By Korea.net Honorary Reporters Bojana Doneva and Yana Ilieva from Bulgaria
Photo = Bojana Doneva and Diana Trifonova
Video = Friday Chopsticks

Korean musician and former LEDApple member Jang Hanbyul visited Europe for the third time in July 2018. The tour included a concert in Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, as well as a return concert in Bucharest, Romania. After touring The Old Continent as the lead vocalist of LEDApple in 2014 and winning the hearts of many, Jang came back to Europe to introduce his new songs to his dedicated fandom. The K-pop star received a warm welcome during his Bulgarian stop. Bulgarian fans were overjoyed to see their idol for the first time, making it a very memorable event. Despite his busy schedule, Jang sat down for a short interview with Korea.net Honorary Reporter Yana Ilieva. During the interview the K-pop singer discussed his music and future artistic plans.

- This is your first time performing in Bulgaria. How does it feel to be back in Europe?

Bulgaria’s a first time for me. Especially when I came so close last time when I came to Romania; at the Romanian concert I knew that a lot of Bulgarian fans had come to Romania to see LEDApple perform, so I am glad that I can come to you this time. So far so good. Everything is beautiful. Having a great time!

- You have become known in Bulgaria as a member of LEDApple. Could you tell us the difference between performing in a band and being a solo artist?

There is definitely more pressure on stage, if you are by yourself. You can enjoy being on stage with the people who come to see you but then there is a kind of loneliness, too. The space just seems so empty on stage. There is more pressure for me to walk around and make myself a bigger presence. When you are in a band the other members will take responsibility for the parts that I have to do now. So there was less pressure before. On the other hand, I can definitely say that by being a solo artist I can decide on the songs that I want to sing. There is no fighting between members because I am by myself. Those are the strengths and weaknesses of being a solo performer.



- How did you first decide to become a performer in Korea?

I started to become interested in music when I was around 12 or 13 years old. Since that age I pursued music, listened to music but I did not really think of it as a professional career for me until I graduated high school. At that time I was considering studying for a musical career in Australia but because of the cultural differences, I thought I would have more potential for success in Korea than in Australia. That is why I came to Korea and started to perform.

- Have you ever thought of pursuing a different music genre than K-pop?

Of course, of course! I was not interested in K-pop until very late in my teens. Mainstream music was the type of music I was really into. To this day I still want to try some English songs or to try to get on the Billboard charts in the Western parts of the world, for example.

Watch the full interview below to find out about Jang’s favorite musicians, his YouTube channel covers and more.

wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.