top five charts. It was either Southeast Asia or Thailand. We're also optimistically discussing overseas activities. I cautiously predict this year is the year we actually do it.' (JeA)

'We're often asked why we don't go overseas. We discussed it in lengths with Psy as well. I realized then that it's not something to be considered trivial. Everything has to be just right. If we go overseas unprepared we will only meet defeat. Before when singers would film music videos overseas it was so fascinating, but now it's not that big of a deal. I think now rather than simply going overseas, it's more important to be a hot issue in Korea.' (Gain)

Do you ever think about wanting to outshine your hit song 'Abracadabra?'

'From the beginning we gave up that dream. That song has the perfect 3 - song, dance, and concept. It would be nice if we could have something similar, but if we focus too much on it we will only come up with imitations instead of innovative songs. We want to show songs of a completely different nature like we did with 'Sixth Sense.'' (JeA)

According to Lee Juk, who is in the same agency as Gain, there has been talk of the bank breaking up.

'Even though we are in different agencies we still work together as Brown Eyed Girls. I think even if we marry we will continue with this work. Because our female fandom is so close, I think they will support us even after we get married. But because none of us want to get married yet, we will be completely active for a few more years.' (JeA)

'This is all four members' desires. To continue doing this even after marriage and childbirth. For now we are more ambitious about music. There's a lot to do and a lot to show.' (Miryo)

At this point I want to hear the secret of a girl group's longevity.

'Good personality? There is no impatience. When we decided to do something there was no fear in diving right in. All four members work hard, and aren't affected when little things don't work out.' (JeA)

'We are very patient. When the time or situation arose we were able to endure it. I think it was fate that the four of us came together. We're at the age where we can understand each other, and even if there is friction we can get over it. There haven't been any big issues until now.' (Narsha)

'Oh! In our group Kakao Talk chat room, we call each other out and mold our teamwork. We can work things out by talking things out over a drink.' (JeA)

'Kill Bill' is about strong women who punish the bad guys. What are you love lives like?

'JeA and Gain are very good at controlling the situation. In layman's terms, 'mildangg.' Narsha and I are a little awkward because our last respective relationships were so long ago.' (Miryo)

Do you want to date? What is your ideal man?

'Before I used to want someone with a good body but now I've become more picky. He has to have clean fingers, and I want it to be someone who smells good. Josh Hartnett? (Laughter) I don't really like men with sweaty palms. I've had some past trauma.' (JeA)

'I have three important requirements. A social nature, a symmetrical face, and a man who can hold me. Because I don't have a symmetrical face, I want to meet a man who does.' (Miryo)

'When I meet someone new it never works out. This isn't just because I'm a celebrity, it was always like this. I'm more comfortable with people I see often and have known for a while. Then Jo Kwon or Im Seulong? (Laughter) I might just end up marrying someone I already know.' (Gain)

'I like someone who is tactful. There are people around me who seem to have personalities I like, but when I get to know them they're not right for me, so it's not easy to choose.' (Narsha)

It's already time to conclude this interview. Please give me a word on Brown Eyed Girls' future plans.

'In the future the members will have various activities in music. Watch a lot of Gain's movies, and please attend if we have concerts. And we're not going to disband so don't worry. There's been a lot of talk about the last track in our album but that's about our friendship. I hope you look forward to our future activities.' (JeA)