TVXQ! Dong Bang Shin Ki! Tohoshinki! By whatever name you know them, TVXQ are arguably one of the best boybands to come out of Korea and have made a huge impact in Asia.
L-R: Xiah Junsu, Micky YooChun, Hero JaeJoong, Max ChangMin, U-Know YunHo.
Xiah, Micky, Hero, Max and U-Know debuted with their single “Hug” back in 2004, and instantly became a hit on the charts with their harmonic voices, their boyish good looks and playful charm. Their name translates roughly as “Rising Gods Of The East”, and perhaps it was prophetic, as they are now one of the major bands is Asia with their universal appeal. Their music is heard as far as places Brazil and Peru, and their appeal is such that they have rabid fans in many countries who take pains to learn their dances and upload it onto YouTube.
Their talents don’t just stop at upbeat Korean pop, as of now, TVXQ! have released their 3rd Japanese Album, mostly of ballads, proving that these boys don’t just drop dance moves like it’s hot, but can croon with the best of them.
I have mixed feelings about saying that I only discovered TVXQ! about 5 weeks ago. I am happy because I’ve discovered a Korean band that makes me feel like a teenager again (and I am 26!), but I am sad because I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot. But I am quickly catching up, and I think I can say that I’m part of Cassiopeia soon enough.
A short story on how I discovered TVXQ! Those five weeks ago, on a lazy Sunday afternoon like this one.. I went to Batu Bersurat to see my best friend, when I happened to drop by one of the many DVD shops there to check out some new boxsets. I wasn’t really looking for any Korean dramas at the time, but nevertheless I still wandered around the shop for quite a bit of time. Usually, DVD shops here have this horrible habit of either playing trance music or latest hits at this deafening volume that you can even hear from your car when you pass by, but unusually enough that day, perhaps to suit my rather mellow mood, this DVD shop was playing a very pretty song on the sound system. I was so surprised by it, I actually asked the girl at the cashier about it. She took out the cover of the DVD that had been actually been playing, and without a second thought, bought it right out of her hand.
When I got home, I immediately watched the DVD and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked all the songs and videos on the DVD and played it non-stop for the next two days. After some clever googling, I found out the name of my new favourite band in the world, TVXQ! The song I heard that day was “Hug.” And the rest is history, since I am sitting here now, typing out my little story. (In case you’re wondering what DVD it is, I think it’s one DVD out of the All About DBSK Vol. 1, the one with the Music Videos and KBS Performances.)
Though the DVD itself is pirated (as are most DVDs, CDs and VCDs in Brunei.. I am grateful for it because it introduced me to a whole new world of music. I had listened to Jay Chou, Ken Hirai, F4 and NRG before, but this was my first experience with K-Pop, and I like it. I’ve got Kang Ta, BoA and Shinhwa lined up for my next purchases. I spent a minor fortune on YesAsia.com just buying some of the essential TVXQ! back catalog. I’m so hooked that I even managed to get myself a copy of Bonjour Paris! on eBay after some amazingly competitive bidding. I will review all my purchases as soon as the arrive. (^-^)b
So who do I like in TVXQ!/DBSK? The answer is simple.. ALL OF THEM!
It’s really hard to choose a favourite member, because each one of them has their own charisma.. and I have watched enough interviews and videos on YouTube to get an idea on each of them.
There’s no doubt that Hero Jaejoong is definitely the pretty boy of the group. One look at his delicate handsome looks, and anyone would agree he is entrancing from first glance. He seems to be the ‘mother’ of the group. The oldest and perhaps the one with the most angelic voice, as well as looks. I love how he can be kooky at times and despite his ‘cold looks’ is very warm and caring.
I adore Micky because he seems to be the ‘deep, sensitive one.’ His rich deep voice rounds out the boys well. He seems to have a very good one on one relationship with each of the guys, perhaps especially Junsu and ChangMin. He might be the one who talks least of all during the interviews, but he is the most musically talented out of all of them, having written several songs and is an excellent piano player.
XIAH! JUNSU! Ahhhh! Whenever I see Xiah on screen, he makes me want to scream his name because his excitable energy seems to affect me. Two words that describe him : Dolphin Boy! He seems to have the character of a dolphin, curious and lovable.. and also he can squeak like one too. He is one of the lead vocals besides Jaejoong, as he has an amazing powerful voice that can be honey or a projection of feeling.
Max is the youngest, and has an aura of quiet intelligence, but also of schoolboyish sweetness. But don’t let that fool you, he can be mischievous as well. If Xiah’s voice has power, then Max has amazing range. He can switch from deep richness to an amazing alto vocal in a breath. He can be too honest, and strangely funny. I’d really like Max to try and record his own album to find out what genres he can get out of his voice.
Rounding up the group, and definitely not the least, U-Know, though the 2nd oldest, is the leader of the group. Probably one of the best dancers, his vocal, though not comparably powerful or special to the rest completes the sound of TVXQ! He has excellent rapping skills, and takes his responsibilities as leader seriously, very much aware of his group members feelings, and happy to take charge in any situation.
A few songs that I recommend for a first time listener :
From the first album: “Hug” and “Tri-Angle”
From their 2nd : “Rising Sun” and “One”
From their 3rd : “O”, “You’re My Miracle”
Japanese Tracks : “Choosey Lover” “Step By Step” “Aisenai Aishitai” “Sky” “Begin”
Hallyu! Brunei 