MANILA, Philippines – The K-Pop scene in Manila just got a boost with the arrival of South Korean boy band 2PM last March 1, 2013.

The boys of 2PM, Ok Taecyeon, Nichkhun, Jun. K, Lee Junho, Jang Wooyoung and Hwang Chansung, are in the capital for their concert entitled “What Time Is It” on March 2, 2013 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Known in Asia and beyond for their hit singles “Hands Up,” “Heart Beat,” “Again and Again” and “Crazy Over You,” the 2PM boys released their 2^nd Japanese album, “The Legend of 2PM,” last February 13. The album currently ranks number 1 on the Oricon Charts in Japan.

Dashing boys in white

Five of the 6 boys (Hwang Changsung was indisposed) walked into the Sampaguita Hall in Manila Hotel in matching white suits, causing fan girls to swoon with delight.

They took turns answering questions from the media, some with the aid of a translator.

The press conference began on a high note with Taecyeon, one of the group’s rappers, describing his first impression of the Philippines.

“First of all, the view is great. Just look outside the window of my hotel room,” he said with a big smile.

“When we got off the airplane and we came out to the airport, there were some fans waiting for us and we are very grateful and it was very nice to see you,” he continued.

Wooyoung, another rapper in the group, promised fans that “since it’s our first concert here in the Philippines, we will try to show our best effort tomorrow.”

But 2PM fans looking forward to hearing songs from their latest Japanese album may be disappointed.

Lead vocalist Jun. K said, “Sadly, we will not perform our songs in the Legend of 2PM album but we have prepared something special for the Philippines [so] be ready for that.”

Tight-knit group

Though relatively a new name to the Philippines, 2PM has been around since 2009. All the members, except for Nichkhun who was scouted, auditioned to be part of the boyband.

They were then trained by JYP Entertainment, a top entertainment company in South Korea who has developed such K-Pop luminaries as Rain and Wonder Girls.

The making of 2PM was filmed on a show called “Hot Blood Men” which documented the rigorous training program the boys undertook and the elimination of 3 would-be 2PM members.

Today, the group that began as individuals from separate walks of life, are now a tightly-knit group.

Nichkhun, who is also an endorser for local fashion brand Bench, shared that the group’s camaraderie sets them apart from other K-Pop groups:

“I think it’s our friendship and our teamwork and also honesty. We’re very honest about our feelings whether we’re on TV, off TV and we try to show our true nature to the public as well. I think that’s one of the reasons why people feel that they can relate to us, in a way. We love each other very much.”

Read more about Nichkhun for Bench here.

What then is in store for the members of the group?

Taecyeon said, “We’re always trying ourselves in different ways of entertainment so it could be acting, it could be modelling or radio DJ-ing. Upcoming album will be very great then after that maybe some solo acting, solo albums. You know, I can’t really say anything right now ‘cause it’s all confidential but yeah, expect great things from us.”

To which Nichkhun added, “You just said everything Taecyeon.” Cue laughter from the crowd.

No K-Pop press conference is complete without some words of greeting in Filipino.

Jun. K gamely grabbed the microphone to say, “Mahal na halo-halo,” words which were greeted by hearty laughter from the crowd.

He corrected himself right after saying, “Mahal ko Filipinos. Mahal ko Philippines.” (I love Filipinos. I love the Philippines.)

Wooyoung got it right when he said, “Mahal kita. Salamat po.” (I love you. Thank you.)

But it was Jun. K who caused tumultuous laughter with his, “Miss you kita.” – Rappler.com