K-pop boy band B.A.P are big in Europe

You know you've hit the big time when you travel thousands of miles and enthral screaming fans who do not even speak your native language.

And to sell out overseas arenas no less.

We're talking about B.A.P, K-pop's fastest-rising boy band who have proven themselves to be bona fide superstars not just in their homeland or Asia, but in several European countries too.

The dashing sextet - comprising Yongguk and Himchan, both 24, Daehyun and Youngjae, both 20, Jongup, 19, and Zelo, 17 - recently wrapped up a successful debut three-leg concert tour of the UK, France and Germany, performing at renowned venues including London's O2 Academy Brixton and Mitsubishi Electric Halle in Dusseldorf.

These boys enjoy massive popularity, especially in Germany, where they once topped the German Asian Music Charts for 17 months with their adrenaline-pumping hit, One Shot.

In an e-mail interview with M before they kicked off their European tour, Himchan shared his joy of seeing European faces among the crowd at one of B.A.P's South Korean gigs.

NATIONAL FLAG

"At our concert in Korea, there were fans from France waving (their) national flag," he said.

"It was a sight that tugged at my heartstrings. We are of different nationalities and these fans live so far away.

"Yet, they love us and our music so much that they are willing to come all the way to Korea to see us. I was really, really touched."

Perhaps what's most appealing about B.A.P is their cosmopolitan outlook.

"Basically, we make an effort to learn the local cultures of each country we visit," said Youngjae.

"We like to bask in the local street ambience, observe fashion trends of people there and pick up some famous colloquial phrases."

You can bet on catching the band hanging out around town when they arrive here at the end of the month for their B.A.P Live on Earth Singapore 2014 concert.

"I love Singapore food like chilli crab and kaya toast. They are simply delicious," said Daehyun.

"I would also like to visit different landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion statues and places with natural environments such as Sentosa."

So, how do six hot guys bond and build camaraderie? As it turns out, they like swimming together in hotel pools.

"Haha...that's one of the biggest enjoyments we have," said Himchan. "After our concerts, it's great to take a refreshing dip, it makes us feel like we are in heaven!"

This article was published on May 7 in The New Paper.

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