News and Updates

- R-eal was initially supposed to be a 6-member group. One of the members left for personal reasons, however, so R-eal now has 5 members.
- R-eal was also initially supposed to be a band. As far as I know, though, they are debuting as a dance/singing group.
- R-eal's first album may be released this month (May). The date may change, however.
- Their first album's style is rumoured to be a house/dance style, with house and dance mixed together.
- Their first image is supposed to be a black & white look.
- Their daily life: They work from noon 'til 1:00 at midnight. They have rehearsal for 6 hours, vocal practice for 2 hours, mealtime 2 hours, morning exercise (basketball) 40 minutes, and in the early morning, they have some freetime. They usually spend this time surfing online and playing games.
- The name "R-eal" is not derived from the actual English word, "real". It is an acronym that stands for: rapt, excellent, ace, and leader.


Credit: junghyun of R-ealcity.co.nr.

New idol group, R-eaL, sings the truth, Tuesday June 3, 2008 Korea/Japan (older article)

A new idol group who hasn’t even debuted yet was featured on a Japanese radio program.

In a time when there is a flood of new idol-wannabes, R-eal has singled itself out. They were introduced to Hallyu enthusiasts in other countries, such as Japan and Thailand. And they already boast a fan club of 10,000 members! Why are they so attractive? Members say it is because ”We are R-eaL.”

R-eaL made a surprise appearance on a popular TBS program ‘Trust in Ako’ and was also featured in a spread for a famous Japanese music magazine, Ticketpia, titled “R-eal’s daring challenge - Run to the death.”

R-eaL consists of Yoon (25), Jin Woong (20), Chang Hyun (20), Insuk (20), Sang Il (18). They are determined to become the “real” of Kpop. Praised for its cute dance choreography, their title song ‘Make Love’ was produced by a popular Japanese composer Hirota Shoauichiro. The MV was directed by Hong Jong Ho.

R-eaL will release their new album, made up of 4 songs, sometime in June and will start promoting activites in Korea. By next year, they plan to cross over to Japan to start activites there also. R-eal’s daring entrance into the Japanese market with their appearance on the radio program will be aired on Mnet in June.

Sidenote: They belong to Sponge Entertainment. the same as former HOT Jang Woo Hyuk.


Source: Newsen
Credit for ShenYuePop.com: soyboy

Wednesday June 4, 2008

R-eaL appeared on Japanese variety programs from May 29 - June 2. Even though they have not debuted yet, fans recognized their faces and looked for them.

R-eaL appeared on a variety program and was challenged to ride the FujiQ Highland, a roller coaster with a record in the Guinness Book of Records. This is an interview before they rode this:

#What does 'R-eaL' mean?
Yoon: It is just what it is: the truth. As the 'genuine kpop', we want to show our 'R-eaL' self.
Jinwoong: We'll make sure that peope will look at us and will be happy and laugh.

# When was the group formed?
R-eaL was formed 2 years ago. Jinwoong was chosen through an audition while the other members got casted through a casting director. Chang Hyun was recommended by Yoon, who was the younger brother of a friend.
Chang Hyun: I always had an interest in this (music/dance) area. I had a very shy personality and I wasn't the kind of person to take an audition but because Yoon recommended me, I was able to join R-eaL.

#What have you prepared since now?
We prepared a lot in the areas of dance, music, and acting. We also prepared a lot of individual and team expressions. In particuar Insung is well prepared to participate in show programs. Chang Hyun and other members are are also interested in action. They are currently looking at some projects and many projects are coming in.

#Any plans of promotional activities abroad?
We are planning on promoting in Japan. Our company (Sponge Entertainment) plans to promote us for 6 months in Korea before crossing over to Japan next year. A Japanese composer wrote our title song "Make L.O.V.E." Perhaps because of this, the song has a J-POP feel. It's a song that shows our style best.

# Do you speak Japanese well?
Jinwoong speaks the best because he was born in Japan.
Jin Woong: I'm not fluent but I can mix body language to communicate.

# What sets apart R-eaL from the typical idol group?
Chang Hyun: What makes us different from the typical idol group is that our music has a J-POP feel to it. It's a different feel to other Korean idol groups.
Jinwoong: Although we haven't debuted yet, we have a lot of fans in the Phillipines, Thailand, and Japan. We have respective fan blogs and fan clubs. We gained fans since out trainee days. Our performances were also re-televised. Lotte World, YTN have rerun our performances 7 times. Although other groups give off a mysterious vibe, our group will be like a close friend. R-eaL us undoubtedly a group just for our fans. We are a group that has the feeling of H.O.T.'s "Shabang Shabang" feel, making it easy for fans to get to know us.

#Are there any members with a multi-faceted experience?
Sang and Inseok were 'ulzzangs'. Yoon modeled for magazines in highschool, enjoying the opportunity to stand on stage. Jinwoong is a 2006 graduate of Yonsei University (a very prestigious university in Korea) in architectural engineering. Jinwoong also participated in a theatre troupe. He was also 4th in his entire highschool.

#Is there a group that is a role model?
In Japan there idol groups such as Janice, Arashi and Nooze. We want to be like Arashi, to get closer to our fans through acting and variety shows.

# Can you introduce your new album?
There will most likely be 4 songs in the the fashion of a mini-album. We are confident enough to show off our dance and music skills anywhere. Director Hong Jong Ho is in charge of our music video. We will start promoting on June 10. The album will be released at the end of June. The show that we are shooting right now will probably be shown on Mnet around the middle of June. The dance to our title song is addictive. Fans have already coined it the "traffic control dance". We are improving after our preview showcase. In October, we will release our singe album, by next year our first full album while starting activities in Japan at the same time. The title of the mini-album that will be released in June is "We are R-eaL".

# What are you're feelings after appearing on Shintaro's "Infinity Challenge" radio program?
It was our first time on air. We made some mistakes and don't remember what we said because everything was happening so quickly. It was fun and made us think that we should work harder next time. It was also an emotional moment because it was the first time we revealed our title song.


Credits: R-eal Host (r-ealhost.co.nr)

Five boy idol group is born. It's name is R-eal. R-eal, who is scheduled to debut this month in Korea, will be testing their true abilities through Japanese challenge show in preparation for their debut there next year. Their popularity is already through the roof. They already have 10000 fans on their internet cafe. Fans even have named the R-eal's chreography as the "traffic control" dance.

R-eal, who will be debuting with mini-album this month will be releasing a single around October and will be releasing their first official album early next year. Their first title song 'Make Love' is the work of Japan's celebrated composer Hirata Shoichiro, who has worked with artists such as Koda Kumi. It is overall a J-pop style. R-eal plans to make home both in Korea and in Japan.

On the 29th of last month, R-eal appeared at Fuji Q Island. Fuji Q Island is where the world famous rollercoaster Fujiyama. R-eal kicked off their inifinity challenge by boarding Fujiyama.

Before appearing on TBS's 'Leave it to Yako' on June 1st, R-eal had already performed 2 songs live on radio program FM Hoku 'Shintaro's Infinity Challenge.' In addition, they have already been offered interview by the associates of Oricon chart. Their show 'R-eal's Infinity Challenge: keep going if we die' will be aired through Mnet in this month alongside their debut in Korea.

R-eal is formed by leader Yoon (25), Jin Woong (20), same aged Chang Hyun and In Seok and the youngest Sang Il (18). They have been preparing for their debut for 2 years and just like other Idol group, they will be performing both music and acting.

Leader Yoon expressed his goal of "not being the star that shines monentarily and fades away. We want to singers that you won't get sick of."

Yeon Sae University's engineering student Jinwoong said "I became a singer despite my parent's opposition. I want to take away only the good from all this."

In Seok said "R-eal has clear and definite member roles. Yoon is the father, Sang il is the mother, Chang Hyun is the son, I am the daughter and Jin Woong is uncle. We are like a family and we will definitely be family to our fans as well."

R-eal's agency's representative Bae Sung Hoo revealed that "R-eal is not only popular in Japan but also in other countries like Thailand. They are already gaining international fans through internet blog. I expect them to achieve success different from other Korean idol groups."

He also added "Thailand already offered to make stationary goods with R-eal and they will be appearing on 30 shows in Japan."


Credit: Star News + 1takeKK@R-ealhost.co.nr

Group R-eal, a boy band of five who appeared in Japan music industry without real proper planning, is now officially revealing what they are all about.

R-eal has filled the headlines by declaring debut in Japan without any help from the agency or the representatives prior to their debut in Korea soon.

As if this was not enough, R-eal also is becoming the talk of the town by successfully completing an interview with Japan's music ranking chart Oricon.

R-eal has personally walked around tv stations and magazine publishing companies in Japan and one of their visiting site was Japan's Oricon. They simply went there and after some struggling with the security at the gate, they at last succeeded in meeting with the employee. The employee felt touched by R-eal's effort and personally conducted the interview himself.

The Oricon staff found R-eal more friendly as they struggled to communicate with their not so perfect Japanese.

There also is a after story that upon hearing this story, the president of the Oricon requested to meet with R-eal and even gave them encouraging words.

Oricon introduced their interview with R-eal on the main screen of their website (http://tv.oricon.co.jp). This is the first time that they ever introduced a foreign artist who has not even debut yet. It proved that R-eal has that much potential to succeed in Japan.

R-eal is scheduled to debut in Korea this month.

Credit: Donga.com + 1takeKK@R-ealhost.co.nr

Shinee, Ast1, R-eal, are this year's newly debuted idol groups. But they all have 5 members. Even currently active idol groups mostly have 5 members as well. DBSK, SS501, Big Bang, Wonder Girls, Paran, FT Island. Even the 6 member group Big Bang reformed into 5 and recently released an album. 4 female member group Kara, due to quitting of one member, has decided to stick to 5 and is currently hosting audition. Of course, there are 6 member group Shinhwa, 9 member group SNSD, 13 member group Super Junior. However, 5 member group dominates the K-pop industry. 5 members is defining the ideal formation of an idol group.

○ 5 Member Trend, H.O.T's success played a big role

Why did Korean agencies come to promote 5 member groups? H.O.T, the origin of idol group, has played a huge influence.

Record producers have watched the success of H.O.T and have naturally claimed them as their role models. In order to form an idol group, they look from at least 3 members to 17 and decide that 5 is the best based on drawing. 5 could be the best looking role models as well as 'copying' H.O.T.

5 member group appears to be the most impressive number on stage. The stage neither looks too crowded nor empty with five members. Five member group doesn't even need back dangers. Jung Hae Ik (President of Hyun Star Avenue), who was in charge of forming H.O.T through SM Entertainment in mid 1990, said that "at that time, 5 was the most impressive on stage."


○ DBSK - Big Bang, coincidently 5

Neither the origin of Idol Group, H.O.T nor DBSK nor Big Bang planned to be 5 from the beginning.

DBSK members were all either in separate group preparing to debut or preparing to become a solo artist under SM Entertainment. Leader U-Know Yunho was planned to debut solo and Xiah Junsu was supposed to debut as 3 member group with 2 of the current Super Junior members. After it was decided that 5 was perfect, Mickey Yoochun joined the team last.

Big Bang originally had 6. So they became 5 after infinity number of survival challenge.

Credit: Donga.com + 1takeKK@R-ealhost.co.nr

The Journey to be Real

Countless artists come and go in the K-pop world. Getting in is easy but the real challenge is staying in. Despite the hardship, they accepted the challenge; they are the new group R-eal. Let's look inside the dynamic resumes of Yoon, Jinwoong, Changhyun, In Seok, and Sang il.

R-eal
They've already been focused as healthy trees before debut

Last May, R-eal received an unexpected phone call from Japan. The caller said that R-eal's inofficial stage performance video is ranking top spots for the most searched topic on Japan Hanryu websites.
Few days later, news came that R-eal fan cafes have been opened in various Asian countries as well as in Sweden. Neither members nor the agency staff could not hide their amazement. All this has happened before R-eal's debut.

J. When I searched R-eal on portal sites, there were already numerous R-eal videos and files. It seems like you have alot of fans even though you recently debuted.
R-eal For leader Yoon, he has alot of fans thanks to him having been preparing to become a singer for a long time. Formal ulzzangs Sang il and Inseok already had numerous fan cafes for them. Sang il, specially is the 3rd of 5 best ulzzangs. I hope to meet Goo Hye Sun and Park Han Byul with Sang il's help later (laugh). I think that R-eal owes most of its popularity to these three.


J. I heard before that the international fan response is very hot.
R-eal We still don't understand that. We have no idea how international fans know about us and like us when we just debuted. We had a stage performance before debut once and there were so many fans from Thailand. One of them even cried when she saw Yoon. We also heard that our video was uploaded on Japan Hanryu web page before our debut. A manger in Japan saw that and thought we already debuted. We heard that our fan cafes exist in Thailand, Singapore and even in Sweden. Our manager said many countries are requesting our visit. So we plan to do abroad promotion while we do our debut stuff. We plan to visit Thailand at the end of June. We'll debut in Japan at the end of this year.

J. You will also be working as CF models?
R-eal This company released a drink called I'm Real. The name is very similar to ours. We got to know about them because few fans brought the drinks to us. We thought it'd be fun to do CF for them. We suppose the drink company thought the same. They called us so we've been doing promotion stuff. We'll be shooting a TV CF later in the year.

J. Why do you think people are so interested in R-eal?
R-eal Mm, how should we say this? Because we are comfortable and easy to approach just like next door oppa or dongsaeng? Bright and healthy charm? .. is what we want to say, but honestly, we don't know. We are confused too. When we first formed the group, we wished that people feel true happiness when looking at us and we guess it worked. We were lucky.

R-eal
Faces un-expected harship

The excitement about having both national and international fans soon faded away and R-eal learned about their anti-cafe. They are also worried about various entertainment agencies released idol groups and increasing the competition.

J. You are dubbed the second FT Island. How did this come about? When I look at R-eal's stage, I can't even find a tambourine, let alone a guitar.
R-eal We've been waiting for that question the most. When we were having a photoshoot for a magazine, the concept was a band. We each took a picture holding an instrument in order to emphasize that we'll be debuting soon. Many must have misunderstood that. After that, some magazines incorrectly introduced us as a five member band. Many probably had a wrong idea that our image was similar to that of FT Island sunbaes???. So thats why we think we were called the second FT Island. We are honored that we've been compared to great and passionate musicians. However, we also had some trouble. Thanks to our nickname, we got ourselves anti cafes. But now they know that R-eal is not a band. So hopefully the anti cafes will disappear?

J. Today's K-pop industry is producing more Idol groups than ever, almost at the rate, which it should be called the idol group market. A major entertainment agency released an idol group almost at the exact time as R-eal's debut too. In addition, there are even more idol groups preparing to debut later this year. How do you feel?
R-eal If we say we don't care, then that should be a lie, right? Now that we debuted, it's natural that we want as much attention as possible. Having all this competition encourages us to work harder but it is also stressful both mentally and physically. But we trust that if we do our best, many people will acknowledge us and like us. Our manager always tells us "Let's run looking only ahead." We think that's the answer.

J. But that's not the situation in reality. Does R-eal have a secret weapon that enables them to do this?
R-eal Group R-eal has more talents than you think. We have members talented in not only music but also in acting and dancing. So we plan to work in various areas. We'll try our best to be remembered as the group that bring excitement to audience where ever. We'll never forget our first goal. We'll always cherish our first determination that we'll bring 'real' happiness with 'real' music as 'real' musicians.

R-eal
The Journey to be Real
The repetition of many artists coming and going in K-pop word happens daily. But R-eal says instead of being one-time stars, they want to be real artists that will be remembered for a long time.

J. What is this "real" music that R-eal speak of?
R-eal We don't want a specific genre. We hope to try whatever that brings happiness to our audience. The music that you want to listen more than once...is the music that we want to make.

J. When I look at your debut album, I see alot of famous Japanese artists' names. Hirata Shoichiro, Hibino Hirohumi...etc. Aren't they celebrated composers who worked with SMAP, KAT-TUN, News?
R-eal That's correct. They may not be well known in Korea but they are very famous in Japan. First we contacted them so we can do a re-make of their classic works. However, during our meeting, a talk of a new song came out casually and we got our own song. Our title song 'Make L.O.V.E' is the song that Hirata Shoichiro, who has worked with SMAP, KAT-TUN, made for us after seeing our potential. 'Moving on' is composed by Hibino Hirokumi, who has worked with NEWS and Kinki Kids. This song is a very precious one to R-eal because it has a message from the composer to us.

J. Famous Japanese musicians must have looked at R-eal differently. What did they say about the members?
R-eal We met with them last year in Japan but our Japanese wasn't as fluent so we couldn't exchange alot of words. We only managed to say 'hello' with the help from our translator. But we feel that they thought good of us trying our best with music despite the language barrier. They said we have much potential as other Hanryu stars. We were honored. We plan to debut in Japan at the end of this year.

J. Working in Korea should be first. What are your plans?
R-eal We have so many requests coming from abroad but Korea is our priority. We want to be a group that many people talk about. We, R-eal, plan to work not only in music but also in acting for dramas, stage, and musicals. We'll try our hardest to show the public our 'real' selves and bring them 'real' happiness.

Credit: R-eal.net + 1takeKK@R-ealhost.co.nr

wowow!! ive been gone for 2 days and there is super alot of news about them..

thanks celia91 for all the hard work!!

you welcome!! im just doing my job!

CELIA IS GREAT IN UPDATING!!!! XD

wwooaaa!! so many posts o.o
*glooms*