'Vitamin vending machine'–declaring Flare U officially launches into the music scene today (13th).
On the 13th, at Blue Square Woori WON Banking Hall in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, a media showcase was held to commemorate the release of the group Flare U's (FLARE U) debut album YOUTH ERROR.
Flare U is a duo composed of Choi Rip-woo and Kang Woo-jin, who were recognized for their skills and potential through Mnet's Boys 2 Planet, which aired last year. The two showed remarkable teamwork throughout the program, winning much fan love, and when they meet as a team they create synergy.
The name Flare U means the moment two sparkles meet to form one light, conveying that two people with their own colors and temperatures shine more brightly together and are complete when with their fans.
When asked about their feelings on debut, Flare U showed excited hearts. Choi Rip-woo said, "I am now Flare U's Choi Rip-woo. After debuting as a solo artist, I am excited and thrilled to be able to show a new side as part of a group. I want to work hard as much as the support we receive," and Kang Woo-jin said, "I am happy and excited to be able to debut, which I have always dreamed of. I will do my best today."
The debut album YOUTH ERROR is an album that records two youths who are wrong, fall and have different errors. Through this album, Flare U plans to clearly show their own youthful energy and performance color. Kang Woo-jin explained the debut album as "an album that contains the story of two youths who are wrong, fall, and have different errors. It means that Choi Rip-woo and Kang Woo-jin meet as a team, complement each other and shine as one light."
The title track WAY 2 U is a hybrid pop song that combines a bouncy pluck riff and upbeat rhythm with the glitchy sound of hyper pop and a rhythmical groove. It captures the excitement of realizing feelings beyond friendship and rushing to someone without hesitation after emotions suddenly start like a phone vibration. Choi Rip-woo added in introducing the song, "When I read the lyrics, it reminded me of the fans, so I felt good."
Regarding the viewing points of this album, Choi Rip-woo said, "Personally, I think our album jacket photos are pretty. We came wearing outfits that look like twin looks; in a very cute and comfortable space we play around while listening to the songs, and we showed that— it feels like the fresh atmosphere a rookie can show." Kang Woo-jin said, "Cute performances are a feature of this album. Each has a story so you can enjoy it. The choreography for the title track WAY 2 U and 'Hyper' connect. 'Hyper' has choreography connected by a red thread that tells the story of two people who became connected."
When asked what kind of team they hope Flare U will be remembered as when the two debut today (13th), Choi Rip-woo said, "It might sound a bit funny to say, but I want to have the name vitamin vending machine. Vitamins are something people take well and are essential, and we want to be that kind of presence. I hope people can get energy when they want or need it."
The two provided impromptu aegyo befitting the 'vitamin vending machine', bringing smiles. They also revealed their achievement goals as Flare U, saying, "We are rookies, so we hope to be able to win a rookie award."
Ahead of their debut, the two expressed gratitude to the senior artists at their agency who supported them. Choi Rip-woo said, "All the seniors at the company cheered for us whenever we met at the building. After N.Flying senior's fan meeting, at a dinner, senior Seung-hyeop gave good advice and gave me his contact information, saying, 'Contact me whenever you need.'"
Kang Woo-jin said, "At the FNC company I met senior Hwi-seung in the elevator and greeted him, and I did radio with P1Harmony senior; they led it and that was very helpful."
Flare U is launching into the music scene as a rare male duo these days. Regarding the team's strengths, Kang Woo-jin confessed, "I think the advantage of a duo is that coordinating opinions is easy and fast. Also, we move through parts faster than other groups, and each of us has many parts." Choi Rip-woo laughed, "Because I have many parts, I think the advantage is that each color stands out a lot. These days there are not many senior duos, so rather we have a color that only we can do; we are different characters who meet, complement each other and complete the picture."
The two also revealed role models as Flare U. Kang Woo-jin said, "AKMU seniors are my role models. I think they have a similar pursuit and feel to ours. Seeing the seniors, they enjoy the stage and sing their own stories, and I wanted to resemble those parts." Choi Rip-woo also said, "We thought the same. We respect and like AKMU seniors, and we always find comfort in their music, so we want to be that kind of presence too."
When asked who they would like to shoot a challenge with after debut, Choi Rip-woo said, "It's a bit embarrassing, but as fans know, I am a fan of TWICE seniors and I liked them since I was a student," and opened his mouth to say, "If I could shoot with TWICE seniors, it would feel like I had succeeded."
He continued, "And I want to do it with the friends I did BOFPL with, and I want to shoot a challenge with our company's general manager Han Seong-ho," which drew laughter at the scene. Kang Woo-jin added, "I'm actually similar to my hyung; I want to shoot a challenge with staff members, and I want to shoot with the fans."
Meanwhile, Flare U releases their debut album YOUTH ERROR at 6 p.m. today (13th).
[Photo] Min Kyung-hoon reporter
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