TVXQ
TVXQ is a Korean band that has gained popularity in Japan, Taiwan, China, and other East-Asian countries. Today, it has become one of Asia's most influential pop bands, and is one of the top bands of the
Korean Wave.
TVXQ is referred to by various names, its Korean title being 'Dong Bang Sin Gi' (동방신기), which is abbreviated to either DBSG. The Japanese equivalent is Tōhōshinki (東方神起), which is abbreviated to THSK. Although the group is synonymous with numerous tags, its Hong Kong name is TVXQ (Tong Vfang Xien Qi). The group debuted in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China approximately in 2004. TVXQ is composed of five male members specializing in the areas of dance, A cappella, various drama acting, and pop with an R&B vibe. The five members from oldest to youngest:
1. Kim Jae Joong (김재중 or HERO 在中)
2. Jung Yun Ho (정윤호 or U-know 允浩)
3. Park Yoo Chun (박유천 or Micky 有天)
4. Kim Jun Su (김준수 or Xiah 俊秀)
5. Shim Chang Min (심창민 or MAX 昌珉)
Stage Names: 영웅재중, 윤호유노, 믹키유천, 시아준수, 최강창민
The Korean phrase "Dong Bang Sin Gi" translates almost literally into "Gods Rising From The East." This five-man dance team came into being after an audition in 2004. The contestants of the audition were divided into groups of their peers and received training to find potential talents. All the members of TVXQ were originally the lead vocals of other singing groups.
The first member to join was
Kim JunSu (김준수). At the age of 14 he was brought into the band through a televised talent search which Moon Hee-Jun and Kangta from H.O.T were judges. His vocals won over the judges and won him thorough training for the next six years until he debuted as Xiah JunSu (시아준수; Xiah is pronounced SHe-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-shi-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 next member,
Jung YunHo (정윤호), secured his spot in TVXQ through a dance competition. Prior to this, he accumulated some musical experience as a rapper and backup dancer for K-pop singer
Dana. His chosen stage name is U-know YunHo (유노윤호; YunHo sounds like ‘you know' in English). He is now the leader of 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 the successful artist he is today. He debuted under the name a fortune teller foretold years before: YoungWoong JaeJoong (영웅재중, also known as Hero which is the English equivalent). YoungWoong means "hero" in korean so that is why his English name is Hero.
Shim ChangMin (심창민) was grouped with the youngest participants in the audition. Like Xiah JunSu, he impressed the judges with his vocal powers. 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".
Six months before the group's debut a final member was added.
Park YooChun (박유천) lived in Virginia for roughly 4 years. Yoochun's stage name "Micky" means ambitious and accomplishes goals in Hanmoon (chinese characters). 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).
TVXQ made their first appearance in 2003 during a Christmastime showcase featuring fellow
SM Entertainment star
BoA and
Britney Spears. They performed their debut single "Hug" as well as an
A cappella rendition of "O Holy Night" alongside
BoA. The group eventually released two singles before their first album in 2004. TVXQ surprised everybody by being #1 on Korean music charts 3 months after their debut.
For preparation for their first album, the band recorded the single "Tri-Angle" with
BoA and
The TRAX. BoA's profound popularity in
Japan, alongside The TRAX's evolvement in said country, helped to promote the awareness overseas of the new boy band.
Tong Vfang Xien Qi has also released albums and singles in
China.
SM Entertainment had once even considered adding a Chinese member to the group to help boost popularity within the country. However,
SM Entertainment has abandoned the idea due to the overflowing amount of complaints from their fan group
Cassiopeia (named after the 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.
Their single "Rising Sun" from the self-titled album has enjoyed great popularity in Korea, China, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Their musical talent, "pretty-boy" looks, and charisma helped to drive the sensational group into a chart-topping force. TVXQ has toured in concerts, made guest appearances, and participated in numerous commercials throughout several Asian countries. Their apparent omnipresence in Asia perhaps solidifies the meaning behind their name.
| HERO JaeJoong Stage Name : HERO | YoungWoong JaeJoong (영웅재중 or 英雄在中) Real Name : Kim Jae Joong (김재중) Birthdate: January 26, 1986 Birthplace: Chungnam (충남 or 忠南) Height: 180 cm Weight: 63 kg Blood Type: O Hobbies: Playing computer games, listening to music, playing the piano, composing, cooking Specialty: Singing Position: Main vocal | | U-KNOW YunHo Stage Name : U-KNOW | U-know YunHo (유노윤호 or 瑜卤允浩)Leader Real Name: Jung Yun Ho (정윤호) Birthdate: February 6, 1986 Birthplace: Gwangju (광주) Height: 184 cm Weight: 66 kg Blood Type: A Hobbies: Music, reading, playing sports, composing music Specialty: Dancing Position: Bass vocal |
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| MICKY YooChun Stage Name : MICKY | Micky YooChun (믹키유천 or 秘奇有天/秘奇有仟) Real Name: Park Yoo Chun (박유천) Birthdate: June 4, 1986 Birthplace: Seoul (서울) Height: 180 cm Weight: 64 kg Blood Type: O Hobbies: Composing music/lyrics/rap, piano, RC카 "라이빙,튜닝(RCcar driving, tuning) Specialty: Singing, composing Position: Middle bass vocal |
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| XIAH JunSu Stage Name : XIAH | Xiah JunSu (시아준수 or 细亚俊秀) Real Name: Kim Jun Su (김준수) Birthdate: December 15, 1986, though his parents registered him on January 1, 1987 Birthplace: Gyeonggi (경기 or 京畿") Height: 178 cm Weight: 60 kg Blood Type: B Hobbies: Piano, soccer Specialty: Singing, dancing Position: Middle high vocal |
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| MAX ChangMin Stage Name : MAX | ChoiKang ChangMin (최강창민 or 最强昌珉) Real Name: Shim Chang Min (심창민) Birthdate: February 18, 1988 Birthplace: Seoul (서울) Height: 186 cm Weight: 61 kg Blood Type: B Hobbies: Music, singing, eating Specialty: Singing, dancing Position: High vocal |
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Korean Singles
| Single # | Single cover | Title of release | Date of release!Tracklist | | 1st | | Hug | January 14, 2004 | # Hug # My Little Princess# Oh Holy Night (Feat. BoA)# My Little Princess (Acapella Version)# Hug (Instrumental) |
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| 2nd | | The Way U Are | June 24, 2004 | # The Way U Are# Whatever They Say# 옹달샘 이야기 1 (Mountain Spring Story 1)# 옹달샘 (Mountain Spring)# 옹달샘 이야기 2 (Mountain Spring Story 2)# Whatever They Say (Instrumental) |
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| 3rd | | Hi Ya Ya 여름날 | June 23, 2005 | # Hi Ya Ya 여름날 (Hi Ya Ya Summer Day)# 공간 (하늘과 "다사이, Whisper Of..) (Space; Between the Sky and the Ocean)# 너희" 것이니까 (I Wish...) (Because We Belong to You)# 지금처럼(Piano Version) (Like Now)# Hi Ya Ya 여름날 (Instrumental) (Hi Ya Ya Summer Day)# 너희" 것이니까 (I Wish...)(Instrumental) (Because We Belong to You) |
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| - | | Show Me Your Love TVXQ & Super Junior | December 15, 2005 | # Show Me Your Love# I Wanna Hold You# 오늘만은 (I'm Your Man)# Show Me Your Love (Instrumental) |
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| 4th | | Fighting Spirit of Dong Bang (Fighting Spirit of the East)
2006 World Cup Korean Official Image Song | June 01, 2006 | # Fighting Spirit of Dong Bang 동방의 투혼 (Original Ver.)# Fighting Spirit of Dong Bang 동방의 투혼(2 Step Ver.)# Fighting Spirit of Dong Bang 동방의 투혼(Vibe 7 Ver.)# Fighting Spirit of Dong Bang 동방의 투혼(Instrumental Ver.) |
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Korean Albums
| Album # | Album cover | Title of release | Date of release | Tracklist | | 1st | | Tri-Angle | October 13, 2004 | # 믿어" # Thanks To# Tri-Angle (feat. BoA and The TRAX)# 내 여자친구가 되어줄래?# Whatever They Say (A capella)# Million Men# 지금처럼# I Never Let Go# 꼬마야# 넌 언제나# Hug# My Little Princess# The Way U Are# Tri-Angle (동방신기 Version) |
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| - | | Christmas Gift from 동방신기 | December 7, 2004 | # Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desiring (A Capella Version)# The First Noel# 마법의 성 (Magic Castle)# 기도문 (Prayer)# 글로리아 '으신 이의 탄생(Angels We Have Heard On High)# Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town# 고"한 밤 거룩한 밤(Silent Night, Holy Night)# 마법의 성 Instrumental (Magic Castle) |
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| 2nd | | Rising Sun | September 12, 2005 | # Tonight# Beautiful Life# Rising Sun (순수)# "보 (Unforgettable)# 네가 허락할테니 (Love Is Never Gone)# Love After Love# Dangerous Mind# One# Love Is...# Free Your Mind (feat. Trax)# 작은 고백 (Your Love Is All I Need)# 약속했던 그때에 (Always There…) (A Cappella) |
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Japanese Singles
| Single # | Single cover | Title of release | Date of release | Tracklist | | 1st | | Stay With Me Tonight | May 10, 2005 | # Stay With Me Tonight# Try My Love# Stay With Me Tonight (Less Vocal)# Try My Love (Less Vocal) |
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| 2nd | | Somebody To Love | July 13, 2005 | # Somebody To Love# 言葉はいらない Kotoba wa Iranai# Somebody To Love (Acapella Ver.)# Somebody To Love (Less Vocal)# 言葉はいらない Kotoba wa Iranai (Less Vocal) |
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| 3rd | | My Destiny | November 2, 2005 | # My Destiny# Eternal# My Destiny (Acapella Ver.)# My Destiny(Less Vocal)# Eternal(Less Vocal) |
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| 4th | | 明日は来るから (Asu wa Kuru Kara)
Ending 17 for One Piece | March 8, 2006 | # 明日は来るから# The Way U Are -Japanese ver.-# 明日は来るから (ヴォーカル&"アノver.)# 明日は来るから (Less Vocal)# The Way U Are -Japanese ver.-(Less Vocal) |
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| 5th | | Rising Sun / Heart, Mind and Soul | April 19, 2006 | # Rising Sun# Heart, Mind and Soul# Heart, Mind and Soul (Acapella Ver.)# Rising Sun (Less Vocal)# Heart, Mind and Soul (Less Vocal) |
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| 6th | | Begin | June 21, 2006 | # Begin# High Time# Begin (Acapella Ver.)# Begin(Less Vocal) # High Time(Less Vocal) |
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| 7th | | Sky | August 16, 2006 | # Sky # NO PAIN NO GAIN # 明日は来るから(2 Future club mix)# Sky (Less Vocal) # NO PAIN NO GAIN (Less Vocal) |
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Japanese Albums
| Album # | Album cover | Title of release | Date of release | Tracklist | | 1st | | Heart, Mind and Soul | March 23, 2006 | # Introlude # 言葉はいらない Kotoba wa Iranai# 明日は来るから Asu wa Kuru Kara# Somebody to love# My Destiny# HUG# Break Up The Shell# Stay with me tonight # 愛せない愛したい Aisenai Aishitai# One# Rising Sun# Eternal # Heart, Mind and Soul# Stay with me tonight (Acapella Ver.)# Somebody to love (Acapella Ver.)# My Destiny (Acapella Ver.)# 明日は来るから Asu wa Kuru Kara (Vocal&Piano Ver.) |
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| Cover | Title of release | Date of release | Tracklist | | 04 Summer Vacation In Smtown.com | June 30, 2004 | # SM Town - Hotmail(여름 편지)# TVXQ - Drive # BoA - Lollipop# Kangta - Going Crazy# Fly to the Sky - Summer In Love# Isak N Jiyeon - What I Want to Tell You# Dana, Jiyeon, Sunday, Stephanie - Fight to the End# Moon Hee Jun - Only for You# TVXQ - Through The Forest # Moon Hee Jun, Kangta, Isak N Jiyeon - Just One# Yoo Young Jin - That's the Way# Blackbeat - Don't Tell Me# Dana - Baby Come Tonight# Shoo - Time After Time# BoA - Midnight Parade
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| Hug (International Version) | March 24, 2005 | # Hug (International Version)# Hug (International Version, Radio Edit)# Hug (International Version, Instrumental) |
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| Tri-Angle (Chinese Version) | May 1, 2005 | CD1 # Believe# Thanks To# Tri-Angle (feat BoA and The TRAX)# Do You Want To Be My Girlfriend?# Whatever They Say (A Capella Version)# Million Men# Like Now# I Never Let Go# Kid# You Whenever# Hug # My Little Princess# The Way U Are# Tri-Angle (TVfXQ Version) CD2 # Wo Xiang Xin (Miduhyo)# Tri-Angle (San Jiao-Mo Li)# My Little Princess (Shiang Gen Ni Shuo)# The Way U Are (Ni De Yang Zhi)# Hug (Yong Bao) |
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| 2006 Summer SM TOWN | June 21, 2006 | # SM Town - 태양은 가"히 (Red Sun)# TVXQ " 오아시스 (Oasis)# Super Junior - Dancing Out# KangTa - 한 여름밤의 고백 (Summer Night Love)# BoA - Touch# TSZX - Catch The Shooting Star# The TRAX - 너 없이 (Without You)# Hyeonjin - Raindrops# Blackbeat - Shake# Super Junior - Smile
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DVD
| DVD cover | Title of release | Date of release | Language | | All About 東方神起 (All About Dong Bang Shin Ki) | February 28, 2006 | Korean |
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| 東方神起 HISTORY in JAPAN Vol.1 | March 23, 2006 | Japanese |
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*
TVXQ Official (Korean)*
Tohoshinki Official (Japan)*
TVXQ Official (Chinese)*
DBSK Brasil (Brazillian Site)