summer treats

Beat the Heat With Refreshing Summer Treats

Samgyetang or chicken ginseng soup is served at To Sok Chon. The savory dish is supposed to help fight fatigue during summer. / Korea Times Photo by Lee Jae-moon. By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter The unbearably hot days of summer are here once again. As temperatures rise, everyone is scrambling to find ways to escape the heat and cool off. One of the easiest ways to forget about the weather and stay cool is trying out some of the summer's most popular and delicious food that Korea has to offer. Sizzling Hot What do you eat when you're trying to stay cool? In many countries, the obvious answer would be ice cream, frozen yogurt and other ice-cold treats. It's always a surprise for many foreigners to find out one of the most popular dishes during summer is a piping hot bowl of samgyetang or chicken ginseng soup. ``Fighting fire with fire'' may be the philosophy behind eating this hot soup during summer. Back in historical times, it was customary to eat samgyetang, a soup with chicken stuffed with rice, ginseng and jujubes, during the three hottest days of summer or ``sambok.'' Eating samgyetang, which is rich in protein and vitamins, is supposed to help keep one healthy to fight off fatigue in the hot summer. ``Consuming this spicy soup on a hot summer day caused one to perspire heavily, much like a sand sauna, but also served to bolster the bodily constitution and ward off illness,'' David E. Shaffer wrote in ``Seasonal Customs of Korea.'' To Sok Chon is one of the best-known samgyetang restaurants in Seoul. President Roh Moo-hyun himself is said to be a big fan of the restaurant, which is located in Cheboo-dong, near Cheong Wa Dae. Jung Sung-hoon, To Sok Chon's owner, said the restaurant has been operating for 25 years and is a favorite among politicians because of its proximity to Cheong Wa Dae. ``We serve thousands of bowls of samgyetang every day during summer. There are always twice as many customers during summer,'' Jung told The Korea Times. Due to its popularity, you might find yourself lining up under the sun for around 10 to 15 minutes before you can get a table during lunch and dinner times. However, most customers say it is well worth the wait. Jung said the samgyetang's distinctive taste comes from the combination of herbs, jujube dates, ginseng, glutinous rice, gingko, pumpkin seeds, grains and special secret ingredients. The chicken itself is tender and flavorful. It costs 12,000 won. To get to To Sok Chon, get off at Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 2) and walk 120 meters, turn left at the GS 25 convenience store and you'll find the restaurant on the left. You won't miss the line of people waiting for a table at the restaurant. Spicy Cold Noodles Another distinctly Korean summer dish is naengmyeon or cold noodles. Eating naengmyeon on a sultry humid day is always a refreshing treat. Naengmyeon originated in North Korea, hence the popular dishes Pyeongyang naengmyeon and Hamheung naengmyeon are named after two cities. Pyeongyang naengmyeon, also known as mul (water) naengmyeon, features an icy, watery broth and uses buckwheat flour for its noodles. Hamheung naengmyeon, or bibim naengmyeon, is not served with broth, but is spiced with red-pepper paste. It also uses noodles made of sweet potato starch. Both dishes are served with sliced beef, boiled egg, cucumbers and pears. While you can find naengmyeon almost anywhere in the city, Ojang-dong is known for its so-called naengmyeon street, with some of the oldest restaurants in the city. Heungnam House is the oldest naengmyeon restaurant in the area, having opened in 1953 by Noh Yong-won, after she fled from her hometown Heungnam to South Korea during the Korean War. Heungnam House has a decidedly low-key and unpretentious atmosphere that has kept a steady stream of customers coming through its doors for more than 50 years. Its naengmyeon dishes use thin, soft noodles, and its bibim naengmyeon, 7,000 won, is not too spicy. Other well-known restaurants in Ojang-dong are Hamheung Naengmyeon, which opened in 1955; and Shingchang Myeonok, which opened in 1981. To find Ojang-dong naengmyeon Street, get off at Euljiro 4-ga (Subway Line 2, Exit 8) and go straight to the direction of the Jung-gu Office. At the intersection, turn left and go straight for 50 meters and you'll find the naengmyeon restaurants. If you go during lunchtime, just follow the people lining up at the restaurants. Ice-cold Sweets Summer heat always seems to intensify a craving for something sweet and cold. In Korea, summer is almost synonymous with patbingsu, or shaved ice served with sweet red beans and fresh fruits. It is so popular that even fast-food chains like Lotteria and Burger King came with their version of patbingsu. One of the famous patbingsu restaurants is Mealtop, located at the fifth floor of Hyundai Department Store in Apgujeong. While some may initially balk at paying 6,000 won for a bowl of shaved ice and red beans, its patbingsu has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best in the city. Mealtop's patbingsu features snowy shaved ice with milk and is topped with creamy, sweet red beans and fresh fruits. It also offers variations with strawberry ice, coffee ice and even one for dieters. With the well-being craze, there are several places serving healthier versions of patbingsu. O'Sulloc Tea House serves green tea patbingsu. It may seem like an odd combination _ shaved ice with red beans and green tea ice cream, but it is surprisingly tasty. Scream for Ice Cream Ice cream is always everyone's favorite summer treat. Aside from the usual Korean popsicles available at every convenience store, foreign ice cream chains like Cold Stone Creamery and Baskin Robbins offer fresh, new flavors to suit everyone's taste. Cold Stone Creamery is relatively new to Korea, having opened only in June 2006, but it is rapidly expanding throughout Seoul. Here, you can choose your favorite ice cream flavor to be mixed with a variety of fruits, nuts, chocolate bits, brownies and candy on a frozen granite stone counter. This is one place where you can have your ice cream treat exactly the way you want it. The ice cream chain is fast becoming popular for its signature creations with enticing names such as Cheesecake Fantasy, Strawberry Shortcake Serenade and Strawberry Banana Rendezvous. Kwon Yu-mi, in charge of marketing and public relations at Cold Stone Creamery Korea, said the company makes sure the ice cream it serves in Korea is exactly the same in the U.S. All the ice cream bases, mix-ins and waffle mixes are imported from the U.S. However, Cold Stone Creamery is adapting to the tastes of Koreans by introducing "well-being" flavors such as Yogurt and Green Tea. Baskin Robbins is also popular, with branches almost everywhere in Seoul. Baskin Robbins introduced fruity flavors perfect for the summer, such as Aloe Pineapple Yogurt. Their ice cream fondue, featuring scoops of ice cream to be dipped in hot chocolate, is popular among groups of friends. Health buffs flock to Red Mango for its low-fat yogurt topped with an assortment of fruits and cereals, and fruity yogurt drinks. American chain Smoothie King also offers nutritious, creamy smoothies that combine fruits, natural juices and vitamins as a healthy alternative. cathy@koreatimes.co.kr

pea please

Black Eyed Peas in Seoul

The Black Eyed Peas attend a press conference at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel in Seoul, Monday. The group, composed of, from left Taboo, apl.d.ap, Fergie and will.i.am, are scheduled to hold a concert at the Olympic Hall, Olympic Park at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter Superstar hip-hop group, the Black Eyed Peas promises to give an exciting and rambunctious concert for Korean fans on Wednesday evening. The Grammy Award-winning group, composed of will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie, have fond memories of performing at last year's Pentaport Rock Festival. ``At last year's concert, it was amazing that even in the worst weather, we had one of the best shows we have had. The people and the energy were amazing. Korea is by far one of our favorite places to perform,'' will.i.am said, during a press conference at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel in southern Seoul on Monday. For Wednesday's concert at the Olympic Hall, Olympic Park, will.i.am said the group is preparing some surprises but jokingly assured fans that ``I know it won't rain, so it will be a dry show.'' Fergie, the group's lead singer and only female member, said each of the members will give solo performances during the concert. She said she is excited to perform songs from her first album ``The Dutchess.'' ``The energy of the show would be like as if kimchi is falling from the sky,'' Fergie said, eliciting laughter. The Peas arrived in Seoul on Monday, after having performed at the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan over the weekend. ``We just came from Japan, where we had a show. It was kind of like a warm up show. We haven't performed together in a long time, so we were on stage working out the kinks. But we saved the best for last for Korea,'' will.i.am said The past year saw the Peas concentrate on their solo activities. Fergie released her solo album. Will.i.am prepared for his album ``Songs About Girls'' to be released in September. Apl.de.ap and Taboo are also preparing for their solo albums. ``The cool thing about being in the Black Eyed Peas is that we're kind of like solo artists in a group. Apl can sing a song in Tagalog by himself. Fergie's got her solo album. Taboo can rap in Spanish. … It's a good experience to be able to be in the Black Eyed Peas and still do side solo projects. Its good to have the support of friends, still go on tour and rock the stage. It's not strange at all. You actually benefit from it,'' will.i.am said. Will.i.am described his upcoming album as a mix of ``dance, electro, funk, and soul fusion music from a hip-hop perspective.'' Apl.de.ap, who is Filipino-American, said his solo album would contain more Tagalog language songs to show Philippine culture. As for the next Black Eyed Peas album, the group said they haven't decided on a title yet. Apl.de.ap said the tentative title ``From Roots to Fruits'' was a result of joking around, reminiscing about the group's evolution. ``We want to come back in 2008 with a new album, which will be a fulfillment of everything that everybody wants to express as an individual and as a group,'' Taboo said. During their stay in Seoul, the Peas said they are planning to visit Bongeunsa temple, Coex Mall, night clubs and even a recording studio. Will.i.am said he is composing music for the film ``Madagascar 2,'' and Fergie's song for a Japanese drama. Fergie is collaborating with J-pop singer Koda Kumi. Tickets for the Black Eyed Peas concert are priced between 121,000 won to 66,000 won. For more information, check out http://ticket.interpark.com. cathy@koreatimes.co.kr

shopaholic's seoul

Gap, Banana Republic to Open Shops

Actress Lucy Liu is wearing Gap's little black sweater dress in this photo taken by acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz. / Courtesy of Gap By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter Shopaholics get ready, as well-known fashion brands are finally coming to Seoul. American retailing giant Gap and its more upscale sister company Banana Republic are opening shops in Seoul on Aug. 24. Shinsegae International, a unit of Shinsegae Co., is bringing in Gap and Banana Republic through a franchise agreement with Gap. Inc. The Gap brand is known for its classic designs and comfortable basics such as T-shirts and jeans, while Banana Republic is described as an ``accessible luxury brand offering high-quality apparel and accessories.'' As part of the agreement, Shinsegae will have exclusive rights to operate Gap and Banana Republic stores in Korea. Both brands will be available at the Shinsegae Main Department Store. Gap will have its flagship store in Myeong-dong and will also be available at the Shinsegae Department Store in Gangnam, while Banana Republic will have its flagship store in Apgujeong-dong. Japanese actor Ken Watanabe is wearing a classic tailored white shirt from Gap. A spokesman for Shinsegae International said Gap will carry the adult, kids and baby line of clothes and accessories. Gap and Banana Republic will be offering their fall collection at the stores. This fall, Gap's women's collection features men's wear inspired clothing with feminine details, such as striped shirtdresses, tailored blazers and cute vests. The spokesman also said the Banana Republic line features items, described as luxurious both in materials and design, which will cater to the discerning Korean customer. This includes sophisticated suits, quality leather bags and stylish shoes. The buzzword is ``urban elegance'' for Banana Republic's fall collection. Classic American sportswear is given a modern twist, with inspiration from 80's fashion. Key pieces include shimmering cocktail dresses, oversized hounds tooth jackets, as well as wide-leg trousers and cropped trapeze jackets. Gap Inc. is a leading specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Piperlime brands. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores, of which 1, 199 stores are in the United States alone. In Asia, there are Gap stores in Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and India. Meanwhile, Spanish clothing brand Zara is also reportedly planning to open its first store in Seoul. A spokesman for Lotte Group said there are on-going talks with Zara, but there is no confirmation yet. However, Industria de Diseno Textil SA (Inditex), parent company of Zara, announced in March 2006 that it had already signed a joint venture agreement with the Lotte Shopping Company Ltd. to launch Zara in the country. At that time, Inditex said the first Zara store will be opened in Seoul by the end of 2006. The fashionable Spanish brand is known for its chic but affordable line of trendy clothes for women and men. It usually takes inspiration from the hottest runway looks and translates it to wearable items for a wider audience. Zara is Europe's largest fashion retailer, followed by Sweden's Hennes & Mauritz also known as H&M. Zara has already made inroads around Asia, opening stores in Japan, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines in recent years. The Gap, Banana Republic and Zara would have to compete with homegrown brands, as well as other foreign retailers such as Spain's Mango, Hong Kong's Giordano and Japan's Uniqlo which have already established their presence in Korea. Fierce competition is expected among these retailers. Hopefully, the Korean consumers will benefit with better quality products and competitive prices.

mflo is love

M-flo Rocks Seoul Party Scene Despite Delay

Japanese hip-hop superstars m-flo By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter Japanese hip-hop superstars m-flo rocked the Seoul party scene with two sold-out concerts on Friday and Saturday, as part of the ``m-flo Tour 2007 Cosmicolor.'' This was the duo's first concert in Korea since their ``Beat Space Nine'' tour in 2005. The Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Hotel's Kayagum Hall was packed with fans who were eager to see m-flo perform in Seoul. However, Saturday's concert was marred by a delay that caused fans to wait 2 hours and 45 minutes for m-flo's performance. At a press conference at the W Hotel on Saturday afternoon, m-flo's rapper Verbal and producer Taku Takahashi expressed excitement at performing before Korean fans once again. ``Korean fans are very enthusiastic. We're very pleased to see many Korean fans at our concerts, so we are always coming here. At our concert (on Friday), we saw some Japanese fans, and Korean fans clap their hands. We are pleased to see that Korean fans are welcoming Japanese fans. Through music, I think people can understand each other more deeply,'' Verbal said. When asked how they feel at the popularity of Japanese pop culture in Korea, Taku said he was happy to know that Koreans are appreciating their music. Verbal laughed, saying that he saw many fans at the airport but it turned out they were waiting for Japanese actor Tamaki Hiroshi. M-flo is known for their unique collaborations with top Japanese artists such as Koda Kumi, Amuro Namie and Crystal Kay, as well as Korean artists like Boa, Wheesung and Clazziquai. Taku said they liked working with these Korean singers because they have powerful voices, strong characters and good musical style. On Saturday evening, fans were dismayed at the delay in m-flo's performance. Tickets for the ``club event'' indicated the show would start at 10 p.m., but fans were lining up as early as 7:30 p.m. When the gates opened at 10 p.m., fans were surprised by the announcement that m-flo would perform at 12:45 a.m. This prompted dozens of fans to storm out of the concert to demand a refund from the organizers, 02 Productions and S.M. Entertainment. Fans complained that they had to stand while waiting for m-flo's performance, since guards refused to let them sit on the floor. Perhaps sensing the crowd's growing restlessness, Verbal came out at 12:15 a.m. to appease the fans. He asked the crowd to wait for a few more minutes and enjoy the music by the DJs. A representative from the concert organizers appeared before the crowd to apologize for the delay, attributing it to technical difficulties. When m-flo finally took the stage, fans forgot all about the long wait and greeted them with loud screams. M-flo made up for the delay with an energetic show, performing with Korean singers Wheesung and Alex of Clazziquai. Wheesung, who is recently making a comeback, sang ``I'm Da 1,'' from m-flo's ``Beat Space Nine album.'' Alex performed ``Love Me After 12 a.m.,'' which is included in the ``Cosmicolor'' album. In contrast, m-flo's concert on Friday went off without a hitch. M-flo opened the show with a performance of ``Summer Time Love,'' with J-pop singers Emi Hinouchi and Ryohei. Rapid fire rapping from Verbal, excellent mixing from Takahashi, as well as colorful visuals and thumping dance beats all combined to energize the concert crowd, who kept screaming and jumping throughout the nearly 3-hour show. Most of the songs were from their latest album ``Cosmicolor.'' Verbal, who is ethnically Korean but grew up in Japan, addressed the crowd in a mix of English, Japanese and Korean. M-flo also performed with J-pop singers Yoshika and Emyli, on songs such as ``Loop in my Heart,'' ``Love Song'' and ``Let Go.'' Former m-flo member Lisa also reunited with Verbal and Takahashi on stage, to perform songs from their earlier albums.

stargazing with AK in wuxi

Andre Kim Captivates Wuxi 
 

World-renowned Korean fashion designer Andre Kim holds a fashion show under the theme of "Fantasy of Four Seasons" at the Wuxi International Convention Center in China Thursday. / Yonhap

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Wuxi,China _ World-renowned Korean fashion designer Andre Kim captivated Chinese audiences in the small city in southern Jiangsu province Thursday evening with a romantic runway show featuring top hallyu stars wearing his distinctive designs.

All eyes were on TV stars Park Sol-mi, Cho Hyun-jae, and K-pop's hottest singers Ivy and Son Ho-young, who were the main models of the fantasy-filled show held at the Wuxi International Convention Center.

With the theme ``Fantasy of Four Seasons,'' the one and a half hour program featured 170 pieces from Kim's 2008 fashion collection. The audience was mesmerized by the array of exquisite and colorful designs in a show divided into six stages.

The event started with a winter stage ``Festival of White Night,'' as models appeared wearing somber black and white pieces and fur stoles and fake snow swirled around them.

Much attention was given to Ivy's debut as a fashion model, and she charmed the crowd with her angelic smile. Park, co-star of the hit drama ``Winter Sonata,'' had a chance to show off her tan and curves on the runway. Actors Park Jin-woo and Jeong Dong-jin, as well as singer Tim, modeled Kim's designs.

Vibrant splashes of color, coupled with dashes of mystery and romance, punctuated each stage.

In ``Mystery of Oriental Dynasty,'' Kim paid homage to Chinese and Korean culture, history and art. ``I created gowns inspired by ancient Korea and Oriental kingdoms. We created colorful motifs like dragons, taken from the ancient Chinese culture,'' he told The Korea Times before the show.

For ``Fantasy of Immortal Masterpiece,'' Kim created gowns printed with famous works by masters such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Ruben and Raphael. A highlight of the show was Kim's interpretation of the ``Legend of Seven Veils,'' where a model twirled around, peeling off one colorful coat at a time to finally unveil a pale blue gown.

Unlike his previous shows featuring only one main couple for the show's wedding finale, Kim said he decided to have two couples this time. Ivy and Son walked down the runway, looking like a match made in K-pop heaven, while Park and Cho looked like a picture-perfect couple in a TV drama.

Wild applause and cheers showered Kim as he took a bow at the end of the show.

Kim held his fashion show in this city located 128 kilometers from Shanghai, at the invitation of the Wuxi government and the International Textile and Fashion Megamall (ITFM), one of the world's largest fashion market and textile trading centers. Also known as Little Shanghai, Wuxi is the center of China's textile industry.

``This year's fashion show is very important because it is sponsored by the ITFM and Wuxi, which is a rising city for fashion in China. I am very happy that we are having a fashion show in Wuxi,'' he said.

Likewise, Wuxi and ITFM officials expressed their excitement at Kim's fashion show, which is expected to generate more interest in the ITFM and more business opportunities between Korea and China's textile and fashion industries.

Also, the event was meant to celebrate the 15th anniversary of China-Korea diplomatic ties and the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics. Kim said he has been invited to hold another fashion show during the Beijing Olympics next year.

This was Kim's 10th fashion show in China, having held shows in Beijing and Shanghai. Kim is known for staging romantic fashion shows in exotic locales such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia last year and at the pyramids in Egypt in 1996.

``Hallyu,'' a Chinese term coined to describe the popularity of Korean stars, dramas and music, continues to thrive in China. A handful of Son and Cho's fans even sneaked in the press conference to cheer their idols, as they spoke briefly.

On Wednesday, Kang Ta, one of the most popular K-pop stars in China, entertained crowds at the ITFM RNX Hallyu Concert at the Wuxi International Convention Center. Ivy, Son, Tim, Baby Vox Re. V, Mina, Jang Keun-suk, Han Jae-suk, Chae Eun-jung also performed at the event which was meant to generate publicity for the Global Korean Fashion/Beauty Expo on Aug. 8 at the ITFM
 

love their music!

Clazziquai Redefines Korean Electronica Music 
 

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

In the world of K-pop dominated by sappy ballads and bland pop songs, Clazziquai Project stands out for their unique brand of chill-out electronica music. Clazziquai's name describes what its music is all about: a soothing combination of classical, jazz and groove.

Clazziquai Project, comprised of producer and mixer Kim Sung-hoon, also known as DJ Clazzi and vocalists Alex Chu and Choi Ho-ran, sat down with The Korea Times for an interview at a coffee shop in Yeoido last week.

Clazziquai members eagerly talked about their third album ``Love Child of the Century,'' which once again brings a new kind of music surprising even their fans.

``In our first album, many people said the songs sounded Japanese. But no artist wants to be told that their work sounds similar to other artists. The second album had an acoustic sound, while the third album has a new wave and European sound. We are constantly searching for originality in our music,'' Kim said.

Clazziquai has come a long way from its start as a ``project group" formed by Kim, a classically trained musician and jazz music enthusiast who also worked as a web designer. He started experimenting with music, creating a cross between ``chill-out lounge and house music.''

In 2001, Kim started sharing his music, featuring Chu and his sister Christina as vocalists, online. He received positive feedback from netizens, which eventually led to the release of their breakout album ``Instant Pig" in 2004. Then Choi joined the group as female vocalist.

While Clazziquai has been steadily gaining fans, the turning point came when their songs ``Be My Love'' and ``She Is'' were featured in the hit MBC drama ``My Lovely Samsoon'' in 2005.

Kim said he did not write the songs specifically for the drama. However, the show's producers heard the songs and requested to use them in the show. ``Having the songs appear on the drama was good for us because it introduced Clazziquai to the public,'' he said.

Clazziquai's sound has become so distinctive that Kim has been sought out by other artists to mix their music. ``Sometimes someone asks me to do a remix in a Clazziquai way. But I honestly don't know what that is. I just do it in a natural way. That would be the Clazziquai way. There is no secret,'' Kim said.

Chu and Choi are the voices that give Clazziquai's sound a dreamy quality, making it soothing and pleasant to the ears. Chu also writes lyrics for the songs, taking inspiration from his past experiences. One of the standout tracks in their third album was ``Friday Blues,'' a song Chu penned about the pain of saying goodbye.

Choi, known for her dreamy voice, said she feels very comfortable being the only female in the group. ``Sometimes I feel more comfortable being the only girl with two guys than with a group of girls. We spend all our time together, so our lifestyles match each other's,'' she said.

Even though Clazziquai started out posting their music online, now they are also being affected by rampant illegal music downloading. Chu said that with the growth of the digital market, it's a question of whether musicians should still produce CDs or just go digital.

However, the Internet has helped Clazziquai gain fans from all over the world. Some of their music videos have been uploaded on You Tube and other Web sites. Their albums have also been licensed in Taiwan, and they have released a mini-album ``Love Mode'' in Japan. Plus, the group has collaborated with Japanese artists like m-flo and Ryohei.

``In the future, we would like to expand to Europe and if things work out, the United States. But we're doing everything slowly, taking baby steps,'' Kim said.

Clazziquai will hold a concert, featuring many of the songs on their new album, on July 14 at the Olympic Hall, Olympic Park, while Chu will perform during m-flo's concert in Tokyo on July 20. Then, the group will hold shows in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka to round out the month.

When asked about Clazziquai's future plans, Kim, Choi and Chu could not give a definite answer. ``I don't know. Nothing comes to mind. We are just going with the flow. We'll see how it happens… fans have asked us why our third album sounded so different. We're always changing, we're always evolving, nothing stays the same,'' Kim said.
 

meeting a shinhwa member!

Kim Dong-wan: Out of Shinhwa’s Shadow 
 

Kim Dong-wan is going solo with his first album ``Kimdongwan Is.''

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

It may be hard to imagine, but even a long-time boy band member like Kim Dong-wan can get nervous when embarking on a solo career.

Even having sold hundreds of thousands of albums as a member of Shinhwa, Kim admitted he is a little apprehensive at the reaction to his first album ``Kimdongwan Is.''

``I'm kind of nervous to have a performance by myself, to stand on stage by myself and to do a whole song," he told The Korea Times at a cafe in Apgujeong, Wednesday.

Wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and jeans, Kim looked relaxed and showed no sign of fatigue, even though he was in the middle of rehearsals.

Kim said it was Shinhwa's successful Asian tour last year, which brought them to Singapore, China, Thailand and Japan, that prompted him to decide to pursue a solo music career.

``I realized that Shinhwa was loved in Asia. I felt like I had something special I wanted to share with fans… Now I think this is the right time for me to debut as a singer,'' he said.

If the pressure of going solo was not enough, Kim also has to compete with fellow Shinhwa members Lee Min-woo, also known as M and Shin Hye-sung who are both releasing solo albums this summer.

``I consider them as my rivals,'' Kim said, with a smile. ``I want to win over the fans… But I still consider them as my friends, of course. We're friendly rivals.''

Even rivals help each other out, as Shinhwa members appeared on various songs in Kim's album. Lee composed a song called ``My Love," which also features a rap by Eric Mun. Shin sings a duet with Kim on ``Person Who Stays," while Andy Lee raps on ``I Like Summer."

Overall, Kim opted for a more Asian, if not, J-pop-influenced R&B sound for his album. ``Shinhwa's music is more of boy band music. It was more American R&B and candy pop. But my album is more of J-pop, and very Asian. I even remade a Japanese song by Glay and Exile in the album," he said.

His first single ``Handkerchief" is about a guy who consoles his girlfriend and wipes away her tears.

In preparation for his debut as a solo artist, Kim obviously dropped a lot of weight. ``I went on a diet, since it's not good for a ballad singer to have a muscular image. Someone singing ballads should have a lean, 'hungry-looking' image," he noted.

Kim has been in the music industry for over nine years now. When he was a high school student, he formed a group with his friend MC Mong. But he was soon asked to join Shinhwa in 1998, becoming one of the group's vocalists.

Despite Shinhwa's success, one of Kim's dreams was to become an actor. So he started pursuing an acting career, appearing in TV dramas like ``A Farewell to Sorrow, '' ``The Person I Love'' and the film ``Spin Kick.''

Being a singer-actor, Kim couldn't help but notice that Korean singers are not considered as popular or as influential as actors.

``The influence of actors is a lot stronger than the that of singers in Korea. But in Japan, it's the other way around. Japanese idols and singers are a lot more popular than actors. It's not just that they have more fans, but the Japanese idols can also sing, act and do other activities. I have the ability to be an actor and singer,'' he said.

In the past, Kim had said he would prefer a career in acting, but now things have changed. Now, he loves singing more than acting.

``When you watch a drama, you forget all about it after. But when you listen to music, it sticks with you forever. You can't forget it,'' he said.