Entertainment celebs On the New Kids Block Newcomers – Bii and Wei Li An – are all ready to tackle the scene. Priscilla Wu chats with the boys on their road to fame. BII Born and raised in South Korea, the 24-year-old with my dad in China. When I was there, I is back from a two-year military service hiatus met my dad’s friend and he asked my dad if with a brand new album Come Back To Bii. he could bring me to . We went and he introduced me to my current boss. As a Your new album is written in three 17-year-old kid who didn’t know a word of languages – English, Mandarin and Mandarin, I was really lucky. Korean. Why is that so? I haven’t released an album for a while, so I You produced this new album two wanted to present something new to my fans. years after your debut record. Was It was the first time I’ve written a rap, and even it more stressful? though it is in Korean, I kept it simple so fans I think the stress was equally great for both are able to sing along to it. albums. I was very nervous when producing my first record because it was the first time I Why didn’t you choose to debut in Korea? introduced myself to the world. But for this I have never thought of being an artiste. album, I was a little worried that everyone What I wanted to do back then was to work would have forgotten me.

WILLIAM WEI LI AN Starting out, what difficulties did With his parents as university lecturers, William you face? took the unconventional route of becoming a I think the biggest problem I faced was the musician. After a wildly successful album, he lack of inspiration. I often encounter mental returns to the Mandopop consciousness with blocks and the best way to fix it is to not sophomore effort Someone Is Waiting. think about writing at all. Another layer of stress comes from the fact that people Did your parents disapprove of your will be listening to the songs I create. I decision to enter the industry? feel that I have to produce something of a Quite unexpectedly, they did not. certain standard for listeners. I wouldn’t say I thought they would have doubts that is difficult, but I think it is one of the about it, but they were very open challenges I face. with the idea when I broke the news to them. They told me that It was recently reported that I could do anything I want, as your company even hired a TCM long as I am responsible for the practitioner to take care of your choices I make. health. Why is that so? I am currently working on my album, so I tend to work very long hours. Besides working till late, I give myself a lot of pressure. The doctor said my constitution is weak to begin with, so it can be quite taxing when coupled with the cold weather in Taiwan. Coming to Singapore is also a challenge to my health. I woke up at four in the morning to catch the flight here, so I may appear a little tired. But I will try my best.