Boys Republic (band)

Boys Republic

Boys Republic mini fan meet after "Video Game" performance on Inkigayo. From left to right: Sunwoo, Suwoong, Minsu, Sungjun, Onejunn.
Background information
Origin Seoul, South Korea
Genres
Years active 2013–present
Labels
Members Onejunn
Sunwoo
Sungjun
Minsu
Suwoong
Korean name
Hangul 소년공화국
Hanja 少年共和國
Revised Romanization Sonyeon gonghwaguk
McCune–Reischauer Sonyŏn'gonghwaguk

Boys Republic (Hangul: 소년공화국 Romanization: Sonyeon gonghwaguk) is a South Korean pop boy band consisting of five members: Onejunn, Sunwoo, Sungjun, Minsu, and Suwoong. They are Universal Music's first K-pop idol group (also managed by Happy Tribe Entertainment). Boys Republic debuted on June 5, 2013 with their single, "Party Rock." Their official fan club name is Royal Family.

History

Pre-debut

Boys Republic promoting for Jeju Air in front of Frisbee, an Apple retail store in Myeongdong, Seoul on June 21st of 2013.

Before their debut in mid-2013, Boys Republic, as a band, they have received two years of training under Universal Music and Jung Hae IK of Happy Tribe Entertainment, who has helped to produce first generation idols such as g.o.d, H.O.T, and S.E.S.[1] The boys have been trained in singing, dancing, acting, and languages and cultures of other countries. To further establish global relevance, the group's chief music adviser, producer and composer Keun Tae Park has collaborated with Dsign Music, the Norwegian songwriting/production company that has written songs for TVXQ, Girls' Generation, and EXO.[2]

Prior to the two years training from Universal Music, some of the members have received training under other recording labels and talent agencies. Sunwoo (vocal), formerly known as Dabin, was a former member of the South Korean boy band, TOUCH, managed by YYJ Entertainment and had also received training under Cube Entertainment. On the 10th July 2014, on his personal Twitter (SNS), he revealed that he has changed his name from Choi Dabin(최다빈) to Choi Sun Woo(최선우). Sungjun (rap and dance) was a former JYP Entertainment trainee and Suwoong (vocal) was previously under Big Hit Entertainment.

In March 2013, three months before their official debut, Boys Republic was chosen as the PR for Jeju Air 2013, the group's first endorsement with their Jeju Air brand song, "Orange Sky."[3][4]

2013 Debut: "Party Rock" & 1st EP 'IDENTITY'

Boys Republic at Lotte World K-POP Concert on November 30th of 2013.

Boys Republic made their debut with the first single, "Party Rock." After its release, the song peaked at No. 1 on iTunes single charts in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.[5] On June 2, the group performed on their very first stage in front of a crowd of nearly 20,000 local K-POP fans in Japan at the K-POP Festival 2013 Live in Kumamoto.[6] In the months of June and July, SBS MTV aired the group's eight episode reality show "Rookie King: Boys Republic."[7] They took on their second endorsement and became the new face of Michiko London Koshino 2013.[8]

After their successful debut, the group made a comeback with their 1st EP, "IDENTITY" on October 8 with written lyric contributions from their group leader, Onejunn.[9] They held their first domestic showcase for the comeback at Ilchi Art Hall, Seoul.[10] Their EP title song "You Are Special" peaked at No. 1 on KKBOX Chart in Malaysia in 2013. They were voted by fans to close the U.O.X. 2013 held by Celcom in Malaysia.[11] Boys Republic officially debuted in Malaysia the following week with their "I'm Ready" Showcase in Kuala Lumpur.[12] In November, Boys Republic along with South Korean boy group, VIXX, became ambassadors for "Eye Camp Expedition," a charity campaign, joining other volunteers in Vietnam to help those visually impaired. Their charity work was documented through a four episodes reality show aired on SBS MTV.[13] They were named 2014 ambassadors for Korean Federation of Youth to promote youth development activities conducted by schools and youth training institutions.[14]

2014: 'Fantasy Trilogy' & MTV World Stage in Malaysia

On February 5 of 2014, Boys Republic announced their comeback through their official social media accounts, revealing the first teaser image for "Fantasy Trilogy" with the slogan, "making the dreams and fantasies of fans come true." With this three title song comeback, they plan to show a 180 degrees transformation for the new year. The second teaser illustration further conveys the concept with each of the group member posing as their favorite superheroes: Onejunn as Spiderman, Sunwoo as Wolverine, Sungjun as Ironman, Minsu as Batman, and Suwoong as Super Mario.[15] On February 16, they revealed the first song of the trilogy titled "Video Game" with the caption, "Childish boys growing up to be superheroes." "Video Game" is produced by Keun Tae Park, written by Jin Choi and Danish songwriter Mage, and composes of Hybrid-Electronic Trap (H.E.T.) sounds, intense electronic bass, and gaming sound effects. It was officially released on February 20 along with the dance version of the music video with choreography from the Nana School team. For their 300th day since debut celebration, Boys Republic released the story version music video, visually portraying the group members passing through game levels in virtual space as game characters to win the hearts of the ones they love.[16]

Five months after the unveiling of their "Fantasy Trilogy," Boys Republic announced their second comeback of 2014 on July 14. Their two-part title song for "Fantasy Trilogy" part two is a collaboration with the producing team, Duble Sidekick.[17] On July 17 of 2014, they released the first teaser video of their summer track titled, 예쁘게 입고 나와(Dress up), which literally translates to "Dress Prettily and Come Out." The teaser features the five members of Boys Republic and Gag Concert's comedian, Lee Suji.[18] Boys Republic released the electronic pop "Dress Up" and its music video on July 25. The song is about how the boys have eyes only for their girlfriends. They cannot live without the love of their special someone.[19]

On August 16, representing South Korea, Boys Republic shared the stage with B.o.B, Yuna, and Thaitanium in front of an audience of approximately 15,000[20] for the 6th MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia.[21] Their performance included the tracks: "I'm Ready," "You Are Special," a remix version of "Video Game," their debut song, "Party Rock," and a special song composed by Onejunn titled "몽유" (Somnambulance).[22] Boys Republic also performed their most recent song, "Dress Up," inviting the winner of BR's Girlfriend contest to join them on stage as their girlfriend. During their stay in Malaysia for the MTV World Stage Concert, they had an interview session with approximately 60 well-known media outlets from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. They also held a fan-signing of a thousand and played laser tag with their fans to show their love and appreciation.[20]

During the months of September and October, their schedule comprised more than a dozen live stage performances and guest concerts including South Korea's Hallyu Dream Concert and K Festival in Incheon.[23] Boys Republic's third and final installment of 2014 "Fantasy Trilogy" was revealed to be their second mini-album titled, "Real Talk," with title song, "The Real One." The official album cover of "Real Talk" and its track list was made public early November,[24] followed by the first photo teasers of Boys Republic in modern dress attire along with the exact date of EP release, November 12 of 2014.[25] At 11:11pm of November 11, Boys Republic Official YouTube Channel published the music video for "The Real One," disclosing their latest concept of "Modern vs. Classic," the fashionable man transcending time and space. Classical attire based on the Victorian Era conveyed elegance while the clean style of modern suits conveyed sophistication. The title song is written and composed by Duble Sidekick with rap lyric contribution from Boys Republic's Minsu. Boys Republic garnered many peer/celebrity supporters shown by the hashtag, 진짜가 나타났다 (The Real One). Such supporters included the Ghana-born broadcaster, Sam, and South Korean boy group, VIXX.[26] "Real Talk" track list contains their 2014 singles, "Video Game" and "Dress Up," along with their first ballad song, "Like A Doll," and Onejunn's self written and composed "Somnambulance."

On November 27, in Japan, at Tower Records Shibuya, Boys Republic held their first Japanese showcase in front of a crowd of 1,000 fans. Their stage included "The Real One," I'm Ready," "You Are Special," "Video Game," "Like A Doll," and "Party Rock."[27] Boys Republic flew back to South Korea the next day to accept the Teen Artist Award at the 22nd Korean Cultural Entertainment Awards.

SAC broadcasting message from Boys Republic.

In the last month of 2014, Boys Republic took the opportunity, during the height of their comeback, to participate in charity work. Vocalist, Sunwoo, posted an image of himself knitting hats for newborns, encouraging others to join him in "Save the Children" project, a campaign that delivers hats to Uganda, Ethiopia, and Pakistan.[28] December 20, Boys Republic volunteered their service in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, wearing red Salvation Army charity activewear and offering free hugs in the cold weather. Proceeds from the charity event went towards improving poverty stricken neighborhoods.[29]

2015: "Hello" & the Royal Tour in Europe

Boys Republic in Budapest, 11 July 2015

Boys Republic began the year with a series of performances at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in the Philippines.[30] Prior to the performances, an official press conference was held in Marco Polo Ortigas on January 9. On January 10, they met with their fans at Lucky China Town in Manila and Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Taguig. On January 11, Boys Republic made an appearance on ABS-CBN's Sunday afternoon show, ASAP, before holding their 'meet-and-greet' event in addition to their last performance in Eastwood, Quezon City. During their introduction, Boys Republic surprised their fans by sing and dancing to Vice Ganda's "Boom Panes."[31] Boys Republic spent their Valentine's Day in Japan, performing in the "Sweet Valentine's Live" event. On March 28, they returned to Japan and performed in Yokohama on Pops in Seoul concert stage along with U-Kiss and HOTSHOT in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic ties.[32]

For April Fool's Day, Boys Republic changed their name to Girls Republic on official channels: YouTube, Daum Fan Cafe, and other social medias. Each member came up with their own female stage name and profile.[33]

In the beginning of May, Boys Republic officially announced the dates and locations of their concerts in eight different cities across Europe, a part of their "European Royal Tour 2015."[34] Starting on May 27, they released daily image teasers for their June comeback including the cover and track list of their 4th single album, "Hello."[35] During the 2015 Dream Concert held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on May 23, Boys Republic revealed a snippet of their new, unreleased song, "Hello."[36] On June 3, the music video for "Hello" was released. On June 5, the day of their 2 years anniversary since debut, "Hello" was officially released along with the album which includes the acoustic and instrumental versions of "Hello." The song expresses the looks of a man missing an ex-lover with restrained emotions.[37]

Members

Boys Republic has five members.

Discography

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
"전화해 집에 (Party Rock)" 2013 - IDENTITY
"넌 내게 특별해 (You're Special To Me)" -
"Video Game" 2014 - Real Talk
"예쁘게 입고 나와 (Dress Up)" -
"진짜가 나타났다 (The Real One)" -
"Hello" 2015 - -
"Get Down" 2016 - BR:evolution
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Mini Albums

Year Album information Peak chart positions Track listing
KOR
2013 "IDENTITY"
  • Released : October 8, 2013
  • Language : Korean
  • Label : Universal Music, Happy Tribe Entertainment
  • Sales : 3,719+
 9
  1. I’m Ready (Intro)
  2. 넌 내게 특별해 (You're Special To Me)
  3. 뭐하러 (What For)
  4. L.I.U
  5. 전화해 집에 (Party Rock)
  6. Special Girl
  7. Orange Sky (Jeju Air Brand Song)
2014 "Real Talk"
  • Released : November 12, 2014
  • Language : Korean
  • Label : Universal Music, Happy Tribe Entertainment
  • Sales : 2,011+
 10
  1. 진짜가 나타났다 (The Real One)
  2. 인형 (Like A Doll)
  3. Pump
  4. 가운데 (Round)
  5. 몽유 (Somnambulance)
  6. 예쁘게 입고 나와 (Dress Up)
  7. Video Game
2016 "BR:evolution"
  • Released : March 30, 2016
  • Language : Korean
  • Label : Universal Music, Happy Tribe Entertainment
  • Sales : 1,163+
 14
  1. Get Down
  2. 지켜만 봐 (Eyes On Me)
  3. V.I.P
  4. 널 위했던 노래 (A Song For You) (Onejunn Solo)
  5. Get Down (Inst.)

Single Albums

Year Album information Peak chart positions Track listing
KOR
2014 "예쁘게 입고 나와 (Dress Up)"
  • Released: July 25, 2014
  • Language: Korean
  • Label: Universal Music, Happy Tribe Entertainment
  • Sales: 1,415+
 11
  1. Dress Up
2015 "Hello" 10
  1. Hello
  2. Hello (Acoustic Version)
  3. Hello (Original Instrument)

Filmography

Reality Shows[23]

Date Aired Channel Title # of Episodes Members Role
4 June 2013 through 23 July 2013 SBS MTV Rookie King: Boys Republic 8 All Main
29 November 2013 through to 20 December 2013 SBS MTV Eye Camp Expedition 4 All Main (with VIXX)

Variety Shows[23]

Game Shows[23]

Radio Shows[23]

Awards

Year Award Category
2014 Asian Model Festival Award New Star Award[44]
Annual Korean Entertainment Arts Award Newcomer Award[45]
Korean Cultural Entertainment Award Teen Artist Award[46]

References

  1. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국 “데뷔 1주일차 햇병아리? 자신감은 ‘드림팀’” Donga. 11 June 2013. Retrieved on 9 June 2014.
  2. ↑ Universal Music's K-pop boy band to debut this year Yonhap. 2013 March 5. Retrieved on 9 June 2014.
  3. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 데뷔 전 제주항공 모델 발탁 Osen. 12 March 2013. Retrieved on 9 June 2014.
  4. ↑ (Korean) "나리타까지 얼마? 궁금하면 500원" Chosun. 8 April 2013. Retrieved on 9 June 2014.
  5. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 아시아 4개국 아이튠즈 1위 Donga. 19 June 2013. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  6. ↑ Cho, Suyuon. K-POP Festival in Kumamoto to be successfully finished with 20,000 local fans BNT News. 14 June 2013. Retrieved on 15 June 2014.
  7. ↑ (Korean)토니안-소년공화국, 극비 만남…그들 사이에 무슨 일이? Donga. 4 June 2013. Retrieved on 11 June 2014.
  8. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 말레이시아 차트 1위 ‘기염’ Donga. 25 October 2013. Retrieved on 11 June 2014.
  9. ↑ Yun, Chloe. Boys Republic Comes Back with First Mini Album, ‘IDENTITY’ BNT News. 8 October 2013. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  10. ↑ Yun, Chloe. Boys Republic Holds Showcase with New Album ‘IDENTITY’ BNT News. 10 October 2013. Retrieved on 15 June 2014.
  11. ↑ Jackson, Julie. Boys Republic looking to make a statement in 2014 Korean Herald. 30 December 2013. Retrieved on 15 June 2014.
  12. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 말레이시아 구독률 1위 신문 표지 장식 Chosun. 12 December 2013. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  13. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국-빅스, 베트남 봉사활동 나선다 Chosun. 19 August 2013. Retrieved on 9 June 2014.
  14. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 행복한 학교 만들기 “저희와 함께해요” Gaon Music Charts. 27 March 2014. Retrieved on 7 June 2014.
  15. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 컴백곡 '비디오 게임' 콘셉트 공개 Chosun. 17 February 2013. Retrieved on 15 June 2014.
  16. ↑ (Korean) '소년공화국' 뮤직비디오 '비디오게임'공개 화제!…"게임캐릭터로 변신!" Chosun. 31 March 2014. Retrieved on 15 June 2014.
  17. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 이단옆차기와 손잡고 25일 컴백 ‘업그레이드’ BNT News. 15 July 2013. Retrieved on 19 July 2014.
  18. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, '예쁘게 입고 나와' 티저 공개..수지 깜짝 등장? Osen. 17 July 2014. Retrieved on 19 July 2014.
  19. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, K팝 새나라 건국의 꿈…‘예쁘게 입고 나와’ NEWSIs. 27 July 2014. Retrieved on 25 August 2014.
  20. 1 2 (Korean) 소년공화국, MTV '월드 스테이지 말레이시아 2014' 韓대표 참석 '성황' Herald. 20 August 2014. Retrieved on 25 August 2014.
  21. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 팝가수 B.o.B와 인증샷…훈훈한 분위기 Donga. 18 August 2014. Retrieved on 25 August 2014.
  22. ↑ (Korean) Boys Republic(소년공화국), 1만5000 말레이시아 팬들 앞에 서다 Sports World. 20 August 2014. Retrieved on 25 August 2014.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 (Korean) Boys Republic Scheduled Activities.
  24. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 12일 '리얼 토크'로 컴백. '판타지 3부작' 완결편 Chosun. 05 November 2014. Retrieved on 07 January 2015.
  25. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, '진짜'로 돌아온다..판타지 3부작 완결편 발매 Osen. 07 November 2014. Retrieved on 07 January 2015.
  26. ↑ (Korean) ‘소년공화국’, 11일 오후 11시 11분 '진짜가 나타났다' MV 선공개 Chosun. 11 November 2014. Retrieved on 07 January 2015.
  27. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국 데뷔 첫 日공연 성황리 마무리 '현지활동 청신호' Donga. 28 November 2014. Retrieved on 07 January 2015.
  28. ↑ (Korean) 남성 아이돌그룹 멤버가 ‘뜨개질 삼매경’ 왜? The Kyunghyang Shinmun. 15 December 2014. Retrieved on 07 January 2015.
  29. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 야외 구세군 모금활동-기부금 전달 ‘훈훈’ Osen. 22 December 2014. Retrieved on 07 January 2015.
  30. ↑ Santillan-Visto, Cecille. The Boys of the (South Korean) Republic Business World. 12 January 2015. Retrieved on 08 June 2015.
  31. ↑ Boys Republic: We want to come back Manila The Standard. 21 January 2015. Retrieved on 08 June 2015.
  32. ↑ (Japanese) 超新星＆U-KISSら出演！「日韓交流50周年記念 Pops in Seoul in YOKOHAMA 2015」開催決定 Kstyle. 02 March 2015. Retrieved on 08 June 2015.
  33. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국 여동생 그룹 데뷔? Economy Today. 01 April 2015. Retrieved on 08 June 2015.
  34. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 유럽 7개국 8개도시 투어 개최 확정 Donga. 11 May 2015. Retrieved on 08 June 2015.
  35. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 컴백 티저 이미지 공개 ‘한층 편안해진 분위기’ Donga. 01 June 2015. Retrieved on 08 June 2015.
  36. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 2주년 기념일에 새싱글 Donga. 28 May 2015. Retrieved on 08 June 2015.
  37. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, ‘Hello’ 발매… 감성돌로 돌아왔다 ‘관심 ↑’ Donga. 05 June 2015. Retrieved on 08 June 2015.
  38. ↑ (Korean) Onejunn Naver Profile Naver. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  39. ↑ (Korean) Sunwoo Naver Profile Naver. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  40. ↑ (Korean) Sungjun Naver Profile Naver. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  41. ↑ (Korean) Minsu Naver Profile Naver. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  42. ↑ (Korean) Suwoong Naver Profile Naver. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  43. ↑ (Korean) Rose TV program. Retrieved on 12 June 2014.
  44. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, '2014 아시아모델시상식'서 뉴스타상 수상! Chosun. 17 January 2014. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  45. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, 대한민국연예예술상서 신인상. 20일 '판타지 3부작'으로 컴백 Chosun. 10 February 2014. Retrieved on 8 June 2014.
  46. ↑ (Korean) 소년공화국, '포인트 강렬한 수트~' Chosun. 28 November 2014. Retrieved on 5 December 2014.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Boys Republic (band).
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, April 30, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.