The rich and gritty aroma from the searing coffee pervades the air as you walk-in into the café. Heading straight to the counter to place your order, a sudden warm and beautiful eye smile welcome you; almost enough to rouse your somnolent day away. There he is, standing handsomely behind the counter in his best 'barista' look. Meet Eric Nam as he having a time out moment and shared the perfect cup of his life with us.

(1) Wait No More! A freshly 'brew' album will be served.

Debuted with 'Cloud 9' in the beginning of early 2013 while running his way through the horizon and making pledge to wait his perfect girl at the Heaven's Door, Eric hinted that the new album is in progress as he was already headed to the recording studio. However, there's no concept has been set for this album yet-be it just a single, a mini album or a full album.

If he was to be given a choice, he wishes for this fresh 'brewed' album to be a mini; just like a shot of espresso, short but potent with a definite intense flavor. Therefore, the album will somewhat can touched people's heart and ease the ears of the listeners. Adding to that, it was scheduled to be 'served' during winter with a ballad or pop-dance tracks.

(2) Better 'brewing' through technology.

In this technological era, we have come to a pivotal moment where a need of nurturing talents in this creative industry is no longer concentrated on the traditional rounds of auditions. There are many tools to channel out your creativity and sharing it to the world today, for example YouTube and the social medias. Eric himself was not an exception as he kick starts his music career through YouTube.

He was of the opinion that the social media was such an amazing tool and also being the key player within the society to unleash their inner talents. Eric further commented that due to the observation of social medias by today's generation as the main source and platform for communication and information, the popularity of its usage has driven the industry and the fans to continue to be active and interact through it. "I think that's a cool thing about K-pop and its' fans. They are very active on social media." He expressed his thank you and appreciation towards his fans who has been sending messages and interacting with him through Twitter or Instagram. "Because of them I am able to do what I'm doing today, being able to travel to amazing places like Malaysia, meeting with you guys and conducting a show for all of you. It's awesome."

(3) Mocha-llaboration with other artists.

It was reported that Eric has been a helping hand within the capacity of Sweetune, for ex-KARA star, Nicole Jung. The production team who famously known for its synth-pop styling music has produced various artists in the industry, including Eric himself. It was still early to reveal anything in regards to this collaboration but he wishes for there will be a chance to have a duet with Nicole in the future. When he was further asked on other collaborations in his wish list, without hesitance, Bruno Mars and John Legend's name came out from his mouth. His admiration towards these internationally acclaimed musicians was clearly shown through the sparkle in his eyes. As for the Korean musicians, he would love to 'stir up the aroma' of this Korean music scene by 'mixing it up' with a collaboration with Ailee or Henry.

(4) "Good coffee is a pleasure, Good marriage is a treasure."

Being the guest MC in the reality virtual marriage show, 'We Got Married' was not an exemption for him from being asked on who would be his ideal 'wife' if he is to join the show. "Ooh, loaded question! I think it will be really fun to do it with A-Pink, Eunji, added Eric.

Admitting that he doesn't know Eunji pretty well, he sees Eunji as someone with a bright personality and laughs a lot. Eunji is like the bubbly caramel that when you snuggled it with black coffee (which is Eric's favourite), it will create a foamy, aromatic and nice caramel macchiato. Now, isn't it a perfect blend that we all waiting to indulge with?

(5) Complementary Flavours- Hosting career and the opportunity in the industry & hosting own talk show

Just like how coffee and desserts complement each other to bring out the best flavours in each, the amazing experience while hosting the English based program, Arirang After School Club has open up a great opportunity for him to host MBC Section TV (which is in Korean). As both programs received successful viewings, he believed he was slowly gained the trust and recognition from the viewers through his hosting. And if you wonder what is the perks of being the TV host? Eric manage to grab a sweet 'coffee-date' with Hollywood actress, Amanda Seyfried, hotel heiress, Paris Hilton and supermodel, Miranda Kerr.

Content with excitement that the famous duo from Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth will be visiting Korea, Eric is all geared-up to queue in the line to interview them. His dream is to meet and produce a fun show to any celebrities that visited Korea for a concert, shows or movie promotions.

In addition, hosting a TV show indeed gave him a new exposure and different flavor in this creative industry in comparison with performing on stage. Therefore, this sweet experience can be a stepping-stone for him to host his own talk show ala EllenDegeneres of the Jimmy Fallon show.

(6) Dip Brew or Fresh Press? A choice between 'passion for travel' or 'kids' for '아빠 ! 어디가 (Dad, Where Are You Going)

Once a globetrotter, Eric's passion for travelling somewhat influence his interests in TV shows and he admitted that he enjoyed watching a reality travel show, 'Dad, where are you going?', which involved 5 celebrities' father and their kids journeyed their way to rural areas and have a camping missions. When he was asked what motivates him if he ever to be part of this show, is it the idea of travelling or the involvement of the kids? He answered, traveling was indeed fun but the kid's honesty and their ability of being spontaneous were the 'magic liquid' that makes the whole journey perfect. Just like coffee, regardless how rich the beans, without water, you can't make a cup (whether you want to brew it or press it)-what's more a perfect blend.

(7) A passion for travel is like a beautiful journey in search of the perfect cup.

Using the inspiration quote, 'The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page,' Eric has got wanderlust in his blood thus his passion for travelling brought some miracles to him and shaped him as a person as he is now. The trip to Panama during his younger days was the kick-start for his love in humanitarian cause and charitable volunteerism.

He also appreciates the beauty and different cultures of each country that he traveled to; taken Morocco as example. "I was the first K-pop artist to visit the country, and it was a really nice country to visit to and experiencing its' culture. The scenery was breathtaking and if I can summarise it, it was indeed colourful. He expressed the same sentiment when setting his foot in Malaysia-it was an unimaginable that one day he will visit the country. Amazing pictures simply not enough he said, thus he promised to come back to explore and picturised the beauty himself.

As he dreams to host his own show in the future, he planned to host a show, which enabled him to travel beyond Korea. It is undeniable that Korea today has boost their tourism industry and people viewed it as the 'entry point' that connects Asia. But what Eric has in mind was to explore a more exotic and diverse cultures beyond what he has seen today in Korea, countries in South East Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore) for example.

(8) A cup of ambition

It is no secret that during his younger days, Eric has visited several countries in the South American continent to pursue his voluntary projects and humanitarian cause. He admitted that he wanted to be in the NGOs as part of his career, however his parents were against it. Truly speaking, it is definite a noble career but it did not pay up the bills much. Looking at how star studded celebrity like Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio and being the latest, Emma Watson who made her maiden speech in the United Nations, the stars' power in influencing and raising awareness to the citizens of the world somewhat paid off.

When Eric started his career in the music industry, this 'star power' played a major role in his decision to continue his singing path. He believed he is in a better position to give back to the society, making impact and influence them to become more aware of those humanitarian causes. He made an example of ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, even though it received a lot of criticisms in the beginning, as more prominent figures and celebrities get involved, it has received the sums of donations beyond what we have imagined thus creates awareness on the disease itself. "I think a big push of that was because celebrities started taking part," he said.

He further added that he truly wants to actively get involved in any humanitarian causes but time does not permit him to do at this moment. If he ever to start with any charitable work, he wants to constantly monitored the progress of it and not just giving it half-heartedly. As time is jealous and continues to work against him, he chose not to risk the nobility of the work and wish that he could continue it in the future.

It looks like Eric's favourite black coffee almost emptied. A cup of coffee with him is happiness tasted and time spent well. Thank you Eric for orchestrating his Sunday to the time of coffee, with us.

Kpopstarz also would like to specially thanked M.E Malaysia for the 'press' opportunity- and to share this 'perfect cup' with our readers. 

Writer: Amalina A. | Photo Credit: Nik Tim