F.T. Island (Korean: 에프티 아일랜드), Five Treasure Island, or FTI, is the name of the band . The name F.T. Island stands for 'Five Treasure Island', each of the five members being a treasure. The band's official color is sunshine yellow, and their fans carry yellow flags known as "pentasticks." Their debut album, Cheerful Sensibility, made the sixth best-selling album of 2007 in South Korea. Their official fanclub is "Primadonna".

Band Members

HongGi

Name Lee Hong Gi (Korean: 이홍기)

Birthday March 2, 1990 (1990-03-02) (age 19)

Lunar Birthday February 6, 1990 (1990-02-06) (age 19)

Education Seongji High School (Korean: 성지고등학교)

Attending Kyung Hee University since March 2009, majoring in Drama and Theatre

Position in band Main Vocal

Other works Acting debut in 2002 in KBS2 Magic Kid Masuri (매직키드 마수리) as main role

Jonghoon

Name Choi Jong Hoon (Korean: 최종훈)

Birthday March 7, 1990 (1990-03-07) (age 19)

Education Shindongshin Middle Information Industry High School (Korean: 신동신정보산업고등학교)

Attending Gyeonggi University since March 2009, majoring in Digital Music

Position in band Piano, Guitar, Leader of the band

favorite day January 6

Jaejin

Name Lee Jaejin (Korean: 이재진)

Birthday December 17, 1991 (1991-12-17) (age 17)

Education Seonyoo High School (Korean: 선유고등학교)

Position in band Bass, Vocal

Other Work Acting debut in 2007 KBS2 daily sitcom Unstoppable Marriage as Wang Sa Baek (왕사백)

Musical acting debut in 2009 in "Sonagi"

Seunghyun

Name Song Seunghyun (Korean: 송승현)

Birthday August 21, 1992 (1992-08-21) (age 16)

Position in band Rapper, Vocal, Guitar

Minhwan

Name Choi Minhwan (Korean: 최민환)

Birthday November 11, 1992 (1992-11-11) (age 16)

Education Eunil Information Industry High School (Korean: 은일정보산업고등학교)

Position in band Drums

Other Work Acting debut in 2009, KBS1 The Road Home

All I have to say is... you are awesome. Second post I found of you posting some of my favorite Korean bands!

MV for ''I Hope''

Cross & Change concept pictures

FT Island Saved The Pride Of Male Singers, Ranked No. 1 On Day Of Album Tracks Release

FT Island saved the pride of male singers.

FT Island ranked the top positions on M.net chart on the day of release of their 3rd album. They also overtook the positions of other female bands like Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, 4minute, Brown Eyed Girls and many others in Cyworld and other online music charts, saving the pride of male singers.

Their new album consists of 12 songs, including the title song “Barae (I Hope)”, “Bing Bing Bing“, “Marry Me“, “Hate or Love” etc and is well-received by all.

GomTV received quite a number of downloads for their music video that was released yesterday and it went up to 2nd position in download hits ranking within the shortest period of time. In addition to this, M.net also received an amazing figure of over 400,000 clicks on F.T Island.

FT Island’s management company expressed that, “Other than the teaser that was revealed earlier, we didn’t have much publicity this time. We’re really surprised by the good response.” FT Island also said that, “Showing a better side of us is what we can do now. We will do our very best.”

FT Island will officially comeback on SBS Inkigayo this sunday, 19th July.

Source

SBS Inkigayo (19 July 2009)

FT Island - "No More Weeps! Just Smile!"

CLOSEUP

FT Island released their 3rd album 2 years after debut. Saying goodbye to sorrowful tracks from their 2nd album, FT Island comes back on stage with bright and cheerful songs.

Idol band, FT Island, brings us smiles ever since their debut 2 years back.

FT Island consists of the following members, Lee Hongki (vocal), Choi Jonghoon (guitar), Song Seunghyun (guitar), Lee Jaejin (bass) and Choi Minhwan (drums). Since their debut in 2007, their songs like “Lovesick“, “Thunder“, “After Love“, “Bad Woman” and other sorrowful rock ballads have gained lots of popularity. Lee Hongki’s melancholic singing style has become the trademark of the band. The way he expressed love and separation in the songs captured many women’s heart.

The band’s latest released album, titled “Cross & Change“, has a special meaning. Unlike their previous albums which create a dark and heavy atmosphere, their new title song “Barae (I Hope)” portrays the vibrant energy of young men in their early 20s. It is also a crossover between rock and electronica and it gives off a brighter and lighter touch to the songs. Members also look different on stage this time. Hongki is now winking at the fans instead of showing his usual depressive image on stage. And now we begin our interesting interview with the members.

Continuation of article:

#New Challenges & Readjustments

FT Island experienced a slump in their career path ever since their debut. Oh Wonbin left the team due to musical differences and Song Seunghyun joined in soon after. Many predictions and rumours were spreading on the team’s future. In order to clear up all these confusions, FT Island released a mini album titled “Jump Up“. However, the results from this mini album did not manage to reach the high expectations from the fans and the band was disheartened. They then sensed the urgency to come up with their 3rd album.

“This new album serves as a new challenge as well as a readjustment for us. We wanted to do much better to make up for what we lack from the previous album,” said Lee Hongki. “We did not want to show just one image like the previous albums. So we thought of preparing another new image this time,” said Lee Jaejin.

The band chose a brighter and positive image for their comeback. “It will be different this time” as what the members promised. They have taken a change towards brighter and cheerful music style. Besides the title song “Barae (I Hope)”, other songs like “Bing Bing Bing“, “Angel & Woodman“, “Marry Me“, “Knowing From First Sight“, “Monnani” are blending well with FT Island’s bright image. The members are all hyped up in singing.

“Just as how I often smile on screen, I’m quite a cheerful person off screen too,” said Lee Hongki. “Many also advised us to portray an image that suits our age, to joke around with each other more often and be cute,” said Choi Jonghoon. “It doesn’t seem to suit us very well but it’s good to know that we can have such image too,” said Choi Minhwan.

#Continuing Progress!

FT Island stands out amongst the many idol groups in the industry right now, being a unique band made up of a group of pretty boys who play rock music using their own instruments on stage. Back then when the band just debuted, the members were insufficient in their playing skills and received titles of being just a “flower band”. The members proved themselves by practising at least 10 hours a day without rest. The band recently received an invitation to a famous rock festival and it proves their ability.

“We are happy that we can do all kinds of music recently without any difficulty,” said Lee Hongki. “There is no end for practising. We still have a long way to go but we’re gaining confidence bit by bit now,” said Lee Jaejin.

The members portray a more matured image for this new album. They also tried out crossovers between music genres like rock-n-roll, reggae, electronica and many others. Their confidence level goes up as they widen their music spectrum. They are also doing their Asia tour promotions in countries like Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and others.

“Even at unfamiliar places, we are able to perform with confidence. We’re anticipating the tour promotions,” said Song Seunghyun. “It seems that we haven’t been resting ever since debut. There were times when we said we wanted to take a break but we did not eventually. We want to step on the “acceleration pedal” this time,” said Lee Hongki.

Source

Seo Kyungsuk's Music Show

Individual Interview With FT Island

“As Lee Hongki, I want to build a big building in Gangnam.”

- Lee Hongki

Lee Hongki, “Radio DJ, It Will Continue To Be My Challenge.”

Lee Hongki debuted as a child actor even before he turned into the main vocal of the band, FT Island.

“Because it was my dream to be an entertainer. As an entertainer, it is a pity that we cannot have our own private lives.”

Hongki had recently stepped down from being the host of SBS Inkigayo to concentrate on their album promotional activities.

As to why FT Island songs have been revolving around the topic “Love”, Hongki made the following reply.

“I’m in my twenties too, I’m twenty this year. People of this age would have had at least one love experience, I believe. It’s important to have the experience so as to grasp the right emotions when singing. Some of our staff and seniors who are close to us will also give me advice on ways to improve myself.”

In their recent comeback music video, Hongki also showed his talents in acting with his partner, “ice cream girl” Choi Ara. Many were talking about the two.

“Ms Choi Ara? She’s a younger sister. She’s younger than us and we’re rather awkward during the music video filming. I didn’t know if I should call her “Ara ya” or even use lower forms of speech to her. So I always add a “Choi Ara-Dongsaeng!” whenever I end my conversation with her. Anyway, I still like Song Hyegyo the best. Haha!”

Not just being a singer, Hongki is also trying other fields like musical and acting, as long as he can. “I want to challenge myself to be a radio DJ. Isn’t it cool? And when I get older, I aim to save more money and buy a big building in Gangnam. Hoho!”

Throughout the interview with Hongki, he has been expressing how proud he is to be in the main cast of the musical “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as the character “Lysander“. This musical will also be staged at his alma mater, Kyung Hee University.

“It’s not tough being a leader?

Well, at least it’s better than being snatched away by Hongki!”

- Choi Jonghoon

FT Island’s Choi Jonghoon, “My Popularity Ranking In The Group Is 3rd!”

Jonghoon, who is very interested in music production, is specialised in playing the guitar and piano. He always enjoys composing while playing the guitar. Jonghoon does not have many chances of singing on stage but he has a charming voice and might probably suit to be a Radio DJ.

“Radio DJ? I’m not really sure though. I think Hongki or Jaejin can do better. I want to do better than them in composing. Hoho!”

The members have different levels of popularity and Jonghoon said he’s the 3rd in rank within the group.

“Wherever we go, Minhwan, Seunghyun and I will not be the ones who stand out. It’s Hongki and Jaejin who are fighting for the top position.”

As the leader of FT Island, Jonghoon expressed thanks to their fans, Primadonna.

“We have been overseas doing promotions lately and did not have much time with our local fans. We’re really sorry about it. We will return with our 3rd album activities so please give us lots of love.”

“In the future, if my vocals improve tremendously,

I would want to take over Hongki-hyung as the lead vocal.”

- Lee Jaejin

FT Island’s Lee Jaejin, “I Wanna Have The Vocal Position Of Hongki-Hyung.”

FT Island’s Lee Jaejin who was recently casted in the musical “Sonagi”, expressed his desire to be the lead vocal in the group.

Jaejin is currently in his 3rd grade in high school. Friends of his age are currently busy preparing for their university entrance exam while on the other hand, Jaejin is aiming for excellence in all music fields.

“I feel sorry to my schoolmates who are working extremely hard right now. I’m just trying to challenge myself in areas which I think I can do better.”

There are times when he wants to go back to become a normal student whenever they face difficulties in their career path. “Sometimes my target just changed. We will also think of ways to overcome the difficulties.”

Jaejin also emphasized that he would want to be a musical actor if he’s not a singer.

“Whatever it is, I want to do something which can bring joy to the public.” As a singer, my target will be a songwriter. Of course if there are chances to star in musicals, I would want to do it too. Through musicals, you get to express your feelings to the audience using songs and it really helps to improve my vocals. Hoho!”

“It’s the 2nd album we’re releasing for the past 6 months.

It’s only now that I feel that I’m really part of FT Island.”

- Song Seunghyun

FT Island’s Song Seunghyun, “I’m The Team’s One And Only Rapper!”

This is their first full regular album after new member, Seunghyun, joined the team. As his name is similar to the actor, Song Seunghun, he also uses it as his nickname.

We also see Seunghyun doing a strong rap for their title song, “바래 (Barae)”. He shared with us the precious times he spent with the members.

“If I were to tell the difference between the first impression of the members and what I feel about them now, I would say that only their looks have changed. What’s most important is that the members gave me a lot of guidance as I’m still not familiar in this industry. I’m always grateful to them.”

Other members also said that Seunghyun is showing lots of potential in different fields. “Be it in terms of music or just myself, I want to be like the members. Please show me your guidance in future as well.”

“There’s no specific reason,”

was Choi Minhwan’s answer as to why he became a drummer.

FT Island’s Choi Minhwan, “Drummer? I’m Just Trying Out New Things!”

Minhwan has been practising drums since he was grade 6 in elementary school. He also revealed his singing talents at the recent fanclub founding ceremony.

“Singing is still not suitable for me. Playing drums is more enjoyable.”

Minhwan also shared with us some of the interesting things that happen in their house. “Whatever we do, we bet. Of course it’s different from gambling. Only a small amount of money is involved. We even bet on “Scissors, Paper, Stone”… You don’t get it right? Haha!”

Minhwan also starred in the recent drama “Road Home”.

“It was by chance that I get to act in production. I wonder how’s the response. If there’s a chance for me to act again, I would want to have the role of a student definitely.”

Source

Mnet Countdown (23 July 2009)

Music Bank (24 July 2009)

Music Core (25 July 2009)

Inkigayo Backstage (19 July 2009)

Inkigayo (26 July 2009)

FT Island @ Sukira KTR

FT Island, is it necessary to graduate from high school?

5 member band, FT Island, expresses their views on whether idols should give up their studies for career.

In a recent interview with Money Today Star News, FT Island shared with us how they handle both their studies and career.

Members, Choi Jonghoon and Lee Hongki are currently undergraduates while Choi Minhwan, Song Seunghyun and Lee Jaejin are still high school students. We see a clear difference in their way of thinking.

Current undergraduates, Choi Jonghoon and Lee Hongki gave their stand that, “It is necessary to graduate from high school.”

Lee Hongki expressed that, “It’ll be good if the school can help their students to realize their dreams. It’s not about instilling knowledge from the course books, it’s about helping each and every individual to realize their dreams through various forms of education.”

However, members who are still in high school, Song Seunghyun, Choi Minhwan and Lee Jaejin expressed that, “We support the idea of idols giving up their studies.”

Choi Minhwan added on, “In the entertainment industry, we get to learn things that we can’t learn in school. So I think it will be a better choice. It’ll be tiring to handle both studies and career at the same time because we will want to do our best in everything.”

Lee Jaejin said, “Things that we learn in high school are not being used practically. However, to realize your dream, you will still have to continue to do self-study.”

FT Island’s latest album “Cross & Change” is out in stores and they are currently promoting the title song “Barae (I Hope)”.

Source

FT Island, Voted Best Idol In Choi Hwajung’s Power Time “Summer Vacation! Idol Special”

FT Island came in 1st position in the special segment of the radio show, Choi Hwajung’s Power Time “Summer Vacation! Idol Special” held last week as the best idol star, defeating SHINee, 2PM, 4Minute, IU, Outsider and other top idol stars.

During the radio show, FT Island members shared many interesting topics with the listeners and also performed their title song “Barae” and debut song “Lovesick” live.

Upon learning the good news, FT Island expressed that they’re very happy and it was good that everyone enjoyed listening to the programme. If given another chance, they would want to go on the radio show again. They also thanked the fans who left messages for them.

FT Island’s new title song “Barae” topped various online music charts like M.net and Cyworld, the moment it was released. Their popularity rises once again with their frequent appearance on music programmes and variety shows.

Source

Music Bank (31 July 2009)