Travel City Korea: Korean POP

레이블이 Korean POP인 게시물을 표시합니다. 모든 게시물 표시

2013년 12월 1일 일요일

Austin's Choice - KPOP : 3. Super Junior

One of the largest boy bands in the world, Super Junior is among the top bands of Korean K-pop, defining the idol genre and sweeping across Asia and to the far reaches of Europe and the USA, captivating fans with their catchy songs and spirited dance moves. The band has a powerful stage presence that manages to combine each member’s individual charisma and energy for a fluid and unified performance. Super Junior’s fame continued to spread after the band went on tours through China, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan, and headlined SMTOWN concerts in LA and Paris. In the wake of the SMTOWN concerts in particular, a surprising number of fans across the world banded together to ask for Super Junior concerts in their own hometowns. These efforts point once again to the status of the band as an international sensation.

Group Introduction

Super Junior made their debut in December 2005 with ambitions to become superstars not only as a singing group, but also as entertainers in each of their respective fields; acting, performing, MCing, music composing, modeling, etc. In addition to their activities as a group, Super Junior has also formed various subgroups to accommodate different musical genres; ‘Super Junior-K.R.Y.’, ‘Super Junior-T’, ‘Super Junior-M’, and ‘Super Junior-Happy.’ Moreover, the members of Super Junior have each made individual appearances on television and in other media outlets. Ever since releasing their first full-length album ‘Super Junior 05’ in December 2005, Super Junior has continued to produce hit songs such as ‘Twin,’ ‘Don’t Don,’ ‘Sorry Sorry,’ ‘Bonamana,’ and ‘Mr. Simple.’

- First Album Release: ‘Super Junior’ (2005)
- Super Junior Official Website: http://superjunior.smtown.com/ (Korean)

Member Profiles

Name: Leeteuk (이특)
Date of Birth: July 1, 1983
Height: 178cm
Blood Type: A
Talents & interests: Listening to music, singing, composition, piano

Not just Super Junior’s reliable leader, Leeteuk has established himself as an MC for numerous variety shows and TV programs. He has contributed greatly to spreading Super Junior’s popularity through various activities such as DJing. Starting in 2006, he began hosting the KBS radio show ‘Super Junior’s Kiss the Radio,’ which has grown to become one of the most-listened-to radio programs in the country.

Name: Heechul (희철)
Date of Birth: July 10, 1983
Height: 179cm
Blood Type: AB
Talents & interests: Writing poems and children’s stories, playing video games

Nicknamed the ‘universal star,’ Heechul has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his talents as a singer, actor, DJ, and MC and his roles in the teen TV drama ‘Sharp 2’ (2005), and the SBS drama ‘Love You Ten Million Times’ (2009). He is seen as a truly versatile entertainer. Not only one of the main MCs for the SBS music program ‘Inkigayo’ (2007) and host of the MBC variety show ‘Radio Star’ (2010), Heechul was also the DJ of his very own radio program, ‘Kim Heechul’s Young Street,’ aired on SBS Power FM from 2010 to 2011.

Name: Siwon (시원)
Date of Birth: February 10, 1987
Height: 183cm
Blood Type: B
Talents & interests: Watching movies, playing drums, Taekwondo, Chinese, singing, dancing, acting

Siwon’s striking looks and intense charisma add yet another compelling element to Super Junior’s charm. In recent years, Siwon has been drawing attention as a rising new actor (not just for his acting skills, but also thanks to his gorgeous face). After his appearance in the KBS drama ‘Eighteen, Twenty-Nine’ (2005), he was cast in the SBS drama ‘Oh My Lady!’ (2010), ‘Atena: Goddess of War’ (2010), and the KBS drama ‘Poseidon’ (2011). He has also appeared in various advertisements and fashion shows.

Name: Yesung (예성)
Date of Birth: August 24, 1984
Height: 178cm
Blood Type: AB
Talents & interests: Singing, listening to music, playing video games, watching movies, reading, sports

Yesung has wide fan appeal thanks to his versatile skills—performing upbeat dance moves onstage, singing heartfelt tracks on OSTs, and revealing his off-the-wall charms on variety shows. Yesung has starred in the musicals ‘South Korean Mountain Fortress’ (2009), ‘Honggildong’ (2010), and ‘Spamalot’ (2010) and has recorded the song ‘It Has to be You’ for the KBS drama ‘Cinderella’s Sister’ (2010) and the track ‘Waiting for You’ for the SBS drama ‘Paradise Ranch’ (2011).

Name: Shindong (신동)
Date of Birth: September 28, 1985
Height: 178cm
Blood Type: O
Talents & interests: Making various facial expressions, making jokes, dancing

Shindong is always bursting with cheerful energy. Known as the former MC of the MBC children’s program ‘BoBoBo’ (2007-2009), he has also gained recognition for his acting skills through supporting roles in the KBS drama ‘Single Dad in Love’ (2008) and in the SBS drama ‘Dr. Champ’ (2010). Since 2008, he has hosted the MBC radio program ‘Stop the Boring Time’ for which he won the Radio Award at the 2009 MBC Drama Awards. Shindong was honored again for his talents in 2010 when he received the New Star Award at the SBS Entertainment Awards. Active onscreen and in various media outlets, Shindong attracts fans of all ages.

Name: Sungmin (성민)
Date of Birth: January 1, 1986
Height: 175cm
Blood Type: A
Talents & interests: Watching movies, playing musical instruments, Chinese martial arts, acting

Singing, acting, sports—you name it! There is nothing that this multifaceted member of Super Junior can’t do. In 2009, Sungmin appeared in the MBC variety show ‘Oppa Band’ and captivated audiences with his superb guitar skills and stunning looks. Following his success onscreen, he was cast in the KBS drama ‘President’ (2010). Despite his young age, Sungmin is a seasoned professional on the musical stage, playing the main lead in musicals ‘Akilla’ (2009), ‘Honggildong’ (2010), and ‘Jack the Ripper’ (2011).

Name: Eunhyuk (은혁)
Date of Birth: April 4, 1986
Height: 176cm
Blood Type: O
Talents & interests: Sports, listening to music, dancing

A phenomenal dancer, Eunhyuk puts the passion into the bands’ choreography with striking dance movements that are as powerful as they are fluid. Eunyhuk, along with Leeteuk, co-hosted the KBS radio show ‘Super Junior’s Kiss the Radio,’ and is loved by fans all over the world for the wit he let loose on SBS variety shows ‘Strong Heart’ and ‘Star King.’

Name: Donghae (동해)
Date of Birth: October 15, 1986
Height: 175cm
Blood Type: A
Hobbies & Talents: Sports, watching movies, dancing, singing

Donghae enjoyed a fresh burst of popularity among Taiwanese fans after appearing in the music videos of Taiwanese singers Ariel Lin and Zhang Liyin and being cast as one of the main characters of the Taiwanese drama ‘Extravagant Challenge’ (2011) along with fellow band member Siwon. In 2010, he starred in the SBS drama ‘It’s Okay, Daddy’s Daughter’ and contributed to the drama’s OST, receiving recognition for his music composition skills.

Name: Ryeowook (려욱)
Date of Birth: June 21, 1987
Height: 173cm
Blood Type: O
Talents & interests: Singing, music composition

Ryeowook has contributed greatly to the spread of Super Junior’s popularity in China, Taiwan, and Japan as a regular member of the band’s two subgroups, Super Junior-K.R.Y. and Super Junior-M. Beloved for his exquisite vocals, Ryeowoook has contributed to several drama OSTs, recording solo track ‘Smile Again’ for the MBC drama ‘My Sweet Home’ and ‘If You Love Me More’ for the KBS drama ‘Spy MyeongWol’. In 2011, he was cast as the lead in the musical ‘Temptation of Wolves’ and showed a whole new side of himself to his adoring public.

Name: Kyuhyun (규현)
Date of Birth: February 3, 1988
Height: 180cm
Blood Type: A
Talents & interests: Singing

Kyuhyun is a notable singer with a sweet and tender voice. He has released a number of solo songs that have been used as main theme songs for such popular TV dramas ((‘Pasta’ (MBC), ‘Baker King, Kum Tak Goo’ (KBS) and ‘President’ (KBS)). In 2010, he played the role of D’Artagnan in the musical ‘The Three Musketeers’ and in 2011, he appeared on the KBS variety show ‘Immortal Classics 2.’ With each new appearance, Kyuhun received a fresh wave of love and acclaim from audiences everywhere.

Super Junior’s Official Fan Club

E.L.F
E.L.F is the name of Super Junior’s official fan club. It is the acronym for ‘Ever Lasting Friends’ and reflects the fans’ aspirations to become lifetime friends with each other and with their followers.

Discography (List of Albums)

Discography (List of Albums)
2005	December	‘Super Junior 05’ (1st full-length album)
2006	June	‘U’ (Single)
2007	September	‘Don’t Don’ (Full-length album)
2009	March	‘Sorry Sorry’ (Full-length album)
2010	May	‘Bonamana’ (Full-length album)
2011	August	Mr. Simple (Full-length album)

Awards

Awards
2006	Thailand’s Channel [V] Countdown: #1 on the International Charts for 5 consecutive weeks (‘Miracle’) SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song - Triple Crown Award (‘U’) SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song (‘Dancing Out’) 13th Korea Entertainment Arts Awards: Best Male Group Award M.net KM Music Festival: Best New Group Award 16th Seoul Music Awards: Newcomer Award 21st Golden Disk Awards: Newcomer Award SBS Song Awards: Newcomer Award
2007	SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song (‘Don’t Don’) Hot Tracks Album Sales Charts (2007): #1 (2nd full-length album ‘Don’t Don’) 14th Korea Entertainment Arts Awards: Best Male Dance Artists Award M.net KM Music Festival: Artist of the Year Award, Netizen Popularity Award, Mobile Popularity Award 15th Korean Popular Entertainment Awards: New Generation Top Artist Award Golden Disk Awards: Disk Bonsang Award, Popularity Award 2nd Thailand SEED Awards: Asia’s Best Newcomer Award China Tencent Stars Magnificent Ceremony: Asia’s Artist of the Year Award
2008	17th Seoul Music Awards: Disk Bonsang Award, Mobile Popularity Award MTV Asia Awards: Favorite Artist of Korea Award Chinese Year-end Music Awards: Best Group Award (‘Super Junior-M’)
2009	KBS Music Bank: #1 on March-April Charts (‘Sorry Sorry’) M.net M Countdown: #1 for 2 consecutive weeks (‘Sorry Sorry’) SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song - Triple Crown Award (‘Sorry Sorry’) Thailand’s Channel [V] Countdown Asian Charts: Set record of being #1 for 8 consecutive weeks (3rd week of April – 1st week of June) Taiwan’s online music website, KKBOX: #1 for 36 weeks on the ‘Korea/Japan Single Top 100 Charts’ Taiwan’s online music website, Ezpeer: #1 for 34 consecutive weeks Thailand’s Channel [V]: #1 on Asian Top 50 Year End 2009 Taiwan’s Hit FM: #1 on 2009 Top 100 Singles Chart KBS Music Bank: #1 on K-Chart (‘It’s You’) SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song (‘It’s You’) Golden Disk Awards: Disk Daesang & Bonsang awards, Samsung YEPP Popularity Award Melon Music Awards: Top 10 Bonsang Award
2010	19th High1 Seoul Music Awards: Bonsang Award, Hallyu Special Award, Popularity Award Korean Popular Culture and Art Awards: Minister Commendation for Culture and Tourism KBS Music Bank: #1 for 3 consecutive weeks (‘BONAMANA’) SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song – Triple Crown Award (‘BONAMANA’) Taiwan’s online music website, KKBOX: #1 for 63 consecutive weeks (‘BONAMANA’) KBS Music Bank: #1 on K-Chart (‘No Other’) SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song (‘No Other’) Golden Disk Awards: Disk Bonsang Award, Asian Popularity Award Philippine ASAP Choice Viewers Awards: Best K-Pop Artist Award Melon Music Awards: Netizen Popularity Battle Award
2011	GAOn Chart Awards: Top Selling Album of 2010 1st Taiwan HIT FM Awards: Top Selling Korean/Japanese Album

Other Activities

Other Activities
2006	5th Pattaya Music Festival: Representative of Korea ‘Ivy Club’ school uniform brand advertising model ‘NII’ casual wear model
2007	1677 Collect Call advertising model Blood donation publicity ambassador ‘Pepsi Cola’ advertising model in China ‘OPPO’ mobile phone brand advertising model in China Released Super Junior’s debut film ‘Attack on the Pin-Up Boys’
2008	Appointed as goodwill ambassadors for the 2008 Korea and Thailand 50th Anniversary Sunkist Sweety Ade advertising model Chinese postage stamps model
2009	Kyochon Chicken advertising model
2010	Interviewed on CNN’s Talk Asia
2011	Released 3D movie from their third Asia tour ‘Super Show 3 3D’ Japanese convenience store franchise ‘CircleKSunkus’ model Appointed as Hansik (Korean food) publicity ambassadors Appointed as ‘2011 Seoul Summer Sale’ publicity ambassadors Appointed as ambassadors for tourism in Korea through the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)

Austin's Choice - KPOP : 2. Girls' Generation

Introduction

Each member of Girls' Generation adds her own brilliant hue to the vibrant creativity of this multi-faceted band. One minute coyly taking the stage in a rainbow of skinny jeans and the next minute dressed in military-type outfits and showing off their legs through powerful, controlled dance moves—these girls can do it all! Whatever the concept, Girls' Generation adds their own unique style, making each album a bit hit and spreading Girls’ Generation fever across the globe. As the leading girl group in Asia, Girls’s Generation has enjoyed tremendous popularity not only in Korea but also in Japan and Taiwan, setting the global standard for girl idol groups.

Group Introduction

Meaning 'The Era of the Girls,' Girls' Generation (also known as SNSD) is a nine-member girl group that made its debut in 2007. The group consists of Yoona, Sooyoung, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Taeyeon, Jessica, Tiffany, Sunny, and Seohyun. The group won the Artist of the Year (Daesang) awards at the Golden Disk Awards for two consecutive years (2009 and 2010) and were the first Korean girl group to make it to #1 on Japan's Oricon weekly album chart and the first overseas group to top the best-selling albums list in Japan. Girls' Generation is widely recognized for their talent both in Korea and abroad. Its members have appeared in various shows, dramas, radio programs, and commercials, winning the hearts of men and women of all ages.

The group’s 2009 hit single ‘Gee’ holds the record for being the longest running No.1 song on KBS Music Bank. Other hit songs include ‘Girls' Generation,’ ‘Kissing You,’ ‘Tell me your wish,’ ‘Oh!,’ ‘Run Devil Run,’ and ‘Hoot.'

- First Album Release: ‘Into the New World’ (Single album)
- Girls’ Generation’s Official Website: http://girlsgeneration.smtown.com/ (Korean)

Member Profiles

Yoona (윤아)Yoona became widely known to the Korean public, especially among those in their middle ages, after her portrayal of Jang Sae-byeok, a positive and optimistic character, in the KBS drama You are my destiny (2008). In recognition of her talent not only as a singer, but also as an actress she was awarded the ‘Best New Actress Award’ and the ‘Netizen Award’ during the 2008 KBS Drama Awards and the ‘Best New Actress Award’ and the ‘Popularity Award’ during the 2009 Baeksang Arts Awards.
* Date of Birth: May 30, 1990
* Blood Type: B
* Height: 166cm

Sooyoung (수영) Before making her debut in Girls' Generation, Sooyoung had been a member of the duo ‘Route 0’ in Japan in 2002. Thanks to her fluent Japanese, she has been instrumental in facilitating Girls' Generation’s activities in Japan. Sooyoung hosted the MBC TV children's game show Fantastic Duo and has proved to be a talented entertainer in sitcoms, movies, and fashion shows.
* Date of Birth: February 10, 1990
* Blood Type: O
* Skills/Hobbies: Japanese
* Height: 170cm

Hyoyeon (효연) An exceptional dancer, Hyoyeon takes center stage during Girls' Generation’s lively dances with her strong and powerful movements. In contrast to her intense charisma on stage, on entertainment programs she captivates fans with her bright personality and her quirky charms.
* Date of Birth: September 22, 1989
* Blood Type: AB
* Skills/Hobbies: Dance
* Height: 160cm

Yuri (유리) Yuri is known for her lively personality and her tan, healthy glow. Before her debut with Girls’ Generation, she appeared in numerous commercials, magazines, music videos, and movies. She showed her witty side as the talented host of MBC's Music Core and also took part in the KBS entertainment program Invincible Youth.
* Date of Birth: December 5, 1989
* Blood Type: O
* Skills/Hobbies: Swimming
* Height: 167cm

Taeyeon (태연) Taeyeon is often thought of as the group’s best singer, thanks to her rich and soothing voice that is as powerful as it is unique. Taeyeon participated in the making of the OST for the Korean drama Hong Gil Dong, the Hero and the song 'Can you hear me' for the drama Beethoven Virus. She was also the lead actress in the musical Midnight Sun, showing a new side of herself to her many fans. Recently, she has been gaining popularity thanks to her friendly face and personality.
* Date of Birth: March 9, 1989
* Blood Type: O
* Skills/Hobbies: Chinese
* Height: 162cm

Jessica Nicknamed 'Ice Princess' by her fans, Jessica is known for her sweet voice. Her popularity soared after she sang the well-known song ‘Naengmyung’ (냉면, cold Noodles) with comedian Park Myung-soo on the MBC show Infinite Challenge. Her singing abilities and command of the English language landed her the lead role in the musical Legally Blonde, showcasing her talent as a musical performer.
* Date of Birth: April 18, 1989
* Blood Type: B
* Skills/Hobbies: English
* Height: 163cm

Tiffany Tiffany introduces herself as 'Tiffany, brighter than a jewel.' Her smiling moon-shaped eyes and her warm personality seem to spread her perpetual good mood to everyone around her. One of the hosts of the music program Sonyeon Sonyeo Gayo Baekseo (KM), Champagne (KBS) and Show! Music Core (MBC), she is known for her singing abilities and fluent English.
* Date of Birth: August 1, 1989
* Blood Type: O
* Skills/Hobbies: English, playing flute
* Height: 162cm

Sunny Affectionately called the ‘Vitamin of Girls' Generation,’ Sunny is bright and full of charm. She is experienced in the entertainment field and has co-hosted a DMB radio program with Sungmin of Super Junior and hosted numerous TV music programs. In 2009, she starred in the KBS program Invincible Youth and won the hearts of TV viewers with her can-do spirit and adaptability in the face of rural life.
* Date of Birth: May 15, 1989
* Blood Type: B
* Skills/Hobbies: Exercise
* Height: 158cm

Seohyun (서현) The youngest of the Girls' Generation members, Seohyun has an innocent image, but demonstrates a surprising level of maturity as a singer. Seohyun starred in MBC's We got Married Season 2 (which ran for over a year) as the virtual wife of CNBlue's Jung Yong-hwa. She was also featured in TVXQ's song 'Journey' for the repackaged album, 'Keep Your Head Down.’
* Date of Birth: June 28, 1991
* Blood Type: A
* Skills/Hobbies: Playing piano
* Height: 168cm

Official Fan Club

S♡NE(SO ONE) S♡NE is the name of the Girls' Generation's official fan club. The logo S♡NE (‘SO ONE’) holds a number of meanings: ‘Girls' Generation and their fans are one,' 'Girls' Generation is one,' and 'We want Girls' Generation

Official Fan Club Website: http://fanclub.smtown.com

Discography (List of Albums)

Discography
2007	August, 2007	‘Into the New World’ (Single album)
2007	November, 2007	‘Girls’ Generation’ (1st album)
2009	January, 2009	‘Gee’ (Mini album)
2009	June, 2009	‘Genie’ (Mini album)
2010	January, 2010	‘Oh!’ (2nd album)
	March, 2010	‘Run Devil Run’ (Repackaged 2nd album)
	October, 2010	‘HOOT’ (Mini album)

Awards

Awards
2007	14th Annual Korean Entertainment Arts Awards - Best New Female Group Foreign Press Club - Foreign Promotion Award 15th Korea Most Popular Entertainer Awards - New Generation Rookie Award 22nd Golden Disk - Rookie Award, Popularity Award M.net M-Countdown #1 – ‘Into the New World’ M.net M-Countdown #1 – ‘Girls' Generation’ SBS Inkigayo Mutizen Song – ‘Girls' Generation’ (2 times)
2008	17th Seoul Music Awards - Best Newcomer Award and High1 Music Award SBS Inkigayo Mutizen Song – ‘Kissing You’ (2 times) KBS Music Bank #1 – ‘Kissing You’ M.net M-Countdown #1 – ‘Kissing You’ (2 times) M.net M-Countdown #1 – ‘Baby Baby’
2009	Korea Golden Disk Award - Digital Music Daesang Award Melon Music Awards - This Year's Artist Award, This Year's Song Award, TOP10 Bonsang Award, Mobile Music Award, Smart Radio Award, Odyssey Award Korea National Assembly Award Ceremony - This Year's Pop Music Award MBC Entertainment Awards - Special Award in musician category KBS Music Bank K-Chart #1 – ‘Gee’ (#1 for 9 consecutive weeks, a new record) Inkigayo Mutizen Song – ‘Gee’ (Triple Crown) KBS Music Bank K-Chart #1 – ‘Tell me your wish’ SBS Inkigayo Mutizen Song – ‘Tell me your wish’ (2 times)
2010	16th Korea Entertainment Art Award - Female Group Award 19th High1 Seoul Music Award - Daesang Award, Bonsang Award, Digital Music Award Korea Golden Disk Award - Daesang Award in disk category, Bonsang Award, Popularity Award KBS Music Bank - Year-end Overall K-Chart #1 Japan TBS 52nd Japan Record Award - New Artist Award KBS Music Festival - Top Korean Pop Song #1 Bugs Music Award - This Year's Song, This Year's Idol, This Year's #1 Music Video Melon Music Awards - Artist Award, Hot Trend Award, TOP 10 Korea Gallup Poll - This Year's Musician Award, Top Popular Song #1 (2 consecutive years) Korea Pop Music Award - This Year's Song Award, Netizen popularity Award 2010 Korea Advertising Awards - Top Commercial Model Award KBS Music Bank K-Chart No. 1 – ‘Oh!’ (#1 for 5 consecutive weeks) KBS Music Bank First-half Integrated K-chart #1 SBS Inkigayo Mutizen Song – ‘Oh!’ (2 times) 22nd PD Awards – Musician Award Gaon Chart – ‘Gee’ #1 2009 Digital Music Award KBS Music Bank K-Chart #1 – ‘Run Devil Run’ (2 times) SBS Inkigayo Mutizen Song – ‘Run Devil Run’ (2 times) KBS Music Bank K-Chart #1 – ‘Hoot’ (5 times) SBS Inkigayo Mutizen Song – ‘Hoot’ (3 times)
2011	20th High1 Seoul Music Award - Hallyu Special Award, Bonsang Award, Popularity Award, Daesang Award Japan Record Association, 25th Japan Golden Disk Award - This Year's New Artist Award 2nd Korea Seoul Culture & Arts Award - Daesang Award in pop music category #1 in Forbes Korea 'Korea's Power Celebrities 40’

Other Activities

Other Activities
2007	Commercial model for Elite school uniforms Appointed Volunteer Ambassador for the Seoul City Government
2008	Appointed Girls Scout Ambassador Advertising model for viliv multimedia Advertising model for Gupne Chicken Advertising model for New Ellesse Advertising model for Haitai's Sunkist Sweet Ade Advertising model for Samsung Anycall Haptic Advertising model for Nexon
2009	Korean artist invited to Thailand Papaya Music Festival Model for Samsung's ‘Hahaha Campaign’ Advertising model for Binggrae's banana-flavored milk Appointed Ambassador for the Incheon World Ceramics Festival Advertising model for Dongseo's Post Cranberry Almond Granola Advertising model for LG Electronics' CYON new chocolate phone Advertising model for Shinhan Card Advertising model for Samyang Ramyeon Girls' Generation's 1st Asia concert tour: ‘Into the New World’
2010	Advertising model for Korea' Nintendo DSi Appointed Ambassador for Incheon Airport Customs Advertising model for Caribbean Bay Water Park Launched first photo album – ‘Girls (in Tokyo)’ Advertising model for Dominos Pizza Advertising model for Samsung Electronics in China Debut showcase in Japan Model for Daum internet portal Performed at Japan Fuji TV's ‘FNS Music Festival’
2011	Asia model for worldwide Intel brand Model for Vita 500 of Gwangdong Pharmaceuticals Advertising model for Japan UHA Mikakuto e-ma Nodoame (candy) Advertising model for Woongjin's water purifier Advertising model for Lipton in Japan Launched ‘All About Girls' Generation "Paradise in Phuket"’ DVD First Japanese tour: ‘Girls' Generation Arena Tour 2011’ Second Solo Concert: ‘2011 GIRLS’ GENERATION TOUR’ in Korea Appointed Ambassador for ‘2010-2012 Visit Korea Year’

Information & written by KTO

Austin's Choice - KPOP : 1. Big Bang

Big Bang is a very popular Korean boy band. Its five members are known as T.O.P, Seungri, Daesung, G-Dragon, and Taeyang. They were launched by the famous management company, YG Entertainment on August 19th 2006, as part of the company’s 10th anniversary concert. Big Bang immediately received praise from critics, the public, and other singers for the members’ outstanding talent.
On September 23rd, 2006, the group made their debut on the tv music show, “Music Core”, but Big Bang became famous throughout the country even before their official debut, since MTV Korea had aired an eleven-episode documentary about the making of the band. So far, as many as 1 million copies of their albums have been sold and Big Bang is popular not only in Korea, but also in Thailand, Japan and other countries around the world.

Introduction

The five members of Big Bang were the winners of an arduous singing and dancing audition process, which was screened on MTV Korea. The group has two rappers and three singers, and their songs are a unique blend of hip hop and pop songs. Big Bang’s energetic catchy songs have earned them a large following that spans all generations. The members of Big Bang play a role in writing their lyrics, in composing their music, and in their choreography. Some of the members have also launched solo projects, appearing in musicals, TV dramas, and entertainment shows.

Members of Big Bang

G.DRAGON
- TEAM LEADER/ RAPPER/ VOCALIST
G.DRAGON has been training with YG Entertainment for 6 years, having joined the management group when he was only 13 years old. He is regarded as a skilled producer, and has worked on other singers’ albums as well as Big Bang’s.
During his childhood he appeared in movies and TV shows, but it was always his dream to become a singer. He takes his responsibility as the leader of the band seriously. He does not tolerate mistakes, but at the same time he encourages and supports the other members. He composed “Lies”, “Look at Me, GwiSun”, “Fool” and “We Belong Together”. G-Dragon is considered by many to be the most fashionable member of the group, and many teenagers copy his flamboyant urban style.

Real Name : Kwon Ji-yong
Date of Birth : August 18th 1988
Blood Type : A
Physique : 177cm, 58kg
Talents : Rap, dance, beat box, song writing, and fluent in English and Chinese
Education : Kyung Hee Univ. Postmodern Music Department
Activities: Participated in the 2001 Korea HIPHOPFEX, appeared on YG FAMILY and PERRY Albums, and several concerts

T.O.P
- RAPPER / VOCALIST
T.O.P earned his status as one of Korea’s biggest heartthrobs by stealing a kiss from Lee Hyori, one of Korea’s most famous female singers, at the Mnet Km Music Festival. T.O.P has an attractive husky voice and is considered to be the most masculine in the group. However, he is actually very reserved and sensitive. He likes to be alone and his hobby is collecting action figures.
T.O.P. acted in the drama “Iris” alongside actors Kim Tae Hee and Lee Byung Hun, and he will appear in the upcoming drama “My 19-year-old” with Seung Ri, another member of Big Bang.

Real Name : Choi Seung-hyeon
Date of Birth : November 4th, 1987
Blood Type :181cm, 65kg
Physique : B
Talents : Rap, beat box, song writing, fluent in English
Education : Danguk Univ. Film and Theatre Department
Activities: Winner in KBS Radio’s “Rap Battle”, performances in various clubs

SEUNG RI
- SINGER
Even before Big Bang’s debut, Seung Ri was widely known in his hometown, Gwangju, because of his amazing dance skills. However, he failed many auditions beause of his short height. In YG Entertainment’s Big Bang audition, he was almost eliminated, but luckily he was given a second chance, and his singing, dancing skills, and stage presence impressed the producers so much that he made it into the group.
Seung Ri was the first member of the group to be in a musical, starring in Sonagi, and the second member to debut as an actor. He appeared in the film "Why Did You Come To Our House" which was released in April 9th 2009. He will also act with T.O.P in the upcoming drama My 19-year-old. He recently released his first solo album “Strong Baby”, so these days he has a pretty busy schedule. However he always practices his singing and dancing in order to give the perfect live performance for his fans.

Real Name :Lee Seung-hyeon
Date of Birth :December 12th, 1990
Physique : 177cm, 60kg
Talents : Dance, Singing, Fluent in English
Education : Kyung Hee Univ. Postmodern Music Department
Activities: Member of the dancing team, Ilhwa

TAE YANG
- SINGER/ RAPPER
Tae Yang became a trainee member of YG Entertainment when he was 13 years old. Since he was always training at YG Entertainment, he has never had a girlfriend, and so he is regarded as the pure, innocent band member by the fans. However, he is considered quite attractive due to his masculinity and dark skin color, and has more female fans in their 20s and 30s than any other member of the group. His first solo album Hot was a great success. Tae Yang likes urban hip-hop fashion and his hobby is collecting caps.

Real Name : Dong Young-bae
Date of Birth : May 18th, 1988
Blood Type :174cm, 56kg
Physique : B
Talents : Rap, dance, beat box, song writing, fluent in English and Japanese
Education : Daejin Univ, Theater and film Department
Activities: Appeared on Jinusean’s A-YO Music Video, appeared on YG Family’s Wheesung albums, and in several concerts

DAE SUNG
- SINGER
In 2008, Dae Sung starred in the Korean adaptation of Cats, becoming the second Big Bang member to appear in a musical. He showed off his many talents by appearing on a TV music show as a MC and on the very popular SBS entertainment show Family Outing. On these tv shows he came across as a really friendly guy and so Dae Sung has many fans. He’s a great singer and performs well in many different genres. His trot single, “Look at Me, Gwisun”, was a hit with many fans, regardless of their age and gender. It’s thought that he resembles the Japanese animation character, Doraemon, so he receives many Doraemon dolls from his fans.

Real Name :Kang Dae-sung
Date of Birth :April 26th 1989
Physique : 178cm, 63kg
Talents : Singing, fluent in English
Education : Kyung Hee Univ. Postmodern Music Department
Activities: Passed the Big Bang audition while taking the MBC Academy course

Information on Big Bang

Member : T.O.P, Seungri, Daesung, G-Dragon and Taeyang
Date of Debut :August 19, 2006
Official Homepage : http://www.ygbigbang.com/
Official homepage in Japan :http://www.ygbigbang.jp/

Big Bang's official Fan Club VIP

Big Bang's official fan club calls itself "V.I.P." (a reference to the band’s second single: "Big Bang is V.I.P."). It is estimated to have around 300,000 members. Generally at concerts in Korea, most fans will wave balloons in a specific color to show their devotion to a band, however Big Bang fans don’t wave balloons, instead they wave bandannas and crown shaped glow sticks, which are decorated with the letters BB. You can get these at YgeShop (http://www.ygeshop.com) or at concerts venues.

E-mail : bigbang@ygmail.net
Address : YG Entertainment, Deokyang Building, 3rd Floor, 371-26 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (zip code) 121-884
Official Fan Club :http://cafe.daum.net/YGBIGBANG?DWISI=3ADHomepage : http://town.cyworld.com/bigbang/

Discography

2006	August 29, 2006	1st Singles Album <BIGBANG>
	September 28, 2006	2nd Singles Album <BIGBANG is V.I.P>
	November 12, 2006	3rd Singles Album <BIGBANG >
	November 12, 2006	1st Album <BIGBANG VOL. 1>
2007	February 8, 2007	1st Live Concert Album <The Real>
	August 16, 2007	1st Mini Album <Always>
	November 22, 2007	2nd Mini Album <Hot issue>
2008	January 4, 2008	1st Singles Album in Japan <For the World>
	February 27, 2008	2nd Live Concert Album <GREAT>
	May 28, 2008	2nd Singles Album in Japan <With U>
	May 22, 2008	TAE YANG’s 1st Mini Album
	June 16, 2008	DAE SUNG’s Solo Digital Singles Album < Look at Me, GwiSun >
	June 30, 2008	G-Dragon’s Solo Digital Singles Album <Look At Only me_ part.2>
	August 8, 2008	3rd Mini Album <Stand up>
	October 22, 2008	1st Album in Japan <Number 1>
	November 5, 2008	2nd Album <REMEMBER>

Major Awards

2006 Seoul Music Awards	New Artist
2007 M.NET/KM Music Festival	Song of the Year/ Best Male Group/ Music Arrangement; the Korea Visual Arts Festival: the Most Photogenic award -Male Group
2008 Seoul Music Awards	Digital Music /Top Artist / Artist Of The Year; M.NET/KM Music Festival: Artist of the Year/ Best Male Group of the Year/ Digital Music / Music Portal M.NET Award; Annual Korean People's Music Choice Awards - Netizen Award: Dance & Electronic Section Prize; Mnet20’s Choice HOT Trend Musician Award; The National Assembly of South Korea Pop Culture & Media Awards: Pop Music; Style Icon Awards: Best Male Singer
2009 Seoul Music Awards	High1 Award/ Best Album / Mobile Popularity; Korea PD Awards: Best Singer

Commercials and Other Activities

In the first half of 2009, Big Bang emerged as one of consumers’ top 10 favorite commercials models. The group has appeared in commercials for numerous products, such as cell phones, clothing, and drinks. They appeared in the Lollipop CM phone commercial and the song featured in the commercial, which was sung by Big Bang and YG’s brand new female group 2NE1, was No1 in all online music charts, which shows the extent of Big Bang’s popularity.
In addition to commercials, Big Bang have even appeared in the FPS video game, “Sudden Attack”. The game, which had featured K-pop star, Rain, in the past, used the Big Bang members as characters in the game, as well as Big Bang themed items, and the group’s hit songs as backgroud music.
The Big Bang members’ biographical book Shouting Out To The World! was released in January 28th, 2009. The 280-page book was written by the members and tracks Big Bang’s road to success. It starts from their debut in summer 2006 and gives inside details on their breakout success and then their triumph on the J-pop scene.

Information & written by KTO

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