It's true that they were noticed two years ago because of Sul Woondo's son LeeU, but with his withdrawal, the team is standing at a crossroads of survival. It took a year and five months for them to come back. Though they stood at many forks in the road, only one thing was left. They could not have their efforts buried as 'Sul Woondo's Son.'
Jinon, Kan, and Yejun themselves looked for members. They looked at 300~400 candidates. Six of these candidates were selected and finally Raehyun and Daegeon were added to the group. Thus, F.CUZ was reborn as a five-member idol group.
"To be honest, focus was set on us as 'the group with Sul Woondo' son' since our debut. Looking back, I think we put anticipation into that fact. (T/N: meaning they were hoping LeeU's title would make them more popular) But when LeeU left we were left wondering what to do. The company said they would open the doors to the road that we choose. But if we gave up there we would just end with the label of Sul Woondo."
They did not blame LeeU for leaving. They were actually thankful that he discussed it with them until the end. They let him go with a smile but the hardship was fiercer than they thought. However, the tough times have helped the three members become stronger and develop determination.
They also felt it was unfair. The words "we worked hard and we can't disappear after shining as Sul Woondo's son" represented their desperate feelings.
Although the means had converged, developing teamwork to reinforce the members was a problem. Also, they wanted to show a different image because they had experienced hardship. Even during that process, they were worried that the year and five months it took for their comeback would look lightweight, so they made a mini-album that is heavier than a single. (T/N: If they released a single after a year and a half, it would look like they were not seriously working hard)
F.CUZ came back with their third mini-album 'For century Ultimate Zest.' It includes the title song 'NO. 1', which is a joint project between Monday Kiz's Lee Jinsung and composer Melodin Junyoung; Rhymer's 'Good Luck' (Do Well While I'm Still Here) and 'Janus,' with its strong beats; and 'Rise Up' with its popular melody.
"We've grown one member. We though a lot about what image the five members should show. The more we worked together, the more we realized that changing to five members reinforced our performances and made our vocals stronger. We gained confidence. Although none are in this album, we've also been studying composition, giving us pride in the feeling that we have grown more musically mature."
F.CUZ has actually already released a self-composed a song in Japan. You may be wondering why Japan all of a sudden but F.CUZ has promoted actively overseas. Last year, they were very successful, as they held three fanmeetings in Japan, released two digital singles, and held a concert in Shibuya. In Taiwan, they worked hard enough to be awarded best rookie.
Of course, foreign and domestic activities are different. However, this is the start of the 'real F.CUZ,' which has removed the label of Sul Woondo.
Source: Nate News
Translation: MaxRide @ Fcuzed