SS501 debuted 16 years ago, on June 8, 2005, under the management of DSP Entertainment. With the success of star groups like Sechs Kies and FIN.K.L., DSP was the biggest rival of SM Entertainment at the time. SS501 won many rookie awards at the end of the year 2005 and became popular right from the beginning.
The group consisted of five members: Kim Hyun-Joon, Heo Young-Saeng, Kim Kyu-jong, Park Jung-min, and Kim Hyung-jun. Most members already had experiences in the entertainment industry. Kim Hyun-Joong had trained to debut as a project group in china, Heo Young-Saeng had trained for two and half years under SM Entertainment before joining DSP. Park Jung-min was scouted by an agency when he was 13, he was accepted as a trainee by both DSP and SM. Kim Hyung-Jun was in a music video by Ock Joohyun before debuting as an SS501 member.
In 2007, they released their first Japanese single, "Kokoro," to further spread their activities and challenge themselves outside of Korea. The single debuted at the 5th spot on the Oricon chart and moved to the 3rd spot the next day. It was also chosen as an ending theme song for an anime ("Blue Dragon").
SS501 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 the expiration of their contract at 2010, none of the members renewed theirs contracts with the agency. Since no company wanted to accept them as a whole, they decided to join different companies and focus on their solo activities.
Kim Hyun-Joong signed with KeyEast Entertainment, Park Jung-min joined CNR Media, Kim Hyung-jun with S-Plus Entertainment. Heo Young-Saeng and Kim Kyu-jong both signed with B2M Entertainment. Since then, they have not promoted as a five-member group.
To celebrate their 16th anniversary, let's look back at their most memorable songs and music videos:
12- "경고"("Warning")
What can be more memorable than their debut EP. So let's start with that.
11- 겁쟁이 (Coward)
A bright and lively pop song that was released with their first full-length album, S.T. 01 NOW.
10- Let Me Be the One
This R&B was one of the last songs ever released by SS501, no other Kpop group can sing this kind of song better than they can.
9- 널부르는 노래 (A Song Calling for You)
This track was released with their third EP, Deja Vu, and it's funny and colorful music video had great contrast with the title song of the EP.
8- Solo Collection
SS501 Collection is the sixth EP, released by SS501. The album consisted of five solo tracks, one by each member. Moreover, SS501 shot a sensational 20-minute music video that brings the songs together for a thrilling musical story in which Kim Hyun-Joong, Park Jung-min, and Kim Kyu-jong play rival killers.
7- Déjà Vu
A dance track from their third Korean EP, Déjà Vu.
6- Love Like This
Love Like This is a track collaborated by Steven Lee, Sean Alexander, and Drew Ryan Scott.
With this single, SS501 promoted their seventh Korean EP, Rebirth.
Rebirth was the 3rd best-selling album of 2009 in South Korea, after Super Junior's Sorry, Sorry and G-Dragon's Heartbreaker.
5- Again
Another song from their first full-length Album, S.T 01 Now.
4- UR Man
With Kim Hyun-Joong busy filming with Boys Over Flowers and Park Jung Min, with his musical debut in Grease as "Danny Park," the remaining three members formed 'SS501 Project Group' with Heo Young-Saeng as the leader.
They released a project album named U R Man in November 2008, with a high-tempo dance track "U R Man."
Except for some special performances that Kim Hyun-Joong and Park Jung Min took part, U R Man was promoted by only the remaining three members.
3- Find
Find is written by Han Jae Ho and Kim Seung Soo; it's a track from their EP with the same name.
2- 내 머리가 나빠서 (Because I’m Stupid)
OST soundtrack from the popular TV Series Boys Over Flowers. This track won the Best OST Award from the 11th Mnet Asian Music Awards.
1- Love Ya
