Be it music, visual, character, the boy group who has it all, B1A4. Gongchan who is in charge of the visual had his birthday on the 14th this month. 

5 years has passed since he debut as B1A4. The maknae was used to be cute has now grown up to be a manly guy. Focus media spoke with the man who has grown more matured on his birthday.

Q: What do you think you will do on your birthday?

A: We have DMZ Peace concert schedule on my birthday. I think we always have a schedule on my birthday. However, I like it that I get to spend my birthday with fans every time.

Q: Your birthday thoughts?

A: I am happy that every time I have my birthday I am spending it with the fans. Because I have banas, my birthday can be fun when every one is together, I can also share the fun, I feel that I was able to create unforgettable memories one by one. I am excited and curious on what kind of memories will we create this year.

Q: What is the significance of birthday to Gongchan?

A: I feel that it is a time that I can look back and reflect about my parents who have given birth to me as well as the people who gave me love. Today on my birthday, more than those who have sent me their birthday greetings, I want to say thank you to those who have been by my side. Because without those people, I wouldn't be here. To them all, thank you and I love you.

Q: In your past birthday interview, you mentioned that you anticipated your aged 24 the most. Did it came as expected?

A: It had already been 3 years since I said that... Doesn't time pass too fast? Even though I am not sure why I said 24 years old... hahaha. If I were to compare to 3 years ago, I think I have grown more mature as Gongchan and Gong Chan Sik, and I have also gained a lot more responsibility for myself.

Q: If you were to choose the age you are looking forward to again?

A: 27 years old. When I had my 21 years old interview, I said it was 3 years later, which is now. As I look back to 3 years ago, many things have happened and I feel that there are lot of things to reflect upon as well. I think that 3 years can be considered a long time, but it can be considered a short time as well. I feel that it is a good time for me to compare the me from now and in the past. I feel that I was able to see on which part have I changed and on which part have I grown more mature. When I become 27, I wonder how different would the 27 years old Gongchan, Gong Chan Sik and 24 years old me has.

Q: What would be the most suitable song for this year's birthday?

A: I don't know if it is a song that suits a birthday, but I would like to recommend Theories of Youth's Nice Dream. When I am in my own personal space called sleep, I can dream about anything. Those dreams becomes great energy to me and it also gives hope to my future. Even though it may be tiring, exhausting and stressful in our daily lives, it would be good to always dream and let the dream become a good force that help you move towards your goals.

Q: You said you would like to go on a camping trip with the members if you were given a birthday off. Did that come true?

A: Even though it was not all of the members, but we went to Bali ^^. Baro hyung, Sandeul hyung and myself went there. It was a pity that due to schedules, Jinyoung hyung and Shinwoo hyung weren't able to join us. We did not have any plans before travelling, 2 days before the trip we decided the place, bought the air tickets, booked the place to stay 1 day before... it was spectacular. However, that was fun. It was a really impromptu trip and everything was fun ^^. We couldn't speak their language so we were expressing ourselves with our body, we plan what we want to do at night, even when it comes to eat, we walked on the streets and says "this looks like it is nice" and enter to eat to our heart's content, it was really a no regrets trip and I think it was really fun. The days when I was with the hyungs, it was fun and happy. Next time, I want to travel with all of the members together!

Q: Do you have any stars you want to received birthday greetings from?

A: Senior Yoo Jaeseok. Yoo Jaeseok has the same birthday as me! I want to greet Senior Yoo Jaeseok happy birthday and I hope he can wish me happy birthday too ^^. I want to discuss a lot of my troubles with him. I also want to chat with him on all on the nice things and I think that I would gain strength if I were to listen to his words.

Q: Is there a goal that you want to fulfil through your birthday wish?

A: There's still 4 months left to the end of 2016. I wish that we can meet the fans a lot through our activities! For that, we will work hard to be together with you guys. A big thankful for waiting and let's only walk on flower path (only happy stuffs)!

Q: Things you hope from the members on your birthday?

A: Jinyoung hyung, Shinwoo hyung, Sandeul hyung, Baro hyung. Even though it is something I always say, but thank you and thank you! I won't forget that I wouldn't be where I am without you guys. You do not need to treat me better. Just stay this way. I will do better be it as Gongchan or Changsik. B1A4 I love you.

Q: Say something thankful to yourself

A: I really like you. Up till now, the way you always give people strength, always staying patient and working hard. I just thank you a lot. You gave strength to me just by existing. Please also stay like this for me in the future. I love you. Gongchan, no, Chansik-ah.

Source

PLEASE TAKE OUT TRANSLATIONS WITH FULL CREDITS.

"The process of preparing for the contest itself was fun."

Boygroup B1A4 member Sandeul has been voted as "Legend duet" team. With the win together with CHo Seonyoung on "Duet Song Festival" for the King of Kings battle and set another record. It is yet another opportunity to know about how awesome Sandeul's singing skills are and how valuable he is. He is the brightest shining vocal on MBC Music Variety "Duet Song Festival".

The keywords are music that make people's heart cry with a warming touch and also comfort for the people who heard Sandeul and Cho Seonyoung's songs. As the meet each other's eyes and harmonises, the stage they created one by one are all called "legend" and present to the audiences great 'healing'. Even MC Sung Shikyung watched their performance with a delightful smile. Appearing the most on "Duet Song Festival", the team with most wins, as well as the first champion on "King of Kings battle", the two gave the audiences a great time.

Sandeul and Cho Seonyoung's warming harmony and expressive singing abilities may be good, but more than those, the songs they choose are remarkable. From "As you say", "Road", "Butterfly", "Two Persons", "Etude of memories", "Shall we walk together", as well as "Jasmine flower", those two expresses their hearts through those are meaningful songs. That is why they get better responses.

After King of Kings battle ended, we asked Sandeul about the stage on Duet Song Festival that left Sandeul the most impression. Firstly, the stage Sandeul likes is Sung Shi Kyung's "Two Persons". Even though it is not a song which is suitable for singing for a contest, but they obtained good response through their heart felt feelings, it is a stage that made Sung Shi Kyung felt proud.

Sandeul mentioned "All of the songs left an impression but among them all, I like Sung Shi Kyung's 'Two Persons'. It is a song that I often listen to, it is a song that gives both people comfort calmly. I received healing when I listen to the song, so I really liked it."

Also on the topic of the hardest performance "The hardest stage was Senior Lim Jeonghee's Music is my life. I remembered that my throat condition was really bad. It was a genre that noona likes and I struggled and wondered if I would mess up the performance if I perform this song."

Sandeul was the first to win consecutive three wins, the most appearance, and excluding the King of kings battle, he has four wins on his belt, he emerged as the representative combination for "Duet Song Festival". Sandeul also experience things like "most wanted stage" as well as netizen's first choice for winning. A lot of energy has to be put in because Sandeul has B1A4 as well as individual's schedule, and at the same time he has to prepare for the competition, but he said that it is a pleasure that the process was fun.

He said "Many people get stressed while trying to prepare for competitions but I feel that I took it with pleasure and enjoyed the entire process while preparing. I feel that even though it is a competition, it is not important whether I win or lose." He also laughed and said "It is more important to deliver a performance that fits that. Starting from the choice of the song, the practicing process or to understanding the song, I discuss with noona on her thoughts, fill in the portion that needs more emotion, every moment of the process was fun."

Even though it is hard to see the Sandeul x Cho Seonyoung combi for the time being, but one who can sing well, a vocalist who can deliver healing, it is hard not to anticipation for more activities from Sandeul.

Please take out translations with full credits.

B1A4 Sandeul told us about his thoughts on Duet Song Festival's winning.

Sandeul and his duet partner Cho Seonyoung particpated in MBC's Duet Song Festival King of Kings rounds. Due to his musical schedule, Sandeul x Cho Seonyoung team had left Duet Song Festival for a short while. With the record of most appearance, most number of wins, both of them came back in full force on King of Kings round.

Sandeul and Seonyoung took the stage with Lee Jeok's "Shall we walk together" as their song for the first round of King of Kings round on the 22nd. Both of them decorated the stage with their gentle yet powerful performance, after the performance, both the panel and fellow singers gave unreserved admiration.

Following that, on the broadcast on 29th, King of Kings second round, Sandeul and Seonyoung delivered Lee Seungchul's "Jasmine flower" and filled the stage wit their voices. "Jasmine Flower" is a song that gave Cho Seonyoung strength during her trying times and it is the song that moved Sandeul's heart when Cho Seonyoung sang this for her audition clip. Just watching the performance of the two who uses their sincerity and passion to sing, it moves people to the heart.

With a score of 854 after the first and second round, the two person took the win for Deut Song Festival "King of Kings" battle and said goodbye to the stage. They remained touched even towards the end. We went and listened to Sandeul's thoughts.

Please tell us about your thoughts on winning the "King of Kings battle".

Actually because Duet Song Festival's win is not just a win for myself, so I am really thankful for people who love our music. Also, I want to say that I am very thankful for Seonyoung noona.

When you participate in "King of Kings battle", what kind of scores were you expecting?

I don't usually think about the results. There are a lot of times when I mess up a stage because I was thinking about other things rather than singing before going up the stage, so I thought about nothing but focusing on singing only when going up the stage.

I am curious about what conversation did you have with Cho Seonyoung after the win.

I totally forgot about the fact that Seonyoung noona sang this song while applying for this program, I came to know after watching the video before going on the stage, after that I understood why noona said the day before yesterday that it was a special song to her. I could feel the lump in the throat like during the first time I watched noonas video while I was singing, however, after that, I feel that I was able to go deeper into the song. After singing, I did not asked about the reason why she chose this song delibrately. Even when I asked, I asked with caution, because I wanted to protect noona's memories well, so I preferred not to say anything.

Before the "King of Kings battle", Ken and you kept keeping each other in checks, what did he say to you after you have won?

Ken and I are always having good competitions as a good friend, however, Ken told me that because he kept losing, he wants to go up on a mountain to practice more before coming back and it is a little scary. How much more will this friend do better, what is he talking about. Hu...

During the period Sandeul was resting, there were a lot of outstanding seniors who came on the show. How do you feel after watching their performances?

It is really a gathering of all the outstanding seniors. It feels like I came to a concert. Actually, that was why I invited my parents to come to the show. There are a lot of great performances and t is a pity to just watch it on my own, I thought that it would be great to have many people coming to the place to enjoy it.

Your team has the most appearance and is the most wins. There seems to be leftover feelings.

We have appeared on the show for a long time but I am still lacking a lot, I felt that I learnt a lot as I watched the performances. There isn't another place like that where I can learn, so I feel like I want to learn more even if it is just one more. Really thankful, every moment has been special. I won't be able to forget it.

Source

Entertainment company, WM Entertainment, gained a new image of being "best of vocals".

This is not because of the marketing they did for themselves, but an image made by the two main vocals of the company as they showed good results and gained lots of attention.

WM started in year 2008 and debuted boy group B1A4 (Jinyoung, CNU, Sandeul, Baro, Gongchan) in year 2011, followed by girl group Oh My Girl (Hyojung, Jinnie, Mimi, Yooa, Seunghee, Jiho, Arin, Binnie) last year.

WM became a strong company as they went by without a sound. B1A4 played an active and notable presence in both local and overseas. As they promote as singers with an upright image, they were also everywhere doing things like musical, variety to build awareness.

They received a lot of attention in the recent "music" side. Looking at one's strength, member Jinyoung started to distinguish himself through his composing and producing, while main vocal Sandeul is working on musical as well as sweeping 1st place in music shows by gaining majority votes.

Sandeul stood out especially as a vocalist and is receiving recognition for it. After showing his singing skills through MBC's Mystery Music Program, King of Masked Singer, he also won a record of 4 wins on MBC "Duet Song Festival" and is starting to get acknowledge as "Idol Main Vocal".

Handing over the baton, Seunghee from Oh My Girl, Sandeul's 'little sister group', received it. First she showed her presence through King of Masked singer, and on JTBC Girls Spirit aired on the 19th, she came in first among 11 junior and senior girl groups' main vocalist.

That day, Seunghee covered and performed SHINee's Dream Girl, pulling a perfect stage. With a powerful singing skill and energetic stage manners, she made the panels and senior singers stood. This is a result created by her talent as well as 9 years of hard work as a trainee.

Naturally, the view about WM Entertainment has now changed. They are no longer a simple company that trains, discover and grows idols but now an agency that is starting to be classified as strong vocalists. By cultivating the what they have, focusing on the personal qualities and not being the bad gossips of people, it adds on to them yet another positive image.

With the former referenced idols, even though compared to idols coming out from big sized agency annually, they may not have a lot or have enough, being able to dominate such big music program helps a lot in "image making".

Source

Please take out all translations with full credit!

The combination of B1A4's Sandeul and music entertainment shows are always right.

Sandeul and Baek Ah Yeon covered UN's hit track "Gift" on JTBC 'Two Yoo Project - Sugarman' on 05th Jul and sang passionately with his sweet voice and became a topic. On this day, Sandeul and Baek Ah Yeon team seized the opportunity to win over senior idols Kim Taewoo and Seo Inyoung team. Furthermore, the song they covered "Gift" immediately received great results.

This is not the first time Sandeul is having such outcome. Sandeul is already an acknowledge idol with great singing skills through MBC shows like "King of Masked Singer" and "Duet Song Festival".

Sandeul appeared on "King of Masked Singer" as Flower Silky Fowl and sang songs like izi's Emergency Room and Im Jae Bum's Stigma. He did a good job to the went on all the way to being the second place. Recently on "Duet Song Festival", Sandeul and his partner, Cho Seonyoung, acheived 4 wins while displaying their wonderful harmonization. 

It is not easy for an idol to receive such good response every time they appear on a music entertainment show. However, the Sandeul that we are meeting on music entertainment show is breaking the stereotype of an idol and is in the process of releasing his abilities to his heart's content as a vocalist.

Like a perfect match in heaven with music entertainment programs, Sandeul told Herald POP on the 6th "I am thankful that many people are watching and enjoying it. I will work hard and want to show everyone a developing me." He also mentioned "I want to let you listen to B1A4 songs as well as songs of 'Sandeul's colour'." and showed that he is and idol who wants to achieve a lot with music. 

The Sandeul breeze that is blowing through the music entertainment show is giving fans who are exhausted and the music show audiences a song that makes you feel better.

[+129 -1] Because he sang and put sincerity in it, so he is recognized here and there. I feel proud.

[+125 -1] Sandeul~ Sandeul~ This nickname was given so appropriately. I really like "Two Person" which he sang on duet song festival.

[+105 -1] The song that is filled with sincerity stays in your heart longer~ I will always support you~~ 

[+99 -0] Sandeul who sings well~ I am thankful that the songs he sang gives healing effect ^^

[+88 -0] Sandeul always uses his heart to sing~ An idol whose future I look forward to~

[+69 -0] I went to duet song festival coincidentally and when I was at the scene listening to him sing, wow~ this youth is awesome~ Do what you are doing you will grow more~

[+67 -0] The singing is good, the expressions he expresses with his whole body is also good... I see Sandeul as someone who is the most good looking... Always do not forgot how you start and I will cheer for you to become a vocal that can do everything~

[+67 -0] Sandeul's singing always contains sincerity so I feel that it gives strength that no words can express. Always thankful for good music. A singer that I always look forward to! I hope I can see you on duet song festival soon!

[+64 -0] Good to listen to, good to see... It is pretty to see Sandeul singing

[+62 -0] Sandeul who is a singer who expresses music with his bdoy, the voice that communicates and touches hearts~~ I will cheer for you~ I look forward to a solo song~