ROCKING DIFFERENT STAGES

keeyunt@sph.com.sg

Don't be surprised if the handsome, spiffy dudes of FTIsland start popping up on our television screens with increasing frequency.

They might be South Korea's top pop-rock band, but as vocalist Lee Hong Ki tells M in an e-mail interview, it is their collective desire to exercise those acting chops more often.

"Sometimes, when we express ourselves through acting, or in different ways other than music, it helps our pop careers," said the 23-year-old boyish-faced frontman.

"We like to challenge ourselves with various aspects of performing, be it drama or musicals.

"Each of us tries very hard to improve our solo work."

When it comes to diversification, the quintet, best known for their groovy rock numbers such as Hello Hello, Like Birds, and I Wish, have been keeping busy.

Lee spent the last few months headlining new fantasy romance TV drama Bride of the Century, slated to air in Korea later this month.

Meanwhile, drummer Choi Min Hwan, 21, and guitarist Song Seung Hyun, 21, seem to have found their calling in musical theatre.

MUSICAL

The former recently wrapped up a one-month stint as the titular protagonist in the Korean adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, while the latter played cocky swordsman D'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers.

For the others, reality TV is the way to go. Guitarist-keyboardist Choi Jong Hoon, 23, appeared on the latest season of popular Korean sports variety show Let's Go Dream Team.

Bassist Lee Jae Jin, 22, who was in town last month to judge the finals of talent search contest Scoot: K-pop Star Hunt 3, showed off his stylish, fashionista side on reality fashion programme Fashion Killa.

Singer Lee reassures supporters here that their concert here will not be affected by their busy schedules.

"You know our live performances are full of rock spirit, right? During our concert, just let your hair down and have fun," he urged Singapore FTIsland fans.

"Bring a towel to wipe your sweat and wear comfortable shoes that will allow you to jump about."

Despite their varied individual activities, they have no intention of slowing down in the music department.

Their latest EP The Mood, released last November, topped pre-sales charts in both Korea and Japan, beating idol groups Miss A and Trouble Maker.

"We wrote three out of the five tracks in The Mood... Over the years, we have been influenced by other bands and we've been penning our songs," said Lee.

"We would like to say that we are evolving, but it's ultimately not our call to comment on our own work."

Catch them live, and you can be the judge.

FYI

WHAT: 
2014 FTIsland 6th Anniversary Live In Singapore
WHEN: 
March 8, 7pm
WHERE: Singapore Indoor Stadium
TICKETS: 
$118 to $258 from Sports Hub Tix (www.sportshubtix.sg or 6333-5000)