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"I hated people telling me, 'Because you're BoA' [taking all my efforts for granted]."
The 26-year-old popstress became a public figure at the age of 13, when it was a booming trend for numerous talent firms and producers from broadcasting stations to search and train young teenage idols.
Some rose high, some fell, some stayed exactly where they were when they first began. While there were no set rules and how-to guides for them to grow as true K-pop stars, BoA has always been a true believer in herself and strived to become No. 1.
And she did.
Navigating the K-pop and J-pop music scenes, the "No. 1" singer is now aiming to open the next chapter of her life by becoming the one and only, or, the "Only One" of its kind.
Back in the music scene with her seventh full-length effort "Only One," BoA has shared her thoughts about her music and recent TV experiences at an interview held at Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, Korea on July 26.
“'The Shadow' captures how I think my fans perceive me."
Audition program "KPOP STAR" was definitely one of the turning points of her life that has made the singer reflect on her past and plan the future. Watching budding future artists growing their skills and experiencing bitter failures, it was a chance for BoA to forget about the current busy life and look back at the early years of her career.
"When I look at the participants develop and be discouraged at moments, I felt sad but proud. I guess that's exactly how my fans see me. 'The Shadow' captures how I think my fans perceive me. I wrote it for them but ironically it could be about my feelings toward fans. It's not too hopeful or optimistic, but show the difficulty as singers quite realistically," BoA said.
“The standard of 'really good songs' is very personal. For me, they are songs that I like and proud of.”
"Only one" is composed of seven new songs excluding the two instrumental versions of the title tune of the same name and "The Shadow."
When asked if she does not agree that the album lacks a few tracks to call it a full-length album, BoA said with self-assurance that the quality of an album is all she cares about.
"Counting how many songs are listed in an album is not the foremost issue for me. What's really important is to make an album with 'really good songs.' I didn't want to drop the quality of my album just to make the album look full and packed. The standard of 'really good songs' is very personal. For me, they are tunes that I like and I am proud of."
She went on to say the trend of musical genres and style is one of the important factors to consider when producing an album. What is more important though, is making a song that lasts in people's heart forever with lyrics and melodies.
"I've been doing electronic music for quite some time. Then I figured electronic sounds could be placed in a song for a few parts but it shouldn't be the main theme. I also wanted to create a song with a really nice melody. The musical style I pursue differs every year and it has a huge influence on the albums I release. 'Only One' was especially affected a lot by that."
“This kind of hip-hop-based choreography is what I like and what I’m good at.”
“The choreography team Nappy Taps came to my mind in the process of writing and composing ‘Only One.’ They know about my dancing style better than anyone else because we had worked together for several months to film Hollywood dance pic ‘COBU 3D.’ I chose to wear sneakers because dancing with heels wouldn’t be able to keep the original feeling. This kind of hip-hop-based choreography is what I like and what I’m good at.”
“I prefer narrow and deep relationships over wide and shallow ones.”
However, behind her glittering career in the limelight as a singer, dancer and actor, is just an ordinary young woman in her 20s. Or perhaps, too ordinary.
Home, work, watching TV series… other than those three is just a boring life. I prefer narrow and deep relationships over wide and shallow ones,” she said, jokingly adding that she is closer to being the latter despite her preference.
“I’m so busy when I’m at home. People think I’m killing time at home but listening to music, reading books and watching TV series and movies are great sources of learning. I get inspired for my music by spending time like that but to make good music requires working with instruments by myself.”
“Only One,' or the only thing, I can't let go in my life is myself."
For more than a decade she has gone through a lonely fight against herself. On her way to success, BoA had to give up countless once-in-a-life-time events, even precious childhood memories, to have a firm hold on the steering wheel of her life.
Neither gaining fame nor being a celebrity per se was the top priority in her life. The little giant had much bigger thoughts than that.
"I used to have doubts about having a long singing career. At some point I figured once you're a celebrity in Korea, you're forever a celebrity. That scared me. Even when you're out of the spotlight, rumors and gossip surround you online and on TV. But I found myself not being able to let go of this job. I couldn't and can't control that. After all, the 'Only One,' or the only thing, I can't let go in my life is myself."
credit: http://10.asiae.co.k...072623555505461
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Collection facts from various interviews out today translated by @therlynn
Quote
BoA wants to do a melodrama RT @BoAtheKOREA [인터뷰] 사랑노래 '온리 원' 발표 보아 "멜로드라마 하고 싶어요. 기사 좀 써주세요!" http://t.co/W8eK2jf6 @BoAkwon #BoAOnlyOne
BoA suggested her song as the title song RT @BoAtheKOREA
[인터뷰] 보아 "'온리 원', 이수만이 타이틀곡으로 추천"(인터뷰②) '컴백' 보아 "제 자작곡 어때요?" http://t.co/nqepOlaH
BoA hopes to have a solo concert in BoA even if its a tiny stage RT @UriBoA Article) 작은 무대라도 국내 단독 콘서트 열고 싶어요 http://t.co/hNTyD4w3 @BoAkwon
BoA mentioned that she recorded "Only One" without much thought and got shocked when LSM PD suggested including it in the album #BoAOnlyOne
BoA wrote "The Shadow" after watching the contestants on KPOPSTAR, whom reminded her of the time when she first started #BoAOnlyOne
BoA mentioned her passion for music brought her this far.Regardless how enjoyable a job is,you'll come to hate it.But music,is addictive.
BoA mentioned her music changes with the trend.But more than going with fans' likings,it's more important to focus on the title song.
However, BoA mentioned that the other songs included in the album will be more in line with her personal likings.
BoA has no fixed ideal type,as long as he is kind and handsome.She thinks ideal types and the people you date are 2 separate matters.
Altho my stamina isn't like before,thru care,I hope to continue dancing.In future I hope to try traditional hiphop ~BoA
BoA said Shin Se Kyung drinks more than her.Rather than SSK feeling under the next day,BoA says its even tougher for her.
The day after drinking, SSK said to BoA "sis,I'm totally fine". But during her recent interview, SSK said otherwise.
BoA and SSK don't meet often, only occasionally. And that's also because they live nearby.
BoA asked SSK about Yoo Ah In when she was deciding who to cast in her MV.BoA chose him becuz he has a bad guy image.
Whenever SM wanted to try a new project, they'd try it on BoA. She thought it was unfair,but felt it was her fate.
There were many challenges being the 1st to enter the Jp market,altho its easy to walk on,isn't the already-paved road less attractive? ~BoA
My activities didn't perpetuate Hallyu,its the product of many singers over the years.They are them,I am me.Everyone has to work harder.~BoA
BoA didn't enter the US expecting to do well,instead she went hoping to learn something.Cuz (in this industry) the focus is on end results, with little interest in the process,I felt (entering the US market) gave me a lot of positive influence in my future life as a singer
Altho I wrote "The Shadow" for my fans,it might reflect how they look at me.Rather than being too hopeful or optimistic,it has realistic complaints about being a singer.
BoA said she has been listening to mid tempo songs recently,that's why she wanted to include slower songs with good lyrics in this album.
BoA said her title song breaks away from her past SM style,however her album includes standard ballads and even soul.
BoA's definition of a good song:A song that makes u feel good and increases confidence.A song that you don't want to skip over.
BoA learned from KPOPSTAR:Songs that flow with the trend are good, but it is even more important to have good lyrics and a memorable melody
(It is not stated in the credits) BoA co-produced her 7th Korean album "Only One" #BoAOnlyOne #BoAFacts
BoA made 'Only One’ hoping that it will be a song people will put into their MP3 at some point in time and listen to it. #BoAOnlyOne
BoA wrote the melody to 'Only One' first,and subsequently wrote the lyrics as though she was writing a novel,based on a predetermined theme.
BoA wore sneakers instead of heels becuz it didn't suit the hip hop-based choreo.Also,this choreo is a style that BoA likes and does well.
BoA joked that people tend to think of her as a robot with respect to singing and dancing in a live performance.
BoA said this choreo is not only difficult,but she also has little voice control bcuz there are parts where dancers carry her and move.
So BoA said it is possible that she might perform the song without dancing at all
KPOPSTAR Season 2 will go on air in November
BoA praised PSY's horse-riding dance and said that he is a strong competitor.
BoA said the last time Hurricane Venus was up against DJ Doc's song, which was written by PSY.
BoA said that COBU is currently at the additional filming and post-editing stage.It is expected to release at the start of 2013
At the beginning,BoA focused more on showing her dance rather than her acting.But in the mid and later part,she started to find acting fun
BoA said she experienced a wonderful world (in acting) and so would like to try for other works.
BoA expressed her desire to have few intimate interpersonal relationships,but in reality those she have are superficial and wide.
BoA said it is hard for her to go out and meet guys.People complain she set her sights too high when she asks them to introduce guys to her.
People told BoA that it is hard to find a kind and handsome guy. She wondered if she should join a matchmaking agency.
BoA said fans sent her second bro mentions asking him to tell BoA to stop watching drama and get outside to meet people
BoA said out of the dramas she watched recently,the character closest to her ideal type is Kim Do Jin on <A Gentleman's Dignity>
Kim Min Jong seemed a little pissed when she went to visit the set.BoA added she really liked KMJ a lot initially.
BoA mentioned KMJ is very sweet in real life,the best.And he was really cool in the scene at the airport with Meahri.
BoA wants to do romcoms drama, but she said a flying swordswoman might fit her image more.
BoA said she is very busy when she's at home - she has to listen to music,read books,watch dramas and movies, loads to learn
BoA says she will not be participating in anymore variety programs because she feels it does not match her personality
BoA says that she has the amazing charm to instantly spoil the mood whenever she speaks.So she said she'll try other activities
After the album release,continuous practice,and filming for the comeback show,BoA hasn't slept properly for a few days.
In the past,BoA wondered up till what age can she remain a singer.However Korea is a country where,if you are an entertainer, its for life
BoA got scared when she realised that.And so,the only one BoA is most afraid to lose, is herself.
Although BoA was surprised when PD Lee Soo Man told her to use "Only One" as the title track, she was really happy
BoA wanted to write lyrics that people could empathise with and reminisce rather than based on her past experience.
BoA said writing lyrics is tougher than she imagined.
BoA's father also commented negatively on BoA's ideal type, asking her "Don't you want to get married?"
KPOPSTAR filming used to last 17h for 3 days! More than beauty or skincare,BoA said rest was more important.
BoA said she only worried about her top during those long filming hours.Besides that, she wore comfy pants and sports shoes
BoA says that she is actually a gentle lady
BoA says she doesn't drink every week. Now she hardly drinks, and will only have a few beers at most.
BoA says her job is addictive and is her destiny.And because she likes her job,she puts in her all to be even better
BoA also gains satisfaction and happiness when fans compliment her on showing her good side
BoA suggested her song as the title song RT @BoAtheKOREA
[인터뷰] 보아 "'온리 원', 이수만이 타이틀곡으로 추천"(인터뷰②) '컴백' 보아 "제 자작곡 어때요?" http://t.co/nqepOlaH
BoA hopes to have a solo concert in BoA even if its a tiny stage RT @UriBoA Article) 작은 무대라도 국내 단독 콘서트 열고 싶어요 http://t.co/hNTyD4w3 @BoAkwon
BoA mentioned that she recorded "Only One" without much thought and got shocked when LSM PD suggested including it in the album #BoAOnlyOne
BoA wrote "The Shadow" after watching the contestants on KPOPSTAR, whom reminded her of the time when she first started #BoAOnlyOne
BoA mentioned her passion for music brought her this far.Regardless how enjoyable a job is,you'll come to hate it.But music,is addictive.
BoA mentioned her music changes with the trend.But more than going with fans' likings,it's more important to focus on the title song.
However, BoA mentioned that the other songs included in the album will be more in line with her personal likings.
BoA has no fixed ideal type,as long as he is kind and handsome.She thinks ideal types and the people you date are 2 separate matters.
Altho my stamina isn't like before,thru care,I hope to continue dancing.In future I hope to try traditional hiphop ~BoA
BoA said Shin Se Kyung drinks more than her.Rather than SSK feeling under the next day,BoA says its even tougher for her.
The day after drinking, SSK said to BoA "sis,I'm totally fine". But during her recent interview, SSK said otherwise.
BoA and SSK don't meet often, only occasionally. And that's also because they live nearby.
BoA asked SSK about Yoo Ah In when she was deciding who to cast in her MV.BoA chose him becuz he has a bad guy image.
Whenever SM wanted to try a new project, they'd try it on BoA. She thought it was unfair,but felt it was her fate.
There were many challenges being the 1st to enter the Jp market,altho its easy to walk on,isn't the already-paved road less attractive? ~BoA
My activities didn't perpetuate Hallyu,its the product of many singers over the years.They are them,I am me.Everyone has to work harder.~BoA
BoA didn't enter the US expecting to do well,instead she went hoping to learn something.Cuz (in this industry) the focus is on end results, with little interest in the process,I felt (entering the US market) gave me a lot of positive influence in my future life as a singer
Altho I wrote "The Shadow" for my fans,it might reflect how they look at me.Rather than being too hopeful or optimistic,it has realistic complaints about being a singer.
BoA said she has been listening to mid tempo songs recently,that's why she wanted to include slower songs with good lyrics in this album.
BoA said her title song breaks away from her past SM style,however her album includes standard ballads and even soul.
BoA's definition of a good song:A song that makes u feel good and increases confidence.A song that you don't want to skip over.
BoA learned from KPOPSTAR:Songs that flow with the trend are good, but it is even more important to have good lyrics and a memorable melody
(It is not stated in the credits) BoA co-produced her 7th Korean album "Only One" #BoAOnlyOne #BoAFacts
BoA made 'Only One’ hoping that it will be a song people will put into their MP3 at some point in time and listen to it. #BoAOnlyOne
BoA wrote the melody to 'Only One' first,and subsequently wrote the lyrics as though she was writing a novel,based on a predetermined theme.
BoA wore sneakers instead of heels becuz it didn't suit the hip hop-based choreo.Also,this choreo is a style that BoA likes and does well.
BoA joked that people tend to think of her as a robot with respect to singing and dancing in a live performance.
BoA said this choreo is not only difficult,but she also has little voice control bcuz there are parts where dancers carry her and move.
So BoA said it is possible that she might perform the song without dancing at all
KPOPSTAR Season 2 will go on air in November
BoA praised PSY's horse-riding dance and said that he is a strong competitor.
BoA said the last time Hurricane Venus was up against DJ Doc's song, which was written by PSY.
BoA said that COBU is currently at the additional filming and post-editing stage.It is expected to release at the start of 2013
At the beginning,BoA focused more on showing her dance rather than her acting.But in the mid and later part,she started to find acting fun
BoA said she experienced a wonderful world (in acting) and so would like to try for other works.
BoA expressed her desire to have few intimate interpersonal relationships,but in reality those she have are superficial and wide.
BoA said it is hard for her to go out and meet guys.People complain she set her sights too high when she asks them to introduce guys to her.
People told BoA that it is hard to find a kind and handsome guy. She wondered if she should join a matchmaking agency.
BoA said fans sent her second bro mentions asking him to tell BoA to stop watching drama and get outside to meet people
BoA said out of the dramas she watched recently,the character closest to her ideal type is Kim Do Jin on <A Gentleman's Dignity>
Kim Min Jong seemed a little pissed when she went to visit the set.BoA added she really liked KMJ a lot initially.
BoA mentioned KMJ is very sweet in real life,the best.And he was really cool in the scene at the airport with Meahri.
BoA wants to do romcoms drama, but she said a flying swordswoman might fit her image more.
BoA said she is very busy when she's at home - she has to listen to music,read books,watch dramas and movies, loads to learn
BoA says she will not be participating in anymore variety programs because she feels it does not match her personality
BoA says that she has the amazing charm to instantly spoil the mood whenever she speaks.So she said she'll try other activities
After the album release,continuous practice,and filming for the comeback show,BoA hasn't slept properly for a few days.
In the past,BoA wondered up till what age can she remain a singer.However Korea is a country where,if you are an entertainer, its for life
BoA got scared when she realised that.And so,the only one BoA is most afraid to lose, is herself.
Although BoA was surprised when PD Lee Soo Man told her to use "Only One" as the title track, she was really happy
BoA wanted to write lyrics that people could empathise with and reminisce rather than based on her past experience.
BoA said writing lyrics is tougher than she imagined.
BoA's father also commented negatively on BoA's ideal type, asking her "Don't you want to get married?"
KPOPSTAR filming used to last 17h for 3 days! More than beauty or skincare,BoA said rest was more important.
BoA said she only worried about her top during those long filming hours.Besides that, she wore comfy pants and sports shoes
BoA says that she is actually a gentle lady
BoA says she doesn't drink every week. Now she hardly drinks, and will only have a few beers at most.
BoA says her job is addictive and is her destiny.And because she likes her job,she puts in her all to be even better
BoA also gains satisfaction and happiness when fans compliment her on showing her good side
Edited by bokachu, 27 July 2012 - 03:16 AM.
