Former member of U-KISS, Kibum.

During his visit to Japan that coincided with his brother, Kim Hyungjoon (Maknae)'s, summer concert, I got the chance to interview him; I would use this blog to write a report on the interview.

*squeal* The real person was several time more good looking than the picture, wasn't he! Last year I did some report on U-KISS press conference and fan events, however, because there are several members, I could not recognize each and everyone of them; hence, the focus this time is to have a look at him seriously. Again, I felt like he was the kind of person whose presence filled the air with glittering aura of a flower. When he smiled, his eyes were elegantly shaped like crescent moon, making him look so cute. He was enveloped in gentleness that he made the place felt peaceful.

Kibum was such tactful person; as my meal came later than his, "Somehow it feels lonely, yes?" he said and all along worried about it. He was the kind of person who could make conversation fun with his quick mind and witty sense of humor. Keeping his eyes on various things, he was full of wit; as such he had the quality of an MC. And the best thing was, his merit in Japanese was astounding! He self-learnt it by watching Japanese TV programs and the like, and yet he had improved to this level........... Even the said person's answers became better as the conversation went on, too; he became more fluent.

Having lived in Australia during his kindergarten years for 3 years, he seemed to understand English as well, implying that he had a good sense with regards to language study.

His mother who tagged along said "Even during school time, he was always the best in class." Because of this, Kibum was embarrased, "Mom, why are you saying such things here? You are too doting." It was such a heartwarming conversation between mother and son*laugh* I got it. Like this, if I had such a good son, I would also want to brag about him.

Kibum's mother, too, was a model in some commercial (CM) when she was young. With such big and pretty eyes, she was a lovely person.

Kibum and his brother, Hyungjoon, established a character business "PIRO PIRO". The said character which resembled a bear had unique mark under its eyes. When asked about since when he got interested with such thing, he said he liked such characters since he was young. At the age of 17, he by himself applied for a company license and began to construct the character. This should be about 16, when corrected to Japanese age. To conceptualize about 'establishing a company' at such age alone indicated that he was not an ordinary person. On that day, on the business card that I received, it had 'CEO' written on the title. 

During business time, he seemed to be doing negotiations with people who were older than him, all by himself; his expression at that point of conversation was so manly. He was thoroughly a young businessman.

That Kibum, he had decided on a management company in Japan. From now on, he wanted to pursue his talent activity in Japan with full of energy. Going by stage name 'Allen (Kibum)', he already had several schedules planned.

And then, it was decided that he would take part in a musical which portrays the figure of youths filled with burning desire "Kizuna - Shounen yo Daisho wo Idake" (Bond - Boys be Ambitious!) on October 20 to 25 this year, taking place at New National Theatre, Tokyo. SS501 Park Jungmin's graduation from the same musical in November last year had created such a topic. In the newly arranged stage play, Allen (Kibum) was selected for a key role, one of the handsome guys in S5. This time, during his visit to Japan, he was introduced to his co-actors. It was his first time to challenge a musical in itself, hence he felt nervous.

※Musical "Kizuna 2011 - Shounen yo Daisho wo Idake-" (Bond 2011 - Boys be Ambitious!-) http://www.enter-tm.com/index.html

Besides, prior to this stage play, it was decided that he would have a stage appearance as MC on September 10 (Saturday) at "K-POP MUSIC FESTIVAL in KAGOSHIMA". This emceeing would be his first shot for solo activity in Japan.

※http://k-pop-event.com/

Yet to reach 20, he is a very reliable and somewhat busy youth, right? The activities, from now onwards, will be fun!

※Allen (Kibum)'s official blog (in Japanese) http://ameblo.jp/kibumsama/

韓国のアイドルグループＵ－ＫＩＳＳで活躍し、その後脱退したキボム（２０）が、アレンの名でソロになり日本で再始動することが２６日、分かった。１０月には舞台「絆２０１１　少年よ大紙を抱け！」で本格俳優デビューする。それに先立ち、９月には音楽イベントで司会（ＭＣ）デビューするなど、マルチに活動する予定だ。アレンは「日本で俳優、歌手、ＭＣ、作曲…といろいろなことをしたい。『万能エンターテイナー』として活躍していきたい」と目を輝かせた。

アレンは本名のキボムで活動していた韓国のアイドルグループＵ－ＫＩＳＳを今年２月に脱退した。今後は日本で、アレンの名でソロとして再始動することになった。

アイドル時代につちかった歌やダンスは得意。日本語だけでなく英語も堪能だ。アレンとして、１０月２０日から始まる舞台「絆２０１１　少年よ大紙を抱け！」で初のミュージカルに挑み、本格俳優デビューする。メーン役の１人としてイケメン高校生役を演じる。

役柄と同じはかま姿になったアレンは「気持ちいいな～。かっこよくなっちゃった気分。日本にもっと近づいた感じです」とノリノリ。「ミュージカルや俳優は初めてですけど、本当の自分を見せたい。仲間が増えるので、日本の俳優との共演が楽しみです」と意気込みをみせた。

舞台前の９月１０日には鹿児島で開かれる「Ｋ－ＰＯＰ　ＭＵＳＩＣ　ＦＥＳＴＩＶＡＬ　２０１１　ｉｎ　ＫＡＧＯＳＨＩＭＡ」で司会デビューも飾る。アレンが目指すのは何でもできる「万能エンターテイナー」だ。「俳優、歌手、ＭＣ、作曲…いろんなことを日本でしたい。やりたいことは絶対やります。万能エンターテイナー、できます！」と笑顔で前を見つめた。

流ちょうな日本語は日本のドラマ、映画、アニメを見たり、日本人と積極的に会話しながら「楽しみながら自然に覚えたんです」というから吸収も早い。

兄のキム・ヒョンジュン（通称マンネ）は韓国の人気グループＳＳ５０１のメンバー。アレンはＵ－ＫＩＳＳ脱退後、兄とともにキャラクター会社を設立したほど仲がいい。アレンは「お兄さんはいつも僕のことを心配してくれる、優しい人。いつか兄弟でアルバムを作ったり、一緒にやりたいですね」と夢も語った。

日本のファンには「日本の人たちとも心と心が通じ合えるように、日本語や日本文化を全部勉強しますので、みなさんも僕のことをもっとよく知ってくれるとうれしいです」とメッセージを送った。

◆アレン 本名キム・キボム。１９９０年１２月２９日、韓国生まれ。０７年から韓国のグループ、ＸＩＮＧのメンバーとして活動。０８年からＵ－ＫＩＳＳで「キボム」としてボーカル、ラップを担当し人気に。今年２月脱退。特技は作曲、ピアノ、日本語、英語など。身長１７９センチ、体重６５キロ。

Originally being active in Korean idol group U-KISS and then withdrawn, it was made known on 26th that Kibum (20) will go solo and restart his solo activity in Japan with name ‘Allen’. In October, he will debut as professional actor in a stage play ‘Kizuna 2011 Shounen yo Daisho wo Idake!’ (Bond 2011 Boys be Ambitious!) . Also, with regards to his debut as moderator (MC) in a music event earlier in September, he has plans for multiple activity. “Actor in Japan, singer, MC, composer…and various other things are what I want to do. I hope to work as an “all-rounded entertainer” Allen said with his eyes twinkling.

 Allen, whose real name is Kibum, was active in Korean idol group U-KISS till he was withdrawn in February this year. Hereafter, he will restart solo activity as Allen in Japan.

 During his idol era, he was trained in singing and dancing. He is fluent not only in Japanese, but also English. As Allen, starting from October 20 he will start anew, to debut as professional actor, challenging a stage play ‘Kizuna 2011 Seishun yo Daisho wo Idake!’ (Bond 2011 Boys be Ambitious!). He will play the part of a handsome senior high school student, one of the main roles .

Posing in hakama just like the role he is gonna play as, "It feels so good~. The feeling of becoming cool. I feel like I'm getting closer to Japan," Allen happily declared. "Even though (being in a) musical and (becoming an) actor are both my first time, I want to show my real self. About the increase in the number of colleagues , it was a pleasure to co-star with Japanese actors," showing his enthusiasm.

 Before the stage play, on September 10 in Kagoshima he will open 'K-POP MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011 in KAGOSHIMA', marking his MC debut. Allen's aim is to be able to do anything, an 'all-rounded entertainer'. "Actor, singer, MC, composer, ...  and various other things that I want to do in Japan. When I say I want to do something, I will absolutely do it. I will become an 'all-rounded entertainer'" he said with a smile and while looking intently.

 About being able to quickly absorb the street-style (slang) Japanese learnt from watching drama, movie and anime, and proactively conversing with Japanese people, "Because it is fun (method of learning), I can memorize it."

 His older brother is Kim Hyungjoon (popular as 'Maknae'), a member of popular Korean group SS501. After being withdrawn from U-KISS, Allen, together with his brother, established a character company, showing the extent of their closeness. Allen said "Brother always worries about me, he is a gentleman. Someday, we will work (collaborate) on an album as siblings, wanting to do it together," talking about his dream.

 About the fans in Japan, "In order to understand the Japanese fully, the heart and the mind, I will learn all about Japanese language and Japanese culture; that being the case, I'll be happy if everyone, too, will know me better." he sent his message.

  
◆ Allen, real name Kibum. Born in Korea, December 29, 1990. Actived in 2007 as a member of Korean group XING. Actived in U-KISS as 'Kibum' from 2008, famous to be in charge of vocal and rap. Withdrawn on February this year. Special skills are composing, piano, Japanese, English. Height 179 cm, weight 65 kg.

[엑스포츠뉴스=온라인뉴스팀 정수진 기자] 그룹 '유키스'에서 탈퇴한 김기범이 알렌이라는 이름으로 활동을 시작했다. 최근 친형인 'SS501' 김형준과 함께 캐릭터 회사 HnB Company를 설립하고 '피로피로'를 론칭해 젊은 CEO로 변신한 김기범은 지난 4월 20일 워너 싱가포르와 HnB Company가 함께하는 프로모션에 참석했다. 피로캐릭터 수출산업과 대중문화 교류를 활성화하기 위해 개최됐던 프로모션에는 1,000여 명의 현지 팬들이 모여 뜨거운 관심을 드러냈다. 싱가포르 팬들은 김기범을 위해 영상과 노래를 준비해 그를 감동시켰으며 김기범은 한국에 돌아올 때까지 자신의 트위터에 사진을 올리며 팬들의 성원에 감사를 표했다. 김기범은 "홀로 무대에 서보니 더욱 막중한 책임감이 느껴진다. 세계 각국에서 주시는 팬들의 사랑에 보답하기 위해 작곡, 작사활동을 준비 중이며 연예활동과 사업 어느 한쪽도 놓치지 않겠다"고 포부를 밝혔다. [사진 = 김기범 ⓒ 김기범 트위터]

'Withdrawal from U-Kiss', Kim Kibum transforms into a young CEO.

Post withdrawal from the group U-Kiss, Kim Kibum, who is also known as Allen, has embarked on his activity.

Last month, on May 20 (the journalist made a typo and wrote April 20), for the recent launching of PiroPiro by character business HnB Company set up together with blood-brother Kim Hyung Jun of SS501, the newly-transformed young CEO Kim Kibum, together with Warner Singapore held a promotional event.

As part of the promotion effort for Piro character export business, an exchange of pop culture was held, which was attended by 1000 local fans showing great interest.

The video and the song which were prepared by Singapore fans for Kim Kibum had moved him that when he returned to Korea, he tweeted to thank the fans.

Kim Kibum said with full of aspiration, "To be alone on the stage means there is bigger responsibility to shoulder. In return for the love from fans all around the world, composing and lyrics-writing are in the progress as a preparation to return to entertainment activities, while keeping the business on track."

Translation note: The translation might not be perfect. The number 1000 might refer to the people attending Sheng Siong Show recording, since the Meet & Greet and the fanmeet were only limited to 450 ticket holders.