JBJ (band)

JBJ (Korean: 제이비제이) was a South Korean boy group consisting of six members who previously participated in Mnet's 2017 survival show Produce 101 Season 2.[1][3] The group was managed by Fave Entertainment, while CJ E&M oversaw the group's release production.[4][5] The group officially debuted on October 18, 2017.[2] They held their final concert on April 22, 2018, and disbanded on April 30, 2018.[6]

JBJ
JBJ in 2017 From left to right: Donghan, Kenta, Taehyun, Sanggyun, Longguo, Hyunbin
Background information
Also known as	Just Be Joyful[1] Really Desirable Combination[2][upper-alpha 1]
Origin	South Korea
Genres	K-pop
Years active	2017–2018
Labels	Fave CJ E&M
Past members	Roh Tae-hyun Kenta Takada Kim Sang-gyun Jin Longguo Kim Dong-han Kwon Hyun-bin

History

Pre-debut

Produce 101 Season 2 premiered on Mnet in April 2017, where 101 male trainees from various South Korean entertainment companies competed to debut in an 11-member boy group that would promote for two years under YMC Entertainment. The show ended on June 16, forming the project group Wanna One.[7] On the same day, the show's fans had named Kenta Takada of Star Road Entertainment, Jin Long-guo of Choon Entertainment, Kim Sang-gyun of Hunus Entertainment, and Kim Tae-dong of The Vibe Label (later known as Major Nine), as eliminated trainees whom they would like to debut together as a project group equivalent to Produce 101's I.B.I.[1][upper-alpha 2] The fans tentatively named the group "JBJ", which stands for the Korean phrase 정말 바람직한 조합, meaning "A Really Desirable Combination", and "Just Be Joyful".[1][upper-alpha 3] Later on, Roh Tae-hyun of Ardor & Able (later known as Star Crew Entertainment), Kim Dong-han of OUI Entertainment, and Kwon Hyun-bin of YGKPlus were soon added into the fan-imagined group after the Instagram photo that Taehyun posted had received positive feedback from fans.[3][8][9]

Discussions to officially form and debut JBJ began around early July 2017 between the seven tentative members and their respective agencies.[10] CJ E&M and LOEN Entertainment also participated in the discussions as the intended management companies of the group's releases and activities, respectively.[4][5] Fave Entertainment, LOEN Entertainment's in-house label, was tasked to be the group's official agency.[5] On July 25, the trainees and the companies had reached an agreement.[4] It was reported that the group's contract would last seven months, but LOEN Entertainment expressed that they are open for any discussions to extend the group's contract.[2] JBJ was tentatively scheduled for debut on September 10 with all seven members,[4] but was later confirmed for debut on October 18 without Kim Ta—dong.[2]

Kim Tae-dong's participation in the group was not confirmed because of an ongoing conflict with his agency, The Vibe Label.[11] On July 27, Kim Tae-dong had sent his agency certification of contents and requested for his contract be terminated.[12] Since then, the involved parties, including CJ E&M and LOEN Entertainment, had numerous meetings to resolve the conflict but, as of September 7, had yet to reach an agreement.[11] After more than a year of inactivity, during which he was unable to promote as an official member of JBJ, he has returned to the agency, now called Major 9 Entertainment.[13]

Debut with Fantasy

The group's first reality show, Just be Joyful JBJ, began airing on September 27, 2017 on Mnet M2 Channel.[14]

JBJ released their debut extended play Fantasy on October 18, 2017 with the title song "Fantasy". They also held a debut showcase at Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium on the same day. On October 19, JBJ made their official debut stage on the music program M Countdown with performing title song "Fantasy" along with song "Say My Name".[15]

On October 19, it was announced that JBJ would hold fan meetings all across Asia, starting in Japan (Tokyo and Osaka) on November 23 and 26 respectively.[16]

On December 21, it was confirmed that JBJ's new album was set to be released in January 2018 and also announced that JBJ would hold their first solo concert titled JBJ 1st Concert [Really Desirable Concert] from February 3 to 4, 2018. The two-day concert was held in Olympic Park's Olympic Hall.[17] It was reported that the 7,000 available tickets sold out in under a minute.[18]

True Colors

On January 3, 2018, JBJ announced the new extended play titled True Colors and also revealed the tracklist of the EP, followed by six individual teaser image of each members over the next six days. One day later, four teaser images of the group's was revealed. Two days later, the music video teaser for the lead single "My Flower" was released and the EP spoiler video was released three days later.[19]

Following by the release of True Colors on January 17, JBJ held a comeback showcase titled Joyful Colors in Yes24 Live Hall the same day.[20]

On January 18, Fave Entertainment announced that JBJ's fanmeetings across Asia had been concluded and finished in the Philippines on January 14.[21][22]

JBJ received their first music program trophy with "My Flower" on the January 26 episode of Music Bank.[23]

Possible contract extension

Originally, JBJ was set to disband in April 2018. However, all six members expressed interest in extending their contracts, there had been discussion over a possible extension of their contracts.[24] On February 22, Fave Entertainment and all of the members' agencies had officially been discussing the possibility of a contract extension until December 2018.[25][26] On March 14, Fave Entertainment confirmed that JBJ's seven-month promotions would be concluded with the expiration of the management contract on April 30, as the companies decided not to extend the contracts. The members would still actively promote until the end of their contracts.[6]

Last activities

On March 15, 2018 JBJ confirmed that they would be releasing their last single "New Moon" on April 17, and also announced plans to hold a domestic concert and fanmeeting before the official disbandment date of April 30.[27] On March 19, JBJ announced details on the final solo concert, titled JBJ Really Desirable Concert [Epilogue], which would take place in Seoul from April 21 to 22, 2018, as an extension of their first concert Really Desirable Concert in February. The two-day concert was held in at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium.[28]

JBJ released their final album New Moon on April 17. The album included three new tracks in addition to all the songs from Fantasy and True Colors.[29]

On April 22, JBJ concluded their final concert JBJ Really Desirable Concert [Epilogue] as their last performance.[30][31]

The group officially disbanded on April 30, 2018, due to members' contract expiration with Fave Entertainment.[6]

Members

Adapted from their Naver profile.[32]

• Roh Tae-hyun (노태현, member of Hotshot)
• Kenta Takada (타카다 켄타/髙田健太, member of JBJ95)
• Kim Sanggyun (김상균, former member of Topp Dogg, member of JBJ95)
• Jin Longguo (김용국/金龙国, member of Longguo & Shihyun, now a soloist[33])
• Kwon Hyun-bin (권현빈, knowed as VIINI now a soloist)
• Kim Dong-han (김동한, as a soloist)

Discography

Special albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions		Sales
		KOR [34]	JPN [35]
New Moon	Released: April 17, 2018 Label: CJ E&M Music (Stone Music Entertainment), Fave Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download Track listing J.B.J. (Intro) Fantasy Say My Name 오늘부터 (Ride With Me) 꿈을 꾼 듯 (As If In A Dream) 예뻐 (CD Only) True Colors On My Mind 꽃이야 (My Flower) Moonlight Wonderful Day 매일 (Everyday) 매일 (Everyday) (Love Ver.) (CD Only) 부를게 (Call Your Name) ☆☆ (Be Joyful) Just Be Stars	2	19	KOR: 59,959+[36] JPN: 6,680[37]

Extended plays

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions			Sales
		KOR [38]	JPN [39]	US World [40]
Fantasy	Released: October 18, 2017 Label: CJ E&M Music (Stone Music Entertainment), Fave Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download Track listing J.B.J. (Intro) Fantasy Say My Name Ride With Me (오늘부터) As If In A Dream (꿈을 꾼 듯) 예뻐 (CD Only)	3	15	15	KOR: 137,859+[41] JPN: 8,893[42]
True Colors	Released: January 17, 2018 Label: CJ E&M Music (Stone Music Entertainment), Fave Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download Track listing True Colors On My Mind My Flower (꽃이야) Moonlight Wonderful Day Everyday (매일) Everyday (매일) [Love ver.] (CD Only)	1	5	8	KOR: 123,034+[43] JPN: 22,715[44]

Singles

Title	Year	Peak chart positions			Sales	Album
		KOR [45]	KOR Hot [46]	US World [47]
"Fantasy"	2017	23	89	14	KOR: 80,075+[48]	Fantasy
"My Flower" (꽃이야)	2018	20	9	—	N/A	True Colors
"Call Your Name" (부를게)		87	—	—		New Moon
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Other charted songs

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Sales	Album
		KOR [45]
"Say My Name"	2017	—	KOR: 16,235+[49]	Fantasy
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Filmography

Television

• Produce 101 Season 2 (Mnet, 2017)
• Just Be Joyful (Mnet, 2017)

Concerts

Headlining

Korea

• JBJ 1st Concert [Really Desirable Concert] (2018)
• JBJ Really Desirable Concert [Epilogue] (2018)

Japan

• 2018 JBJ Japan Tokyo Valentine Live

Asia

• JBJ 1st Concert [Joyful Days] (2018)
  • Thailand (March 31, 2018)
  • Indonesia (April 7, 2018)
  • Japan
    • Tokyo (April 10, 2018)
    • Osaka (April 11 & 12, 2018)

Awards and nominations

Asia Artist Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2017	JBJ	Popularity Award	Nominated
		Rising Star Award	Won

Gaon Chart Music Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2018	FANTASY	New Artist of the Year (Album)	Nominated

Golden Disc Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2018	JBJ	New Artist of the Year	Nominated
		Global Popularity Award	Nominated

Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2017	JBJ	Kpop Singer Award	Won

Seoul Music Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2018	JBJ	New Artist Award	Nominated
		Popularity Award	Nominated
		Hallyu Special Award	Nominated

V Live Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2018	JBJ	Global Rookie Top 5	Won

Korean Entertainment Arts Awards

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2018	JBJ	Best Rookie Group (Male)	Won

Notes

1. An accurate translation of "Joeongmal Baramjikan Johab" (Korean: 정말 바람직한 조합).[2]
2. Excerpt: "이런 가운데 남자판 아이비아이(I.B.I)는 벌써 나온 듯 하다. 국민 프로듀서 사이에서 '켄콜태균'이라는 조합이 큰 인기를 얻고 있다. 3차 순위 발표식 당시 아깝게 방출된 타카다 켄타(스타로드), 김용국(춘엔터), 김태동(더바이브), 김상균(후너스)을 일컫는 말이다. 이들의 데뷔까지 바라는 국민 프로듀서가 많다."[1] Rough translation: Members of the possible male equivalent of I.B.I has also been chosen. The fans of the show refers to them as "Kenkoltaegyun", which consists of Kenta (Star Road), Jin Longguo (Choon), Kim Taedong (Vibe), and Kim Sanggyun (Hunus). The fans hope to see them debut as a group.
3. Excerpt: "시즌2에도 이런 조합이 있다. 국민 프로듀서들은 타카다 켄타, 김용국, 김태동, 김상균에게 JBJ(Just Be Joyful의 약자)이라는 애칭까지 붙여줬다."[1]

References

1. Lee, Ho-yeon (2017-06-16). "제2의 아이비아이"…'프듀2' 켄콜태균을 아십니까?. Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation. Retrieved 2017-09-16.
2. Kim, Ji-ha (2017-08-30). JBJ 도장 꾹, 7개월 프로젝트 활동 시작 (in Korean). TV Daily. Retrieved 2017-09-23.
3. So, Da-eun (2017-06-19). ‘프로듀스101’ 노태현, 김용국-권현빈 등 연습생들과의 사진 공개…‘JBJ 데뷔 해’ (in Korean). TopstarNews. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
4. Kim, Yeong-rok (2017-07-26). '프듀2' JBJ, 9월10일 데뷔 확정…열풍 이어간다 (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
5. Jeong, Ji-won (2017-08-15). JBJ 측 "가녹음 진행은 사실, 계약 세부사항 논의 중" (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
6. "[공식입장]JBJ, 재계약 안한다 "4월까지 완전체 활동 후 마무리"". News1 (in Korean). Naver. March 14, 2018.
7. Park, Su-in (2017-06-16). 보아 "'프듀' 최종 데뷔 그룹명은 워너원(WANNA ONE)". Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
8. Kim, Ju-ae (2017-06-19). '프듀2' JBJ, 또 하나의 프로젝트 그룹 탄생하나 (in Korean). Xsportsmedia. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
9. 프듀101의 가상 조합 JBJ, ‘현실 데뷔’ 이뤄지나. Herald News (in Korean). Herald Corporation. 2017-06-19. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
10. Jeong, Ji-won (2017-09-12). "IBI 잇는다"…'프듀2' JBJ, 9월 가요계 데뷔 추진 (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
11. Jeong, Ji-won (2017-09-07). JBJ, 사실상 7人 데뷔 불발…"김태동, 합의안 거부" (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
12. Jeong, Ji-won (2017-07-27). 로엔 측 "김태동, 소속사 문제 잘 해결돼 JBJ 합류하길" (in Korean). Osen. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
13. ""Produce 101 Season 2" Contestant Kim Tae Dong Reconciles With Agency + Writes Letter To Explain And Apologize". Soompi. Retrieved 2018-11-29.
14. ""꿈의 데뷔" JBJ, 9월 중 리얼리티로 첫 활동 시작...음반 10월 18일(공식)". TenAsia (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved 2017-09-07.
15. "'엠카운트다운' 핫데뷔 JBJ, 몽환적 분위기 담은 강렬 사운드". Herald Pop (in Korean). Naver. October 19, 2017.
16. "JBJ, 연이은 '꽃길' 행보…일본 팬 미팅 1만석 매진과 아시아 팬 미팅 계획". Munhwa News (in Korean). October 19, 2017.
17. "JBJ 측 "1월 새 앨범 컴백…해외투어하며 준비중" [공식]". JTBC iPlus (in Korean). Naver. December 21, 2017.
18. "JBJ, 첫 단독 콘서트 7000장 1분 만에 매진". Newsis (in Korean). Naver. December 29, 2017.
19. "Update: JBJ Drops Album Cover For "True Colors" - Soompi". www.soompi.com.
20. "[더★현장] "JBJ 색깔 보여드릴 것…'TRUE COLORS'에 담은 6色 매력". Chosun (in Korean). Naver. January 17, 2018.
21. "JBJ 아시아 투어 성료...6개국 7개 지역 '하늘 찌르는 인기'". Wow TV. January 16, 2018.
22. "[팝업★]JBJ, 新 돌풍의 주인공.."음방 1위 머지않았다"". Herald Pop (in Korean). Naver. January 18, 2018.
23. "'뮤직뱅크' JBJ 데뷔 첫 1위, '더유닛-프듀' 꽃밭(종합)". Newsen (in Korean). January 26, 2018.
24. "[종합] '컴백' JBJ, 청량섹시로 1월대전 합류 "1위 목표"". X Sports News (in Korean). January 17, 2018.
25. "JBJ 측 "8개월 연장 긍정적 논의 중...확정된 사안 無" (공식)". Herald Pop (in Korean). Naver. February 22, 2018.
26. "[단독] JBJ, 4월→12월 활동연장 '청신호'…8개월 더 본다". OSEN (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
27. "[공식입장 전문] JBJ, 4월 17일 마지막 신곡 발표…해산 콘서트 개최". OSEN (in Korean). March 16, 2018.
28. "JBJ, 4월 단독콘서트 개최…7개월 여정 마침표(공식)". MBN (in Korean). Naver. March 19, 2018.
29. "[엑's 투데이] JBJ, 기적을 마무리하며…오늘(17일) 신곡 '부를게' 발표". X Sports News (in Korean). Naver. April 17, 2018.
30. "JBJ 해산소감 "길고도, 짧았던 7개월…꿈같다"". TV Report (in Korean). Naver. April 22, 2018.
31. "[솔직리뷰] "끝 아닌 시작, 우리 잊지 말길" JBJ, 7개월 여정의 끝…눈물고백". Sports MK (in Korean). Naver. April 22, 2018.
32. "제이비제이 프로필" (in Korean). Naver.
33. "Jin LongGuo To Return As A Solo Artist At The End Of August • Kpopmap". www.kpopmap.com. 8 Aug 2018. Retrieved 2018-11-29.
34. Gaon Weekly Album Chart
    • "New Moon (2018)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). April 15–21, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
35. Oricon Weekly Chart
    • "New Moon" (in Japanese). Oricon.
36. Cumulative sales for New Moon:
    • "2018년 04월 Album Chart (See #8)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association.
    • "2018년 05월 Album Chart (See #46)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association.
37. "月間　CDアルバムランキング 2018年04月度" [CD album monthly ranking of April 2018] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on May 9, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
38. Gaon Weekly Album Chart
    • "Fantasy (2017)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). October 22–28, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
    • "True Colors (2018)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). January 14–20, 2017. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
    • "Home (2018)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). October 28 – November 3, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
39. Oricon Weekly Chart
    • "Fantasy" (in Japanese). Oricon.
    • "True Colors" (in Japanese). Oricon.
40. Billboard World Albums
    • "Fantasy (2017)". Billboard Charts. November 4, 2017.
    • "True Colors (2018)". Billboard Charts. January 27, 2018.
41. Total Sales:
    • "2017년 Album Chart (See #24)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association.
    • "2018년 04월 Album Chart (See #89)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association.
42. • "2017 Oricon Chart - November Week 3". Oricon. November 21, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
43. • "2018년 03월 Album Chart (See #46)". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association.
44. "月間　CDアルバムランキング 2018年01月度" [CD album monthly ranking of January 2018] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on February 14, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
45. "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved April 2, 2019.
    • "Fantasy". October 15–21, 2017.
    • "My Flower". January 14–20, 2018.
    • "Call Your Name". April 15–21, 2018.
46. "Billboard Korea Hot 100". Billboard Korea (in Korean). Retrieved March 7, 2018.
    • "Fantasy". October 23–29, 2017.
    • "My Flower". January 22–28, 2018.
47. "World Digital Song Sales". Billboard.biz. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
    • "Fantasy". November 11, 2017.
48. "2017년 42주차 Download Chart".
49. 2017년 42주차 Download Chart [42nd week of 2017 Download Chart]. Gaon Chart. Retrieved October 26, 2017.