INDEX
Reflecting on BUOY’s Inaugural Live Performance in Korea
– You performed in Korea for the first time the other day, didn’t you? How was it?
BUOY： The audience was very focused on the show and seemed to have their own way of enjoying the show. After the show, many people talked to us, expressing their impressions in Japanese. I felt that they were positive about listening to music and communicating with each other, and I received a very warm welcome.
– You held two live shows this time, didn’t you? Haegidong and Tangpyeongseon performed at the music space “New City” in Eulchiro, and Lee Ran also performed at the cafe “Rain or Sun Coffee Shop” in Hongdae. Did you talk to them both a lot?
BUOY： We did talk. I asked Tangpyeongseon and his band to play my song with me the day before. They practiced hard and sang with me right up to the last minute. Mr. Lee Ran was also an interesting person. Since Ame-No-Hi Coffee Shop is a small store, I thought it would be rare to have a chance to hear Mr. Lee Ran sing in such a close place, and as a fan, my heart was filled with excitement. I had the impression that Mr. Lee Ran was aloof, but when I actually talked with him and watched him sing, I could feel his kindness and passion, and he was a very nice person. Ram-san also came to the New City.
– Ram, what did you think of Uki’s live performance?
Ye Ram: The atmosphere of the live show itself was very nice. It was the first time for me to see Uki perform live, but I wanted to work with him soon, and my friend who went with me was also impressed. My friend who went with me was also impressed. She said she didn’t understand the meaning of the words, but she could feel what was being conveyed to her.
– The other day I went to Seoul for a visit for the first time in a while, and I saw a lot of redevelopment going on around Ulchiro. Tokyo’s cityscape is changing rapidly, but I was surprised to see the drastic changes in Seoul as well.
Ye Ram: Seoul has been changing for the past several years. Redevelopment has started in the town where I live. I think we should find a good way to develop old buildings while preserving them, rather than destroying them entirely. There are areas where redevelopment has resulted in a sudden decrease in the number of people, and the area has become a ghost town. Hongdae has also become full of chain stores, and I think there is a gentrification problem.
– What did you feel when you walked around Seoul?
BUOY： It was a very big city, but it was quiet when I went into a small street, and I never got tired of walking around. When I walked into a store, everyone was so kind. I went into a restaurant where they rolled kim-pa right in front of me, and when I told the man that it was delicious, he said (in Japanese), “I love you” (laughs).
Ye Ram: Seoul is small compared to Tokyo. Tokyo is so big, I was surprised to see how much of it is Tokyo. I was surprised.
– Yes, I was a bit surprised.
Ye Ram: Yes, I was a bit surprised. I didn’t know about this place because I was only familiar with tourist spots.
