[INTERVIEW] 120424 U-KISS "Standing in the Confetti of Others"

Idol group U-KISS will return on the 25th with their 6th mini-album 'DORADORA'.

They are immediately welcomed. While spending six months in Japan, they have had several notable accomplishments. Their first Japanese album, 'A Shared Dream', and single 'Forbidden Love' have ranked 2nd and 5th on the Oricon charts respectively.

Also, U-KISS has held 11 concerts in a total of six cities across Japan, including Osaka, Fukuoka, Tokyo. In July, they will tour again in an additional nine cities. According to AVEX, U-KISS is scheduled to perform at Tokyo Dome next March.

Their popularity in Japan has sky-rocketed. Their manager proudly stated, "When U-KISS first entered the Japanese market last year, they didn't have any bodyguards, but now they have 3-4". From Tokyo to Harajuku to Shibuya, there isn't a place without "U-KISS pastry". They have also filmed three CFs.

Just as nervous as U-KISS, their manager passionately stated, "They're still considered as rookies (in Korea). We're proud that U-KISS has found amazing opportunities in Japan, although it's harder in Korea. Rather than saying our status has changed, I would say that they are very happy to be able to sincerely feel the support from their fans."

"Gritted our teeth with determination for four years"

There's a lot more to consider than just plain determination. It is because they must observe the Korean music industry much more closely than the Japanese industry.

U-KISS stated, "(We) Have reached a milestone in our four years of activities. Saying it's not a burden would be a lie," and "For this comeback we are absolutely determined to succeed. We've gritted our teeth to get ourselves on the right track".

U-KISS has debuted at the same period of time as 2PM and SHINee. Although it's uncomfortable, they know it can't helped being compared to these two groups. 2PM and SHINee have both already stood in the spotlight, but U-KISS's greatest achievement has only been their song 'ManManHaNi' entering SBS Inkigayo's 'Take 7'.

U-KISS confesses, "Honestly, we have many regrets like 'we should have worked harder'. Standing in the confetti and looking over at the winners bearing the trophy for first place, we wish that we can also have the experience of being the winners".

They added, "Technically speaking, we're sunbae to 2PM by one week. But even our hubae idols such as BEAST, Teen Top and Infinite have also surpassed us. We admit that". They have also expressed that it is okay they are steadily climbing up to the top as it does not happen often, ending comparisons with other idols.

U-KISS stated, "Right now we're not envious of 2PM or SHINee, and we do, of course, want to win first place on a music program with 'DORADORA', but we would appreciate it just as much if the public would also take the time to listen to the rest of the songs on the album".

Credits: EDAILY: StarIn + gonenuts4strbux @ ROCKETBOXX.NET (translations)