2AM returns with new album on painful but endless love

Idol group takes motif from American classic ‘The Great Gatsby’

Idol group 2AM returned to its fans on Tuesday with a new mini album, breaking its one-and-a-half-year absence from the country’s entertainment scene.

With the new album titled “F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Way of Love,” the group attempts to turn its image from young and fragile into one that is more mature and manly.

Taking motifs from “The Great Gatsby” written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the early 20th century, the group said they wanted to show timeless and mature love toward their fans.

“We used to sing songs full of straightforward expressions so far. We wanted show (a man’s) endless love, taking the motif from characters in the novel ‘The Great Gatsby,’” said Jo Kwon, the leader of the group, at a press conference held in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul.

“Through this album, we have become more mature both in style and music,” he added.

Pop group 2AM sings its title song “I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me” at a press conference held in Seoul on Tuesday. (Park Hae-mook/The Korea Herald)

At the press conference, the four members, dressed in slim suits and ties, showcased their first single “I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me.” With the song written and produced by renowned musician Kim Do-hoon, 2AM showed how both its sound and style have grown up and become more understated.

The top artists participated in the album, including singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin and Park Sun-zoo, a legendary female singer known as one of the most famous vocal trainers in Korea. Yoon wrote “How to Part Well,” while Park produced another ballad named “Allow Me a Second.”

“It took longer than we thought because we wanted to produce an album with high-quality songs,” said Seulong.

Executive producer Bang Shi-hyeck, a.k.a “Hitman,” did not create any songs for the group this time as he wanted them to find new color in collaboration with other artists.

Not only music, but also a change in style was obvious.

The album was produced in collaboration with big-name Korean branding and design companies, in an effort to enhance the group’s image.

Total Impact, a local branding company famous for its work with SK Telecom and Hyundai Card, designed the official logo of the group.

Creative director for local fashion house MVIO Han Sang-hyeck also joined the project by designing new stage costumes.

When asked about a recent rumor involving Sohee, a member of girl group Wonder Girls, Seulong denied that they are in a romantic relationship.

“We have known each other for a long time and have a brother-and-sister relationship,” he said. “We promised each other that we should be careful when hanging out, of course, as friends.”

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldm.com)