FT Island 17th Anniversary'"We wanted to show ourselves in our 30s""

Jul 10, 2024

FT Island 17th Anniversary''We wanted to show ourselves in our 30s''
FT Island Lee Jae-jin, Choi Min-hwan, and Lee Hong-ki (from left) Photo courtesy of FNC Entertainment
The band FT Island (Lee Hong-ki, Lee Jae-jin, Choi Min-hwan) shows their musical identity today (10th) with their seventh studio album 'Serious'.

The entire sound source of FT Island's new album 'Serious' (Serious) will be released today (10th) at 6 p.m. on major music sites, and the music video of the double title song 'Serious' (Serious) with the album name and the same name will also be released on the official SNS channel.

FT Island's seventh studio album 'Serious' (Serious) is an album that breaks down stereotypes surrounding FT Island. It shows the original 'I' without addition or subtraction, away from the 'I' defined by the world, and contains a strong will to continue walking its own path. FT Island, which celebrated its 17th anniversary this year, released its bold and honest inner story with its seventh full-length album containing a total of 10 songs that participated in writing and composing all the songs.

The double title song 'BURN IT' (Burn It), which was pre-released on the 27th, is a song for those who seek a new beginning beyond the seemingly impossible. The double title song 'Serious' (Serious), which will be released today (10th), the comeback day, begins with a minimal and dark track and expresses the firm determination toward the unchanging goal with a gradually grand chorus sound. The recurring lyrics 'Walkin'till I die' contained the members' strong will to continue on their own path over obstacles.

FT Island, which will give another resonance to listeners who love band music with more weighty mature music through the new album. FT Island, which continues to wonder what's next to walk ahead, will hold a listening session today (10th) to commemorate the release of its new album, and will continue its active activities by appearing at various festivals and performances.

FT Island 17th Anniversary''We wanted to show ourselves in our 30s''
photo courtesy of FNC Entertainment
The following are questions and answers about the release of the 7th full-length album 'Serious' (Serious) that FT Island answered directly.

Q1. It returned as a full-length album after about eight years since the sixth full-length album 'Where's the truth? (Wears the Truth?) released in 2016. I'd like to hear how you feel about the release of your seventh full-length album 'Serious' (Serious).

Lee Hong-ki: I'm excited because it's been so long. I'm not releasing a lot of full-length albums these days, but I really wanted to.

Lee Jae-jin: To prepare for the regular album, there was a feeling that it didn't fit the mood these days, and the weight of the preparation was different. However, there were many colors of music that we wanted to do, and we prepared it with confidence in the people who purchase the album with the desire to increase the songs we need for us who perform often.

Choi Min-hwan: I've always wanted to play various music to my fans while releasing a mini-album. I've been waiting for the full-length album! Thank you so much to the fans who waited for a long time, and I'm also looking forward to this full album! Please look forward to it and listen to it a lot!

Q2. Please introduce the song and let me know what the double title songs 'BURN IT'(Bun-it) and 'Serious(Serious) are. What kind of situation do you think it would be good to appreciate this song?

In the case of Lee Hong-ki: 'BURN IT', I think it goes well with alcohol. 'Serious' is best recommended to listen to at the concert hall. Usually, it would be good to make a decision or listen to it at night when you are determined.

Lee Jae-jin: 'BURN IT' is an attractive song with a theme of intense attraction that comes from a dreamy feeling, and 'Serious' is a wonderful song with a thick weight and will. I think both songs will shine the most if you listen to them when you need to cheer up.

Choi Min-hwan: I don't think the song 'BURN IT' is a genre that hasn't been in FT Island. Personally, if you listen to it while driving, you will be able to nod your head and enjoy it! I think 'Serious' is the best song for the festival! I think it's a song that can show the cool side of FTISLAND anywhere.

Q3. The album features two title tracks, 'BURN IT' and 'Serious', drawing attention. Is there a special reason why you performed the double title song?

Lee Hong-ki: That's something I think is interesting, but when I asked a lot of people for their opinions, it was really half and half! The members were like that too, and both were so good that we decided on a double title song.

Lee Jae-jin: Both songs are so attractive, and I was greedy because they were a style I'd never performed before.

Q4. What other songs do you want to recommend besides the double title track from the 7th studio album?

Lee Jae-jin: 'T.I.V(Tears In Vain)' is recommended. When we made the melody, we tried to renew the rhythm and feeling, and we recommend it because it's a song that contains our new attempts.

Choi Min-hwan: I recommend the song 'INFERNO'! The grand sound is good, but I'm confident that the listeners will be able to hear it again.

Q5. This album is expected to prove the distinct color of FT Island, as the members participated in the whole song. Is there a part that you put the most effort into while working on an album or song?

Lee Hong-ki: We wanted to show ourselves in our 30s. I wanted to let you know the identity of the band called FT Island and our mindset these days through music.

Lee Jae-jin: Both the selection and production process of the songs to be included in the album were discussed and collaborated with so many people. It is most important to show our colors even during the second half of the work, so I think we put the most effort into mixing.

Choi Min-hwan: I put my heart and soul into every song, but I think FTISLAND's friendship stood out a lot while working on it this time. While working, I saw the process of coordinating opinions among the members and the attitude toward each other that were really 18 years old. Since we've been together for a long time, I thought that it's really perfect.

Q6. Even after the release of the album, we plan to actively meet fans through various stages such as musicals, festivals, and broadcasts. What kind of reaction do you want to hear the most? Is there a goal you're looking forward to?

Lee Hong-ki: "It's different from FT Island we knew, but it's so cool."I'd like to hear the response ".

Lee Jae-jin: I hope these are songs that some people haven't listened to, but not those who have listened to them once. Since it's a genre that doesn't exist a lot these days, we want to come forward and visit many people and provide our music.

Choi Min-hwan: "'This album is really well made.'", "Cool" I'd like to hear this reaction the most. The direction and goal we want to go are clear, so we hope many people will find out! If you walk steadily and silently, I think many people will definitely listen to it.

Q7. Recently, there has been a band music craze. What kind of band does FT Island want to remain on its 17th anniversary?

Lee Hong-ki: bands with certain colors, bands that represent Korea must be, cool bands, and bands that play well. Is it too much? (laughs)

Lee Jae-jin: Of course, I want to be the brightest band right now, but over time, when our fans and juniors see us, I want to be the band that is still cool and looking forward to the next music.

Choi Min-hwan: I want to be an irreplaceable band. I think it would be good to be an example for new bands starting from now and become a band that I want to imitate.

Q8. Lastly, a word to the music fans and prima donna (official fandom name) who will be waiting for the album.

Lee Hong-ki: Always overflowing with gratitude. I really want to keep the promise we made. Let's be dependable, reliable, and closer to each other!! I worked hard to make it! Please listen to it a lot

Lee Jae-jin: Thank you for waiting for so long, and we will continue to show you good performances, so please look forward to it!

Choi Min-hwan: Thank you for always supporting and waiting for us, and let's enjoy new performances again with this album!



yaqqol@sportschosun.com