8th December 2013, Kuala Lumpur - Korean rookie group Boys Republic has comeback with their first mini album titled 'Identity' after a successful debut stage in June. As we could have guessed from the title, they put their thought and stories to tell us into this mini album.

As they are the first Korean group that signed under Universal Music, Universal  Music Malaysia specially brought the group to Malaysia for a special showcase called Boys Republic 'I'm Ready" Showcase that was held at Bentley Music on Sunday as well as to promote the new album.

Prior to the showcase, KpopStarz were invited to an exclusive interview with Boys Republic on Saturday evening at Double Tree Hilton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. 

Q: What was the most challenging during album recording?

A: One Junn:  When I wrote the lyrics, the guideline were recorded by another person and the lyrics was actually "what's up" but misheard it as "waddup". In Korean it means "what for" and because of that, I've been thinking why don't I try harder and challenge myself in my dreams so that I can deliver the message well.

Q: What is the best thing of being an idol/boyband/artist?

A: Da Bin: Actually even during school days I'm very popular in school(Joking) To be honest we're happy that we received a lot of support from the fans.

One Junn: I'm happy with just whenever fans called for our group's name (Boys Republic)

Q: Whose idea was it to name the group Boys Republic and what does it mean?

A: One Junn:  From the beginning we were told to choose our group name, Boys Republic become the final name after a few name and the meaning behind it, I would say to fulfill the dreams, as when we get older we try to get it right, we have to keep up our dream, within our national republic everything can be done like performance to show our color as a group or individually and we finally pursue it under Boys Republic name.

Q: How long have you been training? Any memorable things happened during that time?

A: Min Su: Everyone had a different period of training and the longest was Sung Jun which is 8 years and shortest period was one and half year. The youngest member, Su Woong  once was singing the title song while he was sleeping, it's something to be proud yet funny, probably because he was on stress being debuting.

Q: What do you do to release stress?

A: Sung Jun: Went out for shopping or meet friends and hangout at certain place.

     Da Bin: Drink coffee at the cafeteria and read a book.

     Min Su: Writing songs or lyrics that release my stress level.

     Su Woong : Just like Sung Jun I will go out and meet my friend often or listen to loud and exciting music.

     One Junn: I like being all alone, playing games or if possible  going for a short trip by myself. 

Q: Is there anything that you set out to do when you debuted that you have not achieved yet?

A: Da Bin: One of my final dreams is I would like to sing for an OST for a drama/movie  

Q: Who have changed the most since your debut?

A: Sung Jun: Ever since there was a spotlight from the camera, I personally  think leader (One Junn) looks so much like a celebrity as in getting handsome and much cooler than before.

Q: How would you describe your sound? What makes Boys Republic different from other boy bands out there?

A: The major difference from the other boy bands is our music style. Usually idols are doing K-Pop which is today's trends, but when we perform the song it is supposed to apply worldwide,  so that people all over the world could enjoy the music.

Q: Which one of your songs would you use to describe you fans?

"A: Sung Jun: It's hard to actually choose just one song. I would choose the title song You're Special", "L.I.U"  and "Special Girl" because of the word 'special' in the songs which I think our fans, Royal Family, are really a special person for us.

Q: Will you stick to the same concept for the next comeback or are you going to try something new?

A: One Junn: There is no definite concept that has been decided so it's hard to tell for now because it's still under discussion but it'll definitely be a different color.

    Da Bin: I personally would like to try a ballad for our next comeback to show different color of Boys Republic in the future.

Q: How does it feel to know your song You're Special To Me hit number 1 on the Malaysia's KKBOX chart?

A: Su Woong: We heard about that before we arrived in Malaysia Of course we're so happy about it and touched with the fans' love in Malaysia and since we're here in Malaysia we would like to show our best to repay back the love and support.

Q: Do you have any role model or artist that you would like to collaborate with in the future?

A: One Junn: Stevie Wonder collaborate with so many other artists and I've been watching his performances and I'll really work harder to perform such a stage one day.

Sung Jun: Since I'm into hip-hop and dancing I would like to collaborate with Jay Park.

Q: What about any other upcoming project? Do you have any plan like acting or hosting?

A: One Junn: Nothing has been decided to confirm but of course we are willing to do it if we ever had a chance.

Q: How many hours do you guys practice before performing on stage?

A: Da Bin: Usually the longest time we practiced was 6-7 hours and shortest was 2-4hours

Q: Which music stage have you performed that was the happiest stage for you so far?

A: One Junn: Last night, for UOX party in Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Q: Since you will be having a showcase tomorrow, what do you expect from the fans that will be attending?

A: Sung Jun: We were so surprised that many fans came to support us yesterday night and we hope that many fans will show up on our showcase as well.

Special thanks to Universal Music Malaysia for giving Kpopstarz the exclusive interview invite.

Writer & Photo: Nik Tim | Contributor: Aisyah Roslan