In New York, Manhattan East Avenue 110 Street. This is where JYP Entertainment’s US office settled in 2 years ago. From here Wonder Girls’ overseas expansion strategy will be establish. To target U.S market, they refined their dance and song. Their 3 floor building office at JYP New York is made up of practice room and recording studio. More than 10 employees are working with them. The girls became busy since entering the US Billboard singles chart at number 76 in 2009. Also the amount of US fans visits them on their US headquarters. 

Woo-Suk Lee, JYP Vice President of the company has been preapring to enter the US since 2003, he and Jinyoung Park are old partners with the young representative. VP Lee graduated from Berklee College of Music. He is notable for his participations on Wondergirls songs like Nobody, and Tell Me. These days, moving between NewYork and LA. He is now focusing on preparing Wondergirls new album. WonderGirls debuted in the US a year and 7 months ago. Climbing on top of Billboard singles chart, number 76 on billboard 100. However, he said, “Until now, the game was just practise. Wonder Girls will begin authentic US debut this year”

Q: Wonder Girls in the United States was successful. Why?
A: Because US did not follow the style of music. Asians, however, they can mimic an American singer and can’t be the same. WonderGirls have their own oriental charm to emphasize. Not Americanized.

Q: If there were biggest barriers?
A: Somehow language. Language is not just a word. Culture because it takes time to learn. In Wondergirls’s case, they learn and adapt it as a lifestyle (ie english speaking and acting classes).

Q: Wonder Girls new tracks will be assessed by some? 
A: So far i think that we haven’t played the game yet. Wondergirls EP album, had 3-4 songs. Before that they’ve only a single album(2DT). In this album, there will be 6-7 songs. Also, Rodney Jerkins, Claude Kelly famous U.S musicians/composer will be participating in this album.

Q: The most different thing that happened during the last 7 years? (In the US)
A: They are now curious about South Korean singers. At that time, i had difficulties engaging with record companies as they weren’t really that welcoming of Asian artist. But it’s slowly improving. WonderGirls EP album will be released by one of three major record labels here in the US.

Q: Reason why US is noticing KPOP?
A: US music market is saturated, while the Asian market is beginning to turn. They know that South Korea covers the whole Asian market.

Q: Nowadays you can easily be known in the US with Youtube.
A: Youtube is a mere adjunct. But with this we can use it as a connection to a wider audience. 

Credit: Wonderr23 + Droku