The members of SS501 were chosen at a pick-up talent show in March, 2005. The program from the collaboration between KM and Mnet cable television made them popular. Fan-specific cafes were opened even before SS501 officially debuted. They made their debut with the single “경고” (Gyeonggo), which was released in June, 2005. Its members are active as MCs, models, advertising stars, diverse shows, DJs, and actors. Initially, the first “S” of “SS501” stood for “Super”, while the second “S” was for “Singer-songwriter”. The number “5” represents the number of members, 0 denotes “infinity”, and “1” means number 1. But now, the first “S” stands for “Sun, Star, Special”, which symbolizes their future. While the second “S” stands for “singer”, and “501” means five that are eternal into one. In April 2006, SS501 were on stage at Nippon Budōkan for commemorating the start of the broadcast for Mnet Japan cable television. The next day they held a fan meeting. The first concert in Japan was held at the Grand Cube Osaka, in September of the same year. After preparing to debut in Japan, the maxi single “Kokoro” was released in August, 2007. “Kokoro” arrived at 5th on the Oricon charts. The second single, “Distance ~ Kimi to no Kyori” was released September 19, 2007, and reached number 3 on the Oricon. After that, the first album, SS501, was released on October 24, 2007. Their success in Japan earned them a spot on the 22nd Japanese Gold Disc Awards, which was held in March, 2008, as one of the 10 best newcomer artists.
Kim Hyun-joong’s Profile
Name: Kim Hyun Joong (김현중) Position: Leader, main dancer, vocalist, rapper, face of the group Birthday: June 6, 1986 Zodiac Sign: Gemini Height: 180 cm Weight: 68 kg Blood Type: B
Kim Hyun-joong’s Facts:
He is now under KeyEast. He is from Seoul. In 2008 he was part of We Got Married, where he was paired with rapper and Chakra member, Hwangbo. He can play guitar, bass, piano, and drums. He debuted as an actor in 2008 in Boys Over Flowers. The show was immensely popular and he received two acting awards for his role. After Boys Over Flowers he became a spokesman for the cosmetic companies Tony Moly and The Face Shop. He debuted solo in Korea in 2011, and in Japan in 2012. An ex-girlfriend of his filed lawsuits and a paternity claim against him in 2014 and 2015. He has also been charged with drunk driving and had his license revoked in early 2017. In May 2015 he enlisted in the military as a border patrol guard. He was discharged in February 2017.
Heo Young-saeng’s Profile
Name: Heo Young Saeng (허영생) Position: Main vocalist Birthday: November 3, 1986 Zodiac Sign: Scorpio Height: 178 cm Weight: 63 kg Blood Type: O
Heo Young-saeng’s Facts:
He was born in Gwangju, South Korea. He can play the piano. Education: Hyundae High School, Dong Seoul University. He trained at SM for two and a half years, then spent three months with DSP before debuting. He was the first member of the group to compose music. On October 29, 2013, he enlisted in the military. He was released in July 2015. He is now under CI Entertainment. His fan club name is Y.E.S. He is close with Super Junior, TVXQ, and JYJ members because he trained with them at SM, as well as with Lee Hongki and Go Ara. He is the leader of subunit Double S 301.
Kim Kyu-jong’s Profile
Name: Kim Kyu Jong (김규종) Position: Main rapper, vocalist Birthday: February 24, 1987 Zodiac Sign: Pisces Height: 181 cm Weight: 65 kg Blood Type: A
Kim Kyu Jong’s Facts
He studied at Baekje Arts College. He is now under CI Entertainment. His fans are called thanKYUs. He is from Jeonju, South Korea. He has a younger sister named Eunah. On July 23, 2012, he enlisted in the military, and was discharged in July 2014. He made his musical theatre debut in Goong Musical in 2011, performing first in Tokyo and later in Seoul. He is a member of the Double S 301 subunit.
Park Jung-min’s Profile
Name: Park Jung Min (박정민) Position: Lead dancer, vocalist, rapper Birthday: April 3, 1987 Zodiac Sign: Aries Height: 181 cm Weight: 67 kg Blood Type: O
Park Jung Min’s Facts:
He is from Seoul. He is now under Victor Entertainment. In 2010, he opened an online shopping mall called Royal Avenue, of which he is the CEO. He made his musical theatre debut in 2009 in Grease. He has a brother and a sister. Before debut, he was in a commercial for condoms. He was scouted by both SM and DSP but chose DSP because he thought he would debut faster. He speaks fluent Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. His nickname is Romeo. He enlisted in the military in July, 2015, and was released in July, 2017.
Kim Hyung-jun’s Profile
Name: Kim Hyung Jun (김형준) Position: Lead vocalist, rapper, maknae Birthday: August 3, 1987 Zodiac Sign: Leo Height: 181 cm Weight: 66 kg Blood Type: O
Kim Hyung-jun’s Facts:
He can play the piano and guitar. He is a member of the subunit Double S 301. His younger brother, Kibum, is a former member of U-Kiss. He is now under S Plus Entertainment. He was the first K-pop idol to perform in Bolivia. Education: Kyonggi University’s Department of Information and Communication. He made his theatre debut in October, 2011. He debuted as a soloist on March 8, 2011. SS501 was so influential in Japan that Hyung Jun popularized the international use of the Korean word maknae (meaning “youngest member”).
