By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Superstar hip-hop group, the Black Eyed Peas promises to give an exciting and rambunctious concert for Korean fans on Wednesday evening.

The Grammy Award-winning group, composed of will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie, have fond memories of performing at last year's Pentaport Rock Festival.

''At last year's concert, it was amazing that even in the worst weather, we had one of the best shows we have had. The people and the energy were amazing. Korea is by far one of our favorite places to perform,'' will.i.am said, during a press conference at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel in southern Seoul on Monday.

For Wednesday's concert at the Olympic Hall, Olympic Park, will.i.am said the group is preparing some surprises but jokingly assured fans that ''I know it won't rain, so it will be a dry show.''

Fergie, the group's lead singer and only female member, said each of the members will give solo performances during the concert. She said she is excited to perform songs from her first album ''The Dutchess.''

''The energy of the show would be like as if kimchi is falling from the sky,'' Fergie said, eliciting laughter.

The Peas arrived in Seoul on Monday, after having performed at the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan over the weekend. ''We just came from Japan, where we had a show. It was kind of like a warm up show. We haven't performed together in a long time, so we were on stage working out the kinks. But we saved the best for last for Korea,'' will.i.am said

The past year saw the Peas concentrate on their solo activities. Fergie released her solo album. Will.i.am prepared for his album ''Songs About Girls'' to be released in September. Apl.de.ap and Taboo are also preparing for their solo albums.

''The cool thing about being in the Black Eyed Peas is that we're kind of like solo artists in a group. Apl can sing a song in Tagalog by himself. Fergie's got her solo album. Taboo can rap in Spanish. … It's a good experience to be able to be in the Black Eyed Peas and still do side solo projects. Its good to have the support of friends, still go on tour and rock the stage. It's not strange at all. You actually benefit from it,'' will.i.am said.

Will.i.am described his upcoming album as a mix of ''dance, electro, funk, and soul fusion music from a hip-hop perspective.'' Apl.de.ap, who is Filipino-American, said his solo album would contain more Tagalog language songs to show Philippine culture.

As for the next Black Eyed Peas album, the group said they haven't decided on a title yet. Apl.de.ap said the tentative title ''From Roots to Fruits'' was a result of joking around, reminiscing about the group's evolution.

''We want to come back in 2008 with a new album, which will be a fulfillment of everything that everybody wants to express as an individual and as a group,'' Taboo said.
During their stay in Seoul, the Peas said they are planning to visit Bongeunsa temple, Coex Mall, night clubs and even a recording studio. Will.i.am said he is composing music for the film ''Madagascar 2,'' and Fergie's song for a Japanese drama. Fergie is collaborating with J-pop singer Koda Kumi.

Tickets for the Black Eyed Peas concert are priced between 121,000 won to 66,000 won. For more information, check out http://ticket.interpark.com.

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr