Koyote

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Koyote
코요태
Img_capt = Left to right: Kim Jong Min, Shin Ji, Bbaek Ga
Img_size =
Landscape =
Background = group_or_band
Birth_name =
Alias = Koyotae
Born =
Died =
Origin = Flagicon|South Korea Seoul, South Korea
Instrument =
Genre = K-pop, dance, hip hop
Occupation =
Years_active = 1998 - present
Label = Trifecta Entertainment
Yuri Entertainment
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.koyotetri.com/ Official Site]
Current_members = Kim Jong Min
Shin Ji
Bbaek Ga
Past_members = Cha Seung Min
Kim Goo
Kim Young Wan
Jung Myung Hoon
Notable_instruments =

Koyote (코요태) is a popular South Korean dance and hip hop group consisting of members Kim Jong Min, Shin Ji, and Bbaek Ga. The group first debuted in 1999 with Shin Ji, Cha Seung Min, and Kim Goo. As a group, they are known for their catchy dance/pop songs, which have been their trademark. In 2005, Koyote won the KBS daesang (대상) (the Korean equivalent of the Grammy Award) for "Artist of the Year".

Current members

Kim Jong Min

Kim Jong Min (김종민) (born September 24, 1979) has been with the group since the third album. He was background dancer for Uhm Jung-Hwa before joining with Koyote. He has been the male vocal of the group, as well as its most prominent member in terms of public appearances. Kim Jong Min has been notable for being a popular mainstay of many Korean variety shows (such as KBS's "Heroine 6" and SBS' "Love Letter"), as he has become a goofy, naïve "character" known for silly comments and actions. In 2006, he won the Best Entertainer Award from the KBS' drama awards. He is now serving mandatory time in military. Also, he is currently dating Hyun Young(현영).

hin Ji

Shin Ji (신지) (born November 18, 1981) is the only female member in the group and also the only one who has been with Koyote since the start. She has also released the digital single "Always" which was used as soundtrack for anime game Yogurting. She has also been noted for her weight loss in the early 2000s, and has been jokingly called the man of the group (when compared to the relative weakness of Kim Jong Min).

Bbaek Ga

Bbaek Ga (빽가) (born May 14, 1981) whose real name is Baek Sung Hyun (백성현), joined the group in 2004 for its sixth album, and has been with them since. He is the rapper of the group.

Former members

Cha Seung Min

Cha Seung Min (차승민) (born June 12, 1979) was the male vocalist for the first and second album. Cha Seung Min left to the U.S. for abroad studies. He was raised in Annandale, Virginia area before being discovered. Kim Jong Min replaced him starting from their third album [ [http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/enter/music_artists_detail.htm?No=10124 KBS Artist Search - Koyote] ] .

Kim Goo

Kim Goo (김구) (born March 2, 1977) whose real name was Kim Won Gi was raised in Baltimore Maryland area before being discovered for the group. He was jailed for possession of ecstasy in 2002. During this time, Koyote performed as a duo until another member was added. He was replaced by Kim Young Wan.

Kim Young Wan

Kim Young Wan (김영완) (born May 17, 1970) was previously a member of the group "Cola" and dance team "Friends".

Jung Myung Hoon

Jung Myung Hoon (정명훈) (born February 21, 1982) replaced Kim Young Wan for the fifth album. He was previously a member of the group "OPPA" and "PLT". He left to serve his compulsory duties for the military. Bbaek Ga replaced him starting from their sixth album.

Discography

Notes

* In July 2006, Japanese artist, DJ OZMA, released a cover version of Koyote's debut single "Soonjeong (순정)". The title was transliterated as "Sunjon" (純情-スンジョン).

References