ciara in seoul

R&B Diva Ciara to Perform in Seoul

American R&B singer Ciara poses for Korean photographers during a press conference at the Woo Bar, W Hotel in eastern Seoul, Thursday afternoon. She held her first concert at the Fencing Arena, Olympic Park, Seoul, Friday. / Yonhap By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter American R&B star Ciara may often be compared with other successful singers like Beyonce and Rihanna, but she wants to be known for her own unique musical style. ``Beyonce, Rihanna and I are all different from each other. I have a lot of respect for what they do. All I know is that I'm me. If you see me, you can see the difference,'' she said, in a press conference at the W Hotel in eastern Seoul, Thursday. Ciara is currently in Seoul to perform in her first concert at the Olympic Fencing Stadium, Olympic Park, Friday evening. The pretty 21-year-old singer described her second album ``Ciara: The Evolution,'' as a personal reflection of the changes in her life. The album has sold over two million copies since it was released last December. ``This album covers my life's changes through the years. I have evolved as an artist and a woman in many ways,'' Ciara said. ``This is definitely different than my old record. I just did what felt good to me. This album is all about having fun. I want people to dance and have a good time when they listen to it.'' Ciara burst into the music scene in 2004, with the hit dance song ``Goodies,'' which topped the Billboard charts in the United States. This was followed up by another hit song ``1, 2 Step,'' a collaboration with Missy Elliot; and ``Oh'' featuring Ludacris. Her debut album ``Goodies'' sold over three million around the world. She was nominated for two Grammy Awards. Her latest album has already spawned several hit songs ``Promise,'' ``Get Up,'' and ``Like a Boy.'' Ciara admitted she is inspired by the music of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Prince and Madonna. But when she's preparing for a concert, she loves to listen to Sade. At the press conference, Ciara was wearing a white top, a black leather cropped jacket and jeans tucked in funky platform boots. When asked about her fashion style, Ciara said she has a very ``spontaneous'' style and tries to be creative with whatever she's wearing. As a successful singer in the U.S., Ciara was asked to give some advice for Korean artists like Se7en and Rain, who are trying to enter the American music industry. ``The most important thing about the American market is to have a great melody, and to 'just be you.' Americans love great music productions. It would also be cool to have collaborations with American artists,'' she said. Ciara said she really likes Korean barbecue, and would like to sample different Korean dishes. She also wants to visit Dongdaemun Market to check out Korean fashion. ``People here are really sweet. It's a blessing to be able to travel around the world to perform. I'm enjoying it very much. I hope to be back at least once a month because Korea is such a beautiful place,'' she said.