The K-pop industry has been hit hard due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most affected was the rookies, who couldn’t even be seen in person with their fans and also perform live shows.
However, groups such as TREASURE weren’t content to stand around in their arms. The group of 12 members, who was first discovered on the K-pop scene in the year 2000 and has since release new albums and has honed its craft to improve its musical skills as it waited for the pandemic to stop. The group’s progress is clearly evident in the new release, “THE SECOND STEP : CHAPTER ONE” which was released today (Tuesday).
“The Second Step: Chapter One” will serve as the first step to allow us to take an even bigger step,” member Jihoon said in an online press conference held on Tuesday morning. “As We worked on our various albums, we started to realize the style we like and got more focused on the music we play and our performance. This time, we’ll try to showcase our distinctive colour, particularly through JIKJIN as the main track, which we think is the perfect match for us.”
Bang Ye-dam further elaborated, “When we practiced choreography in the past, we would be engaged in following the instructions. However, now we are able to dance more effortlessly and perform a variety of facial expressions and gestures all simultaneously. We also gained more experience with cameras, and improved our acting abilities after filming our web-based drama”Mysterious Class”.. I believe we are slowly improving our skills.”
The lead track “THE SECOND STEP: CHAPTER One” it is “JIKJIN,” a powerful and energetic hip-hop track that reveals the group’s determination and face various issues. “JIKJIN” is an Korean word that means “go straight.”
“All members of the group wanted “JIKJIN” as the lead single the moment we saw the track,” Choi Hyunsuk stated. “I think it’s an effective song that showcases the hip-hop style of YG, which cleverly blends various styles to create a unique sound. It’s an enticing and addicting music that will keep your ears glued to the table.”
Based on YG Entertainment, the company put in 500 million won ($420,000) to film music videos to promote “JIKJIN.” What is striking in the video is the wide array of cars that give the feeling of luxury and speed.
“I was exhausted on the day I was filming but my fatigue went away the moment I saw these cars,” Junkyu said. “It was thrilling to dance alongside these cars that cost a lot of money and I had to take extra attention to not leave any marks.”
The EP also includes members’ own songs written by them as well as Choi and Bang being part of the creative procedure for “BFF” (Best Friends for Ever) as well as “DARARI,” respectively.
“It took me two days for me to finish the song,” Choi said. “I believe I will be able to produce an album-length leading single to TREASURE in the near future.”
Japanese member Haruto has taken on a new challenge. “I am the singer in my group, however at first since I made my debut, I performed the sentimental ballad “Gonna Be Fine” said the rapper. “So I have a lot of love for this song.”
In the final session, guests from YG Entertainment stars talked about what they hope to accomplish in the next few days.
“I believe TREASURE can take the number. #1 spot on music shows,” Yoshi said, as Bang stated, “I also imagined that. Actually, I’ve already prepared my speech for acceptance.”
Asahi said he’d like to go on a worldwide tour. “I would like to know how people from different countries are cheering us on in the stage,” he said.
The group’s rookie members are scheduled to stage its first concert on the 9th and 10th of April, at the Olympic Hall in the Olympic Park situated in Southern Seoul.
Catch the single ‘JikJin’ here:
