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| DBSK TVXQ |
DBSK or TVXQ, an acronym for Tong Vfang Xien Qi (東方神起), is a quintet Korean boy band formed under SM Entertainment label, and later debuted under Avex Trax in Japan. Its five members specialize in the areas of singing, dance, a cappella, acting, and pop with an R&B vibe. Since debut, the group gained popularity in South Korea, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and other East Asian countries with a fan base ranging from teenage girls to middle-aged women [1][2].
TVXQ fans use various versions of the group's name in different countries. In South Korea, the group is known as Dong Bang Shin Gi (동방신기), abbreviated as DBSG or DBSK, while the Japanese equivalent of the group's name is Tōhōshinki, abbreviated as THSK. TVXQ, the acronym based on the Chinese counterpart of their name Tong Vfang Xien Qi, is the abbreviation officially used on all advertisements and products outside of Japan. Their name roughly translates as "Rising Gods of the East" in all three languages.
Current Members
The first member to join was Kim JunSu (김준수). He enjoyed singing at his church when he was young. At the age of 12 he was brought into SM Entertainment through a televised talent search with Moon Hee Jun and Kangta from H.O.T. as judges. His vocals won over the judges and won him thorough training for the next six years. After three years of training, he was supposed to debut, but puberty caused his voice to change and he was unable to sing until it ended after another three years. After six years, he debuted as Xiah Junsu (시아준수; Xiah is pronounced Shee-ah in Korean). Xiah is the stage name that Kim himself chose, explaining to his fans that the name was short for "Asia," as Asia is pronounced "a-shee-a" in Korean. "Xiah" would be a reference to his desire to become not only a star in Korea, but also a star recognized all throughout the continent.
The group's second member, Jung YunHo (정윤호), secured his spot in TVXQ through a dance competition in which he won first place. Prior to this, he accumulated some musical experience as a rapper and backup dancer for K-pop singer DANA. As a dancer, he accompanied many Korean singers, travelling to China as well. Jung debuted as U-Know Yunho (유노윤호). His chose his stage name as "U-Know" from his Korean name "Yun Ho"; U-Know is pronounced "You know" in English. However, it is meant to mean "Yunho 'Knows You'" in regard to understanding the other members as their leader. He is the second oldest member and the "leader" in TVXQ.
Kim JaeJoong (김재중) left his hometown in Chungnam to audition for SM Entertainment. Having left the shelter of home, he experienced poverty and strife before becoming a celebrity. Kim debuted as YoungWoong Jaejoong (영웅재중; the English definition to his stage name is "Hero") His manager picked the name Hero for him because he wanted him to be the hero of the music industry. Kim took first place in an audition of 5000 people, both in best looking and best vocals. He became the main vocal of TVXQ.
Shim ChangMin (심창민) was grouped with the youngest participants in the audition. Like Xiah Junsu, he impressed the judges with his powerful voice. He joined the band under the name ChoiKang Changmin (최강창민; the English counterpart to his stage name is "Max"). ChoiKang in Korean means "the best"; "Max" became an international rendition of this name.
One year before the group’s debut, a final member was added. Park Yoochun (박유천) lived in Fairfax, Virginia for roughly four years before he auditioned for Brothers Entertainment and was sent to Korea to SM Entertainment. Micky was Park's English nickname when he lived in Virginia. As the winner of a talent show, he was granted the opportunity to sign with SM Entertainment in Korea. He now performs under the stage name Micky Yoochun (믹키유천).
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