Growing Together: A Hong Kong INSPIRIT's Decade-Long Journey With INFINITE

Synchronized choreography is an indispensable part of K-Pop. When talking about K-Pop groups that pioneer the idea of “knife-like choreography”, INFINITE is certainly on the top of the list.

Being crowned as the boy group with “99.9% synchronized choreography”, INFINITE has been receiving lots of attention recently. Not only has the group made a long-awaited comeback with their 7th mini album “13egin,” they have also held concerts in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Macau, bringing back good old memories among INSPIRIT both from home and abroad.

Time flies and it has been 13 years since INFINITE’s debut. The six boys are now already in their 30s, and teenage INSPIRIT have become grown-ups. However, INSPIRIT’s love towards INFINITE has never changed. We talked to a loyal Hong Kong INSPIRIT Marcella, who has been following INFINITE since 2013, to understand her journey with INFINITE, and explore what makes INFINITE her one and only favorite K-Pop group even until today!

Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, I am Marcella and I have been an INSPIRIT for almost 10 years. As a “Veteran” INSPIRIT, there are two things that I am really proud of myself. First is that I have collected almost all their albums since their debut, and second, I have never missed any of their concerts in Hong Kong!

How and when did you enter the fandom?

I first noticed INFINITE when I was watching "M Countdown" broadcast one day after school in early 2013. I remember that INFINITE H (a subunit of INFINITE) was performing 'Special Girl' on that day. Few months later, INFINITE made a comeback with 'Man in Love', and I was addicted to their charisma when watching their live performance on stage.

What makes INFINITE your favorite K-Pop group?

Apart from their hard work in constantly honing their singing and dancing skills, I really appreciate their team spirit. I enjoy watching their variety shows not only because they always bring me happiness, but also I can feel from their interactions that they really treat each other as brothers and take care of each other. Also, during their first world tour, many of them suffered from injuries and sickness. However, they still managed to overcome all these challenges by supporting each other.
This is a song dedicated to INSPIRIT that describes the journey of their first world tour.

Who caught your attention at first and why?

Nam WooHyun! He kept giving "Finger Heart" during the promotion of 'Man in Love', and his action of giving "Heart Signs" as fanservice drew my attention. He is so adorable!

Who is your bias and bias wrecker, and why?

Nam WooHyun is my bias. His vocal and facial expressions caught my attention in 'Man in Love', and I haven’t moved on ever since. Every content I’ve watched about him over the years just makes me adore him even more. His smile and voice heal me a lot when I feel down. Also, he is always considerate to fans and treats everyone kind-heartedly. I remember that I was extremely excited when I heard about his solo debut!
INFINITE is famous for their “vocal-line,” so we should not miss out on the other main vocalist Kim SungKyu! “Leader Kyu” is my bias wrecker. He is very skillful in singing and I can feel that he treats his career as being an idol wholeheartedly. Also, he is always selfless and thoughtful to the members. He is truly a levelheaded leader.

Can you recommend a fancam, V Live, cover video, cover dance, or individual content video of your bias/bias wrecker to our readers?

SungKyu and WooHyun duet of 'Between Me and You' in SungKyu’s concert before he went to the army is the best live concert ever! I’m glad that the concert was broadcasted on V Live. I got goosebumps while listening to their angelic voices.

Can you also recommend a content video (variety series, song cover, dance cover, etc.) by INFINITE?

If you are looking for hilarious variety shows, you should watch “Ranking King.” In every episode, there is a theme and the members would be ranked before and after several rounds of competitions based on their ability. It is interesting to watch them compete with each other to fight for first place while teasing each other. What’s also funny is that “Leader Kyu” was always the loser! This was also the first INFINITE’s variety show I watched to gain a deeper understanding of INFINITE.

What is your favorite title track and B-side track from INFINITE?

It is very difficult to choose among their titles, but my recent favorite is 'The Eye'. It describes a person who has finally reached the point of forgetting their ex-lover, after a long and difficult period of separation. The melody and choreography come together perfectly and the live performance is very energetic.

For the B-side track, I would recommend 'Walk to Remember'. This song is suitable to listen to at night alone with their soft and emotional vocals describing the memory with the person that you treasure the most in the past. It just heals my soul!

Can you recall your best memory with INFINITE?

That would be the concerts! Being a foreign INSPIRIT, it is very difficult to meet them personally. So I really treasure the opportunities to go to their concerts when they come to Hong Kong.

What is the craziest thing you've ever done for INFINITE?

During the summer holiday in 2016, I went on a vacation to Seoul. I took this opportunity to visit WooHyun family’s grill house and the building of Woollim Entertainment as INFINITE was holding their third Summer Concert back then.I was super nervous when taking a selfie with WooHyun's mother!

Are there any words from the members you find memorable?

“바람은 금물” (cheating is not allowed) by WooHyun in an episode of “Weekly Idol”! Haha!! INSPIRIT won’t leave easily!

인스피릿! 바람은 금물👆 #CuteWoohyun #우현 pic.twitter.com/1TqvqG1bj7

— Woohyun Village (@WoohyunVillage) July 29, 2017

Describe INFINITE in three words.

Kind-hearted, unity, persistence

What does INFINITE mean to you?

INFINITE is the first K-Pop group that really got me interested in exploring more about K-Pop. They are my role models who encourage me not to give up easily in pursuing my dream. I feel lost recently struggling as a young adult. However, their comeback with the announcement of INFINITE Company reminds me to keep finding the sparkles in my life. I just want to express my deepest gratitude to INFINITE!

INSPIRIT's message for INFINITE

First of all, thank you Kim “Sajang-nim” for giving his best to INFINITE and setting up the INFINITE Company. It has been 5 years since their return as a whole group. Thank you for being my precious memory accompanying me growing up. Whenever I feel upset, I watch their variety shows and listen to their songs. Their dynamics within the team and their soulful voice definitely heal my sadness.
Now that I have graduated from school and become a salaryman, I am facing similar obstacles and dilemmas as INFINITE when they were in their 20s. This makes me even more touched by their effort and persistence in uniting INFINITE again. I hope the story of INFINITE will never end, just like what SungJong said at the “Comeback Again” concert!