Much thanks to BlancaQin for tweeting this.
Here's an extract from an article in Guangzhou Daily where in the composer of the theme song from the 2010 Asian Games praised Hyun Joong for his talent and pronounciation.
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[Article] Kim Hyun Joong Singing in whistle register in the Asian Game Opening CeremonyChinese to English translation by Blanca
http://gzdaily.dayoo.com/html/2010-11/16/content_1187329.htm
Reported by Guangzhou Daily Reporter: Sulei
【
Career】 Efforts to learn Chinese for the Asian GamesWhy is Kim Hyun Joong standing on the stage of the Asian Games opening ceremony. With this question, the reporter interviewed the music director of the Guangzhou Asian Games opening and closing ceremonies Li Haiying (Who's also the composer of the song "Sunrise from the East").
"Using a South Korean singer is determined by the directors group meeting, 3 months ago. we provided several candidates to the production team, and they contacted them." Li Haiying said,
"Several said they have full schedule already, and Kim Hyun Joong replied with availability. I heard his songs immediately, and think he fits." Li Haiying told the reporter he composed the song
"Sunrise from the East" specifically for the opening ceremony, five singers symbolizing the five Olympic rings
. " Besides Wei Wei, who is the singer of last Beijing Asian Games theme song, they were looking for younger singers for the performance. Kim Hyun Joong is very handsome, and his sound condition is also very good." Li Haiying said that he even gossiped about this South Korean young man's age - 25 years old.
"He sings with heavy R & B feels, and likes to play with his own style. There are a number of high tones, and the female-like vocal registers in the live performance, actually sung by him." Li Haiying told the reporter, before going to Guangzhou, Kim Hyun Joong had made a rehearsal once in his Beijin's studio. When the reporter said Kim Hyun Joong's Mandarin pronunciation was really a surprise, Li Haiying laughed:
" Yes, I praised him in the rehearsal, said, sounded like Hong Kong singers singing the Mandarin song, everyone there just laughed. "During the interview, Li Haiying said with emotion, South Korean artist is very professional. Not only arrived on time, but also very well prepared.
"Kim Hyun Joong's company hired a professional Chinese translation, divided each word into consonants and vowels and taught him word by word."(Other part omitted, which is talking about his resume)
