FT Island...You Have Grown + Sidebar Update

So FT Island made their comeback last Friday with their new song "Love, Love." Honestly, I am so happy that they are back performing in Korea now. I'm glad that they were trying to break through the Japanese scene but I really wanted my rock band to come back and perform. CN Blue was a good filler but nothing beats my first, which is FT Island. What I noticed when I saw them perform was that they have matured and grown within one year.




As you can see above, these are past and present pics of how FT Island looks like now. The top picture is how they look like now while the picture below is how they look like roughly a year ago. I have to say that when I saw the top photo the first thought that came to me was "FT Island came back as men." Yeah...the comment is corny or lame, but don't you think it's true? Look at the bottom pic. What you see are a bunch of guys with boyish charms. I feel a young and childish aura around them. Now glance over to the top picture and try telling me that you don't feel something has changed from who they were a year ago.

Sure, I guess the theme of the photo shoot plays a key role in it...but I watched the making of that top photo shoot and they seem more mature to me. They still are playful but I don't know...something just feels different. I know that I sound like that I'm contradicting myself...but that's how I feel. The member that I felt it the most from was the maknae, Minhwan. I remember in the beginning Minhwan was this hyper kid who always did aegyo...in other words act cute. I mean, so cute that your hands and feet are curling at how childish he is. Now look at him! He lost his baby fat and now he has a very defined face...no longer the little boy. He truly came back as a man and it really took me by surprise. If you're not too familiar with FT Island or you can't seem to know who Minhwan is in both pictures....in the TOP picture he is in the MIDDLE and in the BOTTOM picture he is the one on the LEFT.

Other than the fact that they have changed appearance wide, I read an article that I found quite interesting. Along with their comeback FT Island decided to not call themselves an 'IDOL' group anymore so they can become a real band. Honestly, this is bittersweet for me. The thing about idol groups is that you get to see them on variety shows and such other than performances. But they stated themselves that they're focusing on becoming a real band and are lessening the chances of being on variety on shows. Now I know that Hongki has been on a couple but I think it might just be him going on shows since he's got the most experience. But that's just the bitter part. Trust me, there is more SWEET than bitter. I always knew from the beginning that FT Island wanted to be known more than just an 'Flower Group.' They are musicians and want to be known as great musicians who have gotten together to form a band. I know that shift is a very courageous move and I applaud them for being brave enough to go through it. I understand that they may have lost a good amount of their fanbase...but the numbers that are gone do not matter. It's the number of fans who have decided to stick with them because they weren't fans on a superficial level. Those fans, including me, fell in love with the music that they play with all their hearts. FT Island deserves to be known for more than their looks and I'm willing to do my part by continuing to support them.

Anyways, I cannot wait to see FT Island promote their album. I hope that they'll still be on the music stages when B2ST makes their comeback.

[Sidebar Update] - Can't Stop Thinking About: WTF SUNGMIN?!

KxF

Music Monday : You and I by F.T. Island

I decided to add another section to my blog. That section being Music Monday where I put my iTunes on shuffle and see what song comes up with I hit play. Since I have japanese and madarin music on my iTunes, sometimes the song won't be korean. So, let me get started.

Song for the day is..."You and I" by F.T. Island on their album, "Jump Up." That is F.T. Island's first album with their new member Seunghyun. This specific song showcases the members Jonghoon and JaeJin's voice while Hongki's voice is heard less than usual.

I already knew that JaeJin can sing so he didn't disappoint me when I listened to his voice. But what surprised me was how nice Jonghoon's voice is. He said so himself that he's not strong when it comes to singing so I already made up my mind that he couldn't sing. That's why I was shocked at how good he sounded when I heard his voice sing.

I reallly commend Jonghoon on this song because I really do like his voice. They should maybe make him sing a couple of thims. I understand that Hongki's voice is perfect for rock since it's raspy and can make any song sound painful and sad.

Here's the song. Give it a listen.

So, what do you guys think? Like it? Not your cup of tea? Well, if you like the song...you can download "You and I" by F.T. Island here.

KxF

So Sorry...

I am so sorry for not noticing how hot you are. I know I didn't even give you a chance when I continued to stare at Jonghoon and Seunghyun's sexiness and fawn over JaeJin and Hongki's voice. And I want to officially apologize for underestimating your appeal...

Choi Minhwan

Damn sexy with the leather jacket...

I think the main reason why I didn't see your appeal is because your image before was one of a little kid. You were like a little boy and the fact that you're a year younger than me kind of didn't suit well with me. Sure, JaeJin is younger but at least he was born in the same year as me.

But I began to see your appeal during F.T. Island's Cross & Change promotion. Your hair in the "Barae" music video made you look a bit more mature and I totally ignored the fact that you're a year younger that me.

So, you no longer became invisible to me. I noticed you and continued to comment on how hot you are. It was this picture and during the F.T. Triple promotions that pushed you over the line and I just had to acknowledge how you have grown.

I am sorry that I did not pay attention to you. You are 17 now and have matured quite nicely from when you debuted 2 years ago.

Choi Minhwan, I hope you accept my apology and let me stare at your manly appeal.

KxF

Kpop Group of the Day: F.T. Island

This group right here, F.T. Island aka Five Treasure Island, yes the name is lame is the first k-pop group that I got into other than Super Junior. They are different than other k-pop groups out there since they actually play instruments! And the fact that they are all good-looking and talented in the instrument that they play is a totaly plus.

But of course, something terrible happened to the group that left me depressed for a couple of days. The member Won Bin, who was actually my #1 member in F.T. Island decided to leave the group because the group wasn't going in the direction that he wanted. Or that is what people speculate...but whatever the reason is, he left the group and a new member came in.

Seunghyun.

I'm going to be honest, it took a while for him to butter up to me...but he has entered my heart now. I have accepted him as a member of F.T. Island. Anyways, here are my thoughts on each of the members.

Jonghoon: leader/guitarist JaeJin: bassist

These two fine men are my favs in the group. I have tried and tried to pick only one to be my #1 in F.T. Island, but I found it impossible. Jonghoon, the HOT guy on the right is an amazing guitarist. Since I have a thing for guys who are crazy good on the guitar, it's only obvious that I would be drawn to him. And, he's so handsome! He has thing manly charm about him that I can't ignore and he looks like someone who would be romantic towards his girlfriend. *sighs* He's for sure someone I would want to date.

For JaeJin, he's just too cute. Yes...his hair during the 'Cross and Change' was totally unattractive that I just wanted to slap give their hairstylist a good talking to. It's just a good thing that his hair has grown in their recent new PV* 'Raining' that was apparently filmed in the Philippines. One could not really tell since it was basically in some sort of concrete construction site...but it was a cool dramatic PV. One could tell that it had a F.T. Island vibe to it. ANYWAYS, what I love about this guy is that he is just too adorable and I love his voice. I was so happy when they started to make him sing a lot more. He has a smooth sweet voice. Oh! One more thing...these two guys are so hot that they are STILL FINE when they cover half of their face with shades.

Seunghyun: vocals/guitarist Hongki: lead vocals Minhwan: drummer

Of course, one cannot forget the other three members of the group.

Seunghyun...the guy that grew on me. It's probably because of the awesome hair, I'm a sucker for guys that have awesome hair. Yes, I look at hair when it comes to guys. After I looked past the awesome two layered colored hair, I saw how funny this guy was. His sarcastic attitude that bother his hyungs is too hard to resist. And I still can't believe that this guy is actually a year younger than me. Goodness gracious.

Hongki...now this guy has an amazing voice. I could listen to his husky low voice any time, day and night. I swear...I will never get tired of hearing his voice. He can sing fast songs, slow songs and sing in various ranges. And this guy is so much fun to watch in interviews and variety shows. He's crazy and fun and looks adorable doing it. I love him in his new drama too...but that's for another post.

Minhwan...the maknae. Truthfully, I didn't really pay much attention to this drummer. But after watching more vids of him, he perked my interest. He really is cute and I found it funny how he always act like all the hyungs hit him. When in reality, he could hit them back. Have you seen his arms? He's the fricking drummer...he should have arm muscles. Anyways, he really grew up and changed looking at him now. He's more matured.

So yes, F.T. Island is filled with talented guys and I wish them the best in the future. I also hope that they'll be able to accomplish what they want...to be recognized as a rock band, not an idol group.

Signing off,

KpopxFanatic