Leessang owned the K-Charts over this past summer when they released their new album and the entire top 10 of the charts belonged to them. It looked as though there were errors on all the music sites, but it was simply that Leessang captured the hearts of fans with their sincere lyrics and genuine style of music. They promoted themselves on entertainment programs making their faces known, and their explosive fame seemed to know no end.
With their original music and witty entertainment skills, they easily jumped from 'artist' to 'entertainer' in 2011, which is why Leessang is #4 on the list of '2011's Hottest People'.
As Leessang prepared to round out 2011, Gary remarked that he could not pinpoint the reasons for their fame. He is not sure why their music did so well, and why he suddenly became the 'nation's boyfriend'. He was too embarrassed to answer, and bashfully continued to say, "I really don't know what the reasons are."
Regardless, Leessang's popularity this year was quite explosive. Gary remarked that people recognized their faces a lot more, and that played a huge role in their success this year.
"This is my personal opinion but a lot of people recognized us a lot more this year. Gil was doing variety shows for a while, but not a lot of them knew about me, or Leessang as a whole. They knew our names and our music but they didn't know what we looked like. When I first started SBS 'Running Man', everyone asked, "What does that kid do?" (laughs), but we made our faces known and it helped our music tremendously. We felt a bigger sense of responsibility and I think we took it as an opportunity for a second beginning," he said.
'Running Man' is one of TV's hottest programs that receive some of the highest viewer ratings. Gary who made his variety show debut through 'Running Man' is creating a sweet love connection with Song Ji Hyo, and is stealing the hearts of fan girl viewers with his down-to-earth boy-next-door image on the show.
"I'm really glad 'Running Man' is doing so well. I know that it was hard for everyone at first because the ratings were so low. The shoots were so difficult. But now that it's doing really well, it makes me really happy. Girl fans? Oh, I don't know. I think people appreciate the good, playful relationship I have with Song Ji Hyo on the show, and possibly want to fall in love themselves. Other than that, I have no idea. I usually can't talk to girls without first being introduced by someone else. I'm embarrassed," he continued.
Leessang's "I Turned Off the TV" from their 7th album 'AsuRa BalBalTa' broke a new record this year. The provocative lyrics seemed to appeal to fans everywhere, and although the song could be considered 'inappropriate', it never seemed to receive negative responses from the public.
"It was an adventure," he said. "Really wanted to write those lyrics, and really wanted the public to hear it so we did it. I think the public really wanted to hear a real love story. We couldn't perform the song on TV (laughs), but we were glad that our thoughts and our music was effectively delivered to our listeners."
The one moment they can never forget was when their seventh album was released. Their manager sent them a text message with a screen capture of a music chart filled #1-10 with all of Leessang's new songs.
"We thought it was photoshopped. I was home alone at the time and I said, 'What is this', to myself out loud. I was shocked (laughs). I wonder if something like this could happen again. It was truly an unbelievable year. We usually perform with just our title song but the fact that our fans loved the rest of the songs on our album as well- we're really grateful," Gary said.
They've become truly "popular celebrities", but there are no plans for a change of direction. Leessang's music will stay the same. Gary stressed that his own fame and Leessang's music have nothing to do with one another.
"Entertainment programs display our personalities, but later when we write lyrics to our music, people probably think, 'Hmm, I never expected this from him'. But instead of catering to those kinds of people, I think it's only right that we write the kind of music we want to write, as musicians. After being a member of society for 15 years and as I grow older, I don't want to cover anything up. Instead of telling beautiful and sugar-coated stories, I want to reveal what's true and emotional through our music."
Leessang has plans to release their eighth album next year, but it is only tentative at the moment. It could be postponed if the duo isn't satisfied with the music that they produce.
"We will work hard, and that's the only thing we can say right now. We are a little burdened as we are afraid we will not be able to cap what we have achieved this year, but also thankful that we are in a position to wonder if there is a higher goal left to reach for. Next year, I feel the burden will increase even more."
Gary had a New Year's message for all the young people. Because Gary is one who has endured a lot all these years, his "Fighting!" is a bit more encouraging than most.
"When I go on my Twitter, there are so many people who are preparing to find jobs, and high school students preparing for college. I'm concerned for all of them. They say that the suffering you endure when you are younger is a way for you to pay your dues early and make room for better things in the future. Keep at it until you are calloused and bruised. Although you may be hurt and bleeding now, a better day will come. Hard work will never betray you. I hope everyone will be uplifted and encouraged!"
Source & Image : OSEN
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