Members' Profile

Kim Hyun Joong 

Background Information

Birth name: 김현중 (金賢重)
Born:  6 June 1986   Seoul, South Korea 
Origin: South Korea
Genres:  K-pop, J-pop, Dance, R&B
Occupation:  Singer, Actor, Model, Dancer,MC
Instruments:  Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums
Years active: 2005–present
Agency: 

• DSP Media (2005–2010)
• KeyEast (2010–present)
• Warner Music Taiwan (2010–present)
• United Asia Management (2011–present)
• Delicious Deli Records/Universal Music Japan (2011–present)

Associated acts: SS501 (2005-present)
Website:  http://www.hyun-joong.com/




He is a South Korean entertainer and the leader of boyband SS501. Kim is well-known for his role as Yoon Ji Hoo in the 2009 Korean drama Boys Over Flowers, winning Best Actor Award at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2009, and Popularity Award at the 45th PaekSang Arts Awards. He is also known for playing in the late 2010 Korean drama Playful Kiss, as Baek Seung Jo. He is a style icon in Korea, winning several icon awards.







Early life

He dropped out of school when he decided to become a singer. During his school days, he played bass guitar in a band. During the years 2001 and 2002 when he was 14–15, while working as a waiter in a family restaurant, located at Jamsil-dong, he was introduced to a new set up management company CEO. Initially he was to debut in a 5 member group. Han Yeon of B2Y (now disbanded) was to be the Leader and Kim Hyung Jun the maknae. While the group underwent training together, they were asked by their company to debut in China as a Hallyu project group, but the group rejected the offer and disbanded. Kim Hyun Joong proceeded to audition for DSP Media (formerly DSP Entertainment) and became a member and leader of SS501. Kim returned to school and graduated in 2006 after debuting as a member of SS501. In 2011, he enrolled in Chungwoon University to study stage production management.

2005-2008 Debut

On 8 June 2005, Kim Hyun Joong made his entertainment debut as the leader of SS501. The group appeared on the 2006 show, Thank You For Waking Me Up  where he was proven to be a heavy sleeper, and the MNet show Idol World in 2007, in which SS501 did various activities in Japan.

In May 2008, Kim Hyun Joong joined the cast of We Got Married  in episode nine. Known as the "Lettuce Couple", Hyun Joong and Hwang Bo went on to win MBC's Best Couple Award. The couple made their official exit from the show in episode 38, on 14 December 2008, due to scheduling conflicts with Boys Over Flowers.

2009: Acting, Boys Over Flowers and H1N1

Whilst in Japan in 2008, Kim was cast as Yoon Ji Hoo in the Korean drama Boys Over Flowers. A role for which he won the Best Actor Awardat the Seoul International Drama Awards 2009 and the Popularity Award at the 45th PaekSang Arts Awards.

In 2009, SS501 released the album SS501 Collection, in which they each sang a solo song, along with being featured in a mini drama music video. Their Asia Concert Tour began in mid-August 2009 in Seoul at the Olympic Park. They continued their tour in Shanghai, Taipei, and Bangkok before returning to Seoul for a closing encore concert. They staged two concerts for the encore closure on 27 February and 28 February 2010 respectively.

In September 2009, during promotions in Yokohama, Japan for Boys Over Flowers, Kim was diagnosed with H1N1. He was treated in a Toyko hospital and was discharged on 15 September 2009. While recovering from H1N1, he could not attend the Seoul International Drama Awards; to accept the award on his behalf, his band mates of SS501: Heo Young Saeng, Kim Kyu Jong, and Kim Hyung Jun were present for the award show.

He has also been the spokesperson for cosmetics brand, Tony Moly, an established company with numerous branches across Korea and Asia, including Taiwan and Hong Kong. He has since ended his contract with Tony Moly at the end of September 2010, and he had been chosen to be the Spokesperson for The Face Shop.

2010: SS501 comeback, leaving DSP Media, Playful Kiss, and 2010 Asian Games

In April 2010, he appeared opposite Jung Ryeo Won in the music video for Korean singer Gummy's new song "As A Man" (남자라서).

In June 2010, SS501 released an album titled Destination, produced by Steven Lee. Their title song "Love Ya" was well received, rating high in record sales and online music stores, and it went on to top Music Bank's K-Chart. However, they ended promotions after two weeks, because SS501's contract with DSP Media ended.

On 19 June 2010, he appeared at a concert in the Philippines along side BEAST.

On 28 June 2010, it was announced that Kim Hyun Joong had officially left DSP Media and joined Bae Yong Joon's KeyEast Entertainment company. Although Kim Hyun Joong has left DSP Media he stated that SS501's activities will be top priority in their contracts and definitely has not disbanded. Kim Hyun Joong explained in an interview that, at the time, there wasn't a company that would accepted them as a whole, thus the group decided to take the chance to focus on their solo activities.

Kim Hyun Joong played the lead role in the drama Playful Kiss, a Korean adaptation of Japanese shōjo manga Itazura na Kiss as Baek Seung Jo, an all round perfect genius with an IQ of 200. On 7 November, Kim was interviewed by CNN's Anna Coren due to his success in Playful Kiss. Playful Kiss Special Edition is a big hit on Youtube as it is the first Korean drama to air on YouTube. Its first episode garnered 1 million views just in 5 days and it proved so popular that there is a record channel view of 7 million and 26 million total upload views, as of January 2012.

Kim Hyun Joong was invited to perform at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou as the representative of South Korea to sing "Sunshine Again" with other 4 other singers from Chinese-speaking countries.In early December 2010, Kim went to Singapore and Malaysia to promote The Face Shop.

2011: Solo artist

In May, Kim Hyun Joong named his official solo fanclub 'Henecia', which is a combination of 'H' and the Latin term 'benecia', which means 'blessed'.

On 8 June 2011, Kim Hyun Joong released his first solo debut mini album, Break Down. It was produced by Steven Lee, who composed SS501's hits, "Love Like This" and "Love Ya". The title track "Break Down", featuring Double K., is a high energy dance track, with a R&B heavy "Please", as the second lead track. The album exceeded 70,000 pre-ordered copies in just 10 days. It peaked at number one on Gaon Weekly Album Chart for the week starting 5 June 2011 and was the best-selling album for June on Gaon Monthly Album Chart with 100,433 copies sold. It also toped the Oricon chart in Japan in the International Imported Album category for the first week of July. The album's title track "Break Down" was the first place winner for two consecutive weeks on Mnet's M! Countdown music show, for 16 and 23 June 2011; and also won for two consecutive weeks on KBS's Music Bank. Break Down is certified platinum in Taiwan and Kim Hyun Joong was presented with a platinum record by Warner Music Taiwan CEO Chen Ze Shan in a press conference held in Taiwan.

Kim Hyun Joong was also the first Korean to appear on Taiwanese TV show The Person. In July 2011, he also held the first of his nationwide concerts in Japan. The tour continued from November in seven cities across Japan: Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima, Yokohama, Nagoya, Tokyo and Fukuoka.

On 11 October 2011, Kim Hyun Joong released his second mini album Lucky. It debuted at number 5 on Billboard's World Chart. It topped the Gaon Chart again for the third week of October 2011 and was the highest selling album on the Hanteo Album Sales Chart for the month of October 2011. On 25 October 2011, Kim released a digital single together with Seohyun entitled "The Magic of Yellow Ribbon", which is the theme song for a commercial for The Face Shop. On 28 October, he, along with Ha Ji Won, acted as MC at the 2011 K-Pop Super Concert held at Gwangalli Beach in Busan, which was broadcast on SBS on 6 November.

In November 2011, Kim Hyun Joong won the 2011 KIA Soul People’s Choice "Style Icon Award" for the third consecutive year. On 9 November, Kim announced at a press conference for his Japan Tour that he had signed a deal with Universal Music Japan for his Japan-based music activities. Kim successfully completed his Japan Tour that started on 9th of November, attracting over 30,000 fans. Kim won the Best Male Solo Artist at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards that was held in Singapore.

On 15 December 2011, Kim Hyun Joong released his digital album : Marry You/Marry Me. The digital album consists of 4 songs, namely Marry Me, Marry You, Marry Me (instrumental) and Marry You (instrumental). The music videos for Marry Me and Marry You were both released on his official Youtube account on 15th December 2011 12 AM KST.

2012: Japanese releases, fan meeting tour and City Conquest

On January 25, 2012, Kim Hyun Joong released his first Japanese single Kiss Kiss / Lucky Guy, which consists of Japanese versions of songs from his two Korean mini albums and one original Japanese song. Both singles reached the highest recorded in a day for any overseas artist in Japan Two weeks after its release, the single reached "Gold" status in Japan for selling more than a million copies.

On May 23, Kim Hyun Joong's "First Impact" concert DVD sold 16,000 copies in its first week of release, taking the number one spot for the Overall DVD Chart. This is the first time a Korean artist has taken the number one spot, and a second time a foreign artist has taken the number one spot on the charts, the first being Michael Jackson, with his 2011 DVD.

From May to July, Kim Hyun Joong held his Kim Hyun Joong Fan Meeting Tour 2012, making stops in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Thailand.

The singer, who had mostly focused on promoting his albums after his second drama Playful Kiss had come to an end in 2010, was cast for the upcoming drama City Conquest, which will air in late 2012 / early 2013. Kim Hyun-joong will portray the main character of Baek Mir in City Conquest, a wild and strong man, who experienced many hardships and difficulties throughout his life, e.g. growing up without his parents. Baek Mir ends up taking revenge against the evils of society which had destroyed his family. The drama is an adaptation from the original comic by author Shin Hyung Bin.

Only a few days before filming for City Conquest began in Japan, Kim Hyun Joong released his second Japanese single Heat on July 4. Along with its lead track "Heat", the single album also includes "Let's Party". The single took over Japan Oricon's Daily and Weekly Charts, where 140,000 copies were sold on its first day, then a total of 183,000 copies for its first week.Moreover, the album also placed third for Oricon singles monthly chart for the month of July, selling 196,850 copies and beating DBSK's Android album with 171,554 copies. There is no question that Kim's Heat single earned a "Gold" certificate as well.

On August 4, 2012, Kim Hyun-joong won the "Best Asian Artist Award" at the 2012 Asia Song Festival held at the Pop Festival Stage of The Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea.

On October 4, 2012, Kim announced at an event to promote City Conquest and to celebrate his Japanese fanclub Henecia Japan's first anniversary, that he would release his first full length studio album in Japan in December. One day later,Universal Music Japan released further information via Kim Hyun-joong's Japanese website including the album's title Unlimited and a still incomplete track listing.

In November, Kim Hyun Joong participated in being a model for Madame Tussauds' display.They created an accurate life-size wax model of him to be displayed at Madame Tussauds' studio in Busan on December 21. The figure was said to have cost 200 million KRW (approximately US$186,000) and was built after 500 measurements were taken.

Kim Hyun Joong finally released his first full length Japanese album entitled Unlimited on December 12, which consists of 14 tracks including the Japanese versions of Break Down and Lucky Guy. It topped the Oricon Daily Album Charts, and both the Tower Records' Weekly Album Charts for Shibuya branch and overall Weekly Album Chart upon its release.
2013: Japan Tour 2013 and Korean comeback

In January, Kim Hyun Joong had his first Japanese tour of this year entitled 'JAPAN TOUR 2013 “UNLIMITED”' tour. He performed his hit songs with a live band, which began on the 6th at Kobe World Memorial Hall and toured various cities across Japan including Saitama, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.In addition, he performed in South America on February 24 for the first time. He, along with Ailee, Baechigi, and Ongals performed in Brazil for the '2K13 FEEL KOREA' event. On the next day, February 25, they visited on a children center in São Paulo to get closer to the people and spend time with them.Then, he headed to Peru for a fan meeting.On the other hand, his Unlimited album has been certified "Gold" by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (‘RIAJ’) after selling more than 100,000 units to retailers.

In February, it was rumored that City Conquest has been rejected by KBS for the reason that it "lacked in quality". The producers of the drama, however, argued that KBS decided not to air it even after following KBS's requirements and requests, without any words of apology or explanation to the producers and fans. Instead, the team accused KBS of having political reasons for pulling out the drama. Then, again, KBS asserted that those claims were all false and will take strict actions against the producers.After some time, it was announced that Kim Hyun Joong will be withdrawing from the drama and is planning to start in another drama later this year instead. For now, he started his promotions as a singer with his Japan and world tour.

On March 2, Kim Hyun Joong performed at the U-Express Live 2013 at the Makuhari Messe in Japan together with the other artists such as Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Far East Movement, Naoto Inti Raymi and Kara. The concert is one in which only the most popular singers that represent the six labels under Universal Music can perform. He also won the "Creator’s Factory Best Actor Award" at the 5th Okinawa Music Festival for the music video Lucky Guy. The awarding ceremony was held on March 26 at the Okinawa Convention Center Theater 2 in Japan

During this time, Kim Hyun Joong made his comeback in a Korean variety show after a long while. He is cast on the new SBS variety show with Kang Ho Dong, which first aired on April 21.Barefoot Friends's casts, which includes Eunhyuk, UEE, and Kang Ho Dong gathered together for the first time at Incheon International Airport and went to Vietnam to start filming and perform various missions. Aside from Barefoot Friends, Kim Hyun Joong also appeared in the UV concert that was held on May 24 and 25.

Kim Hyun Joong's, then, released his third Japanese single on June 5. Tonight includes five different covers with five completely different image concepts for each of the covers. It also includes three songs: "Tonight", "Cappucino", and "君だけを消せなくて". Once again, his single topped the Oricon Daily charts, with 101,818 copies sold, and taking the number two spot by the end of the week. The album received Gold certificate for selling more than one million copies on June.

On June 6, the same day as his birthday, Kim Hyun Joong released his new digital single in Korea entitled "What It Means To Be Alive" as a present for his fans. Two days later, on June 8, Kim Hyun Joong held his "2013 KHJ Show - Party People" fanmeeting in Seoul, Korea to meet with his fans after a long while. Other than singing his new-released single live for the first time, Kim Hyun Joong also celebrated his birthday, and his debut with SS501 eight years ago at the same time with his 5,000 fans who attended the event. The other members of SS501 celebrated their eight anniversary together with a video greeting message to celebrate and greet their fans, wherein they posted it on their YouTube accounts individually at the same day. However, Kim could not join them in the video because of his shooting on his variety show, Barefoot Friends at that time. Nevertheless, Kim Hyun Joong said: 

“ ...It's my birthday party...and my eight anniversary as well...For me, as I always say, I feel happiest when I'm on stage where my fans can see me. I′ll never forget this day I enjoyed with you. I′ll return as a more mature person, so you can look forward to it...For the ending of the show, I think this song best fit. I will sing "Let Me Be The One ”


Two days after the event, KeyEast stated that he will be releasing his third mini album Round 3 on July 22. They released the first photo teaser of his back muscles with Korean traditional pattern tattoos on the same day,and the second photo teaser of his intense gaze downwards with a tattoo on his neck four days later. Jay Park and Dok2 participated in the lyric-making as well as featuring in the songs "Unbreakable" and "Your Story" respectively. In addition, both songs are created by Steven Lee, and choreographed by Lyle Beniga in the former and Keone Madrid in the latter.

On October 20 and 21, Kim Hyun Joong held his "Kim Hyun Joong Premium Live - Tonight" exclusive concerts at the Makuhari International Exhibition Hall, Japan with 20,000 fans and with a special appearance by Bae Yong Jun.By the end of the month, Kim exited Barefooted Friends due to his new KBS drama, Inspiring Generation, which started filming in November in China.The action drama, depicting the story of love and friendship of ‘fighters’ from Korea, Japan and China, received much attention from the Asia market (including "Ray & Mo" production company, America, and Thailand) prior to its airing.

2014:Inspiring Generation

Inspiring Generation premiered on January 15 with a 7.8% viewer rating.

Philanthropy

Known to be a generous artist, Kim Hyun-joong has continually donated to charities and healthcare institutions to share his achievements with those in need.

In 2011, Kim Hyun Joong donated US$50,000 to the "Korean Red Cross Association" before his Japanese tour in November, then adding $50,000 to an association that heats homes later on, and another $50,000 for the third time to feed the children in Fukushima following the aftermath of the earthquake, totaling up to $150,000 secret donation.

In 2012, Kim Hyun Joong donated 50 million KRW (about US$46,000) on December 3 to The Red Cross once again. He also donated 20 million KRW (about $17,300) to be used for the "Kim Hyun Joong Scholarship" and another 30 million KRW (about $25,950) to the "Summer Campaign for Senior Citizens Living Alone", totaling up to 50 million KRW (about $43,250), as he was touched when his fans donated 10 million KRW ( about $8,860) to the said campaign. At the same time, he was also part of the "Save The Earth reform class" environmental campaign by the Hang Ten (brand) on June 13.

In 2013, Kim Hyun Joong donated 100 million KRW (about US$86,500) to "One Foundation" for the victims of the earthquake in Ya'an,China.

Discography

Albums

Korean

Mini albums

• 2011 Break Down
• 2011 Lucky
• 2013 Round 3 Singles
• 2008 Thank You (고맙다)
• 2011 Marry Me / Marry You
• 2013 The Reason I Live(나 살아있는 건) 

Japanese

Studio albums

• 2012 Unlimited Singles
• 2012 KISS KISS / Lucky Guy
• 2012 HEAT
• 2013 Tonight

DVDs

• 2010 – Ready,Action! Spain Photo Book
• 2010 – Kim Hyun Joong's "First Love Story DVD"

Filmography

Television Series

• 2005: Nonstop – ep 208 (MBC)
• 2005: Can Love Be Refilled? – (KBS2 sitcom)
• 2006: Pi Story – (voice)
• 2007: Hotelier – with SS501 cameo episode 7 (TV Arashi)
• 2008: Spotlight – with SS501 cameo (MBC)
• 2009: Boys Over Flowers – as Yoon Ji Hoo (KBS2)
• 2009: Samsung Anycall Haptic Mission with F4 and Som Dam-Bi
• 2009: Family Outing – guest episode 64–65 (SBS)
• 2010: Playful Kiss – as Baek Seung Jo (MBC)
• 2011: Running Man – guest episode 46–47 (SBS)
• 2011: Dream High – cameo episode 1 (KBS2)
• 2012: Dream High 2-cameo episode
• 2014 :Inspiring Generation as Shin Jung Tae (KBS2)

Variety Show

2005 

•  X-man - Episodes 39, 41-44, 46, 52, 61 (SBS)

2006

•  Golden Fishery - December 06, 2006 Episode (SBS)

2007

•  New X-man - Episode #3, 4, 12 (SBS)

2008

•  We Got Married - Episode 9-38 of Season 1 (MBC)

2009

• Haptic Mission - with F4 and Son Dam Bi Episode (Samsung Anycall Promotion)
•  Family Outing - Episode 64-65 (SBS)
• Happy Together 3 - Episode 93 (with Ku Hye Sun & Kim Joon of Boys Over Flowers 2009-2-26)
• Happy Together 3 - Episode 94 (with Ku Hye Sun & Kim Joon of Boys Over Flowers & Kim Kyu Jong of SS501 2009-03-5)
• Happy Together 3 - Episode 125 2009-11-26 (with Kim Kyu Jong of SS501)

2011

• Happy Together 3 2011-08-04 (with Heo Young Saeng of SS501)
• Running Man - Episode 46-47 (SBS)
• Strong Heart - Episode 10,11,81,83,101,102 (SBS)
• Secret - Episode 6-10 (KBS)
• Night After Night - Episode 31 (SBS)
• Happy Camp - November 17 guesting

2012

• K-Pop Star Conquering the World - documentary (MBC)

2013

• Barefoot Friends - Permanent Cast (episode 1-29) 
• Happy Together 3 - Handsome Guy Special 
• Cool Kiz on the Block - Episode 21-22

Music Videos

2005 

• 2Shai -  "She Laughed"

2006

•  Eru – "Black Glasses"

2009 

• Kim Joon – "Jun Be O.K"

2010 

• Gummy – "As A Man"

2011

•  Kim Hyun Joong – "제발" (Please)
•  Kim Hyun Joong – "Break Down"
•  Kim Hyun Joong – "Kiss Kiss"
•  Kim Hyun Joong – "Lucky Guy"
•  Kim Hyun Joong - "Marry You"

2012 

• Kim Hyun Joong - "Kiss Kiss" [Japanese version]
• Kim Hyun Joong - "Lucky Guy" [Japanese version]

MC

2005 

•  M! Countdown – Mnet

2006 

• Music Core

2011 

•  Super K-pop Busan Concert

Endorsements

• Samsung Anycall Blue
• Mighty Mac
• Elite Uniform
• Lotte Milkshake
• Converse
• Samsung Anycall Haptic Pop
• T.I For Men
• NongShim
• Le Coq Sportif
• Samsung Anycall Jet
• Dinamic Kin
• Hotsun Chicken
• Samsung Card
• MVIO
• Basic House
• I'm David
• Tony Moly
• The Face Shop 
• Hang Ten
• Coupang Spring Campaign
• Lotte Duty Free
• Aeon's Heatfact
• Seoul Ambassador to Tourism
• Slim Beauty House (Japan)
• March 2012 Honorary Ambassador of the United Nations Millennium Development
• Centerpole

Awards

2008

• MBC Entertainment Award: Best Couple Award on MBC's We Got Married with Hwang Bo
• MBC Entertainment Award: Best Brand of The Year Special Award on MBC's We Got Married with other WGM Cast

2009

• 45th BaekSang Arts Awards Male Popularity Award for Television on KBS2's Boys Over Flowers
• Best Actor for Seoul's International Drama Awards
• Most Popular Icon for Style Icon Awards 2009
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Award: Koreans Top Buzz Male Artist
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Award: Taiwan's Top Buzz Korean Artist
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Award: Asia Top Buzz Male Artist

2010

• Mnet 20's Choice Award: Most Influential Star
• 2010 Sky Perfect TV Awards – Best Dresser Award
• 2010 Style Icon Awards – Popularity Award
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Award: Hong Kong's Top Buzz Korean Artist
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Award: Taiwan's Top Buzz Korean Artist
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Award: The Best Search Asia Buzz Award 2010
• MBC Drama Award – Male Popularity Award

2011

• 2011 Best CF Model given by MTN (Bloomberg TV)
• 2011 Style Icon Awards – People's Choice Award
• 13th Mnet Asian Music Awards – Best Male Solo Artist
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Awards: Hong Kong's Top Buzz Solo Artist
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Awards: Korea's Top Buzz Solo Artist
• Yahoo Asia Buzz Awards: Asia Top Buzz Solo Artist

2012

• 2012 Allkpop Awards: Best Male Solo Performer Artist
• Best Asian Artist Award
• Best Artist Award - South Korea
• Miguhui Awards - Most Popular Overseas Singer
• Hong Kong's Top Buzz Solo Artist 
• Taiwan's Top Buzz Solo Artist 
• Asia's Top Buzz Solo Artist
• Most Popular Artist of the Decade 
• Mnet K-Pop Idol Championship - Gold Medal

2013

• Korean Entertainment Awards in Japan - Male Solo Singer
• Top Idol Award
• Allkpop - Best Male Solo Artist
• Okinawa Movie Festival - Creator's Factory Best Actor Award

_________________________________________________________________________

Heo Young Saeng

Information Background

Birth name: 허영생 (許永生)
Born :  3 November 1986 Gochang County Jeollabuk-do,South Korea
Origin:  South Korea
Genres:  K-pop, J-pop, Dance, R&B,Ballad
Occupation:  Singer, Dancer, DJ, MC,Actor, model
Instrument:  Piano
Years active:  2005–present
Labels: 

• DSP Media (2005-2010)
• B2M Entertainment (2010-present)
• Warner Music Taiwan (2009-present)

Associated acts:  SS501 (2005-present)
Website:   http://www.young-saeng.com/

He is a South Korean entertainer and main/lead vocalist of boyband SS501. He debuted as a solo artist in May 2011 with mini album Let It Go and made his musical debut in The Three Musketeers in November 2011 as D'Artagnan.

2005: Debut


Heo is a former trainee of SM Entertainment. He later joined DSP Media, formerly known as DSP Entertainment, and debuted as a member of SS501 on 8 June 2005.

In 2006, Heo hosted radio programme SS501's Youngstreet on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) with fellow member Park Jung Min from 1 May 2006 to August 2006. Fellow member Kim Kyu Jong took over as DJ when Heo left the programme on 21 August 2006, due to a throat condition requiring laryngeal surgery.

In 2008, with Jung Min, who's performing in the lead role of 'Danny Park' in musical Grease and Hyun Joong on Boys Over Flowers; Young Saeng togther with Kyu Jong and Hyung Jun, formed 'SS501 Project Group' with Young Saeng as the leader. They released a project album named U R Man in November 2008, with high tempo dance title track "UR Man". They also contributed to the Boys Over Flowers soundtrack with "내 머리가 나빠서" (Because I'm Stupid), and appeared in episode four in a cameo prformace of "U R Man". The track won Song of the Month for February at the 32nd Cyworld Digital Music Awards on 28 March 2009.

In the project album, Young Saeng composed and wrote the lyrics for his solo track, "사랑인거죠" (Is it Love?). This song was written during SS501's activities in Japan in 2007 and he is the first of the members to do both. Heo also wrote the lyrics for his part of "완.두.콩." (Green Peas), a song written for their fans, released in their album Rebirth. The track "영원토록" (Until Forever), released in Destination was also composed by Heo. It was originally a wedding song but he feel sad whenever he hears the song so he decided not to call it as such.

2010: Leaving DSP Media

In June 2010, upon the expiration of Heo's contract with DSP Media, he along with fellow band member Kim Kyu Jong, signed with B2M Entertainment in October, the agency of former DSP Media songstress Lee Hyori, to embark on his solo career.

To launch his solo career, Heo along with Kyu Jong held a joint fanmeeting, Kyu Jong & Young Saeng Story In Seoul on 4 December, which continued in Hong Kong, Japan and countries across Asia.

2011: Solo debut

Heo was scheduled to launch his solo singing career on 28 April 2011, but had to postpone because he pulled the ligaments on his right hand during dance practice. He was also schedule to guest star on SBS's Good Sunday variety show Running Man, on 8 May 2011, due to his injury, he instead appeared briefly to hand out a mission.

His debut solo mini album, Let It Go was releasd on 12 May 2011, which features Kim Kyu Jong and Hyuna of girl group 4minute. It peaked at number one on Album Chart (Gaon Chart) for the week starting on 8 May 2011.

On 9 November 2011, Heo along with other Korean and Japanese artists, preformed at the Seoul Tokyo Music Festival 2011 at Saitama Super Arena, Japan. From 3 November to 18 December 2011 Heo made his musical debut in The Three Musketeers, playing the role of D'Artagnan. Before the year ends, Heo Young Saeng released an OST on December 28 entitled The Words On My Lips for a Korean Drama called Fermented Family.

In February 2012, KBS confirmed that Heo Young-Saeng would be part of KBS2's daily sitcom called I Need A Fairy (also known as Sent From Heaven), playing the role "Heo Young Saeng/ Kaki". A month later, he released a soundtrack of the said drama entitled "Love Song".

On May 9, 2012, B2M Entertainment officially announced via Twitter that Heo, himself, participated in the planning process and production of his new mini album Solo. As an artist, he wanted to go from being an idol to co-producing his work, especially since he had participated in the making of this album, for which a teaser was released on May 18, 2012.

Heo Young-Saeng released his first Japanese album entitled Overjoyed in Japan on September 19, 2012 under Pony Canyon Japan. It consists of eight songs, including three Japanese versions of songs from his previous Korean mini albums. Overjoyed entered the Japanese Oricon weekly album charts at #29.

After finishing his Japanese activities and promotions, Heo was set to release his third Korean mini album.

2013-present: Summer Snow musical, music expansion, and Military Duty

In January, Heo Young Saeng was invited to be a guest judge together with Bada, Bobby Kim, and Jun Soo Kyung on MBC'sBirth of A Great Star 3.

Later on, Heo was invited to do a collaboration with Lee Jung Bong. They produced a duet song named "Goodbye My Love", which was released on January 31. During this time, he was also preparing for his upcoming third mini album that will be released afterwards.

On February 14, B2M Entertainment confirmed through their website that Heo were to join the cast of Summer Snowmusical, originated from a Japanese Drama, that was held in April in Osaka, Japan, and at the end of May to June in Tokyo, Japan. They had a press conference on February 20 that was held in Tokyo.

Heo Young Saeng's selected performances during his joint Fanmeeting tour in Mexico (2013)

Through twitter on February 18, B2M hinted Heo Young Saeng's Korean comeback.After the initial announcement, a short video teaser has been released by B2M on March 5, and a second video teaser was released on March 8. He finally released his third mini album Life on March 13 containing four songs including his music video entitled "The Art of Seduction". After his album promotions and his performance during the MBC Korea China Friendship Concert, he left to Japan and started his Summer Snow musical as Tachibana Seiji, a young doctor who has a one-sided love to his patient, Katase Yuki.

On May 29, news were spreading that Heo is planning to enlist for his mandatory military service in November. According to one of B2M Entertainment's representatives, he already decided to enlist by the end of 2013 right after he receives a draft notice. In fact, he already had a health checkup, and he was found to be fit for active duty by the Office of Military Manpower Administration. Further information about his enlistment has not been decided yet.

On the day of SS501's eight anniversary, Heo, together with SS501 members posted the same video on YouTube together to celebrate and greet their fans. Kim Hyun Joong was not able to be in the video at that time because he had a shooting on his variety show, Barefoot Friends.However, Kim Hyun Joong still talked about their anniversary on his Korea fanmeeting entitled 2013 KHJ Show - Party People, held at the same day of their anniversary.

During early June, Heo's Japan official website released tracks and information for his upcoming second Japanese album entitled Memories To You, which was released on July 3.The title is said to be Heo's memories shared with his fans. The album mainly consists of SS501 cover songs and rearranged tracks from his past albums, but there are also two new songs included. In addition, Heo's first solo composed song entitled "First Sky I've Ever Seen" (はじめて見る空だった), originally from Kokoro album, is also included in the album, totaling up to ten songs. A concert was held in Zepp Tokyo on July 11.

Heo had his first fanmeeting tour in South and Latin America together with co-member Park Jung-min starting on August 17.Although it is said to be a joint fanmeeting tour, which was put by Zafiro Productions, the two of them would not have the same time and meetings with their fans. The tour originally consisted of four stops: two in Peru, and one in Mexico and Ecuador. However, B2M later announced that Heo's fanmeeting in Saeng Quito, Ecuador and Arequipa, Peru on August 22 and August 24 respectively were cancelled due to lack of time for proper preparation. As said earlier, there will be two different shows, so only Heo's meeting was cancelled, not Park's. Fanmeetings in Lima, Peru on August 17 and Mexico on August 20 were held as originally planned, and an encore in Lima, Peru on August 24 was added later on.

Heo performed on "Lotte Family Festival 2013" together with the other 28 performers in Seoul. He performed during the second day of the festival, on September 14, which was largely devoted to K-drama popular original soundtracks. Of course, he sang "Because I'm Stupid" from Boys Over Flowers original soundtrack, which won several awards back in 2009.

After giving his parting gift, Memories to You for his Japanese fans, Heo released his last album before his enlistment.Before the release, B2M announced on September 18 that Heo might have his first concert in Korea on October 26.Seven days later, it was announced that Heo will release his new album next month, October, and will join the army the following month after his said concert Further details were released after nine days saying that Heo's concert is confirmed and hinting his enlistment date as well, saying that the exact enlist date and recruit training center have not been confirmed yet.

On October 3, B2M officially announced Heo's enlistment details through his official website. They confirmed that he will be enlisted on October 31 at 2pm at Nonsan Korean Army Training Center. Four days later, B2M once again announced Heo's last album release on October 16 before his enlistment. At the same time, Yesasia released a pre-order version ofShe special album. The album contains five tracks about a man's regrets and painful memories for a past lover, and his single, "Weak Child", features Japanese actress Fujii Mina.

There was a fansigning event held on October 20, 7pm at KT Ole Square. On October 26, Heo had his first and farewell concert in Seoul entitled "2013 Heo Young Saeng Seoul Concert 0513 My Story", which marks the first time that all five members of SS501 appeared together on one stage and performed together as a group again after three years, as seen at the UNIQLO AX Hall.
Heo is the second member of SS501 to be enlisted after Kim Kyu-jong. He was enlisted as a conscripted policeman for about twenty-one months after passing in late July,which he has been preparing for after receiving the draft notice.During his training, he became one of the leaders of the troop while enjoying his army life with his unit members, as told by his handwritten letter to his fans.

Discography

Mini albums (Korean)

• 2011 : Let It Go
• 2012 : SOLO
• 2013 : Life
• 2013 : She special album

Studio Albums (Japanese)

• 2012 : Over joyed
• 2013 : Memories To You

Soundtrack contributions

• 2009 - "I Erase Tears" (눈물을 지워가) - Friend, Our Legend OST (MBC TV drama)
• 2009 - "I Love You ... I'm Sorry" (사랑해요..미안해요..) - Will It Snow For Christmas? OST (SBS TV drama)
• 2011 - "Sad Song" (슬픈 노래는) - Protect the Boss OST (SBS TV drama)
• 2011 - "The Words On My Lips" (입술에 맺힌 말) - Fermented Family OST (jTBC TV drama)

DVD

• March 2011 - Young Saeng & Kyu Jong: Summer and Love (Japanese edition only)
• September 2011 - Heo Young Saeng - First Solo Story
• December 2011 - Young Saeng & Kyu Jong - 2012 Double Attraction (Limited Edition)

Radio DJ

• SS501's Youngstreet - SBS (May to 21 August 2008)

MC

• 2005 - M! Countdown - Mnet

Performances

• 2011 - Seoul Tokyo Music Festival 2011 - Saitama Super Arena, Japan
• 2011 - The Three Musketeers (3 November to 18 December)

Television Series

2005

• Nonstop - Episode 207 (cameo)

2007

• Hotelier - Episode 7 (cameo with SS501)

2008

• Spotlight - (cameo with SS501)
• Boys Over Flowers - Episode 4 (cameo with Kim Kyu Jong and Kim Hyung Jun)

2012

• I Need a Fairy - as Kaki - Episode 23-100 

Variety Shows 

2006

• New Xman - Episode 3 - guest

2007

• 1000 Song Challenge - February 4 Episode with Kim Hyung Jun

2008

• We Got Married Season - House Warming Episode with Kim Kyu Jong and Kim Hyung Jun

2009

• Haptic Mission - (cameo)

2011

• Happy Together - Episode 202
• Running Man (cameo)

2012

• Immortal Song 2 - (guest )
• God of Cookery Expedition
• 그 여자 작사 그 남자 작곡 (Music & Lyrics 2) - Episode 10

2013

• 스타오디션 위대한탄생3 (Star Audition - The Great Birth 3) - Episode 12 of Season 3 (mentor)
• After School Club - Episode 2 with MIB 
• 1000 Song Challenge - May 12 Episode
• Golden Camera - May 16 Episode
• Happy Together 3 - with Shinhwa
• We Got Married Global Edition - Special Guest for Lee Hongki and Fujii Mina's wedding

Musical

• 2011 - The Three Musketeers as D'Artagnan (November 3 - December 18)
• 2013: Summer Snow Musical - as Tachibana Seiji (May 31 - June 14)

Awards

• 2012 - 1st Korea Practice Awards - Culture and Arts Practice Award

_________________________________________________________________________

Kim Kyu Jong

Background Information

Birth name: 김규종 (金奎鐘)
Born:  24 February 1987  Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Origin:  South Korea
Genres:  K-pop, J-pop, Dance, R&B
Occupation:  Singer, Dancer, DJ, MC,Actor, model
Years active:  2005–present
Labels:

• DSP Media (2005 - 2010)
• B2M Entertainment (2010 - Present)

Associated acts: SS501 (2005-present)
Website: http://www.kyu-jong.com/

He is a South Korean entertainer and member of boyband SS501. He made his musical debut in Goong: Musical, playing the lead role of 'Lee Shin' and debut as a solo artist in September 2011 with mini album

2005: Debut

Kim Kyu Jong debuted as a member of SS501 on 8 June 2005. He started his acting career with a role in Mnet hip-hop music drama Break on 11 May 2006. Kim Kyu Jong along with members of SS501, except for Young Saeng who was recovering from the sugery, lent their voices to the Korean version of 2006 animated film Pi's Story.

On 21 August 2006, he took over as DJ on radio programme SS501's Youngstreet on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), when fellow member Heo Young Saeng left due to a throat condition requiring laryngeal surgery. He continued to host the programme with fellow member Park Jung Min.

On 21 November 2008, Kim Kyu Jong joined as one of the regular hosts on Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) God Of Cookery Expedition.

In 2008, with Jung Min, who's performing in the lead role of 'Danny Park' in musical Grease and Hyun Joong on Boys Over Flowers; Young Saeng togther with Kyu Jong and Hyung Jun, formed 'SS501 Project Group' with Young Saeng as the leader. They released a project album named U R Man in November 2008, with high tempo dance title track "UR Man". They also contributed to the Boys Over Flowers soundtrack with "내 머리가 나빠서" (Because I'm Stupid), and appeared in episode four in a cameo prformace of "U R Man". The track won Song of the Month for February at the 32nd Cyworld Digital Music Awards on 28 March 2009.

In the project album, Kyu Jong wrote the lyrics for his solo track, "Never Let You Go". He also wrote the lyrics for his part of "완.두.콩." (Green Peas), a song written for their fans, released in their album Rebirth.

2010: Leaving DSP Media

In June 2010, upon the expiration of Kim's contract with DSP Media, he along with fellow band member Heo Young Saeng, signed with B2M Entertainment, the agency of former DSP Media songstress Lee Hyori, to embark on his solo career. To launch his solo career, Heo along with Kyu Jong held a joint fanmeeting, Kyu Jong & Young Saeng Story In Seoul on 4 December, which continued in Hong Kong, Japan and countries across Asia.

2011: Solo debut

Kim made his theatrical musical debut in Goong: Musical (Hangul: 뮤지컬 궁), a spin-off of the television drama, in Korea. He took over the role of male lead Lee Shin, from U-Know Yunho ofTVXQ. He also performed it in Kyoto, Japan from 11 June to 1 July.

On 27 September 2011 he released his debut solo mini album, Turn Me On with "Yesterday" as its title track. It also features rap by fellow member Heo Young Saeng in dance track "My Love".

In October, 2011, Kim was cast in a 36-part weekend drama titled Go! Mrs. Go! (Saving Ahjumma Go Bong Sil) to be shown on cable channel CSTV at the end of 2011. Where he will play an aspiring musical actor named Nicky to mark his acting debut. On 9 November 2011, Kim will perform along with other Korean and Japanese artists, at the Seoul Tokyo Music Festival 2011 at Saitama Super Arena, Japan.

2012-present: "Meet Me Again" Album and Military duty

Kim Kyu Jong showing his army hair for the first time while saluting at Jeonju, North Jeolla Province on July 23, 2012

In June 2012, it was announced that Kim is to fulfill his mandatory military service in July.On June 3, he held his farewell fan meeting,Thank U ThanKYU with Triple S at Yonsei University in Sinchon-dong, Seoul. This marks his last official activity before his enlistment in July and the first time in over two years that the five members of SS501 have gathered together. On July 23, Kim reported to the recruit training center of the 35th division in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province for four weeks of basic training. They further explained that he was originally exempted because he has a hepatitis B carrier. However, since a changed in conscription law, he is eligible to serve non-active duty as a public service worker.

On July 18, Kim released a limited edition mini-album Meet Me Againdedicated to his fans. It features three tracks including "Thank You" composed by Kim, himself and "One Luv", a duet with Mighty Mouth's Shorry J, composed by Tae Wan Kim aka C-Luv.

Kim is still serving in the military service as of 2013. Since he was doing his military duty, updates about him can only be known through his friends' twitter updates and him writing personal handwritten letters to his fans to show his love and appreciation.To further show his acknowledgement towards his fans, it was revealed that he joined ThanKYU's (name of his fanclub) various donation activities. On February 1, Kyu Jong sent 14 woven hats that he and his mother had personally weaved during his spare time.

On March 9, Kim spent his free time attending Kim Hyung Jun's 1st solo concert, "The First" at Woori Art Hall, Olympic Park, Seoul. He even went up to the stage with Kim Hyung Jun and bowed together, marking the end of the concert.

During SS501's eight anniversary, Kim, together with SS501 members posted the same video on YouTube together to celebrate and greet their fans. Kim Hyun Joong was not able to be in the video at that time because he had a shooting on his variety show, Barefoot Friends However, Kim Hyun Joong still talked about their anniversary on his Korea fanmeeting entitled 2013 KHJ Show - Party People, held at the same day of their anniversary.

Kim attended Heo Young-saeng's first and farewell concert in Seoul entitled "2013 Heo Young Saeng Seoul Concert 0513 My Story" on October 26. He, together with the other four members of SS501 appeared together on one stage and performed together as a group again after three years, as seen at the UNIQLO AX Hall. They sang their self-written song dedicated to their fans, "Green Peas", and an unrehearsed acapella song, "In the Still of the Night".

Discography

Solo

• 2007: "Hikari" (光) - Kokoro
• 2008: "Never Let You Go" - U R Man
• 2009: "Wuss Up" - Solo Collection

Album

• 2011: Turn Me On - 1st mini album
• 2012 : Meet Me Again 

DVD

• 2011 - Young Saeng & Kyu Jong: Summer and Love (Japanese edition only)

Filmography

Television Series 

2005

• Nonstop - (cameo - Episode 207)

2006

• Break (leading role)

2007

• Hotelier (cameo Episode 7 with SS501)

2008

• Spotlight (cameo with SS501)
• Boys Over Flowers (cameo Episode 4 with Heo Young Saeng and Kim Hyung Jun)

2009

• SETI (Searching for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) - as Ho-sik

2011

• Pianissimo (DVD title: Super Star) - Jun-su (Ep. "Never Ending Love")
• Saving Madame Go Bong Shil - as Nicky

Variety Shows

2008

• We Got Married Season 1 - House Warming Episode (guest with Heo Young Saeng and Kim Hyung Jun)
• Manwon Haengbok - (from April 19-26)
• Shopping King - May 23
• God of Cookery Expedition - Host, 21 November 2008 to 1 May 2009

2009

• Haptic Mission (cameo) 

2011

• Happy Together - Guest (Ep. 9, Ep. 125)
• Gag Show  -October 16 Episode

2012

• Strong Heart - January 2 Episode
• God of Cookery 

Radio DJ

• SS501's Youngstreet - SBS (from 21 August 2006)

he also played in grease for about a month.

Performances

• 2011 - Goong: Musical as Lee Shin
• 2011 - Seoul Tokyo Music Festival 2011 - Saitama Super Arena, Japan

_________________________________________________________________________

Park Jung Min

Background Information

Birth name: 박정민 (朴政珉)
Born:  3 April 1987 Seoul
Origin:  South Korea
Genres:  K-pop, J-pop, Dance, R&B
Occupation: Singer, Dancer, DJ, MC, Actor,model
Years active:  2005–present
Labels:

• DSP Media (2005 - 2010)
• CNR Media (2010 - Present)
• Pony Canyon (Japan)
• Sony Music Taiwan (2010-present)

Associated acts: SS501 (2005-Present)

He is a South Korean entertainer and member of boyband SS501. He made his musical debut in Grease and was the first SS501 members to debut as a solo artist with mini album Not Alone.

Early life

Park Jung Min was born, and grew up in Seoul; he was raised as a Christian. He has two older siblings, a brother and a sister, neither of whom work in the entertainment industry. As the late child of the family (his brother is 14 years older than him), he receives great love from his parents and his siblings, who keep support him at whatever he does. His sister is now managing Park's online shopping mall Royal Avenue. Park's awareness of his health and body is largely influenced by his mother - a nutritionist who always takes great care of him.

In the TV show Jeong Bo-seok’s One o’clock in the Morning Chungdam Dong, Park openly told stories about an unfortunate family incident that occurred when he was young. When he was in primary school, the building which his family was living in had to be reconstructed so they were supposed to move out; however, since their financial status was rather poor, they could not find another place to live. Park and his family then had no choice but to live in an apartment where the power was cut off. After some time, they finally found a place to settle down. When he became a teenager, Park worried about his sister's security, so he even accompanied her to her school. 

Early career

When he was a high school student, Park Jung Min was offered a chance to audition from an agency when he was wandering on the streets in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. However, it was a fraud agency which Park will have to pay 4-month fees. Since he really wanted to become an artist and aid his family, Park convinced his mother to pay the fees. Because of the limited training and strange atmosphere, he left that agency with other students who were receiving training. Among these trainees in the fraud agency was actress Hong Soo Ah.

At first, he first had dreamt of becoming a policeman, but then changed his mind and chose to pursue the path of an artist. When he was 13 years old, Park was scouted by an agency and later on, he was casted into both DSP Media and S.M. Entertainment. At the time, SM told him that they were preparing a new group, but that the group consisted of many members (which according to Park, "it was probably Super Junior". I saw them rehearsing, too"). Park had to choose between one or the other, so eventually he chose DSP Media because he wanted to see himself on TV and believed that he would be able to debut faster through DSP Media. Even though he initially wanted to become an actor, Park chose to debut as a singer instead as he believed that his wish would be fulfilled later.

Before joining SS501, Park was seen VJ-ing and appeared in various commercials. He was the MTV Fresh VJ from March 2003 to November 2003.

Park attended Dongguk University Teacher’s College High School, where he was the Student Council President with fellow SS501 member Kim Hyung Jun. However, because of Kim Hyung Jun's constant absence from school due to his training with DSP Media (which later became their agency), Park Jung Min said that he had never met Kim Hyung Jun before SS501 was formed.

2005-2009: SS501 debut

Park Jung Min debuted as a member of SS501 on June 8, 2005, along with their debut album entitled Warning Their second mini album, Snow Prince was released in late 2005, five months after their debut. During this time, they also established their official fan club name, "Triple S", and fan club color, pearl green. The group earned popularity right away as they won many rookie awards after their debut.

In 2006, Jung Min hosted radio program SS501's Youngstreet on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) with fellow SS501 member, Heo Young Saeng beginning in May 1, 2006. He, then, continued to host with Kim Kyu Jong, another of his band mates, when Heo left the program on August 21, due to a throat condition requiring laryngeal surgery.

He, along with the other members of SS501, except for Heo Young Saeng who was recovering from surgery, lent their voices to the Korean version of 2006 animated film Pi's Story.

SS501 soon promoted their first studio album, which was released on November 10 entitled S.T 01 Now. Singles from the album included "Unlock" and "Four Chance".

Later in 2007, the group debuted in the Japanese market to further spread their activities and challenge themselves outside Korea. A Japanese fan club was established with the name "Triple S Japan", which officially debuted on March 25, 2007, when SS501 had their first official meeting with the club. The group at this time released their Japanese singleKokoro, alongside multiple versions, including one with all members and five featuring each member individually. The single debuted at the 5th spot on the Oricon chart, and moved to 3rd spot the next day. It was also chosen as an ending theme song for an anime entitled Blue Dragon In September, SS501 released their second single in Japan entitledDistance. Finally in October 24, a month later, a full album was released with their self-titled album, SS501. SS501 also received the "Newcomer Award" by Japan Gold Disc Award in January 2008; this was the first time for Korean artists to receive this award.

After their Japanese activities, SS501 returned to Korea with their single Deja Vu, which was released on March 13, 2008.Soon after, their third Japanese single was released on June 18, 2008 entitled Lucky Days.

In 2008, he made his musical debut in Grease, playing the lead role, 'Danny Park'.,while he starred in his first acting career as a main lead entitled Human Theater 2010, playing himself as the main character in 2010.

In 2009-2010, SS501 released All My Love, Solo Collection,Rebirth, and Destination consecutively before their contracts ended.

2010-2011: leaving DSP Media and solo artist

n June 2010, upon the expiration of Park Jung Min's contract with DSP Media, he signed with CNr Media on August 10, 2010, a company jointly set up by Taiwanese producer Comic-Ritz and Korean Roy Media, to embark on his solo career. CNr Media stated that SS501's activities are top priority in his contract and that they have not disbanded.He also signed with Sony Music Asia for his Asia activities after finalizing his contract on September 30, and Yamaha Music Entertainment for his Japan activities which is revealed on September 17. During this time, Park Jung Min and Kim Hyung Jun also attended the 21st Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan to present an award together with Ken Chu.

Park Jung Min was the first one to release a solo album, with his debut solo mini album, Not Alone,on January 20, 2011, and visited Taiwan and Singapore to promote it.His albums are distributed in Taiwan by Sony Music Taiwan.

In April 2011, Park performed with Japanese duo Mihimaru GT at a UN Charity Concert inYokohama, Japan to aid victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Three months later, in July, he has been cast as the lead in Japanese mobile drama LISMO 'August's Love Song'.He also contributed to KBS2's The Princess' Man OST in August, where he sang "Missing You" composed by Park Jung Wook.

In September, he attended and performed at the 2011 Korea Music Wave in Malaysia concert at the Stadium Merdeka Kuala Lumpur including GD & TOP, Seungri, F.T. Island, and more. He performed once again in December for another event in Malaysia with the concept "The Global Art of Mixing" collaborating with Yoga Lin for "Forever Love" and A-Lin Park was cast in a Japanese musical Bonds Of Boys as an exchange student from November 18 to 23, 2011.
2012: Fondant Garden, lawsuit against CNr Media and Beautiful album

In February 2012, Park starred alongside Jian Man Shu, Kingone Wang and Lia Lee, in a Taiwanese drama named Fondant Garden, playing the lead role of Park Hee Hwan.

Between April 2 and 7, Park participated in Dominic's Way fashion show during the 2012 Seoul Fashion Week, for designer Song Hye-myung, who designed SS501's clothes for their Destination mini album jacket. He was dressed as vdette in a dark angel attire with spreading wings.

On April 12, Park filed an injunction at Seoul Central District Court against his agency CNr Media to cancel his exclusive representation contract, citing improper distribution of profits.A source close to Park said:

“ "The exclusive contract with CNr Media stated that the profits would be divided 8-to-2 for those coming from Korea and 5-to-5 for those coming from overseas, but the profits were never distributed except for the ₩150 million given since last year." ”

According to another media source, Park departed from CNr Media in March 2012 but continued with his schedule in Japan on April 14 despite the injunction.

The decision of the court came on July 30, favoring Park Jung Min's case against CNR Media. With this decision, he is now free to promote in Korea and overseas regardless of his contract with CNR Media until the judgment on merits is issued, especially that if the contract was continued, Park Jung Min's career might be in danger. However, despite the lawsuit, he still continued to uphold his promise with his fans, attending all schedules set by CNR Media including promotions for the Taiwanese drama Fondant Garden. On October 10, his new agency, Yamaha A&R, announced that Park filled a two hundred million won lawsuit against his former agency, seeking compensation Finally on May 22, the legal battle between Park and his former agency, CNr Media, has finally come to an end. It was said through a press release on May 28 that Park agreed to receive an amount that could be paid by his former agency since CNr Media is in poor financial status recently. Park Jung Min′s attorney said:

“ "We weren′t aiming for the money in the compensation case. We just wanted to clear up all ties with the former agency. We reached an agreement so that all legal ties would be cleared, letting Park Jung Min concentrate on his current activities." ”


After the lawsuit, Park Jung Min debuted in Japan using the name 'Romeo' under Victor Music. He released two albums, named Give Me Your Heart and Tonight's The Night in September and October respectively. Afterwards, he returned to Korea to continue his music career as 'Park Jung Min' and released his first self-produced single album entitled Beautiful.At the end of the year, he released a full length Japanese album Midnight Theatre back as Romeo. During his 'Face Off Concert' at the Tokyo Dome City Hall, however, he performed as both 'Park Jung Min' and 'Romeo'.

2013-present: international tours

Park Jung Min attended and performed at the 2013 StarHub TVB Golden Viva Spectacular together with other K-Pop artists on February 9, that was initially filmed during the January 31 at the Seoul Student Jamsil Gymnasium. The performances were broadcast simultaneously in Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their Hong Kong fans.

On February 14, he held a press conference at the Sony Music Square in Tokyo about his upcoming concert tour. He had eight performances in total, starting on March 19 in Fukoka, March 21 in Osaka, March 22 in Tokyo, and March 23 in Nagoya. His shows had a different concept, though: light/dark; good/bad concept. In particular, he performed by the name "Park Jung Min" during the day, then changing his persona to "Romeo" when the night comes.

On the day of SS501's eighth anniversary, Park, together with SS501 members posted the same video on YouTubetogether to celebrate and greet their fans.[67] Kim Hyun Joong was not able to be in the video at that time because he had a shooting on his variety show, Barefoot Friends.However, Kim Hyun Joong still talked about their anniversary on his Korea fanmeeting entitled 2013 KHJ Show - Party People, held at the same day of their anniversary.

Park had his first fanmeeting tour in South and Latin America together with co-member Heo Young-saeng starting on August 17. Although it is said to be a joint fanmeeting tour, which was put by Zafiro Productions, the two of them would not have the same time and meetings with their fans. The tour consisted of three stops: two in Peru, and one in Mexico. Fanmeetings in Lima, Peru on August 17 and Mexico on August 20 were held as originally planned, and an encore in Lima, Peru on August 24 was added later on

On December 14, DSP Media had its first festival held at Seoul Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in celebration of DSP Media's 22nd anniversary. Together with the company's artists, Park and Eun Ji-won of Sechs Kies joined and performed in the festival.

In the beginning of 2014, Park had his first European Tour, "Park Jung Min Reverso Tour". He made stops in Paris, Germany, and Russia starting on January 29. His first stop was Dortmund at FZW on January 31. The next day, he headed to Paris at the Le Divan du Monde before wrapping things up in Moscow on February 3 at the Concert Hall. In addition, he had shared the stage with his opening act, Choi Soo Min, a boxer-turned-pianist who has received critical acclaim for his dynamic style of music.

Philanthropy

In 2011, Park was one of the artists who donated their favorite hat to "쇼나조각 展" held in an open pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Subway Line 3 to collect donations and give them to underprivileged children in the . He also volunteered and performed during the "United Nations charity event: Friend’s Whistle! Act For Tomorrow!". Along with the members of Choshinsei(Supernova), they stood outside the event hall at Pacifica Yokohama to collect monetary donations for the victims of Tohoku Earthquake.He also performed on April 28 to encourage people to donate. At the end of the year, he was reported to have ranked 4th in donating rice (1.2 tons of rice) in the "Salvation Army by the company Dreame". The centre is known for donating rice and sending them to local children’s shelters as well as the national center for social welfare and undernourished children; benefiting young boys and girls as well as the elderly.

On May 31, 2012, Park performed in the"'Music Echo Together of Love" charity concert at the Amsa Rehabilitation Center

Personal life

Aside from singing and acting, another speciality of Park Jung Min is tap dance, which he learned before joining SS501. He also enjoys composing songs and hiking.

On MBC Golden Fisheries – Radio Star on 6 May 2009, Park admitted that he has not had a girlfriend since his debut in 2005 and said "since I haven’t been in a relationship in a long time, I feel like all the love cells inside of me are dying.", which he confirmed it once again on Jeong Bo-seok’s One o’clock in the Morning Chungdam Dong. Because of Park Jung Min's long time single relationship status and Kim Hyun Joong's pranks, there were even gay rumours about him dating his fellow member Kim Hyun Joong from late 2007 until early 2008. He then cleared the rumours up stating, “I’m just a regular guy. I’m going to save a little more, and when I meet the right person, I want to get married.". He also revealed that his ideal girl was actress Ko So-young, who he has liked since his middle school, when she was on the TV drama Mother’s Sea.

Park went through an extremely hard time after SS501 ended their contracts with DSP Media and before he released his first mini album Not Alone. During the time he was starting his solo career, Park even thought about stopping everything and committing suicide. However, Park was able to get through these hard times because he knew that there were people who believed that he could be successful as one person, Park Jung Min.

Park Jung Min's motto for his life is "Always be thankful". Because of the hardships he has gone through since his childhood, Park has always put in his utmost effort into becoming a son his parents are proud of and worked really hard without resting, which has raised the concern of his fans about his health. On 12 October 2010, Park was brought to the emergency room after he fainted due to fatigue, which accumulated during the time he was working on his first mini album Not Alone, and an overwhelming release of tension.

Discography

Korean

Mini albums/singles

• 2011 :Not Alone
• 2011 :The, Park Jung Min
• 2012 :Beautiful

Japanese

Studio albums

• 2012: Midnight Theatre

EPs/Singles

• 2011: Wara Wara The, Park Jung Min
• 2012: Give Me Your Heart
• 2012: Tonight's the Night

Filmography

• 2006 Pi's Story (Korean version) voice only

Television,Drama,

• 2006 "Can Love Be Refilled" KBS2 Sitcom
• 2007 Hotelier (TV series) Cameo Episode 7 with SS501 Cameo Ep 7 TV Arashi
• 2008 Elephant Sitcom Himself Episode 85 
• 2008 Spotlight Cameo with SS501 Cameo MBC
• 2010 Human Theater Episode 1-6 Park Jung Min himself 
• 2010 Superstar: Meet Episode 8 Detective Cha Min Seo Mini Drama
• 2011 Love Song In August (八月のラヴソング) パク・ジョンミン ("Pakujonmin" - Park Jung Min himself) aka "8gatsu no love song"
• 2012 Sugarcake Garden (翻糖花園) Park Hee Hwan Filming

Musicals

• 2009 "Grease (musical)" Danny Park Awarded "Golden Ticket Award" for Best Musical New Talent
• 2010 "Bonds Of Boys" Park Jung Sol Japanese Musical

Awards

• 2010 “Golden Ticket Award” for Best Musical New Talent

_________________________________________________________________________

Kim Hyung Jun

Background Information

Birth name: 김형준 (金亨俊)
Born:  3 August 1987 Seoul, South Korea
Origin:  South Korea
Genres:  K-pop, J-pop, Dance, R&B
Occupation:  Singer, Dancer, DJ, MC,Actor, model
Instrument:  Piano
Years active:  2005–present
Labels:

• DSP Media (2005-2010)
• S Plus Entertainment (2010–present)
• Avex Trax (Japan) (2011–present)

Associated acts: SS501 (2005-present)
Website: http://www.hyungjun.co.kr

He is a South Korean entertainer and youngest member of boyband SS501. He debut as a solo artist in March 2011 with mini album My Girl and musical debut in Caffeine.

2005-2009: SS501 Debut

Kim Hyung Jun debuted as a member of SS501 on June 8, 2005, along with their debut album entitled Warning. Their second mini album, Snow Prince was released in late 2005, five months after their debut During this time, they also established their official fan club name, "Triple S", and fan club color, pearl green. The group earned popularity right away as they won many rookie awards after their debut

Kim, along with the members of SS501 except for Heo Young Saeng who was recovering from the surgery, lent their voices to the Korean version of 2006 animated film Pi's Story.

SS501 soon promoted their first studio album, which was released on November 10 entitled S.T 01 Now.Singles from the album included "Unlock" and "Four Chance".

Later in 2007, the group debuted in the Japanese market to further spread their activities and challenge themselves outside Korea. A Japanese fan club was established with the name "Triple S Japan", which officially debuted on March 25, 2007, when SS501 had their first official meeting with the club. The group at this time released their Japanese singleKokoro, alongside multiple versions, including one with all members and five featuring each member individually. The single debuted at the 5th spot on the Oricon chart, and moved to 3rd spot the next day. It was also chosen as an ending theme song for an anime entitled Blue Dragon. In September, SS501 released their second single in Japan entitledDistance.Finally in October 24, a month later, a full album was released with their self-titled album, SS501 SS501 also received the "Newcomer Award" by Japan Gold Disc Award in January 2008; this was the first time for Korean artists to receive this award
After their Japanese activities, SS501 returned to Korea with their single Deja Vu, which was released on March 13, 2008. Soon after, their third Japanese single was released on June 18, 2008 entitled Lucky Days.

In 2008, with Park Jung-Min, who was performing in the lead role of 'Danny Park' in musical Grease and Kim Hyun-Joongon Boys Over Flowers;Heo Young Saeng, Kim Kyu Jong, and Kim, himself, formed 'SS501 Project Group' with Heo as the leader. They released a project album named U R Man in November 2008, with high tempo dance title track "UR Man".They also contributed to the Boys Over Flowers soundtrack with "내 머리가 나빠서" (Because I'm Stupid),and appeared as a cameo in episode four, performing their track, "U R Man".The track won Song of the Month for February at the32nd Cyworld Digital Music Awards on March 28, 2009.
In 2009-2010, SS501 released All My Love,[39] Solo Collection,[40] Rebirth,and Destination consecutively before their contracts ended.

During this time, Kim started writing lyrics along with his brother Kibum, which includes "Want It", "The One", and "I Am" from UR Man album, and "Hey G" from SS501 Solo Collection.[44] He also wrote the lyrics for the song "Obsess" and his part of "완.두.콩." (Green Peas), a song written for their fans, released in their album Rebirth in 2009.

2010-2012: Leaving DSP Media, My Girl and Escape albums, musical and acting career

In June 2010, upon the expiration of SS501's contract with DSP Media, he signed with S-Plus Entertainment in August 2010, to embark on his solo career S-Plus Entertainment stated that SS501's activities are top priority in his contract and that they have not disbanded.In December, Kim and his younger brother Kibum launched "HnB company", which stands for "Happy n Bright". It is a character design brand with its first product named "PiroPiro", a bear with dark circles under its eyes, representing tired office workers and those who feel the strain of work.

In January 2011, according to his official Japanese homepage, Kim signed with Avex Entertainment for his Japanese activities.On March 8, 2011, Kim finally released his debut solo mini album My Girl with music videos for the two lead tracks "oH! aH!" and "Girl", in which Park Jung Min visited him during the music video shoot for the latter. A Japanese version was released on April 6, 2011 with two bonus tracks of Japanese versions of the two lead tracks.In June, Kim performed with other Korean artists in the Fantastic K-POP Concert in Jakarta, followed by concert in Singapore and in Hong Kong to promote his mini album.

In October 2011, Kim made his theater debut in the romantic comedy musical Caffeine, where he played as a barista. He was also featured in Kan Mi Youn's "Paparazzi" music video

After his acting debut on Black City, Kim starred on his first main lead role inKBS Drama's romantic comedy series, My Shining Girl in March He played Kang-Min's character, a top star in the Korean entertainment business who is a bit temperamental; charming but rude and attempts to transform from a singer into an actor. His acting career was followed by SBS Plus's Late Blossom in the same year. The drama is based on a popular comic by Kang Full that has already been turned into a movie, which tells the love story between the elderly, and is SBS Plus' first feature-length drama that will be produced in-house. Kim played the character Jung Min-chae, a smart public service personnel.

In July, he released his second mini album entitled Escape with its single "Sorry, I'm Sorry".The album includes five songs, and a 25-minute drama MV starring Kang Ji Hwan, Lee Ki Woo, and himself. He, then, held his first solo live tour ‘2012 1st Story in Japan' in April and '2012 2nd Story in Japan' in August consecutively.

In November, he was cast in Rough Play (An Actor is an Actor) with MBLAQ‘s Lee Joon, a film written and produced by Kim Ki-duk.When December came, he became active in attending several award shows and music festivals, including the ‘2012 Thailand Korea Friendship Festival’ and ‘2012 Malaysia Model Festival Awards’ where he met the world famous designer Jimmy Choo.He also receives his first award in the 2012 K-Drama Star Awards where he was given the "Rising Star Award" for Late Blossom drama.

2013-present: Kim Hyung Jun "The First", South America tours

In early 2013, Kim attended the 2013 Asian Model Awards where he received the "Fashionista Award" on the evening of January 15 at the Olympic Hall in Seoul Olympic Park.

In February, it was announced that Kim will be having his very first solo concert in Korea to commemorate his 2nd anniversary since his solo debut in 2011.Ticket sales were pre-released on February 12. Kim Hyung Jun "The First", the name of the concert, was held on March 9 at the Woori Art Hall at the Olympic Park, organized by SPLUS Entertainment and managed by SH Creative Works.Kim showed his own strengths and capabilities as a solo artist during the concert. The concert showcased various music genre and performances with a live band performances for all of his songs, which created a lively-filled stage. It also showcased his more matured musicality which he gained from both his acting career and musical development This includes his guitar skills, which he played live for the first time. At the same time, one of the groups of his former label, A-jax of DSP Media performed on stage, and his fellow SS501 member, Kim Kyu Jong even got up on stage with him at the end of the concert.

On March 17, he attended another charity event, SPD Charity Show 2013 in Singapore, being one of the representatives of Korea.He, then, came back on television screens, as he has been cast in MBC drama's Gold, Appear! (‘I Summon You, Gold!‘), premiered on April 6.He plays the role of Han Ji Hye‘s younger brother Mong Gyu, an unemployed post-graduate with cute charms and a carefree attitude.

On May 1, it was reported that he is planning to be enlisted in the military next year, 2014. During this time, he was busy preparing for his 'Who Am I' live tour concert in Nagoya and Tokyo at the end of May and early June.The Japanese live concert was held on March 29 to April 7 (six concerts in total) that went through cities such as Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo.

During SS501's eight anniversary, Kim, together with SS501 members posted the same video on YouTube together to celebrate and greet their fans.Kim Hyun Joong was not able to be in the video at that time because he had a shooting on his variety show, Barefooted Friends. However, Kim Hyun Joong still talked about their anniversary on his Korea fanmeeting entitled 2013 KHJ Show - Party People, held at the same day of their anniversary.

Kim became a "Lotte JTB" advertising model in June. To celebrate, he had a "2013 Kim Hyung Jun birthday party tour" exclusively for Japanese fans. Lotte JTB officials' reason for choosing him is that: “He always has a bright and healthy image and has a positive influence as a singer and actor both domestically and aboard. His image blends in well with Lotte JTB’s of high-quality travel and culture-oriented healthy image.”

On August 13, Kim released a special digital single with Sunny Hill's Kota entitled "Always Love You", with a release of a video teaser on August 8. The song is an acoustic medium R&B produced by Kim himself, while the music video has an innocent love story theme, filmed on Hanseo University' airfield, and even capturing beautiful sights in the sky. Kim held fan events and love showcase for the Japanese release of the song at Shibuya Public Hall, Tokyo on the October 21 and 22. The single ranked 9th on Oricon's Top 10 Charts.

On September 25, Kim has been chosen as the lead actor in KSB's Melody of Love. His role, Taekyung, is the leader of a drama troupe and musical director. Kim also attended the red carpet of the 2013 Busan International Film Festival for his movie, Rough Play.

During early 2014, Kim headed to South America starting on January 10 for his first solo concert in the continent, which included press interviews, charity events, and fan meetings with thousands of fans in Peru, Chile, and Bolivia. He is also the first Korean to have a concert and perform in Bolivia. The tour proved his popularity in the continent as both fans and press media followed him everywhere he went.Meanwhile, Kim is also preparing for his solo concert in Korea on February 8 at Yonsei Universiry, celebrating three years since his debut as a soloist and perform a duet with Park Jung-min

International Impact

SS501 is one of the artists who made a big impact to K-Pop's international success. An international website, Allkpop, pointed out:

“ "[They] were able to kick the door down and paved the road to the Japanese market that many of the current idol groups enjoy today..." ”

Furthermore, SS501 also influenced the word ""マンネ" (magnae or youngest member) in Japan. It is common in K-Popbands to include their positions in their group such as the leader and main vocalist whenever they introduce themselves. However, the first person to be imagined in Japan whenever they hear magnae will always be Kim Hyung Jun. His name is often connected to the word "マンネ", evident even when surfing the web.

Philanthropy

Kim Hyung Jun is active in promoting and campaigning for humanity. He also donates to share his achievements to the people in need.

In 2011, Kim donated three tons of rice to the "Seoul Youth Center" and gave presents to the families in need. It became an annual event as he donated three tons of rice to "2012 7th Annual Love Santa Claus Celebration" in the same center once again. He even dressed up as Santa Claus on December 21 to give rice and presents to the needy. In 2013, however, he did not have a chance to personally attend because of his busy schedule. Nevertheless, he prepared a video message and donated two tons of rice and presents for low-income children.

In 2012, he joined "If Love Earth, take Action" campaign by Wisdomforfuture, in which they promote taking action to save the Earth. Other notable artists include B.A.P and Rainbow.

In 2013, Kim became the Seoul Representative for "Donation Exercise Equipment for Children" charitable event that took place on January 24. He also became the Korean Representative during the "SPD Charity Show 2013", which was held to help those with physical disabilities. Stars from across Asia take part to raise funds through their performances and all proceeds will be donated to Singapore’s Society for the Physically Disabled(SPD).Moreover, he promoted the campaign in "PuppyMam Dog Station" magazine for adopting a pet instead of buying one

Discography

Solo

• 2007 - "さよならができない" (Sayonara ga Dekinai) - Kokoro
• 2008 - "I Am" - U R Man - lyrics by Kim Hyung-Jun (H&B)
• 2009 - "Hey G" - Solo Collection
• 2009: "화성남자 금성여자" (Men from Mars, Women from Venus) - digital single
• 2010 :S-Wave 1st Present
• 2011 :My Girl
• 2012 :Escape
• 2013 :Always Love You
• 2011: Long Night (Japanese Album)

Filmography

MC

• Mnet – M! Countdown with Park Jung Min – (June 9, 2005 – October 13, 2005)
• M.net – Hello Chat – (May 1, 2006 – June 5, 2006)
• M.net – Ch 27 알부라리 (ALBRARY Ch 27) – (March 16, 2008 – March 31, 2008)
• MTV – The M! with Sunny – (February 13, 2009 – August 17, 2009)
• MBC Dramanet – 식신원정대 (God of Cookery Expedition) – (June 5, 2009 – July 31, 2009)
• SBS – 출발! 녹색황금 (Green Gold) – (September 14, 2009 – October 19, 2009)
• MBC – 오밤중의 아이들 (Midnight Idols) with – (September 30, 2010 – November 5, 2010)
• M.net – Mnet Wide News with Lee Solji (June 22, 2011 – December 9, 2011)

Television

• MBC game – 형준, 프로게이머 되다 (SS501 Hyung Joon Becomes a Progamer) – (January 27, 2010 – March 31, 2010)
• MBC game – 형준, 프로게이머 되다 (SS501 Hyung Joon Becomes a Progamer) Season 2 (January 21 onwards)
• MBC game – 형준, 프로게이머 되다 (SS501 Hyung Joon Forms a Game Team) – (January 21, 2011 onwards)
• KBS drama – She's Completely Insane-(January 7,2012-)
• My Shing Girl -as Kang Min (2012)
• Late Blossom as Jung Min Chae (2012)
• Pots of Gold as Jung Mong Guy (2013)
• Melody of Love - Han Tae Kyung (2013)

Film

• 2006: Pi's Story (Korean version) - Pisces ("Pi") - voice only

Acting

• Musical – 카페인 (Cafe-in) – (November 24, 2010 – January 24, 2011)
• [DVD] Super Star – Black City (2011)
• KBS 'Glowing She' (2011) - Lead

Music videos

• Catch – Ock Ju-hyun
• Paparazzi – Kan Mi Youn

Disc Jockey

• SBS Power FM – 김형준의 뮤직하이 (Kim Hyung Joon's Music High) – (April 14, 2009 – present)

Awards 

2012  

• K-Drama Star Awards - Rising Star Award (Late Blossom)

2013

•  Asia Model Festival Awards - Fashionista Award