[News][05.09.12] Park Jung Min Debuts as Romeo in Japan with Single Album

Credit/Source: enewsworld.mnet.com +Yamaha A&R

SS501’s Park Jung Min debuted in Japan on September 5 not as himself, but as Romeo.

The singer had made the decision to take up a new name after signing with the global group Yamaha A&R in order to widen his musical spectrum.

Park Jung Min covered dance music and ballads, but Romeo will concentrate on J-Pop and Japanese rock. The new name shows how his area of specialty and his character have changed.

The singer will leave behind his original image as Park Jung Min for a new one. Romeo will aim to be like a fantasy character that can only be found in mangas, and emphasize the serious and dark side of Park Jung Min.

Many officials and fans have showed concern over Park Jung Min’s new start, because the change in name means that he won’t be using the popularity that will follow the title of being SS501’s Park Jung Min.

On this, a source close to Park Jung Min told enews, “There may be a lot that we can earn from holding concerts under the name of Park Jung Min, but we made this decision to show him not only as an idol, but also as an artist. He’s more open toward different areas of music now. It may take longer for him [to become more popular] because he’ll be working with music that appeals to a smaller group, but we expect he’ll learn more in the process.”

The source added, “We believe it’s a great chance to grab the ears of fans who weren’t aware of the storytelling music that he’ll be showing off. Even in Japan the press and officials have been showing great interest in Romeo, so we hope [Korea] also looks forward to his feats.”

Park Jung Min released his debut single album as Romeo, Give Me Your Heart, on September 5.

The album was produced by Jeff Miyahara, who produced the popular singers Amuro Namie, V6, Kat-Tun and JUJU. Creative director Danaka Noriyuki, the image maker of such top actors as Oguri Shun and Sawajiri Erika and the brands Sony Ericsson and Shiseido, participated as the visual director.

On September 29 Park Jung Min plans to celebrate the release of his debut single in Japan with a showcase at Japan’s Live House.