No Park-ing for Sandara

Then (inset): As winner of Star Circle Quest (2004). And now, as member of the hit K-Pop group 2NE1.

When Sandara “Dara” Park left the Philippines in 2007 to embark on a new career as a singer in her native Seoul, she brought fond memories about the country which she has learned to love as her second home, rightly so because it’s here where she first made a name in showbiz by winning the ABS-CBN talent search Star Circle Quest (SCQ).

She left behind not only dear friends but also the word Krung-Krung (roughly and fondly translated as lukaret) which has been incorporated into the local lingo.

In South Korea, Dara became popular as a member of the all-girl band 2NE1 (other members are simply called by their first name: CL, Minzy and Bom), formed by the YG Entertainment in 2009. Riding on the crest of the K-Popularity, the 2NE1 has attracted a following not only in Asia but also in other parts of the world. Pronounced “to anyone or twenty one,” 2NE1 is a combination of the phrases “21st Century” and “new evolution.”

Since then, Dara hasn’t “parked” her career; she has been constantly on the road. (Follow her on Twitter @krungy21, pambansang krungkrung ng Pilipinas.)

The 2NE1 will have a concert called 2NE1 All Or Nothing Tour on May 17 (next Saturday) at the MOA (Mall of Asia) Arena.

Here’s Conversations’ exclusive e-mail interview with Dara.

Hi, Dara. We Filipinos love you so much because we know that you love the Philippines and you never forget to update us on what goes on in your life and career. What are your favorite memories about the Philippines?

“Hello! Long time no see. I was very excited when I received an interview request from you. I’m doing well lately.

“2NE1 members and I are very busy these days taking a tour around different countries and cities every week. Upcoming is Manila. All members including myself have been longing for this moment. The Philippines is my second home.

“The experiences that I had in the Philippines are such precious memories. When I first went to the Philippines, I had a lot of difficulties due to a language barrier. I still remember how I cried at school, how my mother and I were taken aback when people asked us whether we were Japanese or Chinese while we were on our way to Cartimar Market, and how I received so much love and support from Filipino fans after participating in SCQ. I had my ups and downs but now that I look back, they are all precious memories.”

You are welcome anytime in the Philippines and we’re happy that you and your fellow 2NE1 members are coming for a concert on May 17. How many times have you visited the Philippines since you left in 2007?

“Thank you. I always think of the Philippines as a very warm-hearted place.

“After I left the Philippines in 2007, I became very homesick a number of times. Whenever I did, Mr. YG allowed me to go on a holiday to the Philippines. After the debut, I didn’t get a lot of opportunities to perform in the Philippines, which is very disappointing. I think we only visited the Philippines about five times. That’s why we are waiting eagerly for May 17th.”

You are still very popular in the Philippines and you still speak Tagalog. Who are your Filipino friends that you continue to communicate with?

“Actually, I don’t get to contact my friends in the Philippines very often. However, because a lot of people use Twitter and Instagram these days, I still keep in touch with my friends and I read their posts which are written in Tagalog.

“I keep in touch with my friends at school and friends in show business. We don’t get to talk very often, but when we meet up, we don’t feel awkward at all.

“Out of those friends, I randomly contact Luis Manzano.

“Recently, I became close with Ryan Bang. We are both Korean but we speak in Tagalog.”

I understand that your made-in-the-Philippine movies are being shown in Korea. Do you plan to do more acting?

“I was surprised myself when the movies were shown in Korea.

“I would love to act when I get a chance. I dearly miss acting and I would love to act not only in a Korean movie but also in a Filipino movie, especially in a romantic-comedy film! The Philippines is absolutely the best in romantic-comedy movies.

“I still watch Filipino movies often and whenever there’s a new movie out, my friends and fans in the Philippines send me a DVD, which I really appreciate.”

By the way, how is your group 2NE1 different from other K-Pop girl groups? You are only four members and the others have more.

“I think 2NE1 is different from the other K-Pop girl groups regarding music. All four of us have very different taste and character. One would wonder how four individuals with such different voice, style, taste and personality could act together as a group. However, when those four very different voices come together, 2NE1’s music becomes complete.

“Also, the lyrics are very straightforward and talk in a female’s point of view. Our songs represent females.

“Regarding fashion, we all wear what we each want to wear.

“Most importantly, we pursue an image that is very different from images of other K-Pop girl groups. Sometimes, we try ‘cute’ and ‘lovely’ concepts, but people still say 2NE1 is cool. It’s quite funny! We are just being ourselves but we are just a little different from others. It still surprises me how such different individuals formed a team together.

“2NE1, let’s have fun!”

Tell us more about your co-members. How do you decide what songs to include in your album and concert repertoire?

“2NE1 members are very special. We all have different roles in the group and each member has such unique charm, which makes 2NE1’s music fun to listen to and shows fun to watch.

“If you attend our concert, you will understand exactly what I mean. Leader CL’s charisma, main vocal Bom’s soulful voice and silliness, youngest member Minzy’s singing ability and amazing dance performance!

“We decide everything together except for which songs to include in the album or the concert.

“Of course, we receive a lot of support from Mr. YG, producer Teddy, and many other YG staff.

“With our newest album Crush, we tried to consider the listener’s perspective when we were deciding on the track list.

“This process was lots of fun, however. We are working very hard.”

Why do you call your concert in Manila All Or Nothing? What can we expect from the concert? Are you going to sing In Or Out?

“The tour title All Or Nothing is the perfect word that describes our feelings.

“We love music and we enjoy performing in front of our fans. It took us four years to release a studio album because we really wanted to create a high-quality album.

“We had some hard times and we really missed performing on stage and meeting our fans, so we put in everything that we’ve got in this album.

“Whenever we go on stage, we always think of having a blast and enjoying ourselves like there is no tomorrow. That’s why we decided on having All Or Nothing as our concert title.

“We have something special planned for our Manila concert, but it’s a secret! We don’t want to ruin the surprise so come check it out!

“Should I sing In Or Out? If the audience wants me to, I definitely will! In Or Out is my best hit song and I really miss singing it.”

Are you still Krung-Krung? How different is Sandara today from the Sandara that we know?

“I still have a Krung-Krung side to me, but I think I have become a lot more mature.

“As my Filipino fans already know, I used to cry a lot, hide and was too honest. I was like a little troublemaker. However, from those experiences, I learned to become more mature and I try to stop myself from making the same mistakes. Also, I was no longer young when I had an official debut as a 2NE1 member.

“However, when I’m with 2NE1 members, my mischievous side still comes out and whenever I go to the Philippines, I still become Krung-Krung. The Philippines brings out my Krung-Krung side. Here I come!”

Name three memorable performances of 2NE1.

“The most memorable was our debut stage. It was on May 17, 2009. Our concert in Manila is also on May 17th! It’s on our fifth anniversary.

“I’m so excited to spend this special day with our Filipino fans.

“I was extremely nervous five years ago, but on this May 17th, 2NE1 is going to get wild!

“There are so many memorable performances and stages so it is a little difficult to choose.

“2NE1’s first performance in the Philippines is especially memorable. All of my friends came. They anxiously clasped their hands together and looked even more nervous than me.

“Some of them shed tears, which I will never forget. It has already been three years, and that was our first and only performance in the Philippines. Finally, after three long years, we are having a concert!

“Let’s have fun and make this concert another memorable one!”

Tell us more about your album Crush.

“We have grown so much with our newest album Crush. It is similar to our mini album which was released in 2009.

“We challenged ourselves with various genres. We used to sing powerful music but in this album, we had soft, touching and melancholic songs as well. Crush includes the feelings of a mature woman.

“Most importantly, CL composed three songs herself.

“Since CL knows us very well, she wrote songs that successfully represent us. Also, we could show a different image. Our fifth member and producer Teddy and our new producer CL and 2NE1 together make the best team.”

After your concert, are you planning to visit places in the Philippines and see your old friends?

“To tell you the truth, though I am very excited to visit the Philippines, I am also a little worried. I have so many friends in the Philippines and so many places I want to visit, but I don’t have the time to do everything.

“Also, I am worried that my friends may be a little disappointed if I leave without meeting them. Last time, I didn’t have a lot of free time because it was a very tight schedule of three days.

“It will be very busy this time as well but I’m going to introduce amazing places and delicious food to 2NE1 members and YG staff. I’m going to be a tour guide! It’s a secret where I’m going to take them. I will let you know next time!

You are an endorser of beauty products in Korea. Any beauty tips for your fans?

“I think it is the best to look natural. For example, if you have skin trouble, it’s better to leave it alone than to try to cover it.

“Also, it is important to sleep well, exercise and drink a lot of water.

“If you are too busy and don’t have the time to sleep well or exercise, make sure to drink a lot of water! It really helps!

“Finally, don’t forget to have a positive mindset!”

(The 2NE1 All Or Nothing Tour on Saturday, May 17, at the Mall Of Asia Arena, is produced by PULP Live World & 28 Black. Doors open at 6 p.m. For tickets, call SM outlets. Also, online at www.smtickets.com or telephone 470-2222.)

Credits:

Source: Phil Star Online