T-ara will release their third Japanese album Gossip Girls on May 14 and ahead of the release, Choa Nikkan Sports had the chance to interview them when they were in Japan for one of their album promotion activities at the end of March. Although there are only six of them, they are confident of their new album which has a lot of original Japanese songs. The conducted interview lets them speak on the new album and their recent personal lives.

Check it out below!

Q: It is the 3rd album already. How is it different from the previous works?

Hyomin: T-ara’s past works were mainly based on the concept of cuteness. This time it is based on the image of a mature and elegant lady. The recorded songs range from American Pop to House Music.. We tried a variety of genres.

Soyeon: The CD Jacket was based on the concept of an American celebrity being photographed by paparazzi. We also used the concept of student uniforms. The feeling of photographing this concept was fresh and we hope our fans will be happy seeing it.

Q: What were your thoughts when the theme was decided to be Gossip Girls?

Boram: It feels a bit exciting doesn’t it? Because it was something that we had never done before, we were very happy during the photo-shoot.

Q: Any songs in particular that you like the most?

Soyeon: My favorite is Lead the Way.’ There is depth in the melody. Among T-ara’s Japanese songs, there aren’t many medium tempo songs. I like the melody of this song very much.

Hyomin: I like ‘Lead the Way’ as well. I think it is a song that shows the charms of a lady. In the past, our songs had been dance-centric. In this song, we spent a lot of efforts focusing on our singing. We hope everyone will listen to it. I think I will want to listen to it when I am at home too.

Boram: I like ‘Just Now’ for it’s edginess. When you are not in a good mood, listening to it helps to lift your spirits.

Eunjung: I like ‘La’BooN’. It is a song that raises the emotions when you listen to it. Your mood will be especially good when you listen to it during exercising and driving.

Qri: I like ‘La’BooN’ too.

Jiyeon: ‘Keep On Walking’ fits my preference.

Q: When talking about Gossip Girls, T-ara too had experienced some events in the past that had stirred up commotions. Which events made you feel like you had overcame the difficulties to become a better group?

Eunjung: We experienced changes in some areas. It felt like growing up. The most fun part is that when we see the back-view of a member now, we can know her mood for the day. We also know when a member’s condition is good or bad. Because we overcame the difficulties together, even if we don’t speak it out now, all of us can understand it. I think of it this way.

Qri: When I suddenly feel lonely, the people that I hope to be at my side are the T-ara members. We meet a lot privately to watch movies and go for massages.

Q: On the flip-side, are there days when you don’t feel like seeing each other?

Eunjung: At that time, we will say it out directly and everyone will say “got it.” (laughs)

Q: Recently, any updates on individual or anything that caught your interests?

Jiyeon: Hyomin and I are preparing for our solo activities in Korea. I am working hard for it and everyone will be able to see my individual style during the solo. Although the stress is more than the fun.

Eunjung: We have high hopes for you. (laughs)

Soyeon: We have been receiving quite a few fashion store invitations. I am very happy that we can try out different images/concepts.

Eunjung: I bought a bracelet made of natural stones. It is said to be a Power Stone and it is made up of stones with different colours. I liked it a lot.

Hyomin: I am preparing for my solo and working hard in practicing my dance and learning. In my spare time, I cook to relax. Recently, I made a pizza.

All: We want to eat it too. Make it for us the next time.

Qri: I watch 3 movies a day and I am hooked on thriller films.

Boram: I performed in a musical in February and there were quite a few Japanese fans that came to watch as well. It was a good memory and I hope there will be opportunities again to perform in a musical.

Q: Any last messages?

Soyeon: Thank you to everyone for always supporting us. We hope everyone will listen to our album. During the times that we can’t meet, we are missing our Japanese fans too.

Eunjung: Our group activities in Korea are going to begin too. Please look forward to it.

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Source: Choa Nikkan Sports Japanese Magazine
Chinese translations via babylunchboxes @ Tiara Tieba
English translations via Beckhie @ TiaraDiadem