Boyfriend (Korean: 보이프렌드) is a South Korean boy band under the management of Starship Entertainment. The group consists of six members: Kim Dong Hyun, Shim Hyun Seong, Lee Jeong Min, Jo Young Min, Jo Kwang Min and No Min Woo. They debuted on Mnet's M!Countdown on May 26, 2011 with their debut single "Boyfriend", which was produced by Brave Brothers. Their fanbase was officially named "Best Friends" as of August 10, 2011
Pre-debut
Jo Kwang Min and Young Min had auditioned for JYP Entertainment, where they trained with the company for two years.[1] By their 100th day mark of being child actors, the boys had already appeared in over 300 commercials.[2] While in high school, Dong Hyun starred in Conduct Zero, a variety show where six rebellious high school students were made into exemplary students.[3] He was also in a Japanese group for a commercial.[citation needed]
No Min Woo was the first member of the group that was revealed. Released on March 22, 2011, he made a cameo in label mate K.Will's music video "My Heart Beating", along with established idol singers IU and MBLAQ's Lee Joon.[4] Two days later, Starship Entertainment revealed a photo of the identical twin brothers, Jo Young Min and Jo Kwang Min. It was also revealed that the two had previously served as K.Will's back-up dancers in the variety program Quiz That Changes the World in January 2011.[5] Before their debut, Boyfriend was featured on M! Pick, which revealed the course of their debut.[6] The group's first music video teaser, "Let's Get It Started", was released on May 20, 2011. They continue to write wonderful songs for their fans.
2011–present: Debut
On May 27, 2011, Starship Entertainment released their debut single "Boyfriend", along with the full music video. Later that day, the group had their debut on KBS's Music Bank.[7] In mid-July, in response to fans concerned that the group had limited its appeal, Boyfriend changed their choreography for their single "Boyfriend" when appearing on music shows after rehearsing for two days.[8] After ending their promotions for "Boyfriend", the group followed-up with the song "You & I", which received a more positive response from music critics.[9]
On September 28, 2011, the music video teaser for Boyfriend's second single, "Don't Touch My Girl", was released. One day prior to its release, the single was leaked onto the internet, which was quickly uploaded to online torrents and video-sharing website YouTube. Starship Entertainment believed that it may have leaked by an affiliate.[10] On October 6, Boyfriend's second single, "Don't Touch My Girl", was released and the accompanying music video featured a cameo by actress Lee Seyoung.[11][12] In contrast to their initial cute concept, "Don't Touch My Girl" showcased a more masculine, military-like concept.[13] The single proved to be a success and it peaked at number three on the Gaon chart, higher than their previous single which only peaked at number seven.[14]
On November 24, 2011, the music video for the special digital single, "Pink Romance" which was a collaboration between Boyfriend and their labelmates, K.Will and Sistar as part of Starship Planet.[15] It has also been confirmed that Boyfriend will release a new winter single on December 8, 2011.[16]
Members
- Kim Dong Hyun (김동현), born February 12, 1989 , is the leader and lead vocalist of the group. He attended Myongji University and plays the piano.[17][18]
- Shim Hyun Seong (심현성) , born June 9, 1993 , is the main vocalist of the group. He attended Young Dong High School.[19]
- Lee Jeong Min (이정민), born January 2, 1994 , is the lead vocalist of the group. He attended Seoul Music High School20].
- Jo Young Min (조영민), born April 24, 1995 , is the lead dancer, vocalist, and visual of the group. He is Kwang Min's older twin. He attends the School of Performing Arts Seoul.[21].
- Jo Kwang Min (조광민), born April 24, 1995 , is the main rapper and lead dancer of the group. He is Young Min's younger twin. He attends the School of Performing Arts Seoul.[22].
- No Min Woo (노민우), born July 31, 1995 , is the main dancer and lead rapper of the group. He attends the School of Performing Arts Seoul.[23]
