Interviewer: Next up, regarding Japan!! Your pre-debut album [I□U](아이유) was released in Japan on Dec 14th. Although you haven’t started promoting in Japan yet, there has been positive feedback.
IU: I’m glad the response has been good. I was having a fansign in Korea on a weekend and there were some Japanese fans who came down with the album, I was really amazed. Also, many Korean fans seem to have bought that album as well.
IU: I’m glad the response has been good. I was having a fansign in Korea on a weekend and there were some Japanese fans who came down with the album, I was really amazed. Also, many Korean fans seem to have bought that album as well.
IU: I heard that it’s a really great venue. It has a great sound system, so I’m really looking forward to the showcase. As for what songs I’ll be performing, I’m still discussing that with our staff.
Interviewer: This year, you performed at a few K-pop festivals in Japan. Korean fans cheer really loudly, but what’s your impression of Japanese fans?
IU: The Japanese female fans left me with a deep impression. Although I was attending the Japanese concert with many other artistes, all of them didn’t didn’t just bring placards with the name of one artiste, but with the names of many different artistes instead. The strong support they gave was memorable for me.
Interviewer: Your title song, ‘Good Day’ has a 3 level vocal booster, where you hold a note for about 12 seconds and that has become a hot topic. What kind of vocal training did you go through to be able to sing such a high note,
IU: Actually I didn’t really receive much vocal training. After a short period of time as a trainee, I had my debut. (When I was a trainee,) I received more dance and guitar lessons rather than vocal training.
Interviewer: It seems to be inborn then.
IU: That’s not true. The composers gave me this song with the high note as its highlight, so it unleashed a part of me I had no idea about.
Interviewer: I see.
2011 Japan debut is confirmed!! Are you gathering information about Japan from the girl group sunbaes?
IU: I’m doing a music broadcast together with Nicole from Kara which is highly popular in Japan. She warned me, “If you don’t study your Japanese diligently, you won’t be able to communicate with them properly.” Also, Nicole being the foodie, has given me a few recommendations for good places to eat.
Interviewer: Nicole likes eels doesn’t she.
IU: She recommended a good place to eat crabs and another place for sushi which I like.
Interviewer: What kind of sushi do you like?
IU: Halfbeak, mackeral, flatfish, tuna… I like it so much that there’s nothing I don’t eat.
Interviewer: That’s a lot of fish… You know them pretty well. Are you looking forward to going to Japan?
IU: Yes, yes~~~!
Interviewer: Do you listen to J-pop as well?
IU : I’m listening to Mika Nakajima’s ‘Snow Flower’ and ‘Alone’. I like the ending theme songs of Japanese anime too.
Interviewer: What’s the difference between J-pop and K-pop?
IU: I think music really differs from country to country. I would listen to some song and go, “Ah this is J-pop”.
Interviewer: When you debut in Japan, will you be using a Jpop or Kpop approach?
IU: The decision to debut in Japan was after many Japanese agencies sent love calls after seeing my promotions in Korea. Therefore, I won’t be changing anything about the appearance or style I had in Korea. From another perspective, there’s the Japanese market to consider. I’m Korean. It would be great if I don’t have to change my style and still sing such that it suits music tastes in Japan. I don’t want to take either country out from the equation and I’ll present a style that brings together the best of both worlds instead.
Interviwer: I’m looking forward to the release of your debut song. By the way, you visted Disneyland sometime back. Which part of Japan appeals to you?
IU: Actually, I like quiet spot. Places like hot springs or temples. Japan is a country that has preserved its traditions well, so I think that part appeals to me.
Interviewer: Have you been to Kyoto before?
IU: When we went to Japan, I recall that we visted lots of places but I can’t match the places to their names. But since the staff around me went, ‘We’re in Kyoto!’, I guess I’ve been there before.
Interviewer: Visiting such old places…, doesn’t seem to fit the image of an 18 year old high school student. (Laughs). What’s the difference between Korean and Japanese fashion?
IU: I think there are many similarities. But I recall Japanese cosplay. Although, I think I’ve only seen part of it, I was surprised to find that there were many Japanese doing cosplay at various locations in Japan. I find Japanese fashion very open.
Interviewer: Besides being an artiste, you’re looking forward to marriage aren’t you?
IU: Marriage is a matter of timing and fitting requirements, that’s what I feel.
Interviewer: You’ll be going into Japanese promotions around now. What are your plans for the new year?
IU: I’ll probably be working. Although Jan 1st is a public holiday in Korea too, I’ll be working. (Laughs)
Interviewer: What are you aspirations for 2012?
IU: Don’t be greedy and it would be great to be as active as I was this year. I hope to stay healthy as well.
Interviewer: Finally, a message to your Japanese fans.
IU: I think I’ll be able to greet all of you in Japan very soon. Please look out for me. It would be great if you could give your support as well. It’s still a bit early but happy new year.
(10 Questions for IU)
Credits to luv-iu.tumblr.com
Translation: squishyblob @ weheartiu
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