B1A4 is a Korean pop group composed of Jinyoung , CNU, Sandeul , Baro and Gongchan who are all in their early 20s. They made their debut in 2011. The band is known for their easygoing tunes, with streaks of rap and a touch of ballads. The band is steadily gaining popularity across the world with their music along with the recent appearances of their members in popular dramas and variety shows.

This year, the group is embarking on their first ever world tour. Due to the insistent demand of Filipino fans, they have added the Philippines to the itinerary of their “Road Trip”. They arrived at noon yesterday (September 5) and held their press conference was held at Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas.

Read on for the highlights of the 20-minute press conference along with bits of interesting trivia about B1A4:

On visiting the Philippines
Jinyoung, the band leader, explained that they decided to come to the Philippines after seeing a lot of Filipino fans asking them to visit. CNU continued, “Even though Korea’s far from the Philippines, a lot of fans are supporting us. We’re very grateful because a lot of people welcomed them in the airport.”

Meanwhile, Sandeul considers the tour as a road trip wherein they go around as a band to meet their fans from different countries. He also proved to be the most enthusiastic when asked about which Filipino food they wish to eat. Raising his hand like an eager kid in class, he immediately answered “lechon baboy”, a Filipino delicacy made by roasting a whole suckling pig on a big stick. Not only that, Sandeul came prepared. In his research, he found out that the 7th biggest waterfall in the world was here –Pagsanjan Falls located in Laguna. He said he want to see it. Following his lead, Gongchan said he wanted to go to Boracay, an island known for its white sand beaches. He saw the pictures before and he wants to see it for himself.

On their blood type
The band’s name is derived from their blood type – one member is type B while the other four are type A, thus B1A4. In Korea, it is commonly believed that a person’s blood type can determine his/her personality and compatibility with others. Type A are introverted, self-conscious and secretive while type B are considered passionate and carefree.

When asked whether their blood type matches their personality well, Jinyoung responded, “Baro is the only whose blood type is different. He used to be cool about things, but after spending so much time with us, he has changed a bit.”

Baro added, “In the past, when the other members said something, I wouldn’t take it heart, but now, I’m starting to hold it inside.”

On their nicknames
Similar as other K-pop groups, members of B1A4 are called by various nicknames by their fans. The band, however, is mostly known for being named after different animals: Jinyoung as fox, CNU as bear, Baro as squirrel, Sandeul as duck and Gongchan as a crocodile. So what other nicknames would they like to be called in the future? Their responses were a bit on the humorous side.

Baro, whose current nickname is Baramji/squirrel wants to be called “Handsome Guy”. Sandeul, whose nickname means duck, wants to be called “Sharp Guy”, a term which was misheard by the translator as “Shampoo Guy” due to the similarity of pronunciation in Korean. While the media were a bit bewildered by the initial translation, the other members laughingly pointed out the mistake. Sandeul also laughed in sheer amusement.

On their favorite songs
Currently, B1A4 has released 2 studio albums and 5 EPs in Korea. Out of their many songs, some of which they composed themselves, Baro chose”물 한잔”, meaning “glass of water” because according to him, it’s upbeat and refreshing. He wanted people to listen to it.

Jinyoung, on the other hand, chose the melancholic “사랑 그땐”, meaning “when I love”. He explained that he usually writes songs about love and breaking up but that song is different from the others.

On their dream road trip
In “One Fine Day” (a variety/travel show), the band had gone to the southern part of Korea. Baro said that the trip was memorable for him and he wants to travel with the members again to Spain, in particular.

On their characters in the MV of “Solo Day”
In their latest music video, each membered portrayed a certain character: Jinyoung was the couch potato, Sandeul was the pizza delivery boy, Baro was the space geek, CNU was the obsession guy and Gongchan was the flower vagabond. How similar were they to their characters?

Jinyoung stated that he was quite the opposite. Instead of staying at home and playing videogames all day, he prefers to go out with friends. Sandeul also pointed out that he’s totally different from that pizza guy because amusingly enough, he doesn’t like to share his food. Meanwhile, the other three members expressed that they were quite similar to their characters. Baro liked experimenting and making things manually. Gongchan claimed he was the type who likes to be alone while listening to music. Lastly, CNU admitted that while his obsessive-compulsiveness is not as extreme, he tends to be one of the most particularly neat out of the group.

The members of B1A4 are all very excited to meet their fans in their concert tonight. If you’re a fan or if you’re plain curious, don’t miss the chance to be part of their first ever world tour at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are still available.

More B1A4 Press Conference Photos

by Sandra Mae Laureano