Dong Bang Shin Ki
TVXQ is the acronym for Tong Vfang Xien Qi, the name of a Korean boy band formed by SM Entertainment. It is composed of five members specializing in the areas of dance, acappella, acting, and pop with an R&B vibe. The group has gained popularity in South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and other East Asian countries.
In Korea, they are better known instead as Dong Bang Shin Ki (often abbreviated as DBSG or DBSK) while the Japanese equivalent of the group's name is Tohoshinki (abbreviated as THSK). Although their origin is pure Korean, their name on all official non-japanese advertisements and merchandise is scripted as "TVXQ", the chinese version of their name. Although in all three languages, it roughly translates to "Rising Gods of the East."
Members
The first member to join was Kim Junsu. He enjoyed singing at his church when he was young. At the age of 12 he was brought into the band through a televised talent search in which Moon Hee Jun and Kangta from H.O.T. were judges. His vocals won over the judges and won him through 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 his puberty ended late after another three years. After six years, he debuted as Xiah Junsu; Xiah is pronounced Shee-ah in Korean). Xiah was a stage name that Junsu himself chose, explaining to his fans that the name was short for "Asia," as Asia is pronounced "a-shee-a" in Korean. "Xiah" would be a reference to his desire to become not only a star in Korea, but a star recognized all throughout the continent.
The group’s second member, Jung Yunho, secured his spot in TVXQ through a dance competition, winning first place. Prior to this, he accumulated some musical experience as a rapper and backup dancer for K-pop singer Dana in her Diamond video. As a dancer, he accompanied many Korean singers, travelling to China as well. His chosen stage name is U-know Yunho from his Korean name Yunho; U-know is pronounced "You know" in English. However, it is meant to mean "Yunho 'Knows You'" in regards to understanding the other members as their leader. He is the second oldest member and the "leader" in TVXQ.
Kim Jaejoong 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. His manager picked the name Hero for him because he wanted him to be the hero of the music industry. Jaejoong was selected from an audition of 5000 people. Jaejoong won first place, both in best looking and best vocals. That made him the main vocal of TVXQ.
Shim Changmin was grouped with the youngest participants in the audition. Like Xiah Junsu, he impressed the judges with his powerful voice. He joined the band under the name Choikang Changmin; the English counterpart to his stage name is Max). Choikang in Korean means "the best;" "Max" became an international rendition of this name.
One month before the group’s debut, a final member was added. Park Yoochun lived in the Fairfax, Virginia for roughly four years and auditioned for Brothers Entertainment and was sent to Korea to SM Entertainment. Micky was Park'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.
Member Profiles
Hero Jaejoong
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U-Know Yunho
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Micky Yoochun
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Xiah Junsu
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Max Changmin |
