K-pop sirens Dal Shabet urge critics to see “beauty” in their sexiness
Members of K-pop group Dal Shabet, best known for their racy dance routines, tell M they take criticism in their stride
When it comes to flaunting their sexy, naughty side, K-pop Dal Shabet sextetdefinitely push the envelope.
In fact, over the last couple of years, their dance routines were so risque that they have been forced to modify the choreography for television broadcast - not once but twice.
First was 2013's hit single Be Ambitious, which featured the girls opening and closing their skirts - cleverly fastened with velcro - while spouting seductive lyrics that urge men to ogle at their legs and make a move on them.
Last year, their electropop number B.B.B (Big Baby Baby) made headlines for its "distressed dance", which required the girls to rub their hands over their breasts to express heartbreak.
Performances for both songs were given orders by Korean TV networks to be "toned down" before they could be aired on music programmes such as Music Bank, Music Core and Inkigayo.
In an e-mail interview with M, Dal Shabet - consisting of 24-year-olds Serri, Ayoung and Jiyul, 23-year-olds Woohee and Kaeun, and Subin, 21 - admitted that sexiness was an integral part of the group's image, but hit back at critics who label them "controversial" and "overly provocative".
"I feel sorry for critics with such views," said Ayoung.
Added Jiyul: "When we perform sexy choreography, it is because it fits our songs and style.
"Of course I don't feel good when I hear critical comments."
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Woohee and Kaeun, however, prefer to take the brickbats in their stride.
"It seems inevitable that we'd come under criticism whenever we want to express a sexy concept," said Woohee.
"However, I see this as people being interested in us. There are so many sexy girl groups out there that it is hard for us to call ourselves the best. That said, we have beauty in our sexiness."
Agreed Kaeun: "I consider criticism as attention and affection too."
Taking the racy factor down several notches for TV broadcast is not easy but as Kaeun shared, she and her fellow members are more than willing to "comply with broadcasting rules and regulations".
"We are confident that we can show our best sides, regardless of the different versions of our dance routines," she said.
Agreed Woohee: "It is hard to change an existing choreography, but we always try to make improvements to our modified performances."
When the members were asked which part of their body they find the sexiest, some answers threw up surprises.
"I think my legs are the sexiest, I have slim ankles," said Serri.
Jiyul said: "My collarbone is the sexiest."
Woohee and Kaeun said it'd have to be their "eyes", Subin thinks it is her "facial expression" and Ayoung declares it is her "self-confidence".
The singers, who were last here in 2011 for mega concert Korean Music Wave, are headlining this Saturday's free gig at The Promontory @ Marina Bay as part of NTU Fest 2015, Nanyang Technological University's biggest student-run fiesta.
Also gracing the event are MediaCorp artists such as Elvin Ng, Jeffrey Xu and Shane Pow.
"Dal Shabet's first-ever overseas performance was in Singapore, so we have very good memories of our time here," shared Jiyul.
This time round, they are looking forward to catching up with local actress Julie Tan, who they became acquainted with last year through Channel U variety show A Date With K-pop Stars.
Filmed in Seoul, Tan, the show's host, investigated latest trends in K-pop and Hallyu culture.
During her stay there, she hung out with pop groups Rainbow and Teen Top, and roomed with Dal Shabet.
"After the show, we have been keeping in touch with Julie via social media platforms like Twitter," said Serri.
"Julie, we really miss you!" exclaimed the girls in unison.
FYI
WHAT
NTU Fest 2015 Concert featuring Dal Shabet
WHEN
Aug 29, 7pm
WHERE
The Promontory @ Marina Bay
TICKETS
Free admission
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