Biography

SS501 (pronounced as Double-S 501 or Deo Beul E Seu Oh Gong Il in Korean) is a South Korean boy band under management of Daesung Entertainment, also known as DSP Entertainment. The name of the band is a combination of the alphabet and numbers that have special meanings in them. The first “S” stands for “Super”. The second “S” is an abbreviation for “Star“. The number 5, 0, and 1 means “five members united as one forever“

HISTORY

• 2005-2006: Debut

SS501 debuted on June 8, 2005 with their first single “Kyeonggo” (Korean: “경고”, “WARNING“), with a second single “Snow Prince” released in late 2005. The group was inactive in Korea for most of 2006, although they had a fan meeting in Japan in April.^{[citation needed]} The reason was due to Heo Young Saeng’s throat condition which required a surgery, thus resulting in a need for time to fully recover.^{[citation needed]}. In mid-2006, they held their first successful concert, “Step Up Concert” in Osaka, Japan. In late 2006, they returned to Korea in order to promote their first full album, which was released on November 10 and titled S.T.01 Now. Singles from the album included “Unlock” and “Four Chance”. As well as promoting the album on various variety and music shows, they also filmed a show on MNet called SOS. The group also lent their voices for the 2006 animated movie Pi’s Story.

• 2007-2008: Japanese activities, ‘Boys Over Flowers’

Later in 2007, the group debuted in the Japanese market. A Japanese fan club has been established with the name of “Triple S Japan”; it officially debuted on March 25, 2007, when SS501 had their first official meeting with the group. The group released their Japanese single “Kokoro”, alongside multiple versions, including one with all members and five others featuring the members individually. The single debuted at #5 on the Oricon chart, and move to #3 the next day. A full album was released later that year.

In 2008, SS501 returned to Korea with their single Deja Vu released on March 8, 2008. The title track was the first song to be promoted, and they began their comeback on music channel M.Net’s M Countdown. After success with their single “Deja Vu”, they began to promote their second single, “A Song Calling For You”. They performed their Goodbye Stage on Music Bank on June 6, 2008, to return to Japanese activities.

On October 2, 2008, an official announcement confirmed that leader Kim Hyun Joong was part of the cast for the Korean version of Hana Yori Dango, officially named Boys Over Flowers. It was broadcast on KBS in the first half of 2009, with a total of 25 episodes and a few special episodes.

With both Park Jung Min (Danny Park on the musical Grease) and Kim Hyun Joong on solo activities, the next SS501 album was pushed back to July 2009. As such, the other three members formed a subunit with Heo Young Saeng as the leader and released a project album named U R Man in November 2008. The first single released was “U R Man”. They also promoted their single for the Boys Over Flowers soundtrack, “Nae Meoriga Nabbaseo” (Korean: “내 머리가 나빠서”, “Because I’m Stupid“). Due to the success of the drama, the song had a high number of downloads.

• 2009: Solo collection, second mini album and first Asian tour

They released their official second Japanese album on May 13, 2009 titled All My Love and had a promotional tour in Japan in support of the album. The group also released their Solo Collection, consisting of the individual members’ songs.

After concentrating on their individual activities, the group made a comeback and released their second mini album titled Rebirth, with the limited edition being released on October 20, 2009 and the normal edition on 22 October. The limited special edition album included two posters and a 100 page photo diary. Their comeback song “Love Like This” was very popular and well received, winning two Music Bank awards and one Inkigayo Mutizen in November. The group ended promotions for the album on November 29, 2009.

On August 1, 2009, the group started their first Asia tour, visiting Seoul, Tokyo, Taiwan, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

• 2010: Third Mini Album

The group held a concert in Thailand, February 2010 before holding their final concert in Seoul to conclude the tour.

Although the release of their new mini album was planned to be on May 1, 2010 (a nod towards “501” in the group’s name), the date was pushed back in order to “add finishing touches”.

On May 22, SS501 was one of many popular groups that performed at the 2010 Dream Concert. Due to the fact that Kim Hyun Joong was still recovering from a previous injury, they sang two ballads instead of the rumored come back track.

A day after their performance at the Dream Concert, one of their mini-album tracks, “Let Me Be The One” was leaked on the internet. Not long afterwards, the teaser for the comeback track was unveiled. The third mini album, “Destination”, was finally released on May 24th, 2010.

Their first win for their title track “Love Ya” was during their second week of promotion in Music Bank, on June 11, 2010. They also took first place the following week. On June 18, 2010, Daesung Entertainment announced that SS501 would end their “Love Ya” promotions due to contract expiry with DSP on June 7, 2010.

• Contract Issues

On June 28, 2010, it was officially announced that the group’s leader, Kim Hyun Joong, had signed a contract with KeyEast Entertainment. Even though he is no longer signed with DSP Entertainment he is still a part of SS501.

On August 10, 2010, Park Jung Min, following Kim Hyun Joong’s footsteps, officially left DSP Entertainment and joined a newly created company, CNR Media. However, like Kim Hyun Joong, he is still a part of SS501 and has never stated otherwise.

On August 28, 2010, it was officially announced that Kim Hyung Jun had left DSP Entertainment and joined another company, S-Plus Entertainment. But, like his fellow group members, he still is a part of SS501 even though he is no longer signed with DSP Entertainment.

Although, 3 of the 5 members have left DSP Entertainment, they have repeatedly said that the group has not disbanded and that they are still a group even though they have joined different companies.

As of now, fans are waiting for any news regarding the contract of Heo Yeong Saeng and Kim Kyu Jong.

ARTISTRY

Although most of their music is composed by various people, the members of SS501 have also contributed to their albums. Kim Hyung Jun and his brother, Kim Ki Bum (U-KISS) composed, under the name “H&B”, the songs: “Want It”, “The One”, “I AM”, “Hey G”. Kim Hyung Jun also wrote the lyrics of the song “Obsess” in their Rebirth album. Heo Young Saeng composed his solo song “Is It Love?” and “Until Forever”, one of the tracks in SS501’s album Destination. Park Jung Min composed the song “Kiss” which is sung by Rainbow, he performed the song at their Persona concert.

MEMBERS PROFILE

Kim Hyun Joong (Leader)

Korean : 김현중

Chinese： 金賢重

Japanese : キム･ヒョンジュン

Position : Middle-low vocal, rapper

Nickname:  Dog or Cow (Kim-Dog-Cow)

Birthday: 06.06.1986

Zodiac:  Gemini

Height: 182cm

Weight: 68kg

Blood type：B

Education: Kyonggi University, Department of electronic digital music

Family member : Parents, Elder brother and granny

Talents : guitar

Favourite idol : Lee Hyori

Motto : Life is just one shot

Career

Kim Hyun Joong debuted as the leader of SS501 in 2005. In addition to their musical activities, SS501 participated in two reality shows — Thank You For Waking Us Up (2005) and Thank You For Raising Us (2006) — that profiled the group’s life together. They also appeared in MNet’s Idol World in 2007, which showed SS501 doing various missions in Japan.

He joined the cast of MBC variety reality show We Got Married on May 11, 2008, with Hwang Bo, who is 6 years his senior. They achieved high popularity acting as a newlywed couple. Due to his appearance on We Got Married, he was cast in the Korean version of Hana Yori Dango as one of the members of the famous F4. Known as the “Lettuce Couple”, Kim and Hwang Bo went on to win MBC’s Best Couple Award. The couple made their official exit from We Got Married on December 14, 2008 due to scheduling conflicts presented by Boys Over Flowers.

In the hit drama series, Boys Over Flowers, he plays Yoon Ji Hoo. The series was a huge media and ratings sensation in Korea during its run from January to March 2009, garnering a huge amount of popularity for the entertainer.

Along with his bandmates, Kim is preparing SS501′s new Korean album, for which each member will be doing a solo. Their Asia Concert Tour began in mid-August 2009.

On September 2009, during promotions in Japan for Boys Over Flowers, Kim Hyun Joong was diagnosed with H1N1 . Currently recovering from H1N1, Kim Hyun Joong could not attend Seoul’s International Drama Awards. To accept the award on his behalf, his members of SS501, Heo Young Saeng, Kim Kyu Jong and Kim Hyung Joon were present for the award show.

Filmography

• Boys Over Flowers (KBS2, 2009) as Yoon Ji Hoo
• Nonstop 5 (Episode 208, MBC, 2005)
• Can Love Be Refilled? Sitcom (KBS2, 2005)

Awards

• Best Actor for Seoul’s International Drama Awards (September 11, 2009)
• Popularity Award for Television on KBS2′s Boys Over Flowers (The 45th PaekSang Arts Awards, February 2009)
• Best Couple Award on MBC’s We Got Married with Hwang Bo (MBC Awards, December 28, 2008)

Solo

• Rize up (‘Kokoro’ August 2007)
• Thank you (‘Find’ July 2008)
• Please be nice to me (SS501 Solo Collection June 2009)
• One More Time (Playful Kiss OST 2010)

Heo Young  Saeng (Prince)

Korean: 허영생

Chinese：許永生

Japanese: ホ･ヨンセン

Lead, high vocal

Nickname : Otter

Birthday: 03.11.1986

Zodiac: Scorpio

Height: 178cm

Weight: 63kg

Blood Type: O

Family member : Parents

Talents: Piano, voice intimation

Motto: I need to overcome all the difficulty to keep go on

Career

Heo Young Saeng was a trainee under SM Entertainment, making him close with members of TVXQ and Super Junior. He later joined DSP Entertainment and debut as a member of SS501 on 8 June 2005.

Young Saeng hosted SS501′s Youngstreet (SBS, 2006) with fellow member Park JungMin from 1 May 2006. He had to part with the program in Aug’06 due to some problems on his vocal cords which requires surgery and time to recover.

In 2008, due to 2 members’ busy schedules, Jung Min performing in a Korean production of the musical “Grease” and Hyun Joong filming drama “Boys Over Flowers“, SS501′s album which was originally due for release in late 2008, was to be pushed back to July 2009.

Instead, a sub unit of SS501 was formed, with Heo Young Saeng as the leader of this sub unit. Other two members in this unit are Kim Kyu Jong and Kim Hyung Joon. This unit group was initially named “Triple S” but they changed it back to “SS501″, reason being that they are 5 members always as 1. The unit group released a special project album “U R Man” (released on November 25, 2008).

Young Saeng composed and wrote his solo song, ‘사랑인거죠 (Is it Love?)’ which is also included in the special project album. This song is written while SS501 were having activities in Japan in 2007. He is the first member to have both composed and wrote lyrics for a song.

Finishing their promotional activities for “U R Man”, they continued their activities to promote “내 머리가 나빠서 (Because I am stupid)”, a song they sang for the OST of “Boys Before Flowers”. This song is very well-received due to the success of the drama. They won the “Song of the month (Feb)” award with this song at the 32nd Cyworld Digital Music Awards (28 Mar 09) with about 110,000 downloads for BGM at http://www.cyworld.com.

Solo

• Hajimete Miru Sora Datta (はじめて見る空だった) (‘Kokoro’ August 2007)
• Is It Love? (사랑인거죠) (‘U R Man’ November 2008)
• Nameless Memories (이름없는 기억) (SS501 Solo Collection June 2009)
• My Baby You (English)
• I Erase Tears(눈물을 지워가)- Friend, Our Legend Drama OST
• I love you… I am sorry – Will it snow on Christmas Drama OST

Radio Show

• SBS SS501′s Youngstreet (May ~ Aug 2008)

Kim Kyu Jong (Center)

Korean: 김규종

Chinese：金奎鐘

Japanese: キム･ギュジョン

Middle vocal

Nickname: Praying mantis / Gorilla

Birthday: 24.02.1987

Zodiac: Pisces

Blood type: A

Height: 182 cm

Weight: 62kg

Education: All Beijing Normal University affiliated High School (graduate) Baiji University of the Arts Department of Music (studying in)

Family member: Parents, Younger sister

Talents: Magic

Motto: I want to challenge everything with no regret.

Career

Kim Kyu Jong debuted as a member of SS501 on 06 June 2005.

Kim Kyu Jong took over the role of DJ from Heo Young Saeng for SBS radio program ‘SS501′s Youngstreet’ on 21 Aug 2006 as Young Saeng had to undergo a throat surgery and require time to recover. He hosted this program with his fellow member Park Jung Min.

Kim Kyu Jong started his acting career with a role in Mnet hip-hop music drama “Break” (11 May 06) showcasing his acting skills and dance skills at the same time while playing the role of a b-boy.

In 2008, due to 2 members’ busy schedules, Jung Min performing in a Korean production of the musical “Grease” and Hyun Joong filming drama “Boys Over Flowers”, SS501′s album which was originally due for release in late 2008, was to be pushed back to July 2009.

Instead, a sub unit of SS501 was formed with Heo Young Saeng, Kim Kyu Jong and Kim Hyung Joon. This unit group was initially named “Triple S” but they changed it back to “SS501″, reason being that they are 5 members always as 1. The unit group released a special project album “U R Man” (released on November 25, 2008).

Finishing their promotional activities for “U R Man”, they continued their activities to promote “내 머리가 나빠서 (Because I am stupid)”, a song they sang for the OST of “Boys Before Flowers”. This song is very well-received due to the success of the drama. They won the “Song of the month (Feb)” award with this song at the 32nd Cyworld Digital Music Awards (28 Mar 09) with about 110,000 downloads for BGM at http://www.cyworld.com.

Kim Kyu Jong joined as one of the regular host for MBC Every1 “God Of Cookery Expedition” since 21 Nov 08.

Solo

• Hikari (光) (‘Kokoro’ August 2007)
• Never Let You Go (‘U R Man’ November 2008)
• Wuss Up (SS501 Solo Collection June 2009)
• Confession (Super Star OST 2010)

Drama

• Break (Mnet, 2006)
• SETI [Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence] (2009)

Variety Show

• God of Cookery Expedition (MBC Every1, 21 Nov 2008 to 01 May 2009)

Radio Show

• SBS SS501′s Youngstreet (21 Aug 2006)

Park Jung Min (Sexy Charisma)

Korean: 박정민

Chinese: 朴政玟

Japanese: パク・ジョンミン

Low vocal

Nickname: Horse / Unicorn

Birthday: 03.04.1987

Zodiac: Aries

Height: 181cm

Weight: 67kg

Blood Type: O
Education: Dongguk University, Normal University affiliated high school, Kyonggi University, Department acting

Family member: Parents, elder sister

Talents : Tap dance

Absolutely love carrots

Motto:  Always live with thankful heart

Solo

• HERE (‘Kokoro’ August 2007)
• Only me? (1st Solo Album – Taiwan Version July 2009)
• If You Cannot feat. Jisun (SS501 Solo Collection 2009)

Self-compositions

• If you cannot (SS501 Solo Collection 2009)
• Kiss – Lyrics (Rainbow singles – Gossip girl November 2009)

TV Shows

• Elephant (Episode 85)
• MBC Human Theater 2010
• What Women Want (ONstyle Magazine)

Musical

• Grease (musical) (December 2008 – March 2009)

Kim Hyung Jun (Baby)

Korean name: 김형준

Chinese: 金亨俊

Japanese: キム・ヒョンジュン

Middle-high, lead vocal, rapper

Nickname: Soft shell turtle

Birthday :03.08.1987

Zodiac: Leo

Height: 181cm

Weight: 66kg

Blood Type: O

Family member: Parents, Younger brother (Kim Ki Bum from U-Kiss)

Education : Dongguk University Teacher’s College High School (Middle school of it), Kyonggi University (still attending)

Talents:  Swimming and dancing

Motto: No matter what I encounter, I will persevere on

Radio shows

• Youngstreet (Kim Kyu Jong & Park Jung Min & Heo Young Saeng)
• Music High (Kim Hyung Joon)

TV Show

• Kids In The Middle Of The Night (MBC Every1, September 2010)

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Movies

Their unique voices have attracted the movie company and invited them to be involved in the vocal job of the animated movie Pie Story.

Radio

The individual members have hosted their own radio shows. Kim Kyu Jong, Park Jung Min & Heo Young Saeng hosted “Young Street” and Kim Hyung Joon currently hosts “Music High”

Awards

2005

• Best Song Never Again – M!Countdown 2005.09.15
• Best New Male Group Award – M.net KM Music Festival 2005.11.27
• Best New Male Group Award – SBS Gayo DaeJeon 2005.12.29
• Best New Male Group Award – MBC 10th Gasoo Gayojae 2005.12.31

2006

• Best Song Snow Prince – M!Countdown 2006.01.05
• Best Song Snow Prince – M!Countdown 2006.01.18
• Best Dance Group Award – M.net KM Music Festival 2006.11.25
• Netizen Popularity Award – SBS Gayo DaeJeon 2006.12.29

2007

• Best Song Four Chance – SBS Inki Gayo 2007.01.07
• Best Song Four Chance – SBS Inki Gayo 2007.01.28
• Best Song Four Chance – SBS Inki Gayo 2007.02.04

2008

• Best 10 New Artist – Japan Gold Disc Award, Japan 2008.03.04
• Best Asian Artist Award – Asia Song Festival 2008

2009

• Best Song U R MAN – M!Countdown 2009.01.08
• Best Song U R MAN – SBS Inki Gayo 2009.01.11
• Best Song U R MAN – M!Countdown 2009.01.15
• Seoul Music Awards (Hallyu Award) – 2009.02.12
• Seoul Music Awards (Bonsang Award) – 2009.02.12
• 32nd Cyworld Digital Music Awards (Song of the Month – Feb) – 2009.03.28
• Mnet Asian Music Awards – Best OST Award (SS501′s Because I’m Stupid-Boys Over Flowers)
• Buzz International Single (Hong Kong)
• KR TOP Buzz Artist (Hong Kong)
• TOP Buzz Korea Artist (Taiwan)
• Asia Buzz Awards – Buzz International Group
• Music Bank K-Chart 2009.11.13
• Music Bank K-Chart 2009.11.20
• Inkigayo Mutizen 2009.11.22
• Olive Style Icon ‘Highest popularity Award’ (Hyun Joong) 2009.11.11

2010

• Golden ticket award (Jung Min) for Musical Grease – New Actor 2010.01.06
• Music Bank K-Chart 2010.06.11
• Music Bank K-Chart 2010.06.18

TV Shows

• Thank You for Waking Us Up!
• Thank You for Raising Me
  
• SS501 KM Idol World
• SS501 The Mission by MNet Japan
• M!Pick by MNet
• SS501 in LA
• SS501 Japan Making the band
• SS501 in Osaka
• SS501 SOS by M.Net
• SS501 Stalker by M.Net
• Learn Korean with SS501!
• Real Story I Am
• MNet Romantic Sky
• We got married (HyunJoong & Hwangbo)
• Haptics Mission (HyunJoong)
  
• SETI (KyuJong)
  
• Hyung Joon Becomes a Progamer (of Starcraft, produced by MBC Game)
• Youth Investigation
• Jung Min MBC Human Theater 2010
• What Women Want (ONstyle Magazine)

Concerts

• 4th Annual Korean Music Festival in Los Angeles, California, USA (2006)
• Step Up in Seoul, South Korea (2006)
• Step Up in Busan, South Korea (2006)
• Step Up in Daegu, South Korea (2006)
• Concert in Osaka, Japan (2006)
• Concert in Seoul, South Korea (2006)
• Concert in Tokyo, Japan (2007)
• Concert in Shanghai, China (2008)
• Concert in Tokyo, Japan (2008)
• Concert in Osaka, Japan (2008)
• Victory Concert in Los Angeles, California, USA (2009)
• 7th Annual Korean Music Festival in Los Angeles, California, USA (2009)
• 1st Asia Tour Persona in Seoul, South Korea (2009)
• 1st Asia Tour Persona in Tokyo, Japan (2009)
• 1st Asia Tour Persona in Taiwan, Taipei (2009)
• 1st Asia Tour Persona in China, Shanghai (2009)
• 1st Asia Tour Persona in Hong Kong (2009)
• 1st Asia Tour Persona in Thailand (2010)
• 1st Asia Tour Persona in Seoul Encore, South Korea (2010)

credits : Wikipedia,rainaftershine,hyun-joong.com