There are K-Pop fans across the globe who share the same passion. But on online platforms, it is hard to know about each other’s stories and K-Pop life. Even if we are in the same fandom, it is hard to get to know each other. So at Kpopmap, we started the Kpopmap Fan Interview Project to get to know more about K-Pop fans from different countries: more about their K-Pop life and tastes and to give them the opportunity to share with our readers about their favorite group(s) and bias. KK from the Tempest Hanbin North America Fanbase is the next fan to answer our questions. She is a fan of TEMPEST and her bias is HanBin. Check out how she entered the fandom, the songs and content she recommends to new fans, and much more! Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from? Hello! My name is Kristen. I also go by KK and I’m from Michigan, USA. I’ve liked K-Pop since 2013 when I discovered NU’EST and BTS. Currently I’m a college student and one of the admins of the Tempest Hanbin North America Fanbase. How and when did you enter the fandom? I entered TEMPEST’s fandom, iE, through being a fan of the lead vocalist and lead dancer HanBin! I’ve been a fan of his ever since I saw him on the talent survival show “I-LAND” in the summer of 2020. After the show ended, HanBin promised that he would debut soon and thanked his fans for supporting him. Then he asked us to please wait for just a little bit longer, so of course I and all his other fans promised to wait for him. Early that autumn, I made a Twitter fan account for the first time and HanBin’s fans, called Hannies, were very warm and welcoming. A few months later, in winter, I was invited to be an admin in what was then named Hanbin North America Fanbase. After TEMPEST’s debut, we changed the name to Tempest Hanbin North America Fanbase. The shared passion and the volunteer experience has been amazing; the other admins and I have become such great coworkers and friends! When photos of all the members walking together in public showed up on Twitter for the first time in summer 2021, it just reaffirmed that I wanted to be a fan of the group that HanBin is in. I liked everyone the first time I saw them because they looked like a good, happy team! Then, with the logo teasers on New Years, early 2022 member reveals one by one, and all the song previews, everything has been really exciting! I’m proud that I can call myself one of TEMPEST’s pre-debut fans. What are the reasons why this rookie group is your favorite group? The first reason that TEMPEST is my favorite group is because everyone has achieved their dream, so I’m very happy for them! Secondly, each member has a shining presence on and off the stage. It’s clear that they put their all into every performance. The way they dance, sing, and rap is very charismatic and energetic! All of the TEMPEST members really wanted to debut for such a long time, so they always enjoy every stage and extracurricular activity, have a lot of fun, and absolutely love interacting with their fans, iE! TEMPEST has many social media accounts, such as Instagram (TPST__official), Twitter (TPST__official and members account TPST_twt), YouTube, TikTok, VLIVE, Daum FanCafe, and Facebook, so there’s always something new to see. For example, on TEMPEST’s YouTube channel there are different kinds of content like TEMFLIX, TEMREC, and TEMPESTart. The members also often go on VLIVE to connect with fans. It is always entertaining and uplifting to watch them because the group has such good vibes. This is the first group that I’ve been a fan of ever since pre-debut. In conclusion, all of those reasons combined are why this rookie group is my favorite. What do you think differentiates this rookie group from the others? I think it’s rare that right from the beginning, two members, LEW and HwaRang, participated in the lyric-writing process on TEMPEST’s debut mini-album “It’s ME, It’s WE.” They are both credited in ‘Bad News’, ‘Find Me’, and ‘Bad at Love’. Then they each have writing credits on two other songs. HwaRang expressed his feelings in ‘Just a Little Bit’, and LEW articulated the group’s emotions in the song to their fans, ‘Next to YOU’. Interestingly, TEMPEST debuted with a concept not often seen among boy groups nowadays: positive, bright, vibrant, and inspirational! It wasn’t what I expected because I thought that with names like TEMPEST and ‘Bad News’, that there would be intense and powerful dancing, a lot of emphasis on the instrumentals, and a big drop as the climax of the song. I was happily surprised that the focus was on the members just being themselves, the relatable lyrics, their story-telling choreography, their eye-catching style, and the totally non-experimental music composition! TEMPEST’s second mini-album, “SHINING UP,” builds upon their concept of being bright and positive. Hwarang helped write half of the songs, including the title track, ‘Can’t Stop Shining.’ For the readers who are completely new to the group and members, can you introduce them with your own words? TEMPEST is a seven-member K-pop boy group that debuted under Yuehua Entertainment on March 2, 2022 with the mini-album “It’s ME, It’s WE” and the title track ‘Bad News’. Their first comeback was on August 29 with the mini-album “SHINING UP” and the title track ‘Can’t Stop Shining.’ TEMPEST always dazzles everyone with their talent, charm, and explosive energy! During the first week of their debut, TEMPEST sold more than 75,000 albums. Now, months later, they have sold about 170,000 albums in total, thus becoming the best-selling K-Pop rookie boy group of the year so far. Prior to debut, each member chose a keyword for themselves. LEW is the leader, lead rapper, sub-vocalist, dancer, and fluent in English; his keyword is “present.” HanBin (Vietnamese name: Ngô Ngọc Hưng) is the lead vocalist, lead dancer, and radiant eldest member in charge of bright energy and speaking Vietnamese; his keyword is “challenge.” HyeongSeop is the sub-vocalist and dancer, second eldest, and designated Japanese speaker; his keyword is “passion.” Hyuk is the main vocalist and one of the mood-makers of the group; his keyword is “possibility.” EunChan is the tall sub-vocalist that majored in modeling; his keyword is “classic.” HwaRang is the main rapper, main dancer, and an ace like LEW; his keyword is “freedom.” TaeRae is the sub-rapper, and cute mischievous youngest member with a deep voice; his keyword is “happiness.” The keywords each have a letter that spells out TEMPEST: presenT, challengE, freedoM, Passion, happinEss, clasSic, possibiliTy. Who caught your attention at first and why? Did you know any members prior to their debut? HanBin caught my attention first! I’ve known him since he appeared on “I-LAND” in 2020 and I watched his YouTube videos with his dance crew C.A.C from Vietnam. He was my first pick in that show but actually, I’m glad he didn’t debut back then because now he’s in TEMPEST. Additionally, I became aware of LEW and HyeongSeop when HanBin transferred to Yuehua Entertainment. There were rumors that they were going to debut in a group together, and it turned out to be true! HanBin has that star quality, so it’s almost impossible to not look at him. He is very charming and always shows new sides of himself. Do you have a bias yet? If yes, tell us why. Yes, I already have a bias - it’s HanBin! I love how HanBin is so genuinely kind, caring, generous, optimistic, friendly, talented, hardworking, humble, loyal, authentic, handsome, charismatic, intelligent, curious, creative, confident, and stylish. One of HanBin’s best qualities is giving moral support; he is really thoughtful and sweet, and often gives others joy. For example, he is always the first one to offer words of encouragement and a hug, like a ray of sunshine. I’ve always thought HanBin has everything it takes to be an amazing K-Pop star and now he really is! What do you particularly like in this debut title track? Do you have a favorite B-side? What I particularly like about the debut title track is that it’s a self-introduction announcing TEMPEST’s powerful presence in the music industry. Watching the music video for the title track ‘Bad News’ makes you just want to smile and get up and dance along - it’s so catchy! It’s difficult to choose my favorite B-side though because they are all so amazing. ‘Bad at Love’ is such a bop! It is HanBin’s favorite B-side and understandably so. It is perfect to add to a music playlist and it is really enjoyable to watch TEMPEST perform it because they look like they’re having so much fun. Compared to the confident and vivid title track, ‘Just a Little Bit’ beautifully emphasizes the members’ various harmonious vocal colors with an aesthetically pleasing melody. Then, ‘Find Me’ is a smooth song that reflects on the TEMPEST members finding their true selves and inspiring others to do so too. ‘Next to YOU’ is an emotional ballad written for iE about how much TEMPEST appreciates their fans’ unwavering support and their hope that we will all walk the flower road (successful path) together. My favorite B-side is ‘Bad at Love’ because of the potential for cute performances and how it invokes a warm, fuzzy feeling. Although ‘Just a Little Bit’ is about tied with ‘Bad at Love’ because it shows how versatile of a group TEMPEST is. They are very skilled at portraying the distinct stories of their songs. Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or other from your favorite group or bias? I recommend TEMPEST’s debut music video titled ‘Bad News’. It’s an energetic video that captures their upbeat performance very well! There are a lot of nice group shots and close-ups of each member during their part in ‘Bad News’. TEMPEST’s cute facial expressions and dancing were absolutely amazing. The singing and rapping were really sensational. HanBin and Hyuk especially stood out in this song, and the rapping by HwaRang and LEW was really cool. HyeongSeop and EunChan’s singing was really smooth and TaeRae’s deep voice really complements the whole song. The set of the music video is very colorful and cool! What are the things you are looking for in their future activities? I am looking forward to TEMPEST’s new music, solidification of the group identity and concept, and placement in the music charts. Also, I’m anticipating TEMPEST having a world tour! It will be so exciting for them to start in South Korea and then travel around Asia, going to countries like Japan and Vietnam. Then eventually going to wherever iE are, like Europe, North America and South America. I’m especially excited for TEMPEST to go to Vietnam, the USA and Canada of course! HanBin used to film K-Pop dances in Hanoi with his dance crew C.A.C quite often so it will be amazing to see him now perform there on stage with TEMPEST! Thinking about all of his family, friends, and the fans showing up to support him is really moving. HanBin made his dream of debuting in a K-Pop group come true. Are there any words from the members you would like to share? I would like to share how the members describe TEMPEST. LEW: To me, TEMPEST is ONE. HYUK: TEMPEST is a RAINBOW because all seven of us have a different personal color, and when we come together, we create a beautiful result. We’re just like a rainbow. TAERAE: TEMPEST is a THUNDERSTORM because storms use a lot of energy, and I’d like for us to be that impactful. EUNCHAN: I think we’re BIBIMBAP. [Laughs] As you know, bibimbap is delicious because it mixes in many different ingredients. I feel like we’re bibimbap because we’re awesome when we come together and become one. HANBIN: I think that TEMPEST is a precious FAMILY. I’m a foreigner, but when all seven of us come together, we do our activities like a family. It’s really precious to me and makes me happy. HYEONGSEOP: I also think we’re a THUNDERSTORM. We’re a powerful storm that will sweep through all of your hearts. HWARANG: To me, our team is more like the POWER RANGERS. [Laughs] Each of us has a different color, and I think each one of us is full of individuality and charm. When our members with different charms become one, we give others dreams and hope. For you, what is your bias’ best stage outfit until now? Please share a picture or fancam. I really like the outfit HanBin is wearing in TEMPEST’s hot debut performance on “Show Champion”. He is wearing a statement snow leopard print jacket with red accents. It was matched with a black shirt, black pants, black belt, black shoes, and silver accessories. I imagine that he must’ve been happy wearing that snow leopard print jacket because he loves animals so much! I’ve included a fancam link so you can see. What are your biggest dreams for your favorite group/bias aside from being happy and healthy? I hope that TEMPEST wins all sorts of awards in music shows. Of course since they are rookies, the biggest award I dream of them winning is Rookie of the Year! Another dream I have for TEMPEST is for them to be a recognized, much loved and respected group amongst their peers and the general public all over the world. Also, whenever I hear of Vietnam my first thought is HanBin and I hope that will be the case for many others, just like when people hear of South Korea, they think of BTS. I’m sure that TEMPEST will have a big impact in the world and bring hope and happiness to a lot of people. If you could go to only one, would you go to a concert, fan meeting, or fan sign? I would love to go to all of the above - concert, fan meeting, and fan sign - but if I had to choose, I would go to a concert. The music and performances are what I like the most about K-Pop so once TEMPEST comes to North America I would love to go to their concerts with all of my friends! If you have a chance to cook for the group, what would you cook for them? I would like to make bread and bake a cake for TEMPEST because HanBin and I enjoy cooking and baking. He often mentions new recipes that he tried for fun on VLIVE and Daum FanCafe. I would love to frost and decorate a delicious cake for TEMPEST. Everyone could make whatever they want with the bread and we could all share the cake! Do you have a dream subunit/unit? BTS, even just one or two members because they’re in such high demand, would definitely be a dream collaboration. Same with NU’EST because they were my first K-Pop group, but since they disbanded in early 2022 (after 10 years together), maybe TEMPEST could collaborate with a member or two. Also, most realistically, if TEMPEST and their labelmate former IZ*ONE member now turned soloist YENA teamed up, that would be great! I can imagine with YENA’s Avril Lavigne-inspired pop-punk protagonist aesthetic that TEMPEST could feature in one of her song’s music videos in a cool way. Describe them in 5 words Talented, passionate, handsome, shining, and uplifting! What is a random fact that you think people don’t know about them? A lot of people don’t know that HanBin was technically the last member to join TEMPEST so he only trained with the other members for about two months before debuting. Yuehua Entertainment realized he was the last piece of the puzzle that the group needed; they recognize and appreciate his star quality and skills so they entrusted him with the positions of lead vocalist and lead dancer. HanBin has always loved to sing and perform since he was young. He learned how to dance by watching K-Pop videos - self-taught since he was 15. He didn’t get formal training and start learning Korean and improving his English until he became a trainee in South Korea in mid-2019. In 2018 HanBin won “Best Player” in the Vietnamese K-Pop Random Dance in Public Challenge! He remembered all of the choreography really well and knew how to keep the audience captivated naturally. Seeing how far HanBin has come in order to hone his skills and aura over time and then debut in TEMPEST has been a joy to experience. What about your bias do you relate to the most? One of the things I have in common with HanBin is that we both love animals, especially cats! HanBin cares about animals so much that a few years ago while still in Vietnam, he rescued a pregnant cat and then raised her and all of the kittens. He even made adorable Instagram accounts dedicated to them (hubi.cats and deva.meow). I have a few cats too so it’s nice to know he cherishes animals as much as I do! What is one thing that you think is unique about your bias/bias group? The fact that TEMPEST has HanBin - the first male Vietnamese to debut in a K-Pop group! I really admire his perseverance against all the challenges he had to go through in a new country, like learning the language on top of all the training. Of course he took it all in stride though. HanBin is the best representative that Vietnam could have in the K-pop industry because he is instantly likable. He has been drawing interest from all over the world towards Vietnamese language and culture. HanBin’s personal Twitter account (HANBIN_twt_) has over 800,000 followers! Also, TEMPEST’s members are a bit older than the average age at which K-pop idols now debut, but I think that’s actually TEMPEST’s strength. Half of TEMPEST’s members are skilled rookies who have trained for years, so they have more experience and can do many different types of concepts. This group is very professional and grateful for everything! What is your 2022 prediction for your favorite idol? I predict that TEMPEST will be the best-selling rookie boy group and win Rookie of the Year! Message to TEMPEST:
Thank you for answering our questions, KK. If you are interested in joining Kpopmap Fan Interview Project, please get in touch with us at [email protected] Everyone is welcome to participate.
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