Famous Korean Pop Idols – Nerdy Gaga (2023)

Korean popor abbreviation commonly used asK-pop refers to a conventional category that identifies music pieces originated in South Korea traditions, comprises a variety of elements in visual and musical trend referring to songs created by K-pop idols and their production and agencies that managed them. Musicians who have worked together with differentK-pop idols include various African American rappers and hip hop artists, who became famous with their different own style performance like Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Akon and many more. The integration of foreign elements in the production of K-pop songs is part of a three-step process for exporting K-pop artists abroad as part of Korean wave, known as Cultural technology (CT), a concept popularized by South Korean music label and talent agency S.M. Entertainment founder,Lee Soo-man. The intended outcome is that the image, sound, and feel of these K-pop songs become locally sound regarding where they are played in. The access and ability of K-pop to reach an inaccessible audience is driving a shift in the popularity of the traditional music using social networking services and YouTube platform video sharing, which become viral and gather millions of viewers. Currently, The worldwide spread of K-pop artists as part of the Korean wave from Asia, parts of Latin America, Middle East, North Africa and some parts of Northeast India. Example of viral video that became famous all over the world is the Gangnam Styly by Psy of South Korea.

“Gangnam Style”

Park Jae-sang better known by his stylized stage name, Psy, (born December 31, 1977), is a South Korean singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer, record producer and television personality, also known for his humorous locally videos and stage performances, and internationally for his hit singleGangnam Style, the song’s refrain Oppan Gangnam Style which means “Big brother is Gangnam Style’ with Psy referring to himself. On October 23, 2012, Psy met Ban Ki-moon,the UN Secretary General at the United Nations Headquarters, where Secretary Ban expressing his interest to work with the international singer because of his “unlimited global reach”. Psy’s music video for “Gangnam Style” exceeded on YouTube, 1 billion views on December 21, 2012, becoming the first and current only video done in the website’s history, and was recognized as the King of You Tube by the media. Psy‘s fame rise from little-known to “global superstar”, to be hailed as Viral Star of 2012 as the first singer performer to top in pop culture history in theYouTube. On October 14, 2006, Psy married Yoo Hye-yeon, on October 14, 2006, his girlfriend of three and a half years, a cello major, whom Psy known from a mutual friend. The couple have twin daughters.

1) Seo Taiji and Boys

The Seo Taiji & Boys emerge in 1992 that brought the K-pop history to a turning point, which in early 1990s, the Korean pop musicians, organized American popular style of music such as rock, rap and techno in their style of music. Seo Taiji & Boys consist of three members, is a South Korean boy band, the first modern band in the South Korean music industry. In 1991, after the breakup of Sinawe (South Korean heavy metal/rock band), Seo Taiji changed their course and formed a new group of dancers, called Seo Taiji & Boys with dancers Lee Juno and Yang Hyon-seok. In early 1990s, Seo Taiji began doing some experiments with various midi sound creating new kind of music technology which is new to the public’s taste of music, without plans to introduce the pop dance boy group, but Seo Taiji & Boys dominant trend became a big success. The Korean media discovered that Seo Taiji (born Jeong Hyeon-cheol on Februaty 21, 1972) is married toLee Ji-ah, (real name Kim Sang Eun) a Korean American actress. Seo Tiji married his ex-wife Lee Ji-ah on October 21, 1997 secretly, to keep their personla lives hidden from public and media hype. Seo Taiji & Boys’ controversial disbandment was believed, that the relation between Seo Taiji and Lee Ji-ah’s relationship was the real reason. The once happy couple lived in Arizona and Atlanta, Georgia, from Seo’s retirement in 1996 since their marriage in October until his return in June 2000. Lee filed for divorce in 2006 citing both lifestyle and personality differences, which was finalized in 2006. Their controversial relationship went public after Lee Ji-ah sued Seo Taiji for alimony and have to settle lawsuit.

2) BoA

Kwon Bo-a is a South Korean singer,(born November 5, 1986) born and raised in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, best known by her stage name BoA, which is a reverse of acronym for Beat of Angel. active in South Korea, Japan, and the United States.BoA is referred as the Queen of Korean Pop, and was discovered by talent agents under Sm Entertainment, when she accompanied her older brother to a talent search. After BoA’s two years of training in 2000, she released her debut Korean Album, ID; Peace B. Then after Two years,BoA released her debut Japanese album,Listen to My Heart, and was recognized as the first Korean pop star to break through Japan’s music industry. BoA debuted in the United States with the singleEat You Upon October 14, 2008, and released her debut English-language album, BoA on March 17, 2009. She can speak Japanese fluently and English, and her multilingual skills with her native Korean language and has recorded songs in Chinese Mandarin, made her way to success throughout East Asia. BoA was the first K-pop singer to top the Japanese Oricon chart in 2002.

3) Rain

Jung Ji-Hoon best known for his stage name as Rain, (born June 25, 1982), is a South Korean singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, designer and model. Rain’s successful musical career includes seven albums (six Korean, one Japanese), 19 singles and many international concert tours around the world. WhenRain, won the KBS Best New Actor award for his role in the Sang Doo! Let’s Go to School drama, in 2003 his acting career began. Rain was discovered in 2000, and left the management of recording artist and producer, Park Jin-young ( JYP Entertainment) but still remains the working relationship in 2007, and started his own company,J. Tune Entertainment. In 2000, Rain’s mother died because of diabetes, and the same year he was discovered by JYP Entertainment. During his training, he was a back up dancer. In an interview in CNN and Discovery Channel documentary known Discovering Hip Korea, however, he remembered being rejected many times because of his personality, and was told, after an audition that, “my singing and dancing was great but I did not make it because I did not havedouble eyelids.” Rain is considered a ‘world star’ due to his popularity, not only in South Korea and Japan, but also throughout Europe, North America, United States, Canada, Asia, China, Singapore, and Thailand. Rain’s popularity is attributed to his acting roles from television shows such as Full House to I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK an indie film to Ninja Assassin a blockbuster film. Rain’s vocal range is classified in thebaritonerange, and described as smooth but husky like inLove Story,Love Song, Nan and I Dosongs. His songs has been influenced by American R&B using both falsetto and vibrato with rap mixed into songs such as What’s Love, and has been influenced by Michael and Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake in singing and dancing. Rain maintained the issue againstlipsyncduring his live concerts.

4) TVXQ Boys Band

TVXQ, initials of Tong Vfang Xien Qi , is a South Korean K-pop group formed under SM Entertainment in 2003. The group are known as Dong Bang Shin Ki often abbreviated as DBSK in South Korea, while in Japan they are known as Tohoshinki which means, “The Rising Gods of the East”. The group first introduced in 2003 as a five member boy band which consist of the band leader asU-Konw Yunho, Max Changmin, Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun and Xiah Junsu.Three of the members, filed for injunction in July 2009, against the SM Entertainment Korean agency, causing to hold the TVXQ all public activities and appearances after 2009. After a gap in a series,of 2 years and 3 months, TVXQ returned as a duo consisting of two members, Yunho and Changmin with the release ofKeep Your Head Down, their fifth Korean album, ranking at No. 1 on the Gaon Chart after two weeks. Since 2011, TVXQ has sold more than 2.5 million copies in Korean album sales and Japanese singles and album sales since their comeback, and named as one of Asia’s most successful K-pop duo and been named as “King of K-pop”, “Asia’s Stars”, and “Kings of the Hallyu Wave”, for their great success and contributions to Korean pop.

Jung Yunho best known for his stage name as U-Know Yunho, (born February 6, 1986 in Gwangju, South Korea), is a Korean pop idol singer and occasional actor, and South Korean boyband TVXO leader. Jung has a younger sister, Jung Ji-hye, and because his family worked in the law firm, he dream to be a prosecutor one day. After winning a dance contest, he joined the SM Entertainment at the age of thirteen, and have chosenU-Know as his stage name, as the group leader, he wants everybody to understand as in “I know you and I know that we know each other”. Jung is fluent in Japanese aside from his Korean language. On October 14, 2006, Jung was rushed to the hospital after he vomited, while TVXQ was doing a variety show shooting, after drinking a beverage, which was mixed with super glue, handed to him by ananti-fan who turned in herself the following day, given name as Ko, held by the authorities, but Jung did not press charges against Ko, who was a TVXQ anti-fan. Jung’s manager quickly gave him instructions to induced to vomit right after he felt nausea drinking the beverage. Jung was hospitalized for a few days. These incident were not clear on how the “culprit” managed to enter the broadcasting station building. Jung also appeared mostly in cameo roles, in some TV shows such as Banjun Theater, Rainbow Romance, Heading to the Ground and many more.

Changmin

Shim Changmin, known by his stage name Max Changmin,born on February 18, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea, is a Korean singer, songwriter, model and occasional actor, the youngest member of South Korean boyband, now duo,TVXQ, managed under South Korean music labels SM Entertainment and Japan’s Avex Trax.Max Changmin is the first Korean to be nominated for the Japan’s Hochi Film Awards for his role in Fly With the Gold. He is the eldest son of teachers and has two younger sisters, Shim Soo Yeon and Shim Ji Yeon. Shim was discovered by an SM talent scout while playing badminton in gym class, and debuted in 2003 with TVXQ with the group’s debut songHug inBoAandBritney Spears showcase special on SBS network.

Jaejoong

Kim Jaejoong born asHan Jaejun, on January 26, 1986, in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. known by his stage name as Hero Jaejoong, is a Korean singer-songwriter, actor, and director. But according to Jaejoong’s biological mother he was born February 4, not January 26. Hero Jaejoong is known asJYJKorean pop group member and one of theTVXQ original members, and has tried out as an actor in dramas such as Sunao ni Narenkute, Protect the Boss and the recent Dr. Jin, and the following films such as Heaven’s Postman and Jackal is Coming. Hero Jaejoong was also the 2011 JYJ’s Worldwide Tour Executive Director and the 2011 LG Whisen Rhythmic All Stars. Jaejoong was given up for adoption at a young age, by his biological mother to the Kim’s and his name was changed to Kim Jaejoong. A man claimed to his biological father with surname Han, filed a lawsuit on November 21, 2006, against Jaejoong’s adopted parents, citing the legal guardians for going through illegally procedures of changing Jaejoong surname while he is not yet legally adopted yet. According to Han, he divorced his wife (Jaejoong’s biological mother) in late 1980s, and gave the custody to his ex wife, but later found out that his son was given for adoption and raised by another person, and not his ex wife. Claims of Han, is yet to be proven by DNA test for his validity claims. However, on November 22, Mr. Han dropped his charges against Jaejoong’s adopted parents. Han stated that his only concern is to resolve his “son’s” military duty conflicts after being informed of dual citizenship by Ministry of Military Affairs, involving him as the ‘biological father’, and did not expect his claims will lead to a big scandal, and the fear that the public think he was after Jaejoong’s fame as a celebrity. When Jaejoong was fifteen, he moved to Seoul by himself and joined the SM Entertainment auditions. Jaejoong took different odd jobs to pay for his training fees, food and house rental, since life in Seoul was financially difficult. Jaejoong was temporarily suspended from all TVXQ activities and had his license taken away for 100 days due to traffic violation laws, when he was apprehended by police on April 7, 2006 because of high level alcohol while driving his friend’s BMW car. Jaejoong meet his biological mother occasionally with the help and support of his current mother, but whereabouts of his biological father had been unknown.Hero Jaejoong expressed his will to live by the name ofKim Jaejoong, and not byHan Jaejoon, his birth name, and promised to love and respect to all four of his parents.

Yoochon

Park Yoochun born June 4, 1986, in Seoul, South Korea, known as Micky Yoochunhis stage name in South Korea, is a Korean singer, rapper, composer, songwriter, model and actor. Yoochun is a member of the popularJYJ South Korean pop group currently, but debuted as a TVXQ South Korean boy band member. Yoochun was also known as an actor appearing in Korean dramas such as Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Miss Ripley, Rooftop Prince and Missing You.Micky Yoochun, moved with his family to United States when he was in sixth grade, resided in Fairfax, Virginia and attended Holmes Middle School until Chantilly High School. When he went back to South Korea for a vacation, he was discovered by SM Entertainment talent scouts. Park Yu-hwan is Yoochun’s younger brother who is also an actor in South Korea. Yoochun sang in TVXQ South Korean boy band, known in South Korea as Dong Bang Shin Ki (DBSK) and in Japan as Tohoshinki from 2003 to 2009. Yoochun and two of his bandmates, Jaejoong and Junsu, filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, their South Korean label, in July 2009. JYJ released extended playThe…., which debuted at number one inOricon album chartsin Japan in September 2010. But the same month of that year, the group’s activities was suspended in Japan according to Avex statements. The former TVXQ South Korean group formed a three member (Jaejoong, Yoochun,andJunsu) K-pop group called formerly in Japan asJunsu-Jejung-Yuchun and shortened as JYJ. Their group name is taken from the first letters of each member’s names, and the group caught the media networks and newspaper’s attention locally and internationally and the first K-Pop group to perform in Chile,as the group continues to attract fans from many parts of the world.

Kim Junsu

Kim Junsu born in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea on December 15,1986, but registered on January 1, 1987 also known by his stage name Xiah (pronounced “see-ah”) or Xia Junsu, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and stage actor. Best known as a former TVXQ boy band member of popular South Korea, and JYJ pop group currently active member. Xiah Junsu debuted under SM Entertainment in 2003, one of the biggest talent agency and record label in South Korea. In July 2009, Xiah Junsu and fellow members of TVXQ Kim Jaejoong and Park Yoochun, filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, with arguments on their “exclusive contracts were the agenda that supports one-sided action disadvantages towards the artists and should be invalidated”. In October 2009, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of the three former TVXQ members and granted an injunction suspending their contracts. Junsu debuted as aJYJ member, and has released one Korean album and Korean EPs, one English album and one Japanese album. In 2010, Xiah Junsu began his stage career as he played as the lead role, Wolfgang Mozart, in Mozart! musical play. Xiah Junsu’s mother was a former beauty titlist Miss Korea, and Kim Junho, is his fraternal twin brother.

5) SS501

SS501 (pronounced as Double-S Five-Oh-One or Deo Beul E Seu Oh Gong Il is a South Korean boy band, formed under the DSP Media management, the former Daesung Entertainment and DSP Entertainment. In 2005, the SS501 group debuted with five members,Kim Hyun-joong, Heo Young-saeng, Kim Kyu-jong, Park Jung-minandKim Hyung-jun. When the group’s contract expired with DSP Media in June 2010, all the members have accordingly moved to other management agencies, to pursue solo careers, but according to band group leader, Kim Hyun-joong, that the group have not disbanded. The band name SS501 is a combination of letters and numbers that have special meaning, the first letter “S” stands for “Superstar“, the second “S” is for “Singer” and the combination of 5, 0, and 1 symbolizes “five members united as one forever”. Triple S (means SSS: Super Star Supporters) is the official name of the SS501 fans club.

Kim Hyun-joong

Kim Hyun-joong was born on June 6, 1986, is a South Korean singer,dancer and actor, the leader, main rapper and face of boy band groupSS501. In 2009, Kim Hyun-joong played the role as Yoon Ji-hoo inBoys Over FlowersKorean drama, for which he won the 2009′s Seoul International Drama Awards, “Best Actor Award” and the 45th Paeksang Arts Awards, the “Popularity Award”. Kim Hyun-joong debuted as a solo artist with his Break Down and Lucky Korean mini albums in 2011. Kim made his debut as theSS501 leader, on June 8, 2005 and as they won many rookie awards and the boy band group earned popularity. In 2006, the SS501 appeared on the Thank You For Waking Me Up show, which proved him to be a heavy sleeper, and, one year later, the SS501 appeared onMnet’s Idol World doing various activities in Japan. Kim joined theWe Got Married episode 9 cast along withHwangbo in May 2008. The boy band group won MBC’s “Best Couple Award”. known as the Lettuce Couple, and on December 14, 2008, the couple made their exit from the show officially in episode 38, because of conflicts of schedules withBoys Over Flowers. In 2008, Kim was cast inBoys Over Flowerswhile working in Japan, as Yoon Ji-hoo in the Korean drama, a role for which he won the “Best Actor Award”.

Heo Young-saeng

Heo Young-saeng was born on November 3, 1986, is a South Korean entertainer, singer, actor occasionally and became the main vocalist of the SS501 boy band group.Young-saeng debuted in May 2011 as a solo artist with his firstLet It Go mini album and played his first acting role in February 2012 I Need A Fairy, also known as Sent From Heaven, a KBS2 sitcom. On June 8, 2005, Young-saeng finally debuted as a SS501 member. From May 1 to August 21, 2006, Heo Young-saeng hosted SS501′s Young Street radio program on SBS along with Park Jung-min, a band mate. Heo had to leave the program because of alaryngeal surgerydue to a throat condition, then his bandmateKim Kyu-jong took over as DJ. WhilePark Jung-minplayed as Danny Park as the lead role in the musical Grease, in 2008 andKim Hyun-joong played a leading character in Boys Over Flowers, Heo Young-saeng as the leader and the remaining two members,Kim Kyu-jong andKim Hyung-jun, performed as the “SS501 Project Group”.

Kim Kyu-jong

Kim Kyu-jong was born on 24 February 1987, also a South Korean entertainer and member of SS501 boy band on June 8, 2005, however left DSP Media in 2010, who managed his career as SS501 part, and joined B2M Entertainment, with band mateHeo Young-saeng,as a solo performer. Kyu-jong made his debut inGoong:Musical,and playedLee Shin, as the lead role and in September 2011, he debuted as a solo artist with Turn Me On mini album.Kim Kyu-jongenlisted to served his mandatory military service for 24 months since July 2012, on non-active duty as a public service worker. Kim started his acting career on May 11, 2006, in a role in musical hip hop drama,Break, in Mnet. Kyu Jong, with the other SS501 members, except for Young-saeng who was recovering from the surgery, lent their voices to the 2006′sPi’s Story, Korean version animation film.Upon the expiration of Kyu Jong’s contract in June 2010 with DSP Media, he along with fellow band member Heo Young-saeng, signed with B2M Entertainment, the agency ofLee Hyori, a songstress, with former agency DSP Media, to embark on his solo career. Young Saeng and Kyu Jong held a joint fan meeting, on December 4, to launched his solo career, Kyu Jong & Young Saeng Story In Seoul, which continued in Hong Kong, Japan and countries across Asia. Kyu Jong was still serving in the military service during this year. Since he was doing his military duty, updates about him can only be known through his friends’ twitter updates and him writing personal handwritten letters to his fans to show his love and appreciation.

Park Jung Min

Park Jung Min was born on 3 April 1987, in Seoul, South Korea, a former commercial model for condoms, before his debut as a low vocalist of the SS501 boy band group, on June 8, 2005, a South Korean entertainer. Park Jung-min made his musical debut inGrease and was the first member of SS501 who debuted as a solo artist with his single albumNot Alone. Park Jung-min has two older siblings, a brother and a sister, but not working in the entertainment industry. Park was only 13 years old, when he was discovered by talent scout of an agency and was accepted by both DSP Media and SM Entertainment. In February 2012, Park starred alongside Jian Man Shu,Kingone WangandLia Lee in February 2012, in Fondant Garden a Taiwanese drama, playingPark Hee Hwan,as the lead role. Park Jung-min participated in Dominic’s Way fashion show, between April 2 to 7, 2012, during the Seoul Fashion Week, for designer Song Hye-myung, who designed SS501‘s clothes for their Destination mini album jacket, which he was in dark angel costume with spreading wings. On 12 April, Park filed an injunction at Seoul Central District Court against his agency CNR Media to cancel his exclusive contract of representation, citing improper distribution of profits. Park Jung Min debuts in Japan using the name of ‘Romeo‘ under Victor Music, after his lawsuit was over, and released two albums in September and October, named Give Me Your Heart and Tonight’s The Night. He then returned to South Korea to continue his music career as ‘Park Jung Min‘ and released his self-produced Beautiful single album, and was able to release Midnight Theater, a full length Japanese album, as Romeo at the end of the year. He performed both characters as Romeo In his ‘Face Off Concert’ at the Tokyo Dome City Hall, he performs as both, ‘Park Jung Min’ and ‘Romeo’.

Kim Hyung-jun

Kim Hyung-jun was born on 3 August 1987.is a South Korean entertainer and SS501′s youngest member of Korean pop boy band idols, often referred to as Baby or maknae, debuted as a solo artist with My Girl mini album in March 2011 and debut in Caffeine musical. Hyung-jun‘s younger brother,Kim Ki Bum, a former boy band U-KISS member.In November 2008, the group released a project album named U R Man with high tempo dance title track “UR Man”. They also contributed soundtrack for the Boys Over Flowers (Because I’m Stupid) and appeared in episode 4 in a cameo role, performing their track, “U R Man”. The SS501 influenced the word magnae or youngest member in Japan. InK-pop bands, it is common to include the group’s positions such as the leader and main vocalist whenever they introduce themselves while performing, and the first person to imagine in Japan, every, it is always referred toKim Hyung-jun, which is often connected to the word even when surfing the internet.

6) U-KISS

U-KISS is a South Korean boy band formed in 2008 by NH Media. Their name is an acronym, standing for Ubiquitous Korean International idol Super Star. The group consists of seven members,Soohyun (leader, main vocalist), Kiseop (vocalist), Eli (rapper), Kevin (vocalist), Dongho (rapper), Hoon (vocalist) and AJ (rapper, vocalist),(the two joined the group in 2011). Former members, Xander (rapper) and Kibum (vocalist). The 2009Man Man Ha Ni,was their breakthrough hit from their EPContiUKiss, and on February 3, 2010,the U-KISS, released their Only One, first full-length album, followed by second album in September 2011,Neverland. In 2011, the U-KISS K-pop idol made their formal debut in Japan, releasing their single titled Tick Tack, second single is entitled “Forbidden Love” while their first Japanese full-length album was 2012 A Shared Dream, and they also participated in different TV reality shows and films.

Shin Soohyun

Shin Soohyun born March 11, 1989 is a South Korean pop idol singer, known as the leader and main vocalist ofU-KISS seven-member boy band formed by NH Media in 2008. Shin Soohyun was part of the originalU-KISS six-member K-pop boy band alongsideAlexander, Kibum, Eli, KevinandDongho. The name U-KISS stands for Ubiquitous Korean International (Idol) Super Star. They debuted on August 15, 2008 in Japan at the Power of Atamix, and on September 3, 2008, the Korean pop idol group released their first mini album, N-Generation. In 2009, Kiseop joined the group before their promotional activities, and U-KISS then became a seven-member boy band. On November 21, Dongho, as the maknae (youngest) of the group, wrapped up a day of shooting on set when he felt sudden pain on hislower back, and was rushed to the hospital, and discovered histailbone has a crack, and was treated immediately. NH Media stated, on November 24 that “We are working hard to make sure that the injury will not affect U-KISS’s Japanese promotions.” Dongho is said to be having difficulty performing choreography set for their upcoming debut.

Lee Kiseop

Lee Kiseop born on January 17, 1991, and the seventh member who joined the Korean pop idol U-KISS boy band. Kiseop lives with his parents and an older sister. Kiseop’s bag always have his things complete such as perfumes, wallets, sunglasses, notebook, cleaners, accessories, contact lens, cap, lotion, socks, clothing and personal use. He is also the vocalist of the U-KISS and loves to do Taekwondo, poppin dance, Beatbox.When Kiseop feel nervous, he talks fast and sometimes stutters.According to one of his bandmate, Kibum, Kiseop was chosen as the 7th member because he fits well in the new image for group because of his unique style. Kiseop refuses to call Kibum as “hyung”because their ages is only a month difference.

Eli Kim

Kim Kyoungjae (born March 13, 1991), popularly known as Eli Kim, is a one of the U-Kiss seven member, and was the fourth addition, a Korean-American singer, under NH Media Entertainment.Eliis short for his nameEllison, born by both Korean parents in Washington, D.C. but resides at Frederickburg, Virginia attend school with elder sister Hannah and younger sister Minah. Eli is best known as aTaekwondoandKung Fu trainee.Eli is the group’s main rapper and one of the three Englis speaking U-Kiss member like ex-member Alexander, Aj and Kevin. Eli went alone to Beijing, China, when he was 15 years old, to pursue studies, after he had dropped out from high school, and learned Mandarin. He studied the Taekwondo and Kung Fu techniques for 12 years, opening an opportunity for him to cast as an extra-artist in a Chinese movie. Eli and ex-memberKibum starred in a Thai-Korean drama, Autumn Destiny, on January 2010, with Mario Maurer,a Thai actor. Since Eli and Kibum could not speak Thai, their voices were dubbed .Eli can imitate the pigeon, and he was nicknamed The Pigeon,which was featured on the group’s reality show, UKiss Vampire when Eli tried to copy how a pigeon eats through its beak. Eli was injured during a rehearsal on April 18, 2011 fracturing his right hand,and underwent surgery.The doctor assured Eli, that he still can perform, thus he performed with his cast on his right arm. Eli, with co-members Dongho and Kiseop were among the Real School cast, an MBC sitcom, and they also appeared as high school students, residing at an “English Village” in an attempt facing and cracking their fear of speaking English, in Real School, a 40-episode MBC sitcom.

Kevin Woo

Woo Sung-hyun bornKevin Woo, November 25, 1991, is a Korean-American singer and U-KISS boy band member. Kevin was born and raised in Danville, California, United States and lives with his parents and older sister, and is a Christian. During a holiday trip, Kevin joined an audition, and was chosen and thus decided to be a singer. Kevin moved to South Korea at the age of 15 with his mother to pursue his dream. Kevin debuted in a four-member group,XING, alongside Marumir, better known asKim Kibum, Yume and Cheon Hyesung. The name Xing is an acronym for Crossing In New Genre, and on December 14, 2006, the XING’s first single, In Your Hands, was released. The Xing K-pop idol group’s fame rose quickly and made it into the 2007 Top Five list Most Anticipated Artists, and they were dubbed as the teenageSG Wannabe. Kevin Woo, as the only XING’s original member decided to depart from the group in April 2008, after the release of T-Express, and became a member of U-KISS, a six-member group. The Korean pop idol boy band debuted in Japan, at the Power of Atamix, on August 15, 2008.

Shin Dongho

Shin Dongho (born June 29, 1994) is a South Korean actor, singer and most active member of the U-KISS Korean idol boy band, under NH Media management. Dongho is the youngest member of the band including Soohyun, Kiseop, Eli, AJ, HoonandKevin. Dongho can speak fluent Mandarin, because he studied in Beijing, China. When Dongho was in his young age, he has unpredictable personality and he was known to have a deep voice. Dongho compared to other six members, he has the most participated numbers of projects, appeared on Raising Idol, Idol Maknae Rebellion and Sonyeon Sonyeo Gayo Baekso reality shows. In their first music video, Dongho was noted to have a corn row hairstyle, Not Young. Shin Dongho was sent to a hospital’s emergency room due to lung issues in mid October 2012, after he experienced severe pains on his way to his scheduled show. Dongho‘s medical result after some tests, found that he’s suffering from pleurisy, a lung and chest lining inflammation causing chest pains, commonly sharp-pains, when breathing or coughing.

Yeo Hoonmin

Yeo Hoonmin born on August 16, 1991 in Gyeonggi-do, SOuth Korea, best known asHoon,his stage name, a South Korean idol, actor and singer and occasional model. After the departure of Alexander Lee Eusebio and Kim Kibum, he became one K-pop boy band U-KISS vocalists in February 2011. On September 9, 2009, Hoon debuted as a solo ballad singer using his real name in Pure & Love, a musical play with Bus track title. Hoon also appeared on Athena: Goddess of War, a SBS drama playing the role as the president’s bodyguard. In February 2011, the group’s first movie with Hoon with bandmates Dongho, Kiseop and Soohyun, together with Jay Park, Kim Soo Ro and Park Yejin, began filming movie with a working title Mr. Idol. Hoon and Dongho will star in Holy Land, a Super Action TV, a four-part movie about rebellious high school students.

Kim Jae-Seop or AJ

Kim Jae-Seop born June 4, 1991, better known asAJ, as his stage name, is a South Korean idol singer, the lead rapper and a sub-vocalist of U-KISS seven-member boy band, formed in 2008 by NH Media. After Alexander and Kibum left the group, AJ is one of two members to join the boy band group. AJ is currently a student at Columbia University falls within the 1% top students in the world. At the age of 14, Aj debuted in 2005 as a part of PARAN, with their debut song First Love. On July 29, 2012 in their Japanese Live Tour, the announcement was made that AJ will be pursuing his studies abroad, that AJ will have a break for 5 months and will be inactive and can no longer attend U-KISS activities starting August. On February 16, AJ returned to U-KISS to attend their Valentines Day Event, and the sub-unit composing of members Eli and AJ with Kevin featuring as the main vocalist on the title track produced by the Brave Brothers who also produced theMan Man Ha Ni, hit and uBeat is set to release a mini album with 2-3 new songs.

Kim Kibum or Allen Kim

Kim Kibum born December 29, 1990, best known asAllen Kibum,as his Japan’s stage name, a South Korean actor, idol singer, dancer and TV host, a former member of U-KISS, a South Korean pop idols boy band.Kibum is the younger brother ofmaknae Kim Hyung Junof the boy bandSS501. Kibum made his music debut with XING K-pop group in 2006, with Cheon Hye Sung, Yume andKevin Woo, but later left after the debut with XING, aiming for better career. Kibum with other U-KISS five members made their official debut with their first mini-album N-Generation in 2008. Kibum and Alexander‘s contracts had been terminated on February 23, 2011 with NH Media, citing that the reason for his departure is Kibum’s character business with his brother, but was revealed later that NH Media believe he was “lacking”, and NH Media decided to replace them with new members. Kibum and older brother Kim Hyung Jun setup HnB Company together on December 29, 2010 a character business based on his original creation, PiroPiro and SiroSiro, and made much effort to promote the business, at the same time performing on his solo activity. Kibum and brother Kim Hyung Jun made several public appearances in Korea.Kibum, together with 5 other entertainers, Moon Chun Shik, Lady Jane, Kim Ho Young, Kwak Hyun Hwa, Gu Bon Hyung joined GTV (Dream Maker or Dream Planners) a new reality show as mentors on June 17, 2011. In an official press release by Professional Entertainment made on March 15, 2013, Kibum will return to Korea entertainment industry with the release of his solo album Longing in April, and will be using Allen Kibum as his stage name.

Alexander Lee Eusebio

Alexander Lee Eusebio most well known as Alexander or Xander, born on July 29, 1988 in Hong Kong and grew up in Macau, is a half-Korean-Chinese-Portuguese singer, rapper, host and entertainer. Alexander also lived in California, United States and attended at De Anza College as a communication student. He is a former member of U-KISSK-Pop boy group. He debuted as a solo artist and released his first single I Just, under M Plus Entertainment, his new agency. His first appearance was a private fan’s day meeting in Hong Kong, after leaving U-KISS. He starred inImmortal Masterpiecea Korean drama in Channel A along with singing “The Kimchi Song” for the drama’s OST. Alexander lives currently in Seoul, South Korea with his grandmother. Alexander’s father, Anthony Eusebio is half-Chinese and half-Portuguese orMacanese, and his mother is Korean, Chungmi Lee, and an older sister of two years and his religion is Christian, and has been involved with South Korean Christian music label 3rd Wave Music considering Jaeson Ma as his mentor.

7) Girls’ Generation

Girls’ Generation (So Nyeo Shi Dae) is a South Korean pop idol girl group, formed in 2007 by SM Entertainment.The Girl’s Generation’s nine member group areTaeyeon, Jessica, Sunny, Tifanny, Hyeyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, YoonaandSeohyun. In Japan, the Girl’s Generation is called Shoujo Jidai. The Korean pop idol group gained recognition with hit songs such asInto the New WorldandKissing You, but they gained popularity with their hit singleGeein 2009, and becomes “Song of the Decade”of South Korea.

Kim Tae-yeon

Kim Tae-yeon (born March 9, 1989 in Jeonju, South Korea) is a South Korean actress, TV presenter, idol singer, dancer and commercial model, and Girl’s Generation Korean pop idol leader. Taeyeon was discovered in the 8th Annual Best Contest in 2004 produced by SM Entertainment, and she won as Best Singer 1st Place and Grand Award. Her first appearance, when she was featured in The One’s song “You Bring Me Joy” before she became leader of the girl’s group as Girls’ Generation. The soshified.com website organized a SNSD Fanmeet in New York City on October 24, 2011. Taeyeon performed The Boys as the opening number, but during the the meeting it lacks intensity and pale. Taeyon appeared distracted and bored, during an interview at the MTV, as seen resting her chin on her hands. Her actions were regarded as a symptoms of a common cold, but was later known that Taeyon was sufferinganaphylaxiswith shortness of breath, from apeanut allergy reaction.

Jessica Jung

Jessica Jung, or known in her Korean name as Jung Soo-yeon, (born April 18, 1989 in San Francisco, California), is an American-born Korean actress, singer, dancer and commercial model, fluent in both English and Korean language, after moving at the age of 11 to South Korea. Jessica Jung is a member of theGirls GenerationSouth Korean pop idol girl group. Jessica Jung and fellow member of Girls Generation Tiffany, were both born in the same hospital in San Francisco, California. While on vacation in Korea, Jung and her sister were discovered by SM Entertainment scout, in a shopping mall while on vacation in South Korea and in 2000, she joined the company. Before her debut as Girls Generation pop idol girls group, she was a trainee for seven years. While Krystal, her younger sister, is a member of thef(x) Korean girl group. Both Jung sisters, are active currently in their groups, under contract of the S.M. Entertainment.In early 2011, Jessica Jung endorsed as model for Dior Cosmetics with bandmatesHyoyeon, Yuri, Tiffany, SooyoungandSunny.

Sunny or Lee Soon-kyu

Lee Soon-kyu born on May 15, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, and moved to Kuwait while still an infant, best known in her stage name as Sunny, is an American-born Korean actress, singer, dancer, DJ, MC, and model and Girl’s Generation Korean pop idol group girl member. Sunny’s family moved to South Korea during the Gulf War.Sunnyand her two older sisters,Lee Eun-kyu and Lee Jin-kyu shares the same birthday. Sunny can speak fluent Korean in spite of growing up in other country. Lee Soo-man, the SM Entertainment founder is the uncle of Sunny. Her talent manager when she was a member of Sugar was one of her other older sisters, however the group was disbanded, but became active in other work in the music industry.AyumirecommendedSunny in 2007, who transferred to SM Entertainment.Sunny became a part of Invincible Youth, a reality show alongside withYuri, in which they were a part 7 member girls of G7, a Korean pop idol groups. Sunny left the show, along withHyunaandYuri in June 2010, due to other activities and debut of the Girl’s Generation in Japan. .

Tiffany orStephanie Hwang

Stephanie Hwang,with Korean name as Hwang Mi-young, born August 1, 1989, born in San Francisco, California the same hospital were fellow member Jessica Jung was born.Stephanie Hwangis best known in a single name as Tiffany, is an American-born Korean actress, TV presenter, singer and model.Tiffanyis a member of the Girl’s Generation South Korean pop idol girls group and serves as the vocalist of the group. Tiffany was discovered by SM Entertainment scout while performing on stage and joined the audition at the Starlight Casting System of SM Entertainment and joined the company at the age of 15, on October 2004 in Los Angeles, California, and the youngest of three siblings. Tiffany opened up in public in 2009, that her mother died two years ago, before she trained at the SM Entertainment company. Tiffany is suffering from condition ofdysphonia, a hoarseness in her voice and affecting her voice range, was diagnosed withvocal nodules, wherein a mass of tissue grows on the vocal folds due to strain or overuse. Although her voice returned to normal after treatment, but the condition began affecting her voice even more severe in 2009, and the reason why she have to take a break from her schedules and activities to undergo medical treatment in September. According to Tiffany her previous voice is different from her voice nowadays even though the treatment was successful, since she contracted the vocal nodules, although it is better that her medical treatment is over. She is also a Girl’s Generation-TTS member, a Girl’s Generation sub-group with Taeyeon and Seohyun. On May 2, 2012, Twinkle (EP), their first mini-album was released. From 25 November 2011 to 29 January 2012, Hwang portrayed as Carmen Diaz in the Fame, musical along with Super Junior’sEunhyuk, Son Ho Young, Go Eun Seong, Kim Chan Ho, Shin Ui Jeong, Choi Ju Ri, KoN, Lina of the GraceandTRAX’s member Kim Jung Mo.

Kim Hyo-yeon

Kim Hyo-yeon (born September 22, 1989) in Incheon, South Korea, is a South Korean singer, dancer pop idol and model. Kim Hyo-yeon is a member of the Girl’s Generation Korean pop idol group and serves as the main dancer of the group, formed in 2007 by the SM Entertainment, where she auditioned at the age of 11, where she danced. She grew up with her parents and her younger brother, Kim Min-gu. Hyoyeon said that her reason for the audition, was her mother bringing her to the SM Entertainment office, hoping to meet H.O.T. Kim Hyo-yeon was chosen by the Star News as Korea’s number 1 Idol Dancer. Kim was sent to Beijing, China, to learn Chinese in 2004, along withSiwonof the Super Junior.

Kwon Yuri

Kwon Yuri born December 5, 1989, in Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea) is a South Korean actress, TV presenter, entertainer, singer, dancer and Korean pop idol, as member of the Girl’s Generation group. In 2001, Yuri auditioned at the SM Entertainment Casting System and won second place in SM Youth Best Dancer Contest. In 2005 to 2006, Yuri played in a cameo role forThe King’s Boyfriend, a segment in television’s KMTV Super Junior documentary part. She played also a part in theUnstoppable MarriageKBS sitcom, withSooyoung. Yuri’s endorsement as model for Biothern with Daniel Henney. Kwon Yuri was chosen as the new Mamonde model in March 2012, a cosmetic product with Super Junior’s Choi Siwon.

Choi Soo-young

Choi Soo-young born February 10, 1990, in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, South Korea, is an actress, singer, dancer, rapper, TV presenter, DJ, MC and Korean pop idol as Girl’s Generation member. Choi Soo-young is a former member of the Route θ, a Korean-Japanese duo group, and a current member of the Girl’s Generation South Korean all girl group, formed in 2007 by SM Entertainment. Soo-young is the only Asian woman who appeared in Hottest ’90s Babies, Complex. The musical actress,Choi Soo-jin is her older sister. Soo-young speaks Korean, Japanese and English. She played a part in the Unstoppable Marriage KBS2 TV sitcom in 2007 withYuri. And also appeared in Hello, Schoolgirl, a romantic comedy film and co starred withLee Yeon-heeandKangin.On August 28, 2011, Soo-young and her sister had a car accident the way to participate in a charity event, causing Soo-young a fractured tailbone. Soo-young rejoined Girls’ Generation on September 27, 2011 in their activities and other shows.

Im Yoona

Im Yoona born May 30, 1990 in Seoul, South Korea, also known as Im Yoon-Ah, is an actress, singer, dancer, model and Girls Generation Korean pop idol member. In 2007,Im Yoona made her debut as an actress in the9 Ends, 2 Outsdrama. Im Yoona became a trainee after she was cast in 2002 SM Saturday Open Casting Audition in singing, acting and dancing under the SM Entertainment for seven years and debut in the Girl’s Generation. Im Yoona took her Theater and music major at the Dongguk University with fellow Grils Generation member,Sehyun. Im Yoona appeared in Cinderella Man 2009 drama film with Kwon Sang-woo.

Seo Joo-hyun

Seo Joo-hyun born June 28, 1991 in Seoul, South Korea, known for her stage name as Seohyun, is an actress, singer, dancer, model, TV presenter and the youngest member of the Girls Generation Korean pop idol girls group. She was first discovered by a talent scout in a subway train during her elementary days. She hen auditioned for the SM Casting System and started to undergo training, until she was chosen to be one of the 9 members of the Girls Generation on August 5, 2007.Seohyun, TaeyeonandTiffanyformed a sub-unit they calledTaeTiseo, and on April 30, 2012, released their first album as trio titled Twinkle, and other singles, Oppa Nappa (Bad Older Brother) and I Got a Boy.

f(x) K-pop idol Girl Group

Shinee or SHINee is a South Korean pop idol boys group, a contemporary R&B under the SM Entertainmaent management formed in 2008, consisting of five boys,Onew, Jonghyun, Key, MinhoandTaemin. On May 25, 2008, the group made their debut with their single Replay, on The Music Trend under SBS. Since their debut, they released four full-length albums, four mini-albums, one live album and various singles and have won numerous awards, had three concert tours and own reality television shows. Shinee is known for their fashion icon, because of their style in fashion, created by Ha Sang Baek, a designer, that features them with hight-top sneakers, skinny jeans and colorful shirts and sweaters, having started the “Shinee Trend” and best known for their synchronized and complicated dancing. The SHINee style became a famous fashion trend amongst students, teens or young generations which the media dubbed the “SHINee Trend”.

Lee Jin-ki or Onew

Lee Jin-ki born December 14, 1989, known by his stage name Onew, is a South Korean actor, presenter, radio host, lyricist, MC, commercial model, dancer and Korean pop idol singer, leader and lead vocalist of theShineeboy group under the SM Entertainment. Onew was first discovered at the S.M. Academy Casting in 2006, and received an appreciation at SNSD Showcase from Lee Soo-man. Onew was chosen as a five member Shinee boy group and first introduced on SBS’s Inkigayo on May 25, 2008.On June 2009 During the Music Bank show finale, Onew collapsed after a massive light supporting device that fall forward and almost hit him, but was able to avoid the accident because the Super Junior members, KyuhyunandSiwon, was able to prevent the heavy device from hitting Onew. Although Onew was not hurt physically, he did have trauma mentally and was diagnosed as ‘psychological unstable‘. He was rushed to the hospital while inside the waiting room when he passed out again. On February 2, 2012, was not able to attend his scheduled to performance with other SHINee members at KBS 2TV‘s K-pop festival special, ‘Music Bank in Paris‘, due to an ankle injury.

Kim Jonghyun

Kim Jonghyun (born April 8, 1990) is a South Korean radio host, commercial model, lyricist, dancer and Korean pop idol dancer as a member of the Korean pop idol group, Shinee, as the main vocalist and also member of SM The Ballad project group, both under SM Entertainment. On October 12, 2010, Jonghyun sustained injuries on his left ankle ligament, when he was mobbed by theShinee fans at theKorea-Indonesia Sharing Friendship Concertin Jakarta, Indonesia. Soon Jonghyun arrived in Seoul, he went to the hospital where he was treated with a minor cast to protect his ankle. SM Entertainment announced that Jonghyun had been suffering pains in his ankle due to his ligament injuries the past few months, and was not able to perform with the Shinee’s performance during the 20th Anniversary of SBS on November 15, 2010, and was not able to perform with his group for another few months. On October 20, 2010, Jonghyun andShin Se-kyung, a Korean actress were seen dating by a local news outlet and the relationship was confirmed by their agencies on October 26th. However, they broke up in June 2011, after nine months of dating, citing due to their busy schedules. On January 17, 2011, Jonghyun underwent a surgery in a Seoul hospital, to repair the damage done to his left ankle in October 2010. Jonghyun previous ankle injury was thought to be minor but after an examination, the doctor required a major surgery. Jonghyun had a car accident, on April 1, 2013, “Jonghyun ran into the Dongho Bridge guard rails while driving his own car after visiting his home returning to his dormitory,” according to SM Entertainment officials. Jonghyun was rushed to Gangnam hospital for nose fracture treatment, and no other major injuries.

Kim Ki-bum or Key

Kim Ki-bum born September 23, 1991, known by his stage name Key, is a south Korean actor, radio host, MC, commercial model, rapper, dancer and Korean pop idol singer, and Shinee South Korean boy group as a vocalist, lead dancer, and lead rapper. Since Key was born, he was raised by his grandmother, because his mother became ill after giving birth and his father was busy with work and could not take care of him. Key is known to be the Shinee member’s most sociable with the most celebrity phone numbers, and also known to be close to the ’91 line. The SHINee group contains people from popular groups such asNicoleofKara, Jinwoon of 2AM, Jaejin of FT Island, Dong Woon of Beast, Mir of MBLAQ, Woodhyun of Infinite, Nana of After School and Min of Miss A. In 2011, Key debut as an actor on Moon Night 90, playing the role as Lee Hyun Do, withTaemin, his fellow Shinee member.

Choi Minho

Choi Minho born December 9, 1991, is a outh Korean actor, lyricist, radio host, MC, commercial model, singer, dancer rapper,lyricist and main rapper, sub-vocalist and visual of theShinee Korean pop idol boy group under the SM Entertainment label. His father is the popular South Korean soccer coach,Choi Yun-Gyeom, and have an older brother named Choi Minseok. Minho was injured during a filming for Dream Team Season 2 in March 2010, and had to withdraw from his shows and activities whileTaemin, fellow Shinee member replaced his absence on the show. Minho finally came back in August 2010 after his recovery, to continue his promotions and shows with Shinee group’s album Lucifer. Minho was named 2011 Honorary Ambassador for Youth on May 23, 2011. Minho participated in the “Pianist”, a KBS2 Korean drama special debuted as an actor on November 20, 2010 withHan Ji-hye,a Korean actress. Minho appeared in a new comedy SBS sitcom , playing the role of Min-hyuk, a genius hacker, in “Salamander Guru and The Shadows” with actorsIm Won-heeandOh Dal-soo, on December 7, 2011, in 2012.

Lee Tae-min

Lee Tae-min born July 18, 1993, is an actor, radio host, model, dancer and pop idol singer, and Shinee member under the SM Entertainment label as themaknae,main dancer and vocalist. Taemin studied in 2007 Chinese language in Beijing. In 2005, Taemin was discovered in SM Open Weekend Audition Casting. Taemin was chosen as a member of the 5 member boy group SHINee, debuted on SBS’s Inkigayo on May 25, 2008 .” Taemin will join as a new couple with A-Pink’s Naeun on April 2013, according to SM Entertainment, on theWe Got Marriedan MBC series. They also filmed their first encounter together at Jeju Island in “Café Seoyeon’s House” from the Architecture 101 movie. They will fill the place of ZE:A’s Kwangheethe precious idol couple.

9) 2PM

2PM is a South Korean pop idol boy band, under JYP Entertainment with current members, former known as Junsu now usingJun. K, Nuchkhun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, JunhoandChansung. In 2010, the foreme leader of the 2PM boy band group Jay Park left the group. Park Jin Young, the Korean musician and founder of the 2PM who formed the eleven member boy band group called One Day. The boy band was split in a similar independent group and 2PM called 2AM.The boy band 2PM released their first song, 10 Jeom Manjeome 10 Jeom as their debut performed with their acrobatic dance styles, followed by their singles, Again & Again, The First Album 1:59PM released in 2009, and released another Korean album in 2011, Hands Up. They also released their first Japanese Album Republic of 2PM. The2PMboy band group members undergo an audition except forNichkhun,who was recruited to become part of the JYP Entertainment. Other members suck asJun. K who have won various singing contest, Ok Taecyeon, Lee Junho and Chansung, these three were participants of the Superstar Survival show,while, the two members were from America,Jaebeomwas from Seattle andNichkhun was from Southern California. Ok Taecyon lives in Massachusetts for seven years before he returned to South Korea.

Kim Minjun

Kim Minjun formerly known as Junsu now use Jun. K as his stage name, was born on January 15, 1988. He is the main vocalist of Korean pop idol 2PM boy group under JYP Entertainment. On October 17th, 2012, Junsu revealed via his personal Twitter due to family matters, he would change his name to Minjun and he will be using the same stage name, Jun. K. He can speak Korean, English, and little Japanese. Minju loves to compose and writing themes, singing, fashion, collecting accessories and shoes. Minjun is a Buddhist. According to some reports, Minjun will star a musical show, The Three Musketeers, along with fellow2AM label-mates, Changmin andYennyof the Wonder Girls.

Nichkhun Horvejkul

Nichkhun Horvejkul , born Nitchakhun Horawetchakun, born June 24, 1988, inRancho Cucamonga, California,to Thai-Chinese parents, and he is better known in his single name as Nichkhun, a Thai-Chinese-American singer. He is a member of the2PMKorean pop idol boy band group in South Korea, and he is the group’s rapper, dancer sometimes vocalist. Nichkhun has one older brother Nichan, and two younger sisters, Nichthima (Yanin) and Nachjaree (Chereen). Nichkhun moved to Thailand with his family at the age of two and studied at Dhepkanjana School and Tangpiroondham School. He studied in New Zealand at the age of 12, at Wanganui Collegiate School for a year and a half and went back in the United States to finish his studies. When Nichkhun finished high school, he became a badminton coach at the Rosemead High School, and was discovered by Park Jin-young, the JYP Entertainment K-pop singer producer, at the Los Angeles Korean Music Festival. He was then advised by Park Jin-young that he was required to learn and train how to sing, dance, learn Korean and Mandarin Chinese, and undergo some body building. He was first introduced through a program MNET’s Hot Blood, that showed the intense physical training that 13 male trainees had to go through for the opportunity to join the 2AM 4-member ballad group or 2PM, a 6-member dance group (originally had 7 members but former leader Jay Park left the group) under JYP Entertainment. Nichkhun sings or raps in English since he grew up in the United States and can speak English fluently.Nichkhun is set to play the role as Lawrence in Japanese live-adaptation filmOuran High School Host Club, as the president of a corporation in Singapore. Nichkhun starred in his first Thai film, Seven Something in 2012.

Ok Taec-Yeon

Ok Taec-Yeon born December 27, 1988, in Busan, South Korea, better known as Taecyeon, is the main rapper of the Korean pop idol 2PM boy band. Taecyeon debuted in Cinderella’s sister, a Korean drama, as an actor in 2010, and later become a main character in Dream High the KBS drama. Taecyeon immigrated with his parents, and older sister Jihyen,to Bedford, Massachusetts, a small town in the Greater Boston Area. Taecyeon and family lived there for seven years, where he was a member of the Chess Club, Jazz Band, JV Soccer Team and National Honor Society, while studying at Bedford High School, before returning to South Korea, to pursue his career. Taecyeon speaks fluent English, Korean, and Japanese.

Jang Wooyoung

Jang Wooyoung better known as Wooyoung, born on April 30, 1989, is a South Korean idol andK-pop singer, one of2PM’s six members, a boy band under JYP Entertainment management. In 2011, Wooyoung debuted in Dream High, as an actor, a KBS drama series. Wooyoung played the role as Korean-American named Jason. In 2011 performed for their 2PM’s tours (Hands Up Asia Tour and Republic of 2PM), where Wooyoung and Junhoperformed as duet that Junho composed, while Wooyoung choreographed their dance number and designed their outfits. Wooyoung’s official nickname, Owl given for his 2PM profile, and other nicknames areAngAng,Mandu CheeksandSanti Wooyoung. Wooyoung attended Howon University to study broadcasting in 2009.

Lee Junho

Lee Junho born January 25, 1990 in Ilsan, South Korea, better known as Junho, is the second youngest 2PM member of the Korean boy band and knwon for his talent in beatboxing, singing and dancing. Junho was first discovered when he won the 2006 Superstar Survival show, that started with twelve teenage competitors and contestants was eliminated one by one each week until three were left, which Junho was the winner. Followed by a reality show known as Survivor, with similar style. He loves animal and love cat pets the most. Junho has many nicknames like Wooyoung, but the most popular is “Hwang-jae” which means Emperor due to being a serious type and Nuneo,which came from an incident when Junho signed his name quickly on aStarCraftdisc newly-purchased appearing mistakenly as Ij Nuneo. Junho is also known as one of the “Jun Brothers” in connection with fellow memberJun. K. Junho is often compared with Korean pop idol entertainerRain,because of his facial features. The Humanitarian Organization World Vision reported that they launched on February 15, the ‘Global Share Project‘ in collaboration with EBS. Junho was chosen as the first volunteer with ‘Global Share Project’ and sacrificing his first vacation in four years since he started his career. His choice is to travel to Ethiopia to spend some meaningful time with the locals. Junho met with patients suffering from a rare disease called Elephantiasis, and performed with them. Junho has also been supporting a child secretly in Ethiopia who he got to meet in person, even presenting his adopted child a special gift.

Hwang Chansung

Hwang Chansung born February 11, 1990 in Seoul, South Korea, and presently residing in Seoul, best known as Chansung, is a K-pop idol singer, actor and rapper as member of the Korean2PM boy band. He is the youngest member, or maknae of the group. Chansung was a television actor and star in a MBC comedy Unstoppable High Kick in 2006, and as co-star in the Japanese drama Kaito Royale, followed by KBS2 Jungle Fish drama in 2008, before becoming a singer in2PM. He auditioned in 2006 and was chosen one of the dozen finalists (including his future band mates Taecyeong and Lee Junho) to compete in the Superstar Survival show. He speaks fluent Korean, basic Japanese, and basic English, trained as martial artist, achieving high levels in Kumdo and Taekwondo. Chansung is a Buddhist, and his hobbies are listening to music, gaming and working out. Chansung has a pet cat named, Jeonggam, or sometimes, Jeonggamie , and has become almost as popular as Chansung himself, when the cat was seen on 2PM YouTube channel, and pictures in numerous tweets. Chansung will be opening fitness center in July in Nonhyun-dong, Seoul,with his weight trainer, Hwang Mo.

Jay Park

10) Wonder Girls

Wonder Girls is a South Korean pop idol girl group, with current members,Yubin, Yeeun, Sunye, SoheeandHyelim, and the group’s name, ‘Wonder Girls’, comes from the idea that they are “the girls who can amaze the world”,managed by their producer, Park Jin-young, the singer, songwriter under his own JYP Entertainment talent agency, and also co-managed by Creative Artists Agency in the United States. The Korean pop idol girls group, the Wonder Girls had their debut in 2009 for the American market, and introduced atThe Jonas Brother’s World Tour as an opening act, performing thehit single Nobody in English version. The Wonder Girls was the first South Korean group to enter the Billboard Hot 100 at number 76 in 2009. The Wonder Girls made their entry with their compilation album Wonder Girls which include version of their hit singles,Tell Me, NobodyandSo Hot in the Chinese market in 2010. It was announced on November 26, 2012, that the group would be taking a break because of Sunye‘s marriage, with the other members focusing on their own activities.

Kim Yubin

Kim Yubin born October 4, 1988, in Gwangju, Gyeonggi, South Korea, known as Yubin or Yoobin, is a South Korean idol singer, rapper, MC, model and actress. Yubin is the main rapper of the Wonder Girls, which was introduced in September 7, 2007 under the JYP Entertainment. Yubin attended her elementary and high school education in South Korea before moving to San Jose, California and attended at Leigh High School, and went back to South Korea and pursue studies in Myongji University.Before Yubin had her debut with Wonder girls, Yubin was originally set to debut to Five Girls member girl group, under Good Entertainment, with G.NA, Uee of After School,Hyosung of Secret and Yang Jiwon former T-ara member and current member of Spica. But the five girls group was disbanded shortly in 2007, before their debut schedule because of financial troubles between the Good Entertainment and girls group members left the company. In 2007, Yubin made her debut then with the Wonder Girls, as the main rapper of the group, and replaced Hyuna, a former member, under JYP Entertainment with their comeback single “Tell Me”. Yubin sometimes act as the additional vocalist of the Wonder Girls, like in “This Time” and “Wishing On A Star”. According to some reports, Yubin will be making her acting debut in The Virus an OCN’s new drama, playing the role ofLee Joo Yeong,an IT specialist and a genius hacker, after Sunye’s marriage, and the Wonder Girl’s group have to rest with their activities.

Park Ye-Eun

Park Ye-Eun born May 26, 1989, also known as Yeeun or her English name, Yenny , is a South Korean pop idol singer, lyricist, composer, occasionally actress and model.Yenny is a member of the Wonder Girls Korean pop idol girl group, which debuted in 2007, managed by JYP Entertainment. Ye Eun or Yenny, made her debut with theirIronysingle as the lead vocalist of the group. Ye-eun composed the songs “Saying I Love You” and “For Wonderful” , which she sang these songs live in one of their US concerts. In 2012, Ye-eun also composed the song for Dream High 2 upcoming drama, which was released on February 14, 2012. Ye-eun appeared in a cameo role on Dream High 2 drama following its release to perform the song.

Min Sun-ye

Min Sun-ye born August 12, 1989, in Seoul, South Korea, is a South Korean pop idol singer, and the leader of the Wonder Girls group. Sun serves as one of the longest trainees under JYP Entertainment with other talents like2AM’s Jo KwonandMiss A’s Min. In 2007, Sunye made her debut as the girls group, Wonder Girls‘ leader and main vocalist, under the JYP Entertainment company, with their first single, Irony in 2007. JYP Entertainment confirmed on January 26, 2013, that Sunye would stop her official promotions with the Wonder Girls, before marrying James Park, her Korean-Canadian fiance. She grew up with her grandparents because Sunye’s mother died when she was very young and her father was bedridden suffering from an undisclosed health condition. Before to the Wonder Girls’ promotions for their single Tell Me in 2007 fall, her grandfather died. Sunye’s father was rushed to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition worsened in October 2009, so Sunye who was based in the United States at that time, took the first flight from New York to South Korea, skipping out many promotional events, just to be with her father. Sunye’s father died on June 23, 2010, after over 20 years of suffering from illness due to a chronic complications. Sunye went on a week long volunteer to Haiti mission in May 2011, where she cared in an orphanage for children and treated Cholera victims, and during her missionary work in Haiti she met her fiance, James Park. Sunye announced on November 22, 2011, that she was in a relationship with a James Park, a Korean-Canadian and had kept it a secret until Park Jin-young (JYP Entertainment owner), lifted theirno dating ban in mid-November, aired during the SBS Strong Heart episode. Sunye admitted that Park is not a celebrity and is currently living in Canada. Sunye and Park got married on January 26, 2013, and shortly after three months, Sunye announced on April 4, 2013 through her personal Twitter account that she’s expecting their first child. It seems to be a honeymoon baby.

Ahn So Hee

Ahn So Hee born June 27, 1992, known by her stage name Sohee, is a South Korean pop idol singer, dancer, actress, MC and model. She is the youngest member of the popular South Korean Wonder Girls untilHyerimwas added, who is few months younger thanSohee, who spent two years training before she joined the Wonder Girls.Sohee and other two membersYeeunandSunmi before their debut they performed a cover ofTogether AgainbyJanet Jackson. Sohee was cast inHellcats (I Like It Hot), her first movie in early 2008, and recently she guest starred inHere He Comes sitcom also known as That Person is Coming. On June 25, Sohee rested for a month after an injury from a running motorcycle fall tearing aknee ligament, during the shooting of Hellcats movie also known I Like It Hot, while the other four members continued to perform until July. Sohee with her fellow members acted in The Wonder Girls Movie in 2012, their first movie in U.S . Sohee was chosen as model by Tommy Hilfiger in the same year for 2012.

Woo Hye Rim

Woo Hye Rimborn September 1, 1992, better known as Lim, Hye-Lim, or Christina Woo, is a South Korean pop idol singer, rapper and model. She is a member of the Wonder Girls Korean girl group, which debuted under JYP Entertainment and part of 2009, five member group trainees. These group flew to China, while training, and performed in numerous variety shows, and widely known by Chinese fans as JYP Sisters or Sisters also namedChinese Wonder Girls by JPYE. Lim resided in Hong Kong for 14 years and attended the Hong Kong Canadian International School where she learned and speak fluent in English. Lim can speak Korean ,Cantonese, Mandarin and English. However before the group could officially debut, two of their members withdrew, and only three members were left, which included herself (Lim) Jia and Fei Fei before the group officially debuted.Then on January 22, 2010, It was announced by the JYP management, that Lim would be joining theWonder Girls as their newest member after theSunmi’s departure. Lim still keeps in contact withJiaandFei, her former JYP Sisters, who have now officially debuted inmiss A, a four-member girls group.

Lee Sun-Mi

Lee Sun-Mi born May 2, 1992, better known as Sunmi or Mimi, is a South Korean pop idol singer, former member of the Wonder Girls which debuted in 2007 under the JYP Entertainment. Sunmi quit from the group to continue her academic career, because JYP has not announced Sunmi’s official departure, but still considered still a member of the group. According to JYP management, Sunmi is welcome anytime to continue her with group for her musical career. JYP representative announced in January 13 that, “Sunmi has remained within the company and continues to sharpen her musical talents,” and added that there are no plans for Sun Mi to comeback as a Wonder Girls member.

11) Miss A

Miss A or sometimes written as miss A, is a South Korean based four member Chinese-Korean idol girl group, formed under JYP Entertainment and managed byAQ Entertainment. The four member girls group are, Fei, Jia, Min and Suzy. The name of their group stands for Miss Asia and are currently known as one of the best performance groups in their industry. The official debut of the group Miss A made officially on June 30, in South Korea as a four-member group, with their singleBad Girl Good Girl which was taken fromBad but Good, their debut mini-album.

Wang Feifei

Wang Feifei or known as Fei, born on April 27, 1987 in Haikou, Hainan, China, also a member ofMiss Aa South Korean pop idol girl group. Fei, a Chinese origin, is considered one among the four member, best known and recognized female celebrity active in the entertainment world of South Korea, withmiss A fellow members, Jia, Victoria Song leader of f(x) and Wei Sun, a fashion model. Fei at present, is attending Seoul Institute of the Arts with Jia of miss A, and Nana of After School. Wang Feifei was a former member of the group in China known as theSisters or JYP Sisters, a Chinese version of South Korea’s Wonder Girls, before she was added to miss A girl group. Fei and fellow members ofmiss A became advertising model for Samsung Anycall China in 2010. She also appeared in a cameo role in Dream High.

Meng Jia

Meng Jia, born February 3, 1989 in Loudi, Hunan, People’s Republic of China, best known for her name as Jia, is a Chinese actress, singer and model. In 2010,Jia debuted as member of the South Korean girls groupmiss Aunder JYP Entertainment management. Jia is best known as four best Chinese female celebrities in South Korea field of entertainment with fellow member of South Korean pop idol girls group,Feioff(x), Victoria Song and Wei Sun, model. Jia and fellow member miss A, Fei, appeared in a music video, My Color by2PM. While the group was undergoing training, they flew to China and appeared in different variety shows for the Chinese audience. The girl’s group was calledJYP Sisters or simply Sisters in China, and named by JYP asChinese Wonder Girls. The miss A girls group, began their promotional activities in China by signing up with Samsung Any-call China for the Samsung Beat Festival and releasedLove Again, a commercial song.

Lee Min Young

Lee Min Young, also known as Min, Kkap Min or Kkap Queen, (born June 21, 1991 (age21), in Seoul, South Korea, is a South Korean pop idol actress, rapper, singer dancer, MC and model.Minis the lead vocalist ofmiss A girls group under the JYP Entertainment’s sub-labelAQ Entertainment.Min was best known for her part in Lil Jon’s protege of South Korea and America, and the longest trainee for eight years under JYP Entertainment, before she debut as miss A member. Min had been exposed to the entertainment industry at the young age, as part of the Sesame Street Korean version,BoBoBo, as part of the duo known as “Eolleong Ddungddang“. At 13 years old, Min formed a dance duo which they called Little Winners at the age of 13, with Hyoyeon (Girls Generation member), where their videos became popular on YouTube. After a year of training, Min was sent to train more to the U.S. for preparation as she prepares for her U.S. debut, and attended at the Repertory Company High School in Manhattan. Min do some guesting in Reckless Family 2 sitcom for the month of January 2013 which she started to film the sitcom last January 7 which is aired on MBC every Tuesday at 6 PM.

Bae Su Ji

Bae Su Ji born October 10, 1994 in Gwangju, South Korea, best known for her stage name as Suzy. Suzyis also known as, Nation’s First Love, Giant Maknae, Him Suzy, a South Korean pop idol actress, model, MC, singer and dancer. Suzy is best known for her roles in the KBS2 TV series Dream High as Go Hye-mi, as Jang Ma Ri inBig and in theArchitecture 101 movie as Young Yang Seo Yeon. In 2010,Suzy is a member of miss A the Korean pop idol girl group, which debuted under JYP Entertainment and sub label AQ Entertainment. Suzy joined FeiandJia fellow members after a year of training, and after Min was added to the group, after the last-minute,miss A prepared for debut. In October 2010, Suzy became the host forMBC Show! Music Corein October 2010, withSHINeemembers,Minho and Onew and T-ara’s Jiyeon. It has also been announced by the JYP Agency on January 31, 2013, that Suzy appeared in Gu Family Book drama as the main female character in January 31, 2013 with co-star Lee Seung Gi , South Korean actor.

12) KARA

Kara or KARA, is a South Korean pop idol girl group formed in 2007 under the management of DSP Media. The group consist ofPark Gyuri, Han Seungyeon, Nicole Jung, Goo HaraandKang Jiyoung. The name of the group was derived from a Greek wordcharawhich meansjoy or interpreted assweet melody. The original group started off as a quartet and made their debut in 2007 with “Break It” while portraying a mature R&B sound and as a strong female image. Kara was expected to be as big as Fin.K.L., their senior label-mates and known to be their next successors. KARA first released as debutThe First Blooming,the group’s first studio album, but their first album was a failure commercially. Kim Sunghee departed the group the following year, due to pressure form her parents, and addedGoo HaraandKang Jiyoung as the KARA’s new members, and made a big hit in 2009 with their number one song,Honey. The KARA Korean pop idol group sold over one million singles within two years, making the Kara group as one of the fastest-selling South Korean acts in Japan.

Park Gyuri

Park Gyuri (born on May 21, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, is a South Korean idol singer and leader ofKaragirl group under DSP Media formed in 2007.Park Gyuri was a child actress before she pursue her singing career. She first appeared on Today is a Nice Day in 1995, portraying the role as the girlfriend ofKang Ho Dong‘s brother. In 2001, Park played the role as Kim Jung Eun‘s teenage version character in Ladies of the Palace. Gyuri is the only daughter ofPark Sohyun, the popular voice dubber, and it was her idea giving name Kara for her group, which made debut with their album Break It on March 29, 2007, on M! Countdown as a four girls group. Gyuri and other Kara members were Nicole Jung, Han Seungyeon and Kim Sunghee. On February 21,Park Gyuri had undergo a throat surgery, to removenodulesandpolyps found in her vocal cords, and would be difficult for her as a singer.

Han Seungyeon

Han Seungyeon, born on July 24, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. Seungyeon is a South Korean idol singer and dancer and sometimes an actress, and left South Korea at a young age, to pursue her studies at Tenafly High School in New Jersey. Seungyeon debuted as the main vocalist, on March 29, 2007, after she returned to South Korea, as a member of theKara‘s girl group formed by DSP Media in 2007. It was in 1997, when Seungyeon debuted when she appeared in 1997s Star In My Heart, as a child actress in a cameo role.

Nicole Jung

Nicole Jung her Korean name is Jung Yong-Joo, better known with her stage name as Nicole, born on October 7, 1991 in Los Angeles, California to Korean parents. Nicole attended school at Mark Keppel Elementary School and Toll Middle School in Glendale, California and into the performing arts and visual. Nicole is a Korean-American pop idol singer, best known as one of the Kara girls group formed in 2007 by DSP Entertainment. Nicole made her decision to go to South Korea to pursue her singing career with the support of her mother, and experienced hardships like adjusting to the South Korean culture from her American lifestyles.Nicole accepted DSP’s offer, and her mom moved with her to South Korea and has opened upAura The Grill, a successful Korean BBQ restaurant, and frequent customers are Nicole and her KARA fans. On January 19, 2011, However,Nicole, Kang JiyoungandHan Seung-yeon, announced that they were terminating their contract with DSP, however the dispute between DSP Entertainment and the three members was resolved on April 28, 2011.

Goo Hara

Goo Hara (born on January 13, 1991 in Gwangju, South Korea), became a member of the South Korean pop idol girls group,Kara.Goo Harais an actress, singer, dancer and model. Goo Hara is noted for her role as the president’s daughter,Choi Da-hye in 2011 Korean drama, City Hunter.Goo Hara, revealed during an appearance in Strong Heart by SBS, on January 5, 2010, confirmed that she had a minorcosmetic on her face anddental surgery. Hara, revealed having one filler injection on her nose and had her teeth fixed. She said that she had surgery to define her eyelids because she had double eyelids. The Cube Entertainment revealed that Goo Hara had a relationship with Beast member Junhyung on June 28, 2011. However, their relationship ended on March 27th, 2013, as announced by Cube Entertainment and DSP Media that Goo Hara and Junhyung parted ways and “naturally drifted apart”.

Kang Ji-young

Kang Ji-young (born January 18, 1994 in Paju, Republic of Korea)is a Korean pop idol singer, member ofKara, the Korean girl group. Kang Ji-young, debuted at the age of 15 when she was at the third grade middle school student. Jiyoung is one of the two members who joined Kara after member Kim Sung Hee left. She rendered songs, Kissing You and Girls Generation for her audition. Kang and Korean pop singer,NS Yoon-Gare cousin. Jiyoung joined theKaragirls group in 2008, after member Kim Sunghee left the group. At the time of her admission,Jiyoung was only 14 years old making her the youngest member of the group when she first joined the group,and the vocalist of the group, which was previous youngest member wasNicole Jung.The Kara pop idol girls group made their comeback with Rock U.

13) MBLAQ

MBLAQ an acronym for Music Boys Live in Absolute Quality, is a South Korean pop idol five members or quintet male vocal group under J.Tune Camp, formed by South Korean entertainer Rain. The group members areSeungho, G.O., Lee Joon, CheondungandMir, debuted on October 9, 2009, at Rain’s concertLegend of Rainism. On October 14, 2009, The MBLAQ group releasedJust BLAQ, as their debut single album, which topped in South Korean various online and offline music charts.

Yang Seung Ho

Yang Seung Ho born October 16, 1987,was born and raised in Anyang, Seoul, South Korea, an idol singer actor, dancer and model and member of theMBLAQ Korean male group as the leader and vocalist, currently active in South Korea underRainandJ. Tune Entertainment, which debuted at Legend of Rainism concert of Rain on October 9, 2009. The member of the MBLAQ who uses real name is Seung Ho, his stage name was supposedlyMir, but he rejected it. His fans nicknamed him Yang Chopin, because of many talents, plays the piano and guitar, as well. Seung Ho loves playing soccer, beatboxing, break dancing, performing card tricks, knitting, and mending objects as his other hobbies. Seungho also attends classes in gymnastics, Judo, and Hapkido, and electronics is his favourite genre of music. Seung Ho was the first MBLAQ member of the group to open a Twitter page and Me2day account.Seungho and Soyeon (of T-Ara) are good friend, because they both came in the same school for eight years, whileKARAmember Park Gyuri and F.Cuz’ s member Jinon were also in junior years.

Jung Byung Hee

Jung Byung Hee born on November 6, 1987 in Seoul, South Korea, but grew in his hometown inChangwon, South Gyeongsang Province, better known as G.O, a South Korean pop idol singer and vocalist of MBLAQ the 5 member boy band group.G.O. is the second oldest member of the group afterSeung Ho, MBLAQ’s leader. G.O. was a former member of Korean group, TYKEYS, a three member band that debuted in 2007 before he joined the MBLAQ group. G.O. is the youngest child in his family and has two older sisters. G.O appeared in Korean SBS drama Rooftop Prince followed by Ghost. G.O is a permanent cast of the Immortal Song 2 after the previous members left, along with other idols, likef(x)member Luna and4MENmember Shin Yong Jae.

Lee Joon

Lee Chang Sun born February 7, 1988, better known by his stage name Lee Joon, is a South Korean pop idol singer, actor, model, dancer and member of MBLAQ, a male group, as the vocalist and main dancer of the group,under J. Tune Entertainment management.Lee Joon portrayed in small role in CFs first episode That Person is Coming sitcom, which was aired in 2008, before he became a MBLAQ member, and completed filming for theNinja Assasin 2009 film, in which he played the role of Teenage Raizo. On November 6, 2010, during an interview, Lee Joon revealed that he is suffering frominsomniaand severeBipolar disorder. According to Lee Joon he was suffering from insomnia before his MBLAQ debut, but for a while it was treated, but due to stress, fatigue and lack of sleep due to busy schedules, his insomnia went back. Lee Joon added that the mental and physical stress induced by his busy schedule and inability to sleep caused his bipolar disorder triggered. Lee Joon was pulled out from filming MBLAQ’s special stage at the SBS’s Inkigayo, for their song “Stay“ on February 13, 2011, after he began vomiting suddenly.Lee Joon was confined to a hospital and he was diagnosed with a auditory inner ear portion disorder orcochlea,or the spiral shaped cavity in thebony labyrinth, in humans makingmodiolus 2.5 turns around its axis, but it was known that his condition is not serious, but his actities were canceled for short period to take his time for full recovery.

Park Sang-hyun aka Thunder

Park Sang-hyun was born on October 7, 1990 in Busan, South Korea, but grew up in the Philippines with elder sister, Sandara Park. known by his stage name as Thunder, (Cheondung), is a member ofMBLAQ South Korean idol group, and the younger brother of Sandara Park of the2NE1K-pop idol girls group as their vocalist. Thunder is fluent in Tagalog, English, Mandarin, Japanese and his native language Korean. His first appearance on national television when he attended the finale of her sister’s competition in the Philippines with his mother in 2004. When his sister, Sandara Park began her busy activities as a celebrity, a South Korean crew from one of South Korea’s biggest TV agencies recorded Sandara’s daily activities in theMy Name is Sandara Park documentary. Sandara’s decision to pursue activities in South Korea, their home country, and in 2007 the family returned to South Korea, and Thunder start with his career and appeared on South Korean TV. Thunder auditioned for JYP Entertainment. Thunder had taken dancing workshops courtesy by Sandara’s home network back in the Philippines. Thunder met singerIU, when he became a trainee under LOEN Entertainment, and appeared in IU‘s debut MV for her song Mia, and Thunder was also seen with self videos with IU singing Lies of the Big Bang and Sorry, Sorry of the Super Junior band. In January 2013, Thunder was cast withGyuriofKara girls group, as the main lead in upcoming MBC drama.

14) 2NE1

2NE1 or To Anyone or Twenty One or combined phrases as new revolution (NE) and 21st century, is a four-member South Korean pop idol girl group formed in 2009 by YG Entertainment. The band consists ofCL, Minzy, DaraandBom. First appeared in a commercial campaign song, Lollipop, for LG Electronics with Big Bang ,and singingFireas the 2NE1‘s debut single which was released on May 6, 2009. The2NE1 follow-up singles, Go Away, Lonely and I Am The Best were successful, and in 2011 winning their second Song of the Year award wasI Am The Best. The2NE1 band has 400 million video views onYouTube as well as 27 million digital singles sold in 2013.

Lee Chaerin aka CL

CL or Lee Chae-lin, or her English name as Faith Lee, was born on February 26, 1991 in Seoul, South Korea, but grew in Japan and France, is a South Korean K-pop idol singer, rapper, dancer and song writer. CL can speak French, Japanese and English. In 2009, CL debuted under YG Entertainment with her 2NE1 bandmates,Sandara Park, MinzyandPark Bom. CL‘s father was a Physic’s professor, that’s why in her early age the family moved and live in France and Japan. As a teenager, Then her family moved back to South Korea as their permanent residence when she was a teenager. CL was once a JYP Entertainment trainee, where she made friends withSoheeand Yeeun of theWonder Girls andJun. Kof the2PM, and solo artistJay Park, ZingerofSecret and Min of miss A. CL is the2NE1‘s rapper in her group, and she was featured in Adidas Originals, a new rap campaign “all Originals Make Moves” on March 2012, and said that CL personally wrote the lyrics to the rap.

Gong Minji aka Minzy

Gong Minji was born on January 18, 1994 in Seoul, South Korea, known as Minzy, Mingkki, Eromaknae, is a South Korean pop idol singer, rapper and dancer. In 2009,Minzy debuted as2NE1member under the YG Entertainment with label mates CL, Sandara Park and Park Bom. In November 2009, MinzyandCL‘s duet song “Please Don’t Go,” rose to number 6 on the monthly Gaon Chart. Minzy with the 2NE1 has released two extended 2NE1 second mini album plays, and one full length To Anyone album, together with their Japanese releases. Minzy was born in Seoul, but the family moved to Gwangju after she participated during her younger years in many dance contests and competitions. Gong Okjin, a legendary folk dancer in South Korea is Minzy‘s grandfather.Minzy has lot of friends in the music industry with idols, such asAmber, Luna, of f(x), Sulli, and Girls Generation‘s Yoona, Tiffany, Sooyoung and Hyoyeon, and PSY, Siwon of Super Junior, Goo Hara of KARA and solo artist IU.Minzy is also close to Japanese pop starKoda KumiandG-Dragon of Big Bang has named Minzy as his favorite junior.

Sandara Park

Sandara Park was born on November 12, 1984 in Busan, South Korea,, better known as Dara, is a South Korean pp idol singer, dancer, actress, TV host, and model and 2NE1 director of communications. Sandara Parkis the older sister ofCheondong or Thundera MBLAQ member. However,Dara first gained major popularity in the Philippines during their stay, joinedStar Circle Quest on ABS-CBN. Dara was 10 years old when the family moved to the Philippines to start a trading business. Then she met an actress and talent of ABS-CBN Corporation, Pauleen Luna in 2004, encouraged Dara to join and audition for Star Circle Quest, a talent search. she won as the second place winner, and became a talent under Star Magic of ABS-CBN. Sandara Park had a lead role movie, 2004 Bcuz Of You, a trilogy movie, with Hero Angeles a Filipino actor, and stars like Kristine Hermosa and Heart Evangelista. She won her first acting award as Best New Actress in 21st Star Awards for Philippine Movie Press Club. Her 3rd movie was in 2006, D’ Lucky Ones paired with Joseph Bitangcol also a contestant from the Star Circle Quest, since Hero Angeles quit from acting. Park also released her self titled six track album with dance hit,In or Out in the Philippines. Then Yang Hyun Suk of YG Entertainment, discovered Park after viewingMy Name is Sandara Park documentary of ABS-CBN, in December 2004 and offered Park a workshop classes in South Korea. She then had a workshop in March 2005, make hold of her career in the Philippines. She then resumed for work back in the Philippines as an actress after six months of training. And finally decided to go back to South Korea with her family on August 1, 2007. Her acting career was very successful and also with commercial endorsement and TV shows in the Philippines. Park Sang-Hyun or better known as Cheondong, her younger brother, is a member of MBLAQ boy band under J. Tune Entertainment, the JYP Entertainment subsidiary. In 2009, Dara released herKiss first digital single and it was included in 2NE1′s first studio album the 2010s To Anyone, as the 9th track. Sandara Park was chosen to become CLIO’s endorsement model and became their new endorsement model in February 2013.

Park Bom

Park Bom was born on March 24, 1984 in Seoul, South Korea, but grew up in the United States when the family moved during her younger age. Park Bom, is a South Korean pop idol singer, a primarily a pop and R&B singer, and the main vocalist of the2NE1girl group under the YG Entertainment.Park Bom recorded with her labelmates Big Bang, Lexy, Masta Wu and also starred in Anystar with co-actress Lee Hyori in her CF in 2006. She also starred as the lead actress in Tell Me Once More a Kim Ji Eun;s music video in 2008, and made her debut in 2009 with the 2NE1 girls group in 2009. Up until now, Park has released two solo singles, You and I andDon’t Cry, and the two singles became number one on the national chart of Korea, the Gaon Chart. In 2010, their single “You and I” won at the Mnet Asian Music Awards as the “Best Digital Single. The 2NE1 group collaborated with Big Bang, their senior label-mate for the songLollipop, which gained success, but questions were still raised as to whether the group could survive on its own. Mariah Carey and Beyonce are the American celebrity singers, whom she said as her biggest influences and her inspiration to pursue her singing career.

15) Super Junior

Super Junior (Syupeo Junieo) is a South Korean pop idol boy band formed byLee Soo-manproducer and owner of the SM Entertainment, formed in 2005, comprising a total of thirteen members, although originally debuted with twelve members, consisting ofLeeteukas the leader,Heechul, Hankyung, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook and Kibum, and Kyuhyun was added in 2006. Known as the “Kings of the Hallyu Wave”, Super Junior is also known as the Kings of the Hallyu Wave, launched into international recognition, and followed by the release of Sorry, Sorry, in 2009 their best-selling single, and were the best-sellingKorean pop artists for three years. Hankyung departed from the group in December 2009, after filing a lawsuit against the S.M. Entertainment. In December 2010, Hankyung won the lawsuit, although his departure from Super Junior was not made official until he was finally released officially on September 27, 2011. While one member, Heechul enlisted for his mandatory military service on September 1, 2011. Kangin was absent from the group’s 4th and 5th promotional albums, but completed his service in April 2012, and rejoined the group for their 6th album promotions, however, the absent of the Super Junior three members are considered as part of the group without concern. Leeteuk also enlisted for his mandatory military service on October 30, 2012. As of 2012, Super Junior has nine active members as of 2012, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae Ryeowook and Kyuhyun.

Park Jeong-su aka Leeteuk

Park Jeong-su was born on 1 July 1983, best known by stage name as Leeteuk, is a South Korean pop idol singer-songwriter, actor, television host and MC.Leeteuk is the leader ofSuper JuniorK-pop boy band and it’s subgroups,Super Junior-T andSuper Junior-H. When Leeteuk andPark Inyoung, his older sister, and a South Korean actress, traveled in 2000 for a holiday in Myeongdong, he was discovered and advised by a SM Entertainment talent scout to audition for Starlight Casting System.Being older than the other trainees, Leeteuk as the oldest member among the trainees, he became the leader of the group.Leeteuk revealed that he choses this stage name due to his desire to have a name with the same effects asKangta, and to avoid confusion withPark Jeong-su,a veteran actress, which also his agency treated him as special member of the group, thus the name Leeteuk denotes special. After Super Junior-T‘s release of their first singleRokuko,on April 19, 2007, Leeteuk had a car accident and had serious injuries withShindong, Eunhyuk, Kyuhyun and two managers, while on the way home after a radio show recording of the Super Junior Kiss the Radio.Due to this accident, Leeteuk was not able to take part in Super Junior’s debut in 2007s Attack on the Pin-Up Boys in a big-screen production, but was revealed at the end of the movie, that Leeteuk had played as the panda mascot, which was later confirmed that it had beenRyeowook who replaced hin and portrayed it in most of the film.

Kim Hee-chul

Kim Hee-chulwas born on July 10, 1983, best known by his stage name as Heechul, a South Korean pop idol singer, actor and presenter, and member ofSuper Junior South Korean boy band and its subgroup,Super Junior-T.Heechul enlisted for his mandatory military service on September 1, 2011, and after four weeks of basic training at the Nonsan Military Camp in Chungcheongnam-do Provinve and will be serving as a public service worker for 23 months. Heechul was involved in a car accident on August 10, 2006 while heading back to Seoul fromMokpo after attending the funeral of Donghae’s father, their fellow Super Junior member. His car tires malfunctioned while his car attempted to switch lanes. Heechul obtained fractured left leg in five places, including his femur, knee, and ankle, was required a leg surgery for six hours.Heechul‘s other injuries, includes a tear in his tongue which required stitches. Heechul started to perform again in 2007 regularly despite still having a few rods that the doctors had attached to his leg. Heechul had recovered enough in late April to May 2007, to be able to take part in Super Junior’s strenuous dance routines, though the remaining rods in his leg were removed in 2008.

Han Geng

Han Geng (Hankyung) was born on February 9, 1984 born in Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China, an ethnicNanai descent from Noertheast China.Han Geng is a ChineseMandopop singer, actor and dancer as skillful in all 56 ethnic Chinese traditional dances, as well as ballet and hip-hop dance.Han Geng has been dubbed in China as the “Dancing King” and “King of Popularity”. In 2001, Han Geng started his career, when he was chosen by SM Entertainment to become a part of the Super Junior South Korean boy band, debuted in 2005, and chosen to be the leader of SUper Juniro-M, its sub-group in 2008. Han filed a lawsuit against SME on December 21, 2009, to terminate his contract as feeling that the 13-year contract was unlawful, overly restrictive and unfair, that he was forced to work outside of his contract and refused to file sick leave leading and no day off given over two years. Han also included in his argument, that he had developed Gastritis and kidney disease and has returned to China to pursue a solo career.On September 27, 2011, Han Geng’s departure from Super Junior became official by Han Geng’s legal representatives and SM Entertainment company, with statement of “amicable settlement on a mutual agreement and the lawsuit was able to come to a close after Han Geng submitted his Notice of Withdrawal of Appeal”.

Kim Jong-woon aka Yesung

Kim Jong-woon was born on August 24, 1984, in Seoul and at the age of 10, their family moved to Cheonan, South Chungcheong. Kim Jong-woon is best known by his stage name Yesung, is a South Korean pop idol singer, musical actor and DJ on Radio, and member of the Super Junior K-pop boy band and Super Junior-K.R.Y and Super Junior-H, its subgroups, as one of the three main vocalists. His stage name ‘Yesung‘ as his stage name, term art-like voice and is taken from the phrase which means “vocal cords of an artist”.Yesung’s soundtrack for SBSThat Winter, The Wind Blowsmelodrama, entitled “Gray Paper”was released on February 13, 2013. During the Super Show 5 Tour Seoul concert, Yesung announced that he will enlist for his mandatory military service scheduled on May 6, 2013, and will serve as a public service worker after four weeks of basic training, will not be able to take part in the Super Show 5 Tour South American leg.

Kim Young-woon aka Kangin

Kim Young-woon was born on January 17, 1985, known by his stage name as Kangin, a South Korean pop idol singer, actor, and MC, also a member of Super Junior boy band.Kangin, means strong benevolence, which was given to him as his stage name, to complement his personality. Kangin enlisted for mandatory military service at the Nonsan military camp in Chungcheongnam-do Province, in July 2010, for a basic training program for five weeks and active duty for the Republic of Korea Army for 20 months, and in April 2012, he was discharged. Kangin‘s debut was on November 6, 2005, and was officially partSuper Junior 05, a 12-member project group under the SBS’s Popular Songs music program. Kangin was arrested for his involvement in a fight outside a bar in Nonyeon-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, between two men on September 16, 2009. According to witnesses that two men entered a room where Kangin and a friend were seated and began a heated argument. Kangin left the bar, but the two men followed him outside and began showed acts of violence. Some source said, that Kangin was trying to stop the fight, and a surveillance camera caught the incident, and was reported to the police. Kangin was cleared after the interrogation and was later proven that Kangin act as self defense. Because of the incident, Kangin was removed as the main model forAndre Kim’s fashion show,and all his future schedules was cancelled after his Super Junior’s Super Show 2 concert appearance concert in Hong Kong. On October 16, 2009 around 3am, Kangin crashed into a parked taxi but no one inside, and left the accident scene, however, Kangin turned himself to the police after five hours, and was reported to have 0.082% alcohol level when he went to the police station. Despite of Kangin’s turning himself to the police, he was still charged ofhit-and-run. Kangin was summarily charged for drunk driving and hit-and-run and a fine of ₩8 million on January 13, 2010, by the Seoul Central District Court.

Shin Dong-hee

Shin Dong-hee was born on September 28, 1985, best known by his stage name as Shindong, a South Korean singer, actor songwriter, MC, and radio host. He is a member of theSuper JuniorK-pop boy band and Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H, its subgroups. Shindong is one of four lead dancers and rapper of Super Junior, and often co-writes rap lyrics withEunhyuk,his band mate and is noted for his comedy style, and enjoys cracking jokes and attends gag performances frequently. Shindong loves to present a healthier image to his fans, thus, he went on a diet in and lost around 19kg in 2008. Shindong lost another 10kg in early 2009, after Leeteuk announced that Shindong will lose more weight for his fans, a comment in “Super Junior’s Kiss the Radio“. Shindong had previous acting as a comedian, his acting debut was in Attack on the Pin-Up Boys, the Super Junior film, which premiered on 26 July 2007, followed by a major supporting role in Single Dad in Love, a mini TV series in 2008. and also participated in the original soundtrack of the drama. Shindong with partner Kim Shin-young in their radio program, appeared inQueen of Housewives, MBC drama episode.

Lee Sung-min

Lee Sung-min was born on January 1, 1986 in Ilsan District of Goyang, Gyeonggi, best known for his stage name as Sungmin, is a South Korean pop idol singer, DJ and Musical theater actor, and gained popularity when he became a member of Super Junior K-pop boy band who debuted officially as part of the 12-member rotational group Super Junior 05 on November 6, 2005 and Super Junior-T, Super Junior-H and Super Junior-M, its sub-groups. Sungmin has a younger brother, Lee Sungjin. Lee Chun-hwa is Sungmin‘s father, is the CEO of two companies, SendBill, creating e-tax software, and an analytic company known as Network Mania. Sungmin‘s teaser photo was released on June 25 showing a feminine look profile-sided and long blond hair holding a largebaby breath flowers bouquet. Super Junior-M released their second album,Break Down with the music video for the lead single of the same name on January 7, 2013.

Lee Hyuk-jae

Lee Hyuk-jaewas born on April 4, 1986 in Neunggok, Goyang, Gyeonggi, best known with his stage name as Eunhyuk, a singer, songwriter, dancer, rapper and television host, and the main dancer and rapper of the Super Junior K-pop boy band and their subgroups, Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H. Eunhyuk joined Super Junior‘sMandopop subgroup,Super Junior-M and theDonghae&Eunhyuk duo in 2011. During Eunhyuk‘s elementary days he was a member of SRD dance group, which stood for song, rap and dance, with childhood friendKim Junsu. When Eunhyuk turned thirteen, along with Junsu he auditioned for SM Entertainment in 2009, through the company’s Starlight Casting System, and undergo a training in singing, dancing, acting, and a short course of Mandarin Chinese. Eunhyuk, Kim Junsu and Sungmin were placed in a R&B project group in 2002. Eunhyuk was diagnosed withH1N1 influenzaon February 26, 2010, but was set to appear as a guest at the Into the New World byGirls Generation label mate encore concert in Seoul, but has to be pulled out and replaced byLeeteukandHeechul,his band mates. Eunhyuk, withSungmin was added as two new members ofSuper Junior-Min 2011. Eunhyuk withYesungandShindong filled in forHeechul,their bandmate, who enlisted on September 1 formandatory military service on September 27, 2011, during theMusic Bank performance andKim Jang-hoon‘sShow! Music Core latest single, “Breakups are So Like Me“. After almost two months release of the Super Junior-T’s first singleRokuko, on April 19, 2007, Eunhyuk was involved in a car accident, with Shindong, Leeteuk, Kyuhyun and two managers, on their way home after Super Junior Kiss the Radio show recording.

Lee Dong-hae

Lee Dong-haeborn October 15, 1986,in Mokpo, Jeollanam, known as Donghae.is a South Korean pop idol singer, dancer, rapper, songwriter, actor and promotional model.Donghae is the main dancer, vocal, and rapper of theSuper JuniorK-pop boy band and its subgroup, Super Junior-M, also one of the chosen first four Korean artists to appear on Chinese postal stamps.In 2004, Donghae, with Leeteuk were placed into another boy band group and formed Super Junior with other ten trainees. These group was later named as Super Junior 05, the first generation of Super Junior, a rotational music group. Donghae had been cast as the male lead forYou Belong Heremovie, as announced on December 14, 2012, that marked as official actor on the big screen, and set to be filmed and release in 2013.

Choi Si-won

Choi Si-won born April 7, 1986 but officially registered as February 10, 1987, best known for his stage name as Siwon,is a SOuth Korean pop idol singer, actor and model, and best known as a member ofSuper Junior K-pop boy band and its subgroup Super Junior-M. Siwon is chosen as one of the first four South Korean artists to appear on Chinese postal stamps, also the first Korean celebrity to exceed 3 million Twitter followers. Siwon has one younger sister, Jiwon. His father is the CEO currently of a pharmaceutical company, Boryung Medience. Siwon is a Protestant Christian, and has said in an interview, he want to become a missionary after his career. Siwon made an appearance in Precious Family, a short drama, after a year and again in 2005,Eighteen, Twenty-Ninea KBS drama, playing the role as young Kang Bong-man and played the supporting role of Park Sang-woo in 2006 Spring Waltz drama.Siwon playedKang Min, a top celebrity with a prickly personality, withKim Myung-min playing as production CEO and Jung Ryeo-won, a Korean actress and was aired at the conclusion of Faith.

Kim Ryeo-wook

Kim Ryeo-wook was born on 21 June 1987, best known for his stage name as Ryeowook, a South Korean pop idol singer, songwriter, Radio DJ. Ryeo-wook is one of three main vocalists of Super Junior, plays the piano and do the accompaniment for fellow members on stage during concerts, K-pop boy band member and its subgroups,Super Junior-MandSuper Junior-K.R.Y. Ryeowook with four other Super Junior members, is one of the first Korean artists to appear onChinese postal stamps.Ryeowook was the last member to join Super Junior after few weeks before their 2005 official debut, and Kyuhyun came as additional member in 2006. On January 7, 2013, Super Junior-M released their Break Down second album, with the music video for the lead single with the same name.

Kim Ki-bum