TVXQ (Tong Vfang Xien Qi) is a Korean boy band formed by SM Entertainment. It is composed of five members specializing in the areas of dance, acappella, acting, and pop with an R&B vibe. The group has gained popularity in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand and other East Asian countries. Currently, it is one of the top pop groups of the Korean Wave (hallyu).
Their name translates to "Rising Gods of the East." They are known in Korea as 'Dong Bang Shin Gi' (often abbreviated as DBSG and DBSK) while the Japanese equivalent of the group's name is 'Tōhōshinki' (abbreviated as THSK). The group debuted in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China in 2004.
Musical style
Initially marketed as an "a cappella" group, most of TVXQ's music is mainstream K-pop. Their debut single "Hug" was a bubblegum pop song, whereas their follow up single "The Way U Are" was a dance/R&B number, complete with stylized outfits and choreographed dance moves. Their third major single release, "믿어요" (I Believe), in contrast, was a ballad. TVXQ concluded the year with a Christmas album that also had an acappella version of "Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desiring". With their releases in 2004, the group showed a versatility in style and has managed not to be permanently typecast as a certain "genre style" (as opposed to Fly to the Sky's ballads or Koyote's dance songs).
With consecutive releases, they have not moved from this formula, as their second and third albums have had a similar mixture without moving outside of the mainstream label. The second album's singles, for example, included a dance song (their first release) and a ballad (their follow up). As the third album's releases have so far been dance, ballad and pure pop tracks, TVXQ has continued to move from genre to genre while staying mainstream. Although the group has given many a cappella performances, and have included various acapella tracks on their albums, TVXQ has yet to release an acappella (or an otherwise mostly vocal) single.
Initially marketed as an "a cappella" group, most of TVXQ's music is mainstream K-pop. Their debut single "Hug" was a bubblegum pop song, whereas their follow up single "The Way U Are" was a dance/R&B number, complete with stylized outfits and choreographed dance moves. Their third major single release, "믿어요" (I Believe), in contrast, was a ballad. TVXQ concluded the year with a Christmas album that also had an acappella version of "Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desiring". With their releases in 2004, the group showed a versatility in style and has managed not to be permanently typecast as a certain "genre style" (as opposed to Fly to the Sky's ballads or Koyote's dance songs).
With consecutive releases, they have not moved from this formula, as their second and third albums have had a similar mixture without moving outside of the mainstream label. The second album's singles, for example, included a dance song (their first release) and a ballad (their follow up). As the third album's releases have so far been dance, ballad and pure pop tracks, TVXQ has continued to move from genre to genre while staying mainstream. Although the group has given many a cappella performances, and have included various acapella tracks on their albums, TVXQ has yet to release an acappella (or an otherwise mostly vocal) single.
History
2003: Pre-fame
Typical of a premature boy band, the members were separately chosen by SM Entertainment through various auditions. The trainees in the company including members of Super Junior were divided into groups of their peers and received training to find potential talents. The five members of TVXQ were originally the lead vocals of other singing groups.
Typical of a premature boy band, the members were separately chosen by SM Entertainment through various auditions. The trainees in the company including members of Super Junior were divided into groups of their peers and received training to find potential talents. The five members of TVXQ were originally the lead vocals of other singing groups.
2004: Debut
TVXQ made their first appearance on December 26, 2003 during a BoA and Britney Spears Showcase. They performed their debut song "Hug" as well as an acappella rendition of "O Holy Night" alongside BoA. The group eventually released two physical singles (Hug and The Way U Are), accompanied by photo books, before their first album in 2004. TVXQ reached #1 on Korean music charts in three months after their debut.
An official fan club was created, named after the Cassiopeia constellation near the Big Dipper. TVXQ's fans chose the name "Cassiopeia" for their fan club because the constellation has 5 stars in its galaxy, and TVXQ has 5 members. When traced on a computer keyboard, "TVFXQ" makes the constellation Cassiopeia.
SM Entertainment had once considered adding a Chinese member to the group and have member rotation to help boost popularity in other countries, as mentioned in The 3rd StoryBook - TVfXQ!, and to also branch each member into different solo activities, or possibly combine other trainees into the group. However the idea was immediately abandoned due to a great deal of fan opposition and outrage, who tried to also boycott SM Entertainment products at the time.
TVXQ made their first appearance on December 26, 2003 during a BoA and Britney Spears Showcase. They performed their debut song "Hug" as well as an acappella rendition of "O Holy Night" alongside BoA. The group eventually released two physical singles (Hug and The Way U Are), accompanied by photo books, before their first album in 2004. TVXQ reached #1 on Korean music charts in three months after their debut.
An official fan club was created, named after the Cassiopeia constellation near the Big Dipper. TVXQ's fans chose the name "Cassiopeia" for their fan club because the constellation has 5 stars in its galaxy, and TVXQ has 5 members. When traced on a computer keyboard, "TVFXQ" makes the constellation Cassiopeia.
SM Entertainment had once considered adding a Chinese member to the group and have member rotation to help boost popularity in other countries, as mentioned in The 3rd StoryBook - TVfXQ!, and to also branch each member into different solo activities, or possibly combine other trainees into the group. However the idea was immediately abandoned due to a great deal of fan opposition and outrage, who tried to also boycott SM Entertainment products at the time.
2006: Overseas expansion and release of third Korean album
Going overseas
Before returning to South Korea with their third album in Fall 2006, TVXQ endeavored to spread their sphere of influence out of the country. They held their first Asian tour, made guest appearances, and participated in numerous commercials in several Asian countries in 2006, including Malaysia, Thailand and Japan. TVXQ members were the first Korean performers ever to stage a concert in Malaysia for their "Rising Sun 1st Asia Tour", in Bukit Jalil (Putra Indoor Stadium) . The Rising Sun tour continued to Thailand, where "TVXQ! Rising Sun Live in Bangkok 2006" concert was held at the Impact Arena. Soon after, TVXQ was kept busy in preparation for the first concert tour in Japan, "Heart, Mind and Soul", to promote their Japanese album. They released as many as 5 singles in total that year. The members focused on strengtening their grasp on the Japanese language to increase promotions in the country and communicate better with fans, similar to BoA in her early debut years in Japan .
Their move to stretch outside of South Korea was successful and the fan response was overwhelming. They were the first Asian group to win two Thailand Music Awards for both Best Music Video (Rising Sun) and Favorite Asian Artist. Their seventh Japanese single Sky hit #6 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, with their eighth single Miss You reaching #3 in Japan. They have topped both the Japanese and Korean charts on the Malaysian radio show "988" twice with their singles "Begin" and "The Fighting Spirit Of The East". The show has an audience of about 4.2 million listeners, reaching as far as Singapore.
Return to Korea
The group returned to Korea in late August in order to prepare for their third album. Titled "O"-正.反.合. ('O' - Jung.Ban.Hap.), the album was released on September 29 with two editions; version A containing a poster and a photo book, version B with a poster and a special DVD. In the first month of its release, the third album surpassed the 100,000 mark in South Korea, and to date has sold over 330,000 copies. Template:Cite web
"O"-正.反.合 was re-released on November 11, 2006, less than two months after its original release date, to coincide with the image change for their second single. The new release contained new versions of Balloons and Get Me Some, along with a new track named "네 곁에 숨쉴 수 있다면 (White Lie...)" which was written and composed by TVXQ's Xiah. As with the original release, there were two versions of the re-release, one containing a DVD of their Vacation drama, and the other with a DVD of their 3rd Album Showcase and some of music videos including "O"-正.反.合. and Balloons.
SM has released a statement saying that the album had done well in Taiwan, and that the lead single has topped the Asian singles chart and was #5 overall.
Later, TVXQ moved on to their second single Balloons, which, in contrast to the heavy R&B/techno beats of "O", their first single, is a "cute" pop song about the innocence of childhood. It is a remake of the hit song by Five Fingers, re-written with a "modern feel".. The music video features each member wearing animal outfits with balloons and young children who are similarly dressed. Following the video's theme, their live performances have seen them wearing "child-themed" outfits, such as the Smurfs, the Seven Dwarves, Peter Pan, Super Mario Brothers, and Harry Potter.
The members of TVXQ have appeared on numerous variety shows in 2006, including X-Man,Heroine 6, and Love Letter both separately and together. Due to the group's strong and devoted fan base, hosts and other participants were, at times, jokingly careful not to harm them or otherwise show them in a negative light, making it seem as if the band members were given special treatment.
TVXQ were special guests at the 51st Asia Pacific Film Festival, held in Taipei. They presented an award together with Taiwanese actress Ariel Lin and performed 'O'-Jung.Ban.Hap.
At the 2006 MKMF Music Festival, the group won four awards, including 'Best Group' and 'Artist of the Year'.KBS Global. TVXQ Wins 4 MKMF Awards. November 27th, 2006. Retrieved November 29th, 2006.At the 16th Music Seoul Festival, which was held on the 1st December, the group won a total of three awards which included "Daesang," equivalent to 'Artist of the Year' award.They also won the Daesang at the 21st Golden Disk Awards 2006, held on December 14th, in addition to a Bonsang. Template:Cite webAt the SBS Gayo Awards 2006, held on 29th December, the group won another Daesang in addition to a Bonsang, making the group the king of the awards show sweeping four Daesangs in four major Korean music awards.
Their wins in major award shows coincided with increasing criticism of such shows. Doubt and discontent regarding the group "sweeping" the Daesangs were expressed by netizens whose votes are used as a measure of popularity. The results of the polls are "determined by mouse clicks of passionate fans," not the public.Veteran artist Jang Hye-Jin raised concerns to establish the "Korean equivalent of the Grammy Awards."The awards also had a long list of absentees such as Lee Hyo-ri, Rain, and PSY, and YG Family. While Lee and Rain cited busy schedule as a reason, their move was seen as a boycott.
Going overseas
Before returning to South Korea with their third album in Fall 2006, TVXQ endeavored to spread their sphere of influence out of the country. They held their first Asian tour, made guest appearances, and participated in numerous commercials in several Asian countries in 2006, including Malaysia, Thailand and Japan. TVXQ members were the first Korean performers ever to stage a concert in Malaysia for their "Rising Sun 1st Asia Tour", in Bukit Jalil (Putra Indoor Stadium) . The Rising Sun tour continued to Thailand, where "TVXQ! Rising Sun Live in Bangkok 2006" concert was held at the Impact Arena. Soon after, TVXQ was kept busy in preparation for the first concert tour in Japan, "Heart, Mind and Soul", to promote their Japanese album. They released as many as 5 singles in total that year. The members focused on strengtening their grasp on the Japanese language to increase promotions in the country and communicate better with fans, similar to BoA in her early debut years in Japan .
Their move to stretch outside of South Korea was successful and the fan response was overwhelming. They were the first Asian group to win two Thailand Music Awards for both Best Music Video (Rising Sun) and Favorite Asian Artist. Their seventh Japanese single Sky hit #6 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, with their eighth single Miss You reaching #3 in Japan. They have topped both the Japanese and Korean charts on the Malaysian radio show "988" twice with their singles "Begin" and "The Fighting Spirit Of The East". The show has an audience of about 4.2 million listeners, reaching as far as Singapore.
Return to Korea
The group returned to Korea in late August in order to prepare for their third album. Titled "O"-正.反.合. ('O' - Jung.Ban.Hap.), the album was released on September 29 with two editions; version A containing a poster and a photo book, version B with a poster and a special DVD. In the first month of its release, the third album surpassed the 100,000 mark in South Korea, and to date has sold over 330,000 copies. Template:Cite web
"O"-正.反.合 was re-released on November 11, 2006, less than two months after its original release date, to coincide with the image change for their second single. The new release contained new versions of Balloons and Get Me Some, along with a new track named "네 곁에 숨쉴 수 있다면 (White Lie...)" which was written and composed by TVXQ's Xiah. As with the original release, there were two versions of the re-release, one containing a DVD of their Vacation drama, and the other with a DVD of their 3rd Album Showcase and some of music videos including "O"-正.反.合. and Balloons.
SM has released a statement saying that the album had done well in Taiwan, and that the lead single has topped the Asian singles chart and was #5 overall.
Later, TVXQ moved on to their second single Balloons, which, in contrast to the heavy R&B/techno beats of "O", their first single, is a "cute" pop song about the innocence of childhood. It is a remake of the hit song by Five Fingers, re-written with a "modern feel".. The music video features each member wearing animal outfits with balloons and young children who are similarly dressed. Following the video's theme, their live performances have seen them wearing "child-themed" outfits, such as the Smurfs, the Seven Dwarves, Peter Pan, Super Mario Brothers, and Harry Potter.
The members of TVXQ have appeared on numerous variety shows in 2006, including X-Man,Heroine 6, and Love Letter both separately and together. Due to the group's strong and devoted fan base, hosts and other participants were, at times, jokingly careful not to harm them or otherwise show them in a negative light, making it seem as if the band members were given special treatment.
TVXQ were special guests at the 51st Asia Pacific Film Festival, held in Taipei. They presented an award together with Taiwanese actress Ariel Lin and performed 'O'-Jung.Ban.Hap.
At the 2006 MKMF Music Festival, the group won four awards, including 'Best Group' and 'Artist of the Year'.KBS Global. TVXQ Wins 4 MKMF Awards. November 27th, 2006. Retrieved November 29th, 2006.At the 16th Music Seoul Festival, which was held on the 1st December, the group won a total of three awards which included "Daesang," equivalent to 'Artist of the Year' award.They also won the Daesang at the 21st Golden Disk Awards 2006, held on December 14th, in addition to a Bonsang. Template:Cite webAt the SBS Gayo Awards 2006, held on 29th December, the group won another Daesang in addition to a Bonsang, making the group the king of the awards show sweeping four Daesangs in four major Korean music awards.
Their wins in major award shows coincided with increasing criticism of such shows. Doubt and discontent regarding the group "sweeping" the Daesangs were expressed by netizens whose votes are used as a measure of popularity. The results of the polls are "determined by mouse clicks of passionate fans," not the public.Veteran artist Jang Hye-Jin raised concerns to establish the "Korean equivalent of the Grammy Awards."The awards also had a long list of absentees such as Lee Hyo-ri, Rain, and PSY, and YG Family. While Lee and Rain cited busy schedule as a reason, their move was seen as a boycott.
2007
TVXQ has been actively promoting themeselves in Japan. On March 7, 2007, the group released their tenth Japanese single, Choosey Lover which charted #4 on the Oricon Singles Chart in Japan on the week of its release. It was the band's tenth straight single to enter the top-10 Oricon chart since the release of their first single, entitled Stay With Me Tonight, in April 2005 . On March 14, 2007, TVXQ released their second Japanese album entitled, Five in the Black, debuting as #6 on the Oricon album charts.
From early April, TVXQ members started hosting a weekly radio program "TVXQ Bigeastation" on Japan FM Network channel. The program is currently being aired on seven local FM stations and is reportedly becoming quite popular in the country. "Attesting to the soaring popularity of TVXQ, fans have asked the program to be aired in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka as well."
TVXQ will represent Korea at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2007 on May 26th at the Saitama Super Arena.
TVXQ has been actively promoting themeselves in Japan. On March 7, 2007, the group released their tenth Japanese single, Choosey Lover which charted #4 on the Oricon Singles Chart in Japan on the week of its release. It was the band's tenth straight single to enter the top-10 Oricon chart since the release of their first single, entitled Stay With Me Tonight, in April 2005 . On March 14, 2007, TVXQ released their second Japanese album entitled, Five in the Black, debuting as #6 on the Oricon album charts.
From early April, TVXQ members started hosting a weekly radio program "TVXQ Bigeastation" on Japan FM Network channel. The program is currently being aired on seven local FM stations and is reportedly becoming quite popular in the country. "Attesting to the soaring popularity of TVXQ, fans have asked the program to be aired in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka as well."
TVXQ will represent Korea at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2007 on May 26th at the Saitama Super Arena.
They will be releasing their 11th Japanese single, titled Lovin' You, on June 13, 2007.
Although it is not confirmed yet, neither by DBSK or SM Town, there was some information leaked on April 23, 2007 that there will be a new summer (5th) single released on July 06, 2007, called Heat-Wave 여름 뜨거움. The single will include 2 new songs, 1 remix and 2 instrumentals. The remix track though, is in fact confirmed to be released, and it will be a hip-hop remix of Phantom: track 9 from the Korean album "O"-正.反.合., it will have a completely new beat and 2 extra rap verses. And it was also hinted on a radio station in Japan by Kim Jae Joong, that there will be a new Korean single. He also told, that recently he has been composing a couple of songs, and his best creation is a new up-tempo song that is about questions about love that can't be answered, that is probably referring towards the new song -included on the new single- 10 Questions 질문. But there is no information revealed yet about the title track Heat-Wave 여름 뜨거움.
Although it is not confirmed yet, neither by DBSK or SM Town, there was some information leaked on April 23, 2007 that there will be a new summer (5th) single released on July 06, 2007, called Heat-Wave 여름 뜨거움. The single will include 2 new songs, 1 remix and 2 instrumentals. The remix track though, is in fact confirmed to be released, and it will be a hip-hop remix of Phantom: track 9 from the Korean album "O"-正.反.合., it will have a completely new beat and 2 extra rap verses. And it was also hinted on a radio station in Japan by Kim Jae Joong, that there will be a new Korean single. He also told, that recently he has been composing a couple of songs, and his best creation is a new up-tempo song that is about questions about love that can't be answered, that is probably referring towards the new song -included on the new single- 10 Questions 질문. But there is no information revealed yet about the title track Heat-Wave 여름 뜨거움.
"2nd Asia Live Tour Concert 'O'-正.反.合"
With the album released in seven Asian countries (South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, China and Hong Kong), the band has begun its second Asian tour in support of their third album. The tour kicked off on the February 23, 2007 at the Olympic Park in Seoul. 12,000 fans attended the three Seoul concerts, including over 1,500 fans from Japan, China, Thailand, and five other Asian nations. The concert repertoire included 24 songs and dance sequences, including the group's previous hits such as “Hug” and “Rising Sun”
The tour will travel through six other cities in Asia in the later half of the year including Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur.
With the album released in seven Asian countries (South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, China and Hong Kong), the band has begun its second Asian tour in support of their third album. The tour kicked off on the February 23, 2007 at the Olympic Park in Seoul. 12,000 fans attended the three Seoul concerts, including over 1,500 fans from Japan, China, Thailand, and five other Asian nations. The concert repertoire included 24 songs and dance sequences, including the group's previous hits such as “Hug” and “Rising Sun”
The tour will travel through six other cities in Asia in the later half of the year including Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur.
"2nd Live Tour 2007 - Five in the Black" (Japan)
With the release of their second Japanese album, 'Five in the Black', TVXQ will be going on its second Japan Live Tour nationwide. The tour will begin on May 5th, and end late July. The group was originally scheduled to hold 14 performances in 9 cities, but plans were altered after "pleas by fans who were devastated that their original shows had sold-out" . There will instead be 16 live performances, including two new shows at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan Hall.
Tohoshinki - 2nd Live tour 2007- Five in the Black (to be broadcasted by TBS on July 29th, 2007)
With the release of their second Japanese album, 'Five in the Black', TVXQ will be going on its second Japan Live Tour nationwide. The tour will begin on May 5th, and end late July. The group was originally scheduled to hold 14 performances in 9 cities, but plans were altered after "pleas by fans who were devastated that their original shows had sold-out" . There will instead be 16 live performances, including two new shows at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan Hall.
Tohoshinki - 2nd Live tour 2007- Five in the Black (to be broadcasted by TBS on July 29th, 2007)
Members
The first member to join was Kim Junsu (김준수). He enjoyed singing at his church when he was young. At the age of 12 he was brought into the band through a televised talent search in which Moon Hee Jun and Kangta from H.O.T. were judges. His vocals won over the judges and won him through training for the next six years until he debuted as Xiah Junsu (시아준수; Xiah is pronounced Shee-ah in Korean). Xiah was a stage name that Junsu himself chose, explaining to his fans that the name was short for "Asia," as Asia is pronounced "a-shee-a" in Korean. "Xiah" would be a reference to his desire to become not only a star in Korea, but a star recognized all throughout the continent.
The group’s second member, Jung Yunho (정윤호), secured his spot in TVXQ through a dance competition, winning first place. Prior to this, he accumulated some musical experience as a rapper and backup dancer for Kpop singer Dana in her Diamond video. As a dancer, he accompanied many Korean singers, travelling to China as well. His chosen stage name is U-know Yunho from his Korean name Yunho; U-know is pronounced "You know" in English. However, it is meant to mean "Yunho 'Knows You'" in regards to understanding the other members as their leader. He is the second oldest member and the "leader" in TVXQ.
Kim Jaejoong (김재중) left his hometown in Chungnam to audition for SM Entertainment. Having left the shelter of home, he experienced poverty and strife before becoming a celebrity. He debuted under the name a fortune teller foretold years before: YoungWoong JaeJoong (영웅재중). Youngwoong means "hero" in Korean, hence his international name, Hero. Jaejoong also had picked the name Hero because he wanted to be the hero of the music industry. Jaejoong was selected from an audition of 5000 people. Jaejoong won first place, both in best looking and best vocals. That made him the main vocal of TVXQ.
Shim Changmin (심창민) was grouped with the youngest participants in the audition. Like Xiah Junsu, he impressed the judges with his voice. He joined the band under the name Choikang Changmin (최강창민; the English counterpart to his stage name is Max). Choikang in Korean means "the best;" "Max" became an international rendition of this name.
Six months before the group’s debut, a final member was added. Park Yoochun (박유천) lived in the State of Virginia for roughly four years and auditioned for Brothers Entertainment and was sent to korea to SM Entertainment. Yoochun's stage name, Micky, written as 秘器 in Hanja (Chinese characters), means "hidden weapon", which symbolises his desire to become a "hidden weapon" in the music industry. Micky was also his English nickname when he lived in Virginia. As the winner of a talent show, he was granted the opportunity to sign with SM Entertainment in Korea. He now performs under the stage name Micky Yoochun (믹키유천).
The first member to join was Kim Junsu (김준수). He enjoyed singing at his church when he was young. At the age of 12 he was brought into the band through a televised talent search in which Moon Hee Jun and Kangta from H.O.T. were judges. His vocals won over the judges and won him through training for the next six years until he debuted as Xiah Junsu (시아준수; Xiah is pronounced Shee-ah in Korean). Xiah was a stage name that Junsu himself chose, explaining to his fans that the name was short for "Asia," as Asia is pronounced "a-shee-a" in Korean. "Xiah" would be a reference to his desire to become not only a star in Korea, but a star recognized all throughout the continent.
The group’s second member, Jung Yunho (정윤호), secured his spot in TVXQ through a dance competition, winning first place. Prior to this, he accumulated some musical experience as a rapper and backup dancer for Kpop singer Dana in her Diamond video. As a dancer, he accompanied many Korean singers, travelling to China as well. His chosen stage name is U-know Yunho from his Korean name Yunho; U-know is pronounced "You know" in English. However, it is meant to mean "Yunho 'Knows You'" in regards to understanding the other members as their leader. He is the second oldest member and the "leader" in TVXQ.
Kim Jaejoong (김재중) left his hometown in Chungnam to audition for SM Entertainment. Having left the shelter of home, he experienced poverty and strife before becoming a celebrity. He debuted under the name a fortune teller foretold years before: YoungWoong JaeJoong (영웅재중). Youngwoong means "hero" in Korean, hence his international name, Hero. Jaejoong also had picked the name Hero because he wanted to be the hero of the music industry. Jaejoong was selected from an audition of 5000 people. Jaejoong won first place, both in best looking and best vocals. That made him the main vocal of TVXQ.
Shim Changmin (심창민) was grouped with the youngest participants in the audition. Like Xiah Junsu, he impressed the judges with his voice. He joined the band under the name Choikang Changmin (최강창민; the English counterpart to his stage name is Max). Choikang in Korean means "the best;" "Max" became an international rendition of this name.
Six months before the group’s debut, a final member was added. Park Yoochun (박유천) lived in the State of Virginia for roughly four years and auditioned for Brothers Entertainment and was sent to korea to SM Entertainment. Yoochun's stage name, Micky, written as 秘器 in Hanja (Chinese characters), means "hidden weapon", which symbolises his desire to become a "hidden weapon" in the music industry. Micky was also his English nickname when he lived in Virginia. As the winner of a talent show, he was granted the opportunity to sign with SM Entertainment in Korea. He now performs under the stage name Micky Yoochun (믹키유천).
ControversiesCyanoacrylate drink incident
While the group was filming a variety show in October 2006, U-Know was rushed to the hospital from drinking a beverage given by an anti-fan.Although the container was visibly open, U-Know unsuspectingly drank from the bottle, believing the giver was a worker. As a result, he was quickly instructed by his manager to vomit immediately after drinking it. The cyanoacrylate was rumoured to have caused his lips to stick to the container, which would have significantly damaged his lips.However, that rumour turned out to have been false, and the fact was that Yunho had passed out from shock after vomiting. The female suspect, whose surname is Ko, apprehended on October 16, was a member of an anti-TVXQ website for over two years. In a threatening letter to U-Know, the letter states
Despite the culprit's confession, the incident still leaves many unanswered questions, such as why U-know drank from the open container, and how the culprit managed to enter the building of the broadcast station.Yunho called the police personally to request them not to press chargesbecause "he has a little sister who is almost the woman's age."Because of his request, she was not charged.
Yunho's friend Hee Chul of Super Junior reacted to this event by posting on his Cyworld that the anti-fans are mean-spirited and told them to come after him instead. Following Hee Chul's post, TVXQ's anti-fans promised to make him and his close friends in Super Junior, Han Kyung and Kim KiBum their next targets for further violence.Template:Fact
As a result, TVXQ continued with its promotional activities as a 4-member group until their performance on KBS's Music Bank on October 22, Yunho's first since the incident. Since then, the tensions have seemingly died down, and TVXQ is back doing performances around Korea to promote their third album. At a Korean variety show (a gag concert where mean jokes can be told), Yunho spoke about the incident for the very first time but later his words were edited out of the show because he said that he was "only drinking water now" jokingly.Template:Fact
Custody battle over Hero JaeJoong
On November 21, 2006, a man by the last name of Han filed a lawsuit against Hero's current legal guardians. Han claimed that he is the biological father of Hero, and thus wants custody of Hero.
Han cited the reason for the lawsuit against Hero's legal guardians as "for not going through the proper procedures before registering [Hero] in [the legal guardians'] custody."He divorced Hero's biological mother in late 1980s, and gave up his custody over his child, leaving him under Mrs. Han's custody. However, he had found out some years ago Hero had been adopted by a third party, not his biological mother. A DNA test was to be performed in order to prove validity of Han's claim. Many legal consultants comment that since the adoption had taken place correctly according to the corresponding law, no legal change will be involved regardless of the outcome.
The first hearing was to be held in Kongju, Hero's hometown on November 29, 2006. The fans of TVXQ were generally appalled by this news, questioning why Han did not privately contact Hero regarding this and why he did not keep in touch with his son before he rose to fame.
On November 22, Han dropped the charges against Hero's legal guardians.Han said that he originally intended to resolve his biological son's military duty conflicts after being informed of dual citizenship by Ministry of Military Affairs, which involved verifying the fact that he is the biological father. He did not expect his intention to lead to such a scandal, and states that he was scarred by speculations that he wanted to take advantage of Hero's fame.
In reaction to the matter, Hero uploaded a journal entry on his official fan club website, and said that he was informed of the existence of separate biological parents by his mother two or three years ago, and it had been quite a shock to him. With his current mother's support, his biological mother has been able to keep in touch with him, and to meet occasionally, but whereabouts of the father had been unknown.
He vigorously expressed his will to live by the name of "Jaejoong Kim" not by his birth name "Jaejoon Han", and promised to be loyal to all four of his parents. He also lamented the fact that his family history was exposed to the public due to this incident.
Solo projects
Group
"Remember" (TVXQ ~ 'O' - Jung.Ban.Hub) featured on GoongS
"Harudal" featured on Air City OST
Kim Jae Joong
"Insa" ("Greeting," Hangul:"인사") featured on Millionaire's First Love OST.
Kim Jun Su
Featured in Jang Ri In's "Timeless".
"Beautiful Thing" featured on Vacation OST and the movie Hyungsa ("Detector," Hangul:"형사")
"My Page" [self-composed]
Park Yoo Chun
"Yeowoobi" ("Like Weather/Sun Shower," Hangul:"여우비") [self-composed]
Acted in the debut music video for Magolpi's "Bihaeng Sohnyuh" ("Young Girl Delinquent," Hangul:"비행소녀")
"All In Vain" feautured on Air City OST
Jung Yun Ho
"Spokesman" [self-composed]
Rapped in Dana's "Diamond"
Acting
Group
"Remember" (TVXQ ~ 'O' - Jung.Ban.Hub) featured on GoongS
"Harudal" featured on Air City OST
Kim Jae Joong
"Insa" ("Greeting," Hangul:"인사") featured on Millionaire's First Love OST.
Kim Jun Su
Featured in Jang Ri In's "Timeless".
"Beautiful Thing" featured on Vacation OST and the movie Hyungsa ("Detector," Hangul:"형사")
"My Page" [self-composed]
Park Yoo Chun
"Yeowoobi" ("Like Weather/Sun Shower," Hangul:"여우비") [self-composed]
Acted in the debut music video for Magolpi's "Bihaeng Sohnyuh" ("Young Girl Delinquent," Hangul:"비행소녀")
"All In Vain" feautured on Air City OST
Jung Yun Ho
"Spokesman" [self-composed]
Rapped in Dana's "Diamond"
Acting
Banjun Theater
In 2005 and 2006, TVXQ released Banjun Theater, which aired on Korean television station SBS, that featured the boys as budding actors. They have acted in their own one- or two-episode dramas titled First Love (Parts 1 and 2), The Masked Fencer, The King's Men, Yunho's Tokyo Holiday, Dangerous Love, Finding Lost Time, Uninvited Guest, and The Most Unforgettable Girl in My Life.
Theatrical Drama
VACATION
VACATION consisted of four episodes and a special: Cassiopeia (U-KNOW), Beautiful Life (Xiah and Max), The Way U Are (Hero) and Eternal (Micky), which were first shown at Yonsei University from July 7 to August 8, 2006, and were later released on the third (C) version of their third album "O"-正.反.合. as a separate DVD. For this drama, the band recorded an original soundtrack which consisted of two tracks and their instrumental versions.
VACATION consisted of four episodes and a special: Cassiopeia (U-KNOW), Beautiful Life (Xiah and Max), The Way U Are (Hero) and Eternal (Micky), which were first shown at Yonsei University from July 7 to August 8, 2006, and were later released on the third (C) version of their third album "O"-正.反.合. as a separate DVD. For this drama, the band recorded an original soundtrack which consisted of two tracks and their instrumental versions.
Dating on earth
Dating on earth involves all five members, but only Micky and Hero are main characters. The drama has Micky married to a high school teacher, who Hero falls in love with. U-Know, Max, and Xiah play minor roles. Although filming has been completed, the drama currently has no release date.
Dating on earth involves all five members, but only Micky and Hero are main characters. The drama has Micky married to a high school teacher, who Hero falls in love with. U-Know, Max, and Xiah play minor roles. Although filming has been completed, the drama currently has no release date.
Member profiles
HERO JaeJoong
Stage Name : HERO YoungWoong JaeJoong (영웅재중 or 英雄在中)
Real Name : Kim JaeJoong (김재중, 金在中)
Birthdate: 26/01/1986
Birthplace: Chungnam (충남 or 忠南)
Position: Main Vocals
Stage Name : HERO YoungWoong JaeJoong (영웅재중 or 英雄在中)
Real Name : Kim JaeJoong (김재중, 金在中)
Birthdate: 26/01/1986
Birthplace: Chungnam (충남 or 忠南)
Position: Main Vocals
U-KNOW YunHo
Stage Name : U-KNOW U-know YunHo (유노윤호 or 瑜卤允浩)
Real Name: Jung YunHo (정윤호, 鄭允浩)
Birthdate: 06/02/1986
Birthplace: Gwangju (광주)
Position: Baritone, Leader
Stage Name : U-KNOW U-know YunHo (유노윤호 or 瑜卤允浩)
Real Name: Jung YunHo (정윤호, 鄭允浩)
Birthdate: 06/02/1986
Birthplace: Gwangju (광주)
Position: Baritone, Leader
MICKY YooChun
Stage Name : MICKY Micky YooChun (믹키유천 or 秘奇有天/秘奇有仟)
Real Name: Park YooChun (박유천, 朴有天)
Birthdate: 04/06/1986
Birthplace: Seoul (서울)
Position: Bass-baritone
XIAH JunSu
Stage Name : XIAH Xiah JunSu (시아준수 or 细亚俊秀)
Real Name: Kim JunSu (김준수, 金俊秀)
Birthdate: 15/12/1986 (registered on January 1, 1987)
Birthplace: Gyeonggi (경기 or 京畿道)
Position: Baritenor
Religion: Seventh-day Adventist
MAX ChangMin
Stage Name : MAX ChoiKang ChangMin (최강창민 or 最强昌珉)
Real Name: Shim ChangMin (심창민, 沈昌珉)
Birthdate:18/02/1988
Birthplace: Seoul (서울)
Position: Tenor
Religion: Buddhism
