AlphaBAT Hold Their First Malaysian Showcase, Discuss Hunt For New Band Member [iReporter EXCLUSIVE]
Debuted with 'AB City' last November, rookie K-pop idol "AlphaBAT" is in Malaysia over the next couple of days for their very first showcase promotional tour. Not only that, the group is also in a hunting mission of their 10th member, hence completing the 'alphabets set' of the group.
On the afternoon of 24th April 2014, the 9 members of AlphaBAT met the local media at Neway Karaoke Box, One Utama Damansara before embarking on a packed schedule during their stay here. The group was scheduled to have a tour in few cities of Malaysia, meeting the fans while promoting their debut album 'Attention', as well as holding an audition to find the next member of the group. Handsomely tucked in dress shirt and paired with 'Latin Roman alphabets' necklace, the group warmly greeted the media with Annyeonghaseyo and Apa Khabar.
Read on for an excerpt of our revealing interview session with the most talked-about 'alphabets set' in K-pop.
Q: What is the first feeling being in Malaysia?
A: This is our very first showcase tour outside Korea, and we are very excited and happy to see that there are fans waiting for us at the airport when we arrived yesterday.
Q: Was there any expectation towards Malaysian cuisines?
A: We heard from friends that Satay is very delicious and we would like to try that, and of course the famous dish in Malaysia, Nasi Lemak .
AlphaBAT members also did a short introduction of themselves to the media, and during the introduction, the letter 'A' from the Latin Roman alphabet is missing.
Q: Is there any reason why there is no 'A' in AlphaBAT?
A: 'A' stands for Alpha and the reason why there is no 'A' is because Alpha is the name for our fans.
Q: Any places in Malaysia that you would like to visit?
A: (Beta) I did some research about Malaysia and I found about Kota Kinabalu, Yes! I would like to visit Kota Kinabalu.
(Epsilon) KLCC! It is because I heard one of the towers was build by the Korean company while another one was build by the Japanese.
Q: Do you know any Malaysian singer/actor?
A: So far we are not that well versed of any Malaysian artists but we know the actress, Michelle Yeoh and shoe designer, Jimmy Choo. When Gamma and Jeta was modeling before, they were very much interested in fashion, thus they were very interested in this shoe designer too.
Q: To Gamma and Jeta, what is the difference being a model and being one of the members of Kpop Idol?
A: (Gamma) Actually, I still have a lot to learn in modeling. Jeta was my modeling teacher/sunbae instead. Plus, my height is considered as 'short' in modeling, but being an Idol, my height is considered as tall.
Q: Who do you think is the most handsome among u guys?
A: Laughs... (Everyone pointing at themselves).
MC asked the rapper of the group, Iota to perform a solo rap.
Q: AlphaBAT will be in Malaysia for few days and also to find the 10th member of AlphaBAT. What is your expectation from the 10th member that you might find in Malaysia?
A: Each one of us has strong characteristics and we hope that the 10th member possessed a strong vocal as well as good dancing skills, and we hope that he will represent Malaysia AlphaBAT in the future.
Q: Since the 9 members are all Korean, do you think there will be a culture shock and the possibility of not getting along with the 10th member?
A: We have no worries about it because we're very open minded, and Malaysia has become our first oversea visit, hence we're confident we can get along with the new member.
Q: Is it necessary to find a member that is younger than Jeta since he will soon to hold the 'K' alphabet in the group?
A: Korea and Malaysia have different cultures. In Korea, age is particularly important, but in Malaysia it's like they're all brothers. Therefore, we didn't mind about the age as long as he is a good guy and someone who can get along with us.
Q: Will the 10th member that succeeds during the audition to be part of the group as 'permanent member' or for short period only?
A: Not only in Malaysia, we're going to find the new members in other different countries as well, like Japan, China, America, Philippines etc. until we complete the set to the letter 'Z'. Therefore, we hope that you will anticipate for it and do show much interest on it.
Q: Any messages for Malaysian fans?
A: It is not that long since our debut, and this is our very first overseas promotion. We would like to thank all for you for showing much interest for the hunt of our 10th member, and of course, AlphaBAT in general. We do hope that we will go global in the future and we hope that our fans will keep in touch with us. We will dearly miss our fans when we go back to Korea. We promise that we will showcase a better and improved performance in the future.
Photo Credit: Nik Tim | Writer: Amalina A. | Contributor: Nik Tim
