Today we have the honor of bringing you an interview with the band 2Z. 2Z is a band made up of 5 active fashion models, who debuted two years ago, and it can be said that they have such as a very unusal career. Now 2Z is preparing for their first world tour "2Z 'A Crash Landing' in 2022" starting with Brazil and Mexico.
In the interview they tell us about their two years as idols, with who they would like to collaborate, which cities they would like to visit, and much more.
Hi, thanks for your time. Can you introduce yourself for our readers?
Jung Hyun: Hello, the youngest member who is silently playing "Bassguitar" in "2Z". That's it!
Hojin: Hello!! For those who are reading this interview through "Korean Stuff"! I'm "Hojin" who's singing in "2Z". I am the most important member of "2Z" who acts as a bridge between the members and fans. ^^
Jiseob: Hello! This is 2Z's guitarist "Jiseob". It's "2Z's "Fashion King".
Bumjun: Hello~ I'm 2Z's "Leader, Drummer" and I'm desert fox, "Bumjun".
Zunon: Hello, I'm the eldest and the DJ of 2Z, "Zunon".
Two years ago from your debut, how would you describe these two years? Is it similar to what you expected during the trainee days?
Jung Hyun: The biggest difference between two years ago and the present is the mindset as a "Bassist".
In the beginning of our debut, I wanted to show more in front of the camera and stand out more while performing. I didn't have enough thoughts about "Band Balance. "How can I assist better between the rhythm and the melody being the bassist?" "How can I express this groove to people?" "What is playing and the stance in a bassist? I think I've changed my mind as a Bassist. When I was Trainee, I was a sophomore in high school.
When I debuted, I was a senior in high school. What I expected ahead of our debut was the creation of a plaque in my high school. "Lee Junghyun from class 6 in the 3rd grade! Congratulations on "2Z" and your debut!" Like this... But there was no plaque. When I was in high school, I talked a lot with my vice principal
I thought I liked it a lot, but I think it was my misunderstanding.
Hojin: The "teacher" and "producer", who started out ignorant of the field of "music", really helped us a lot. As a "Musician", you need to know more, express and deliver music somehow, and as a "Vocalist", you have to act as a bridge between a band and people and connect emotions with each other. But all of this didn't go my way. I think there have been many times when I've been overloaded. However, the more I did music, the more I learned the unique "charm".
As a "Band", we match the ensemble of "Sound" and go on stage with that combination to convey emotions to people. I learned that this is such a wonderful thing.
Of course, after debuting, our tour was scheduled, and we planned to perform a lot, but it was often canceled due to the pandemic. But during that time, we didn't give up and got a great load of 27 songs, and now that the pandemic situation is a little better, Brazil and Mexico tours have been confirmed! I guess it's right to say that if you don't give up, you can see the path no matter what.
Jiseob: Two years after 2Z performed its debut, there are so many changes. When we were trainees, a lot of unexpected things happened.
First, our fandom "FromA" came to us. On the other side of the world, there are people who listen to 2Z music and people who support 2Z.
And when I was a trainee, I thought a tour was still a long way for us. But just two years later, we are about to go on a tour to Brazil and Mexico. In fact, we had so many twists and turns, and the members have spent two years relying on each other. So I believe 2Z has a stronger energy than anyone else.
There will be more changes in the future, but no matter what it looks like, 2Z will do music without changing. In the form of a band that conveys hope to you.
Bumjun: No...
When we were trainees, we thought we'd become famous right after our debut. All the members are models and have an average height of 187cm, and each member has a different personality and is attractive in their handsome appearance. I thought we would become famous right away.
But... Contrary to what we expected... On the first music show stage, we were infinitely small.
Since it's still a band that lacks a lot, I don't think the image we wanted to express has touched people well. However, over the short but long period of two years, we have suffered a lot of hardships and adversity, and we have grown into a solid 2Z with a mixture of blood and tears and smiles and happiness.
I think so. I think life is fun because it's different from what I always expected. So, we try to imagine every time, and we try to show our different sides every time.
Two years later, more and more our fans are being paid attention and loved these days. 2Z's fandom, FromA, and those who supports us, have been a great help in protecting their dreams and lives due to 2Z's musical message, and they send us many support messages, such as "you are like sunshine" and "thank you for being a ray of light". I feel it after the debut. I think each and every little message has a precious meaning and support to many people.
In the future, even if we stand at two crossroads, we will not hesitate to choose, and we will go in the direction we want to go silently.
Zunon: In fact, I rarely had a trainee time with other members after 2Z got eliminated from the auditions and I joined from the 2nd album EP.
However, I was in charge of the position where I had to play many instruments such as percussion, keyboards and saxophones, so I remember being busy following the members to not interfere with the team.
I've never been loved much before I joined 2Z, but I'm incredibly surprised and happy to receive such great love after joining later.
The K-POP industry is especially known for its dance groups. Were you ever afraid that as a band you might face more difficulties?
Jung Hyun: I've never been afraid. First of all, I thought a band was really cool work because it was a work of a making piece of music while playing in your own position, and I felt a lot of charm. And within the industry of K-POP, Dance groups have their own appeal, and only a "band" has its own beauty. I'm just excited and excited to think of doing this wonderful thing in the future with our members and reliable producers. And I have a lot of pride in this.
Jiseob: Yes, there was actually one. The culture of K-POP is better known as a dance group.
At the beginning of our debut, there was also a fear of "Will 2Z survive in the K-POP industry, which is drawing attention as a band and as a Dance group?
But what caught that fear was our pride saying, ·We are a band." That mindset made us prouder and wherever we went, we were able to do our performances in a cool way.
We are so proud of ourselves.
Zunon: I've never been afraid. I liked music and I liked expressing it, so I came into 2Z, and I had a lot of fun and felt loved as I gradually reached the same emotions with the other members in our performances.
During the creation, I felt the greatest joy when I made eye contact with the other members and I felt the connection in my heart, and I thought this energy made at this time was the beauty of this Band. Whenever that happened, I imagined, "Does an idol group feel like this when their chroeography combines well?" Idols, groups and Band have different forms, but I think they have something in common. Both express something, and I think 2Z will continue to show 2Z's own color in the future, so many people will like it.
We want to get know you better, can you tell us about any talent that we don't know about? And how would you describe 2Z in one sentence?
Jung Hyun: I have the ability to dispose of leftovers. Basically, I like to eat but... I can't stand leftovers. When we all eat together at work, when everyone is full, everyone always sees me when there is food left. ^^ And "2Z" in one sentence... It can be called "Super Antibody Band". It's because the five of us had a hard time with "COVID-19" and all of us had "Super Antibody"!
Hojin: I can't melt people. Do you understand what it means to melt people?
With my smile eyes and dimples...
If you're reading this interview, you'll probably melt away if you look me in the eyes for just three seconds.
Like cheese on top of spaghetti.^^
If 2Z expressed in one sentence, I would like to express it as 'not so different from you, just the same person'.
Band, composed of beginners who first encountered music, challenged and tried to play 27 jewel-like songs for you. I hope this hardship will be the hope for people living with us.
Now, the world has become a difficult world to challenge something. Because you have to live worrying about an uncertain future. But we, who are the same "people" as you, have challenged to become musician and are still doing it! I hope you have courage after reading this.
Jiseob: In fact, our members have a lot of talents other tan music. As for me...
As I answered in question 1, I am 2Z's "fashion king." hahahahahaha
BUMJUN and I are very interested in fashion. So we say "I'm more of a fashion king" to each other. If you want to know about my fashion, you can follow my Instagram (2z_jiseob). haha.. :)
And I'm very interested in tattoos. I have about four of five tattoos in my body. Until now, we couldn't talk with fans about tattoo topic. In the future, I want to talk a lot with our fans about tattoos.
Lastly, to explain 2Z in one sentence, 2Z is a band with "JISEOB that dresses better than BUMJUN", hahahahahhahahaha
Bumjun: I think so... ^^
I think there is a feel more than being a member in all fields. Of course, fashion is included. Speaking of fashion, I think JISEOB, which is referred to as "Fashion King", is the best dresser among our members and he's much more fashionable. ^_^
Also, I'm the best at games among the members and I'm lucky.
If 2Z is explained in one sentence, it is "an existence like the sun". "I'll be a ray of warm light for you".
Zunon: I'm the eldest in this team and I'm good at communicating, so I listen to the concerns of the other members well, and I'd like to take this opportunity to study psychological counseling and get a certificate.
If 2Z is expressed in one sentence, it is a ban with various shapes such as "chameleon". Each of them has a different personality and all five of them did model activities, so when the shoot their profiles, they pose like models and when they return to their daily lives they play like a band and act as actors, attractive actors.
You have participated in 2 OST recently, how has that experience been?
Hojin: I've starred in the drama "Og! Boarding House" and it was a great experience to sing this OST! I bragged a lot about it to the actors who appeared with me. ^^ "I sang this song!!!" and bragged about it. Everyone looked at me with a look of respect, and it was very thrilling. ^^
Participating in an OST was very good experience because OST allows you to immerse yourself in the scene of the drama and you can play an imaginative role. It was really cool that the song I sang came out with the scene from the drama! I want to do more OST of other drama in the future.
Bumjun: Many people listened to our OST and watched the drama because of it. When we filmed and recorded the Music Video, we tried hard to express the story of the drama. In particular, I did my best to faithfully express both the appearance of "Behind cut" character and "2Z" character's "Drummer BUMJUN"
It was meaningful and happy to show not only Ki-jin's appearance but also the appearance of "2Z" BUMJUN to those who watched "Behind Cut" while filming the Music Video
What would be your favorite song among all your releases, if there is any?
Jung Hyun: "Not Without U". This song has the power to bring everyone together. As being part of "Not Without U" is connected one by one, I think the "Oh Eh Oh Oh Oh" part is so good and beautiful. I can make a drama with this song. And it's also the song I'm looking forward to play the most during Live Performance. I'm especially looking forward to the "Oh Eh Oh Oh Oh" part that we all sing together at the same time! I can't do without "U" (FromA) ! Yo know, right?!
Hojin: I like the song "Even if Not (I'm ok)" the most. It's a song that I participated in with an OST of a Webdrama called "Kissable Lips". When I listen to this song, I imagine "Running to the last person I loved before I die". This song is very sad. Also I think the phrase "Even if not (I'm ok)" is very contradictory, but romantic. For me, "leaving if you're not that person" is what I think of as love. That's why I really like this song.
Jiseob: "It is U". The reason why I love this song the most is because of the song's meaning. "In the end, fate goes round and round and back in place", this sentence touched me so much and moved me. And when I listen to "It is U" or play it, I think of all the pas days of 2Z. That's why I love "It is U" the most.
Bumjun: "Keep The Promise". It's sexy and has my voice in it. This is because it is the first song of "2Z" with my voice in it.
Zunon: I like "Behind Cut" the most. It's a song released as an OST, so it's memorable and above all, I think the chorus part is the most attractive.
If you could collaborate with another artist, who would you want it to be?
Hojin: I want to do a collaboration with BTS. BTS is an artist that is recognized all over the world. Not too long ago, I saw a collaboration of BTS and the world-class ban Coldplay, and I was jealous as a band.^^... The collaboration stages of an idol group and a band looked really fun. Also, the words that BTS often uses in the lyrics, "love", "dream", "hope", "challenge" and "person". These words are also linked to the story that 2Z wants to tell.
We were a band made of beginners who were new to music. Starting from the beginning, we endured and go through each other and came all the way til here. When we first debuted, people said that they wanted to be a band that grows with you even though it's not complete yet. No matter how hard and tired I was, I promise that I would never give up. This "challenge" itself was the hope and courage we could give to people.
I think you and us must have had a hard time because of the pandemic for two years. I thought it would be nice if our music could be the hope and the courage for you, so I used to cover BTS songs in 2Z if 2Z and BTS make a collab, I think it will have a better impact and message on people.
Jiseob: (GI)I-DLE, I wanna do a collaboration with them. We once covered "oh my god" of (G)I-DLE. At that time, while covering "oh my god", I though that the music talent of Jeon Soyeon, which is (G)I-DLE's leader, was amazing. And the performance was also amazing.
And actually, I'm a big fan of (G)I-DLE. Personally, it has my own feelings... HUHU
Any specific future aspirations or goals after this?
Jung Hyun: I want to successfully finish the performance in Seoul in April and the performances of Brazil and Mexico in June with a sold-out. Currently, I'm only thinking about performances. It's because it's been a while since we performed in Korea, and Brazil, and Mexico are the first overseas tour. And the goal is to receive a lot of love from other countries in Latin America after we visit Brazil and Mexico. And starting with Latin America, we wanna travel around the world.
Hojin: As a band, I want to perform symbolic performances that can be remembered for a long time, such as "Oasis in Knebworth". I believe we can do it.
The band that performed this symbolic performance is remembered beyond generations no matter how much time passes. I think it's really cool and admirable that it's not forgotten and continues to be remembered by people.
Jiseob: We have a goal that we haven't achieved since our debut. It's "Rookie of the Year" awards. Now, I want to received The "Artist of the Year" award at Awards ceremonies such as Korea's Golden Disc Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Melon Music Awards
If our goal is desperate, I think it's a dream that we can achieve someday. Then like BTS, there will be a day when we will receive the "Artist of the Year" award at the "American Music Awards.
Bumjun: "Let's no give up as we do now and overcome silently!" is my goal. The members gather together to become one and challenge the future things without fear. We'll carry out the planned schedule for this year safely.
Zunon: Since we want to be artist who can express in various ways, we want to challenge not only music but also other genre's expressive arts such as acting and modelling in the future. Especially, I want to try acting a lot.
You have several concerts around the world preparing, are you nervous? Which city would you like to visit?
Jung Hyun: I'm so thrilled and excited, sometimes I get goosebumps when I imagine the concert hall when I play while preparing for the tour every day. Especially when I picture the cheers when we first appeared and the fans singing together. And there are so many countries that I want to visit, so this question is always hard. I want to complete the perfomances successfully at Brazil and Mexico in June and visit more countries of Latin America!! And i hope that this interview will give many people of Spain a chance to listen to our music and become FromA to go on a Spanish Tour.
Hojin: During our Brazil and Mexico tour, well visit four cities in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Sao Paulo and Fortaleza. Unfortunately, only Mexico City is scheduled for Mexico. During the tour, I hope other cities near Mexico City will call us. The cities I want to go to are Monterrey and Guadalajara. ^^
Jiseob: I think I'm more excited than nervous. We've always dreamed of a tour. I've been practicing every day of our tour. While performing in Korea while busking, I have met fans who are close to me, but going to meet fans on the other side of the world is a new experience and it's very exciting for me
No matter what country or city 2Z is, I want to go and perform if there is a place where they call us.
Bumjun: I want to go all countries. Even if there are only few fans who like us from all over the world, I want to go that country to perform, and enjoy the culture of that country. I'm sure you're nervous and nervous about the concert, we will do our best to enjoy as much as we have prepared.
Zunon: It still feels like a dream and I can't believe it. Rather than saying that I want to go any city, I want to run to 2Z wherever you are. To do that, we need a lot of attention and help from our fans. We want to go on a Tour around the world as our 2Z members become more famous and our songs become more popular than now.
Dou yo want to send a message to fans in Spain and Latin America?
Jung Hyun: First of all, thank you for reading this interview until the last question! And thank you to Korean Stuff for giving me the opportunity for this interview!
Starting with Brazil and Mexico in June, we want to visit other countries of Latin America!! In order to do that, we need your strength!! Please listen to our music a lot and let us know. I also want to get a lot of new opportunities in Spain. We'll always be preparing while looking forward to the day we meet in person after a long pandemic! Let's all cheer up a little more and overcome it until the end. Please remember our names! 2Z!!!
Hojin: Everyone in Spain and Latin America, thank you so much to Korean Stuff for sending me this precious interview. I hope you will pay a lot of attention to us in other countries of Spain and Latin America after reading this interview. One day, we'll meet in person and have interview witch each other.
I want to see you face to face. Until we can meet in person and shout "We are one together"!
Jiseob: Thank you so much for this precious interview, Korean Stuff. With this interview, I hope 2Z's music will reach many people in Spain and Latin America. I hope to see you soon in Spain and Latin America.
Bumjun: I want to perform in Spain and Latin America as soon as possible! As a country with a long history, Spain is known as a country with many expressions of art. When I go to Spain, I want to enjoy the art culture of Spain, and when I go to Latin America, I want to play on busking on the "Santo Domingo Coast".
I want to enjoy the culture of the place where you live, and I want to spend time with you in the same space, enjoying music, and talking about small things. >_<
I love you~~❤️❤️❤️❤️
Zunon: Spain and Latin America, thank you so much for your interest in 2Z. It's too unfortunate to just talk about this in an interview.
Anyway, I'm so grateful for this opportunity and I believe the day will come soon when we can meet. Please continue to pay more attention to us. Until the day we do a Tour all over the world!