東方神起

Also known as : Dong Bang Shin Gi, Tong Vfang Xien Qi, Tohoshinki

Origin : South Korea

Genre(s) : K-pop, J-pop, A cappella, Manufactured pop

Years active : 2003–present

Label(s) : SM Entertainment, Avex Trax & Rhythm Zone

Associated acts : SMTown

Website : www.tvxq.com, toho-jp.net, avex.com.tw/tvfxq

TVXQ, an acronym for Tong Vfang Xien Qi (東方神起), is a quintet South Korean boy band formed under SM Entertainment, and later debuted under Avex Trax in Japan. TVXQ is one of the most popular groups in Asia. Its five members specialize in the areas of singing, dance, a cappella, acting, and pop with an R&B and hip-hop vibe. Since debut, the group gained a great popularity in South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and other East Asian countries.

TVXQ fans use various versions of the group's name in different countries. In South Korea, the group is known as Dong Bang Shin Gi (동방신기), abbreviated as DBSG or DBSK, while the Japanese equivalent of the group's name is Tōhōshinki, abbreviated as THSK. TVXQ, the acronym based on the Chinese counterpart of their name Tong Vfang Xien Qi, is the abbreviation officially used on all advertisements and products outside of Japan. Their name roughly translates as "Rising Gods of the East." (동방의 신이 일어나다.)

2004 Debut

Before debut, there were several tentative names for the group. Each member was to come up with ideas for the name of the group. The three names suggested were Ohjangyookbu (오장육부, meaning the five visceras), JuhnMuckGo, acronym for 전설을 먹고 사는 고래 meaning A Whale That Eats Legends, and Dong Bang Bul Pae (동방불패), the Korean title of Ashes of Time. The group decided on Dong Bang Bul Pae, and Lee Soo Man even asked the film's director for permission to use the name. In the end, however, the name was rejected because its Hanja (or the written Chinese script) was not aesthetically pleasing, and the group name was changed instead to Dong Bang Shin Ki.

TVXQ made their first appearance on December 26, 2003 during a BoA and Britney Spears Showcase. They performed their debut song "Hug" as well as an a cappella rendition of "O Holy Night" alongside BoA. The group eventually released two singles ("Hug" and "The Way U Are"), accompanied by photo books, before their first album in 2004. TVXQ reached #1 on Korean music charts in three months after their debut. By October, the first album Tri-Angle was released.

Their official fan club derives its name from the Cassiopeia constellation near the Big Dipper. The constellation consists of 5 main stars, and TVXQ has 5 members. When traced on a computer keyboard, "TVfXQ" resembles Cassiopeia.

MEMBER PROFILE

Hero Jaejoong
Stage Name : HERO | Youngwoong Jaejoong (영웅재중 or 英雄在中)
Real Name : Kim Jaejoong (김재중, 金在中)
Birth date: January 26, 1986 (1986-01-26)
Birthplace: The city of Kongju, Chungnam Province (충남 or 忠南)
Blood Type: O
Hobbies: Listen to music, play Piano, compose music, cook
Specializations: Singing
Position: Main Vocal

Kim Jaejoong (김재중) left his hometown in Chungnam to audition for SM Entertainment. Having left the shelter of home, he experienced poverty and strife before becoming a celebrity. Jaejoong debuted as Youngwoong Jaejoong (영웅재중; the English definition to his stage name is "Hero"). His manager picked the name Hero for him because he wanted him to be the hero of the music industry. Jaejoong took first place in an audition of 5000 people, both in best looking and best vocals. He became the main vocalist of TVXQ.

U-Know Yunho
Stage Name : U-KNOW | U-know Yunho (유노윤호 or 瑜鹵允浩)
Real Name: Jung Yunho (정윤호, 鄭允浩)
Birthdate: February 6, 1986 (1986-02-06)
Birthplace: Gwangju (광주)
Blood Type: A
Hobbies: Listen to music, read, sports, compose music
Specializations: Dance
Position: Bass Vocal

The group's second member, Jung Yunho (정윤호), secured his spot in TVXQ through a dance competition in which he won first place. Prior to this, he accumulated some musical experience as a rapper and backup dancer for K-pop singer DANA. As a dancer, he accompanied many Korean singers, travelling to China as well. Yunho debuted as U-know Yunho (유노윤호). He chose his stage name as "U-know" from his Korean name "Yun Ho"; U-Know is pronounced "You know" in English. However, it is meant to mean "Yunho 'Knows You'" in regard to his understanding of the other members as their leader. He is the second oldest member and the "leader" in TVXQ.

Micky Yoochun
Stage Name : MICKY | Micky Yoochun (믹키유천 or 秘奇有天)
Real Name: Park Yoochun (박유천, 朴有天)
Birthdate: June 4, 1986 (1986-06-04)
Birthplace: Seoul (서울)
Blood Type: O
Hobbies: Compose music/lyrics/rap, play Piano
Specializations: Sing and compose music
Position: Medium Low Vocal

One year before the group's debut, a final member was added. Park Yoochun (박유천) lived in Fairfax, Virginia for roughly four years before he auditioned for Brothers Entertainment and was sent to Korea to SM Entertainment. Micky was Yoochun's English nickname when he lived in Virginia. As the winner of a talent show, he was granted the opportunity to sign with SM Entertainment in Korea. He now performs under the stage name Micky Yoochun (믹키유천).

Xiah Junsu
Stage Name : XIAH | Xiah Junsu (시아준수 or 細亞俊秀)
Real Name: Kim Junsu (김준수, 金俊秀)
Birthdate: January 1, 1987 (1987-01-01)
Birthplace: Gyeonggi (경기 or 畿道)
Blood Type: B
Hobbies: Paly Piano, soccer
Specializations: Sing, Dance
Position: Medium High Vocal

The first member to join was Kim Junsu (김준수). At the age of 12 he was brought into SM Entertainment through a televised talent search with Moon Hee Jun and Kangta from H.O.T. as judges. His vocals won over the judges and procured him thorough training for the next six years. After three years of training, he was supposed to debut, but puberty caused his voice to change and he was unable to sing until it ended after another three years. After six years, he debuted as Xiah Junsu (시아준수; Xiah is pronounced Shee-ah in Korean). Xiah is the stage name that Junsu himself chose, explaining to his fans that the name was short for "Asia", as Asia is pronounced "ah-shee-ah" in Korean. "Xiah" would be an implication of his desire to become not only a star in Korea, but also a star recognized all throughout the continent.

Max Changmin
Stage Name : MAX | Choikang Changmin (최강창민 or 最强昌珉)
Real Name: Shim Changmin (심창민, 沈昌珉)
Birthdate: February 18, 1988 (1988-02-18) (age 20)
Birthplace: Seoul (서울)
Blood Type: B
Hobbies: Music, sing, eat
Specializations: Sing, dance
Position: High Vocal

Shim Changmin (심창민) was grouped with the youngest participants in the audition. Like Xiah Junsu, he impressed the judges with his powerful voice. He joined the group under the name Choikang Changmin (최강창민; the English counterpart to his stage name is "Max"). Choikang in Korean means "Most Powerful", or approximately, "the best"; "Max" became an international rendition of this name.

KOREAN SINGLE

1. Hug (14/1/2004)
   
2. Hi Ya Ya (23/6/2005)
3. Show Me Your Love [with Super Junior] (15/12/2005)
4. Fighting Spirit of Dong Bang 91/6/2006)

KOREAN ALBUM

1st Tri-angle
- Released: October 13, 2004
- Length: 56:05
- Korea top 200 position: #1

Track Listing

1. 믿어요
2. Thanks To
3. Tri-Angle (feat. BoA and The TRAX)
4. 내 여자친구가 되어줄래? (Will you be my girlfriend?)
5. Whatever They Say (Acapella)
6. Million Men
7. 지금처럼 (Like now)
8. I Never Let Go
9. 꼬마야 (Hey, Kid)
10. 넌 언제나 (You always)
11. Hug
12. My Little Princess
13. The Way U Are
14. Tri-Angle (동방신기 Version)

2nd Rising Sun

• Released: September 12, 2005
• Length: 48:50
• Korea top 200 position: #1

1. Tonight
2. Beautiful Life
3. Rising Sun (순수)
4. 바보 (Unforgettable)
5. 네가 허락할테니 (Love Is Never Gone)
6. Love After Love
7. Dangerous Mind
8. One
9. Love Is...
10. Free Your Mind (feat. Trax)
11. 작은 고백 (Your Love Is All I Need)
12. 약속했던 그때에 (Always There…)

3rd "O"-正.反.合. (“O” Jeong Ban Hap)

• Released: September 29, 2006
• Length: 43:50
• Korea top 200 position: #1
• Versions: A, B, C, D

CD

1. "O"-正.反.合. ("O"-Jung.Ban.Hap.)
2. 세상에 단 하나뿐인 마음 (You're my miracle)
3. Hey! Girl
4. Get me some
5. I'll be there
6. 네 곁에 숨쉴 수 있다면 (White Lie)*
7. Remember
8. 이제 막 시작된 이야기 (The story has just begun)
9. ON&ON
10. Phantom 환영(幻影)
11. You only love
12. 풍선 (Balloons)

• (*) Versions C and D ONLY

VERSION B - DVD

1. Wallpapers/images and special video material
   ("O"-Jung.Ban.Hap. music video)

VERSION C - DVD

1. talk(1) 극장드라마 'Vacation' Introduction
2. 극장드라마 'Vacation' (Full Ver.)
3. talk(2) 극장드라마 'Vacation' NG Special Behind
4. 극장드라마 'Vacation' NG Special

VERSION D - DVD

1. talk(1) The 3rd Album “O”-正.反.合. Showcase Introduction
2. The 3rd Album “O”-正.反.合. Showcase(No Cut ver.)
3. talk(2) 'Hug' Memory
4. MusicVideo 'Hug'
5. MusicVideo 'The Way U Are'
6. talk(4) '믿어요(I Believe)' Memory
7. MusicVideo '믿어요(I Believe)'
8. talk(5) 'TRI-ANGLE' Memory
9. MusicVideo 'TRI-ANGLE'
10. Talk(6) 'Rising Sun' Memory
11. MusicVideo 'Rising Sun'
12. Talk(7) “O”-正.反.合. Memory
13. MusicVideo “O”-正.反.合.
14. talk(8) '풍선(Balloons)' Memory
15. MusicVideo '풍선(Balloons)'
16. '풍선(Balloons)' M/V Making Film
17. 동방신기's Exclusive Story2 : Our Secret Code++

1st Christmas Gift from 동방신기

Compilation Album

• Released: December 7, 2004
• Length: 54:00

1. Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desiring (Acapella Version)
2. The First Noel
3. 마법의 성 (Magic Castle)
4. 기도문 (Prayer)
5. 글로리아 높으신 이의 탄생 (Angels We Have Heard On High)
6. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
7. 고요한 밤 거룩한 밤 (Silent Night, Holy Night)
8. 마법의 성 Instrumental (Magic Castle)

JAPANESE ALBUM

1st Heart, Mind and Soul

• Released: March 23, 2006
• Length: N/A
• Oricon top 200 position: # 22
• Korea top 200 position: # 1
  (foreign album)

CD

1. Introlude
2. 言葉はいらない (Kotoba wa Iranai)
3. 明日は来るから (Asu wa Kuru Kara)
4. Somebody to love
5. My Destiny
6. HUG (Japanese Version)
7. Break Up The Shell
8. Stay with me tonight
9. 愛せない愛したい (Aisenai Aishitai)
10. One (Japanese Version)
11. Rising Sun (Japanese Version)
12. Eternal
13. Heart, Mind and Soul
14. Stay with me tonight (Acapella Ver.) *
15. Somebody to love (Acapella Ver.) *
16. My Destiny (Acapella Ver.) *
17. 明日は来るから Asu wa Kuru Kara (Vocal&Piano Ver.)*

• (*) CD version ONLY

DVD

1. Stay With Me Tonight PV
2. Somebody To Love PV
3. My Destiny PV
4. 明日は来るから PV
5. Rising Sun (KOREA) MV
6. Tonight (KOREA) MV

2nd Five in the Black

• Released: March 14, 2007
• Length: N/A
• Oricon top 200 position: # 10
• Korea top 200 position: # 2
  (foreign album)

CD

1. ZION
2. Sky
3. Begin
4. Choosey Lover
5. High time
6. DEAD END
7. PROUD
8. 約束
9. Miss You
10. “O” -正・反・合 (Japanese Version)
11. I’ll be there (Japanese Version)
12. Step by Step
13. Hello again

Bonus Tracks

1. Begin (Acapella Version)*
2. Miss You (Ballad Version)*

Special Track

1. A Whole New World*

• (*) CD version ONLY

DVD

1. Rising Sun PV
2. Begin PV
3. Sky PV
4. miss you PV
5. “O” -正・反・合 PV
6. Step by Step PV
7. Choosey Lover PV
8. Off Shot Movie ※初回盤のみ

3rd T

• Released: January 23, 2008
• Length: N/A
• Oricon top 200 position: #4
• Oricon Monthly Charts: #30 (January)
• Korea top 200 position: #1
  (foreign album)
• United World Chart top position: #19
• 30,003 copies sold first day

1. TRICK
2. No?
3. Purple Line
4. Forever Love
5. Summer Dream
6. Ride on
7. DARKNESS EYES
8. Lovin' you
9. Rainbow
10. SHINE
11. LAST ANGEL (Tohoshinki Version)
12. CLAP!
13. Love in the Ice
14. Forever Love (Acappella Version)(*)
15. Lovin' you -Haru's"deep water"mix-(*)

1. Together

CD 2 (***)

1. Song for you
2. Day Moon ～ハルダル～
3. Beautiful Life (Japanese Version)
4. You’re my miracle (Japanese Version)
5. Kissしたまま、さよなら

DVD 1 (**/***)

1. Lovin' You PV
2. Summer Dream PV
3. SHINE PV
4. Forever Love PV
5. Together PV
6. Off Shot Movie ※初回盤のみ (**)

DVD 2 (***)

1. Soul Power Tokyo Summit 2007 -TOHOSHINKI-
2. 2nd LIVE TOUR ～Five in the Black～ Special Edition
3. PREMIUM MINI LIVE @YOKOHAMA BLITZ 2007.9.23

• (*) CD Version Only
• (**) CD+DVD Version Only
• (***) 2CD+2DVD Version Only

OTHER

1. Hug (International Version) (24/11/2004)
2. Tri-Angle (Chinese Version) (20/1/2005)
3. 1^st Live Concert Album (14/7/2006)
4. 2^nd Asia Tour Concert ‘O’ Live Album (20/6/2007)
5. TVXQ Non-stop Mix Vol. 1 (24/10/2007)
6. Last Angel feat. Koda Kumi (7/11/2007)

SM TOWN

1. 2004 Summer Vacation (30/6/2004)
2. 2006 Summer SM Town (21/6/2006)
3. 2006 Winter SM Town (13/12/2006)
4. 2007 Summer SM Town (5/7/2007)
5. 2007 Winter SM Town

SOUNDTRACK (OST)

1. OST. A Millionaire’s First Love (track 20: Greeting) (1/3/2006)
2. OST. Vacation (28/7/2006)
3. OST. Prince Hours (track 5: Remmember) (1/2/2007)
4. Disneymania presents POP PARADE JAPAN (track 4:A Whole New World) (7/3/2007)
5. OST. Air City (track 1: Harudal, track 2: All in Vain) (23/5/2007)
6. OST. The Legend (track: Thousand Year Love Song)

PHOTO ALBUM

1. Dong Bang Shin Ki – The 1^st Photo Album – Travel Sketches in LA (7/2/2005)
2. Dong Bang Shin Ki – The 2^nd Photo Album – Summer Paradise in Borabora (30/6/2005)
3. Dong Bang Shin KI – The 3^rd Photo Album – The Prince in Prague (9/12/2006)
4. 1^st Artist Book – Tomorrow 000777 (25/3/2006, Japan )
5. 2^nd Artist Book – Shine (11/9/2007, Japan )

AWARDS

Labels: TVXQ