ZE:A

ZE:A
ZE:A performing at the Cyworld Dream Music Festival, July 23, 2011
Background information
Also known as	Children of Empire
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genres	Pop, dance
Years active	2010 (2010)–present
Labels	Star Empire Entertainment IMX Inc./Happinet Music (Japan) Sony Music Entertainment(Asia) Warner Music Chinese Mandarin Group
Website	cafe.daum.net/Starempire
Members
Kevin Kwang Hee Si Wan Jun Young Tae Heon Hee Chul Min Woo Hyung Sik Dong Jun

ZE:A (Hangul: 제국의 아이들), also known as Children of Empire, is a South Korean 9-member boy band formed under Star Empire Entertainment. The group released their debut EP, Nativity, and lead single, "Mazeltov" on January 7, 2010,^[1] alongside their showcase performance five days later. The group debuted on KBS's Music Bank on January 15, 2010.

History

Pre-debut

Under the name Child of Empire, following their appearance on Mnet's Office Reality,^{[citation needed]} the group gained attention by performing various guerilla shows^[2][3] and creating UCC (user created content) videos.^[4] They have also appeared in a documentary-styled show Star Empire, and later getting their own documentary show titled Empire Kids Returns, showing them performing in wingcar performances around Seoul and training. The group faced controversy in December following the similarities of the group's name to Brown Eyed Girls's Jea. The group later changed the pronunciation of the name to avoid implications.^[5]

2010: Debut

Releasing teasers beforehand,^[6][7] the group debuted with their EP, Nativity under the name ZE:A, on January 7, 2010.^[1] Immediately they garnered attention, reaching #1 on both the Album Chart and Artist Chart on Daum on their debut day.

2010: Leap for Detonation and Level Up

The group made a comeback on March 25, 2010 with the release of their second mini album, Leap for Detonation. Produced by Brave Brothers, the title song "All Day Long" is melodramatic and featured a major change in style. The group released both a music video and a short music drama for "All Day Long" where member Kim Dong Jun played the lead actor. The music drama and video also featured labelmate and upcoming member Park Min Ha from Nine Muses. The group's third single, "Level Up", was released on July 8, 2010 in digital format only. No music video was ever released for "Level Up"–only two teaser MVs were released prior to their comeback.

Their official fanclub name was announced in June through an image posted on their official Daum cafe. Back in April, Star Empire revealed the top ten nominees for the potential fanclub name. After a long voting process, ZE:A's (or ZE:A STYLE) was decided as the group's official fanclub name.

2010-2011: Asian tour and Japanese debut

The group have started off their Asia promotion tour starting with Thailand at the end of July 2010. Other showcases and promotional events occurred in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and more in this tour.

On September 22, 2010, the group released their Japanese debut single ZE:A!(ゼア!). The single placed third on the Oricon daily chart. On December 21, 2010, ZE:A released their Japanese single album, Love Letter/My Only Wish, and placed second on Oricon daily chart.^[8]

It was announced on January 16, 2011 by Japan's Sankei Sports that the group will have leading roles for the Japanese-Korean collaboration movie RONIN POP.^[9]

2011: First album Lovability, special single Exciting! and Japanese single Daily Daily

The group released their first full length album, Lovability, on March 17, 2011, including songs from their previous albums as well as a few new ones.

Promotions for Lovability were cut short due to "Be My Girl", a song off their first album, was deemed unsuitable for minors.^[9] On March 16, a representative from Star Empire announced that the group will be donating a portion of their tour profits from the first half of 2011 to aid in the relief of the Japanese earthquake and tsnuami.^[10]

At the end of June, Star Empire announced that the group will be releasing a special summer single. While filming the jacket album for Exciting!, member Hyung Sik fell off the yacht with member Dong Jun. Hyung Sik was saved by Dong Jun and the group's manager, while suffering a minor ankle injury.^[11][12] A Comeback Teaser was released on July 5. On July 8, 2011, the music video for title track "Watch Out" was released and the group also made their comeback on KBS's Music Bank the same day. On July 8, for the first time, the group took the number one spot on Hanteo's real-time album sales chart. On July 29 a 1:30 minute Full Music Video of "Heart For 2" was released on ZE:A Official Youtube Channel (ZEA2011).^[13]

After two weeks of promoting "Watch Out!", the group started their follow-up promotion with "Heart For 2".

Early October, Star Empire announced that a new Japanese single will be released on November 22. The single will contain 4 tracks, a new ballad song titled "Daily Daily", a Japanese version of "All Day Long" and instrumental versions of both songs. According to Star Empire, there will be 2 DVD versions, version A and version B; version A containing Daily Daily music video & the making of the music video while version B will contain Daily Daily music video & the making of the jacket photo shooting. On November 02, 2011 a 30 second preview of 'Daily Daily' was uploaded on the ZE:A Official Youtube Channel (ZEA2011), 5 days later on November 07, 2011 a 30 second preview of 'All Day Long' Japanese Version was uploaded.

Members

Kevin

Kevin (born February 23, 1988 (1988-02-23) (age 23)) Korean name Kim Ji Yeop (Hangul: 김지엽) is the main vocalist, sub rapper and dancer . His mother, Yoon Ae, was also a musician. At the age of 13, he made his musical debut in Australia where he was raised. At the time, he was in the same agency as Russell Crowe. He also has acting experience.

Kwang Hee

Main article: Hwang Kwang Hee

Kwang Hee (born August 25, 1988 (1988-08-25) (age 23)), full name Hwang Kwang Hee (Hangul: 황광희) is a sub-vocalist of the group. Kwang Hee is also well-known for being a popular star in the variety show scene.^[14]. He is the only member who has gotten plastic surgery for his nose. He is also the bestfriend of Siwan.

Siwan

Siwan (born December 1, 1988 (1988-12-01) (age 22)), birth name Im Woong Jae (Hangul: 임웅재) from Busan is a vocalist of the group. In 2004, he made his CF^{[clarification needed]} debut Like the First Time. He is the bestfriend of KwangHee. He's passionate about fashion. Before his debut, he managed an online clothing shop. He's the one who came up with Level Up's concept. He is considered as the brain of the band because he is always teaching things to the other members, and attended Engineering school in Busan. He also plays the violin.

Jun Young

Jun Young (born February 9, 1989 (1989-02-09) (age 22)), full name Moon Jun Young (Hangul: 문준영) is the leader and a vocalist of the group. He appeared on Mnet's Flower Boy Terror. In 2010, he appeared in Mnet Scandal with member Kim Dong Jun. He is also known for his similar resemblance to JYJ's Yoochun.

On 2011/03/30 (During 'Here I Am' Promotions) Jun Young has injured his face which has forced him to take a break from his group activities, according to his agency Star Empire Entertainment. He suffered an orbital fracture to his left cheekbone yesterday after slipping in his bathroom after a shower and hitting his face on the sink. At first it was considered a slight injury Jun Young was rushed to the hospital when the pain persisted and after thorough examination, was told to have to undergo surgery for the fracture.

Tae Heon

Tae Heon (born June 18, 1989 (1989-06-18) (age 22)), full name Kim Tae Heon (Hangul: 김태헌) is the main rapper of the group. Both his parents had passed away due to cancer when he was younger. His older sister is his only close family member.

Hee Chul

Hee Chul (born December 9, 1989 (1989-12-09) (age 21)), full name Jung Hee Cheol. (Hangul: 정희철) is the lead rapper of the group. He is the first member of the group to be cast in a musical. He made his musical debut in Lunatic Dream Team with labelmate, Kim Kyung Rok of V.O.S.^[15] He is the only idol from Jeju Island.

Min Woo

Min Woo ( born September 6, 1990 (1990-09-06) (age 21)), full name Ha Min Woo (Hangul: 하민우) is the lead dancer and a vocalist of the group. He first appeared on television as a friend of a guest on MBC's Introducing A Star's Friend. He was formerly a JYP Entertainment trainee.

Hyung Sik

Hyung Sik (born November 16, 1991 (1991-11-16) (age 20)), full name Park Hyung Sik (Hangul: 박형식) is one of the main vocalist of the group. He appeared in labelmate Jewelry S's "Date" music video, as the male-lead actor. He has worked as a model for school uniforms. He also made his musical debut through "Temptation of Wolves".

Dong Jun

Dong Jun (born February 11, 1992 (1992-02-11) (age 19)), full name Kim Dong Jun (Hangul: 김동준) is the maknae (youngest) and the lead vocalist. Dong Jun is from Busan, South Korea. His members has given him the name "scary maknae". He is known for having a resemblance to actress Han Ga In. Currently, he is a student at Digital Seoul Arts Management University.

On December 22, 2009, Dong Jun and singer Sori released a collaborative digital single "Toast".

In 2010, he appeared in Mnet's Mnet Scandal with member Moon Jun Young. Kim Dong Jun made his acting debut in KBS2's New Year drama special Crossing the Youngdo Bridge.^[16] He is also a cast for CJ CGV's blockbuster TV movie Girl K.^[17] He sometimes is known to be called the look alike of JYJ's Junsu

Discography

Main article: ZE:A discography

Korean Albums 2011: Lovability Extended plays 2010: Nativity 2010: Leap For Detonation 2011: Exciting Digital singles 2010: Level Up 2010: Leap For Detonation (Repackage) 2010: Wae Mollasseulkka.. ft. Choi Hyun Joon (V.O.S) (Chosun Police 3 OST Part.2) 2011: Run To The World (The Kick OST) Promotional Singles 2010: "Mazeltov" 2010: "All Day Long" 2010: "R2 + All Day Long" 2010: "Level Up" 2010: "My Only Wish" 2011: "Here I Am" 2011: "Watch Out" 2011: "Heart For 2" Featurings 2011: Big Brother's "Will Prevail" Japanese Other albums 2010: ZE:A! (Best Album) 2011: Here I Am (Mini-Album) 2011: RONIN POP Original Soundtrack (オリジナルサウンドトラック) (Soundtrack Album) Singles 2010: "Love☆Letter" ("ラヴ☆レター") 2011: "Watch Out ~Netsuai Chuuihou~" ("Watch Out ~熱愛注意報~") DVDs 2010: First Event & Live DVD in Yokohama & Osaka 2011: ZE:A Making of Ronin Pop 2011: SEOUL TRAIN with ZE:A 2011: ZE:A Special Live -Love Letter for you- in Tokyo DVD 2011: ZE:A 1st Fan Meeting - Happy ZE:A'S Day 2011

Taiwanese Albums 2010: Di Guo Jing Xuan (帝國精選; Empire Hits) (Best Album) Extended plays 2011: My Only Wish (Special Mini-Album) Thai Extended plays 2011: Thailand Thank You Album

Works

TV and reality shows 2009: Mnet Office Reality - Child of Empire (April 15 - July 1) 2009: Mnet Empire Kids Returns (October 19 - November 23) 2009: Maknae Rebellion (Jun Young & Dong Jun & Hyung Sik)(February 6) 2010: Mnet Mnet Scandal (Jun Young & Dong Jun) 2010: School of Rock-ZE:A (August 3 ) 2010: Mnet 1doL Cam (June 21 ) 2010: KBS Joy Idol League ZE:A((May 4 ) Music videos 2010: "Mazeltov" 2010: "All Day Long" 2010: "My Only Wish" 2010: "Love Letter" 2011: "Here I Am" 2011: "Watch Out" 2011: "Heart For 2" (Short Version) 2011: "Why?"

Movies 2011: Ronin Pop (Japan) Dramas 2010: SBS Prosecutor Princess (cameo) 2010: MBC Gloria (cameo) 2011: KBS Crossing the Youngdo Bridge (Kim Dong Jun)[16] 2011: KBS Crime Squad (cameo by Kwang Hee)[18] 2011: Killer K (Kim Dong Jun) 2011: KBS "Poseidon" (Moon Junyoung) Musicals Lunatic Dream Team (Hee Chul)[15] Aladdin (Dong Jun)[19] The Temptation of the Wolf (Hyung Sik)[20]

Awards

2010

• GomTV Rookie of the Month - February
• ZE:A's Japanese single ranked at No.2 on Oricon daily chart
• Their latest single album titled "Love Letter/My Only Wish," which was released on December 21, claimed second place on Oricon's daily chart
• ZE:A, short for Children of the Empire, made their debut in January this year with their mini-album "Nativity" and followed it up with "Leap for Detonation" and "Level Up."
• They signed with Japanese entertainment company IMX in July to manage their career in the country and placed at No. 3 on Oricon's daily singles chart with their first Japanese album "ZE:A!" and held a sold-out concert in the country.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} (Korean) "‘제국의아이들’ 제아 드디어 출격 음원-뮤비 전격공개 ‘돌풍일으킬까’". Joins. 2010-01-07. http://news.joins.com/article/721/3957721.html?ctg=15. Retrieved 2010-01-30. 
2. ^ (Korean) "'제국의아이들 리턴즈', 20일 파이널 콘서트". MyDaily. 2009-11-19. http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read_pr.html?newsid=200911191144231118. Retrieved 2010-01-30. 
3. ^ (Korean) "11월 데뷔' 제국의아이들, 폭우속 윙카공연 "평생 못잊을듯"". Newsen. 2009-11-01. http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=200911010830111002&code=100200. Retrieved 2010-01-30. 
4. ^ (Korean) "'제국의 아이들', 리더 선발 UCC서 이효리 패러디 폭소". Chosun. 2009-10-11. http://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/11/10/2009111000449.html. Retrieved 2010-01-30. 
5. ^ (Korean) "‘제아(ZE:A)’ 이름논란, 브아걸 제아 팬들 팀명 변경 요구". MaxMovie. 2009-12-30. http://www.maxmovie.com/movie_info/ent_news_view.asp?mi_id=MI0087005829&contain=&keyword=. Retrieved 2010-01-30. 
6. ^ (Korean) "기대주 男아이돌 제아 티저 전격 공개 ‘막내 동준 맨몸 투혼’". Joins. 5 January 2010. http://news.joins.com/article/457/3953457.html?ctg=15. Retrieved 2010-01-30. 
7. ^ (Korean) "제국의아이들, 캐롤영상ㆍ재킷사진 일부 공개". Chosun. 2009-12-24. http://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/12/24/2009122400331.html. Retrieved 2010-01-30. 
8. ^ (Korean) "소녀시대-ZE". Nate. 2010-12-23. http://news.nate.com/view/20101223n03329. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
9. ^ ^{a b} (Korean) Jeo, Jak-gwon (2011-01-16). "제국의아이들, 韓日 합작영화로 스크린 도전장". Star News. http://media.daum.net/entertain/enews/view?newsid=20110116094914505. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
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12. ^ (Korean) Go, Kyung-min (2011-07-07). "제국의아이들 형식, 컴백 앞두고 발목부상 투혼". Newsen. http://news.nate.com/view/20110707n17902. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
13. ^ (Korean) Baek, Ji-eun (2011-07-12). "제국의아이들, 악재 씻었나? 음반판매량 1위 기록 '기염'". Sports Chosun. http://news.nate.com/view/20110712n03599. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
14. ^ (Korean) "조권·이기광·구하라...2010 최고의 '예능돌'은?". Star News. 2010-11-24. http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=shm&sid1=106&oid=108&aid=0002057969. Retrieved 2010-08-10. 
15. ^ ^{a b} (Korean) Lee, Uon Hyeok (2011-06-30). "VOS 김경록-ZE:A 정희철 ‘루나틱 드림팀’ 뮤지컬배우 변신". Newsen. http://newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201006300905501001. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
16. ^ ^{a b} (Korean) Jeo, Jak-gwon (2011-01-28). "'제아' 김동준, 연기돌 합류요~". Newsis. http://media.daum.net/entertain/enews/view?newsid=20110128162411987. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
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18. ^ (Korean) Yoo, Myung-joon (2011-03-08). "제국의아이들, 드라마만 나오면 경찰서행?". Korea Times. http://media.daum.net/breakingnews/entertain/view.html?cateid=1005&newsid=20110308102409864. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
19. ^ (Korean) "동준의 뮤지컬 '알라딘' 흥행 돌풍! 제아 멤버들 '동라딘' 응원차 깜짝방문". BNT News. 2011-05-03. http://news.nate.com/view/20110503n33731. Retrieved 2011-08-10. 
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External links

• Star Empire Official Website (Korean)
• Official Japanese Website (Japanese)
• ZE:A Official YouTube (English)
• Star Empire Official YouTube (English)
• ZE:A on Happinet Music (Japanese)