Korean duo Alexander X Marucci's uplifting music

CEBU, Philippines — He thought he was never doing music again, but Korean star Alexander Lee is back with a new melody. After his successful acting stint in the 2017 GMA-7 primetime teleserye “My Korean Jagiya” with Heart Evangelista, the 29-year-old former K-Pop group member somehow found his way back into the musical drawing board with something to say.

Collaborating with songwriter and rapper Marucci, who he met at the “My Korean Jagiya” set, the two formed AXM which stands for “Alexander X Marucci.”

The duo released two very different tracks: “Keep Ya Head Up” and “S.M.N.” which can be streamed and downloaded through Melon, iTunes, Spotify, and Mnet among other platforms.

Both want to incorporate the Filipino energy in the upbeat “S.M.N.” with its carefree and party vibe, even sporting the colors of the Philippine flag in the music video. At the same time, they wish to say something more meaningful with the heartfelt tune of “Keep Ya Head Up.”

Out to make music that uplifts, Alexander, who also works with Maine Mendoza in “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” shared how he was affected with the passing of Kim Jonghyun last year. The latter was a member of Korean K-pop group SHINee, and among Alexander’s 2008 batch mates.

In a Philstar.com report, the K-pop star-turned-actor recalled the day he heard news of Kim’s suicide: he was taping in Bulacan and could not believe the heartbreaking turn of events. Since then, he has expressed his desire to raise awareness on depression, hoping to be there and help out showbiz personalities, fellow Kapuso stars, and younger colleagues.

Although he sometimes misses his days with his K-pop group U-Kiss, Alexander likes to think that he’s had his time. Feeling so much like a grandfather now, he said he doesn’t have as much energy as before.  It’s time to become independent, and he’s enjoying himself in this new path. For now, he wants to bask in his rekindled love for music as he and Marucci plan to visit more places to spread their sound.

AXM, together with “The Clash” finalists from Cebu, was recently in town to promote their new music at a Kapuso Mall Show held at the Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu where The Freeman caught up with the two before hitting the stage to perform for Cebuanos for the first time.

How did this collaboration come to be?

Alexander: It was fate. We met once in the Philippines while taping. And back in Korea suddenly we were talking and realized that our plan matches. So why not work together? And here we are.

How was it collaborating with each other?

Alexander: I gave him a lot of hard time (laughs). I’m kidding. It’s very fun, and he (Marucci) has really really great experience in music. He’s a musician and composer. He helped me a lot.

Marucci: It’s amazing and great!

Tell us about your songs.

Alexander: We did two songs. “Keep Ya Head Up” is a comforting song. Marucci wrote the whole song. It’s a song to comfort everybody who is having a hard time. You are not alone. Keep your head up. We know you. We feel you. It’s to encourage people to be strong. “SMN,” we will be performing that. It’s a dancing, party party thing which is good for Pinoys.

Where do you get inspiration?

Marucci: Some movies. Other music. Some girls. The Cebuana.

How is your experience in Cebu? And how do you feel about promoting here?

Marucci: Excited. This is my first time in Cebu. (It’s an) Amazing experience.

Alexander: I think people in Manila and Cebu are quite different. Same but different vibe. I don’t know but I like both. For me, I’m happy to be back. Every time I come here, GMA Regional TV is always giving me nice food. Every time it’s different, nice places. I’m very happy.

Do you miss acting?

Marucci: Music and acting… I can do everything.

Alexander: I do miss acting. I’m happy. When I was acting I miss music. And now I’m doing music, I miss acting. Human being, always missing one (after) another. We have to be multi-talented to survive. We might be working on something so watch out for that…

How do you feel that many Filipinos are big fans of Korean music?

Alexander: I’m very happy. It’s not only about K-pop. It’s on a cultural level. I love how it’s an exchange…Koreans appreciating Filipino culture, and Filipinos appreciating Korean culture. It’s something really heart-warming.