A Blast from the Past: INFINITE, TEEN TOP, U-KISS, and More - The Second Generation K-pop Boy Bands are Back!
K-pop's second-generation boy bands such as INFINITE, TEEN TOP, and U-KISS are making a grand comeback, coinciding with their 15th anniversary since debut.
According to U-KISS's label, Tango Music, on the 15th, the group is prepping for a six-member comeback in honor of their 15th anniversary, led by Soohyun, Hoon, and Kiseop - the members who have stayed true to the team without any departures.
While the remaining three members have yet to be unveiled, this marks the first time in over five years and six months that U-KISS is releasing an album under the group's name. The last song they released as a group, not as a sub-unit, was "Ready for U" back in 2017.
As a part of their 15th-anniversary project, Hoon and Soohyun will first release solo singles this month, followed by a mini-album release and full-scale promotional activities starting on June 6th.
In Japan, where they continue to enjoy immense popularity, a 15th-anniversary commemorative concert is also in the works. Starting on July 28th at Tokyo's Zepp Haneda, they will have two shows each in Osaka at Zepp Namba on the 30th.
The former member of U-KISS, Alexander, has talked briefly to JAYKEEUT x VWVB, the widely known YouTube channel, about the real reasons why he has quit the group.
U-KISS debuted in 2008 with their first mini-album 'New Generation.' They gained popularity with hits like "Noisy!!" and "Man Man Ha Ni." However, due to subsequent member departures and marriages, their activities had faltered. Although their song "Noisy!!" was spotlighted again in 2020 on SBS web content's segment 'Hidden Masterpieces,' it didn't manage to reignite their momentum. In 2021, Soohyun and Hoon were active as a unit.
INFINITE, another second-generation group that enjoyed popularity in Japan and elsewhere, has also laid the groundwork for a 'complete' group activity. Recently, Kim Sung-kyu, Jang Dong-woo, Nam Woo-hyun, Lee Sung-yeol, L, and Lee Sung-jong, the six members, established the INFINITE Company. The representative is leader Kim Sung-kyu.
INFINITE Reunites as Full Group & Establishes New Agency 'INFINITE Company' After 5 Years
Before the start of their full-fledged activities, they opened their official YouTube and SNS channels and released a video with INFINITE's logo. They will host a live party on June 9th to celebrate their 13th anniversary since debut.
TEEN TOP, known for their hit "Don't Spray Perfume," has been gaining attention again since appearing on MBC's variety show "Hangout with Yoo" in March. Riding this momentum, they plan to release a new album in July.
'Unexpected Red Light' for Teen Top Amidst C.A.P's Controversy and Departure
Former leader C.A.P, who caused controversy with his remarks, has left the group, and TEEN TOP is set to restart their activities with the reorganized four-member system consisting of Chunji, Niel, Ricky, and Changjo.
SHINee is being reported to make its comeback next month, and SM entertainment made things clear.
SHINee, a representative group of the Hallyu wave, also wrapped up their military service last month with the discharge of the youngest member, Taemin. They are gathering expectations by announcing the release of their 8th regular album within the second quarter.
- SM Responds to Fans' Protest: SHINee Fan Meeting Venue Changed to Jamsil Indoor Stadium
- Teen Top's 'Former Member' CAP: A Disgrace to Leadership
- 2.5 Generation K-pop Legends SHINee, INFINITE, and TEEN TOP: The Return of the 'Precision Dance' Pioneers
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