Baro, the rapper of the group, got into the company first when a representative saw his photo posted on his friend's Cyworld mini homepage. He performed a version of Jo Soo Mi's 'Once I Leave' and Sung Shi Kyung's 'The Path Leading to Me' earning him a spot on the group which is to be B1A4. The group's leader Jinyoung got into the company by acting out the character 'Gong-gil' from the movie "Man of the King". Gongchan, the youngest got into the company when he won Cyworld's "Ulljang Challange" when he was in middle school. His pretty boy looks has also been acknowledged by the company when he won a cross-dressing contest while performing Ivy's song. Vocal and sub-rapper, CNU got into the company when he joined in a teenage singing contest, after smiling on stage an agent fell head-over-heels over him and recruited him to be in the group that is now B1A4. Sandeul, the main vocal, was the last one to join. He got into the company when he sang a song of Kim Yun Woo for a talent contest that caught the attention of an agent.
Prior to the group's official debut, they had undergone rigurous training in singing and dancing. Member Jinyoung who had shown interest in writing and composing was specially trained to pen a few song and compose some as well. Members Baro and CNU who were appointed as the rappers of the group was trained specifically in rapping while Sandeul was trained rigurously in singing as he was to be the main vocal. Jinyoung and Gongchan had some training in acting for a while as well.
B1A4 (Korean: 비원에이포) is a South Korean boy band under the management of WM Entertainment. They debuted in 2011 with their single "O.K". They were first introduced to the public through a "webtoon". They have released one studio album, 3 EPs and various singles in Korea.
The group began their foray into the Japanese market late 2011 with a showcase and in 2012, they released their first compilation album that consisted of all the tracks from their first 2 EPs "Let's Fly" and "It B1A4". The group released remakes of two Korean singles namely Beautiful Target and Sleep Well, Good Night as Japanese singles on June and August respectively with the former peaking at number 4 with groups like KAT-TUN and Girls' Generation. Their debut Japanese album "1" is slated for a late October release.
Jinyoung 진영 November 18, 1991 (age 21) Leader, Lead Vocalist
CNU 신우 June 16, 1991 (age 21) Lead Rapper, Vocalist
Sandeul 산들 March 20, 1992 (age 20) Main Vocalist
Baro 바로 September 5, 1992 (age 20) Main Rapper
Gongchan 공찬 August 14, 1993 (age 19) Vocalist, Visual, Maknae.
Under Pony Canyon, the group released the Let's Fly/It B1A4 Combo Album in Japan on January 25. The group also released their first OST song for the drama Take Care of Us, Captain (kor:부탁해요, 캡틴 rom: butakhaeyo, kaeptin) entitled Sky. They are the first rookie group from 2011 to release an OST single which is used as the main title track. On February 3, news broke out that the group is aiming to accumulate at least 2,000,000 followers on their Twitter accounts as part of their mission on MNET WIDE Entertainment's segment Sesame Player where the group is currently starring. The show has currently aired 9 episodes and is aired every Friday starting February 3. The show was originally 12 episodes but due to the group successfully lowering the goal to half of the original 2,000,000 the show ended after 9 episodes, the group successfully gained a million followers in total.
After numerous rumors circulating regarding the group's impending comeback, WM Entertainment has announced the a track from the group's first full-length album would be released. On midnight of March 5, "THIS TIME IS OVER" was released as part of the group's comeback, along with it was a small clip containing an announcement from WM Entertainment regarding the group's comeback, a teaser photo of member BARO was also released. Photo teasers from Gongchan, Jinyoung, CNU, and Sandeul were released in the succeeding 8 days with a 2 day interval for each release. Prior to the release of the physical album on the 14th, the group prepared a pre-single entitled "This Time Is Over" which was composed by the new rising composing group "Our Hyung and My Dongsaeng " (kor: 우리형과 내동생; rom: uri hyung-gwa nae dongsaeng) and was co-written by them and member BARO who personally penned the lyrics for his raps on the song. The single was released on the 5th of March and has peaked at number 44 on the Gaon Singles Chart. The full album entitled "THE B1A4 I : IGNITION" or simply "IGNITION" was slated for a March 14 release followed by their comeback stage on M!Countdown the next day. Their title song "Baby I'm Sorry" was composed, written, and produced by B1A4's leader Jinyoung. The song features a catchy melody and a unique composition that brings out unexpected twists. The music video was released at noon on March 14. The group held their second comeback stage on KBS' Music Bank on the 16th followed by their first performance on MBC's Show! Music Core and SBS' The Music Trend on the 17th and 18th respectively. The album "THE B1A4 I : IGNITION" has topped the Hanteo Chart for several times already and has peaked number 2 on the weekly charts. The group sold an impressive 43,513 copies of the album which is an unusual feat for any Korean rookie idol group to achieve. As of the April 2012 charts, the group has sold a total of 47,042 copies. A repackaged version of their first studio album is scheduled for release on May 24 digitally while the physical copy will be released on the 29th. Information about the album has not been revealed by the company but release dates and teaser photos of the members have been revealed starting from Jinyoung on the 14th, BARO on the 15th, Sandeul on the 16th, CNU on the 17th and lastly youngest Gongchan on the 18th. The repeackaged album entitled "IGNITION : Special Edition" is expected to show another side of B1A4.
As announced by member BARO, an inauguration of their Japanese fanclub called "BANA JAPAN" was held at the SHIBUYA AX in Tokyo. "JAPAN BANA: FORMED FORMULA" took place two times in the span of three day making it six events all in all. Several things were done on the event including the votation for the fanclub's official logos, the performances of the group which included "OK", "BABY I'M SORRY" and "Beautiful Target", and the announcement of their debut in Japan. For the fanclub logos, several fan-accounts stated that the logos up for votation were designed by the members themselves. The members personally announced that under "Pony Canyon", they would make their Japanese debut with the Japanese version of their song 'Beautiful Target" and is slated for a late June release on the 27th. There will be three versions of the single and each will contain a ticket for the handshake event that will be held on June 30 on Kanto with the venue impending and on July 1 on Lazona Kawazaki Plaza. Version A of the album will have the Japanese version of their song "Chu Chu Chu" and a DVD of their showcase and an album jacket BTS video. Version B will have the Japanese versions of "Bling Girl" and "Chu Chu Chu" and will include a jigsaw puzzle. The regular edition only has the Japanese versions of "Bling Girl" and "Chu Chu Chu" and an original Japanese song entitled "Ready to Go."[59] All three versions of the single topped the daily pre-order chart of Tower Records Japan.
On the same day of their official Japanese debut, their single "Beautiful Target" ranked #4 on the Oricon charts along with famous Japanese boy band, KAT-TUN, and popular Korean girl group, Girls' Generation. A representative of their agency stated, “We’re surprised by the fact that B1A4 ranked within the top 5 on the Oricon Chart despite being a foreign rookie group, and a group that hasn’t begun promotions in Japan. Representatives in the music industry and fans are showing high interest in their next move.” According to WM Entertainment, their second Japanese single, "Sleep Well, Goodnight" (jap: "おやすみ good night"; romaji: o-ya-su-mi good night) , will hit stores on August 29. The single “Sleep Well, Good Night” comes in three editions, each has a different track list and bonuses. Limited A of the album will have a bonus DVD that includes live tracks recorded in April at special event and the cover jacket photo shoot footage. Limited will have a bonus earphone holder (1 of 5) and bonus coupling track “SO FINE”. The regular edition of the album is a regular CD with their new Japanese track, “Fly Away”.
After much speculation from netizens, KBS Joy confirmed that Season 6 of Hello Baby will indeed feature B1A4. KBS’s CP Lim Yong Hyun reported that B1A4 has started the photo shoot for their ‘Hello Baby’ season 6 profile shots. The soon-to-be-fathers are preparing for this season’s concept of “Hello Family’s Seoul Sightseeing”. KBS JOY PD Lim Yong Hyun clarified, “The plan is to have B1A4 along with two children aged five years old, to travel around Seoul in order to embark on the process of mastering [and fully understanding] the city. In this season of ‘Hello Baby’, two 5-year-old “babies” will be participating. As they are respectively from the Gyeongsang and Jeolla provinces, the two children, with their regional accents and sweet personalities, are expected to bring a new kind of entertainment to the show." On Lauren Lunde's (from MBLAQ's Hello Baby) official facebook page, they revealed that Lauren is scheduled to film in B1A4's Hello Baby starting on August 1st.
In response to why he selected B1A4 for season 6, he stated “ All of the previous idol groups appeared on ‘Hello Baby’ when they were in the process of reaching the next important step in their career. The program became a helpful boost in that goal. B1A4 is in a similar situation. They are in the middle of preparing for their promotions in Japan, and they have much potential to become bigger Hallyu stars. They are well known in Korea, and we casted them because we look forward to high viewer ratings. I’ve watched B1A4′s music video and I liked it. I’m content with our choice.”
B1A4's Hello Baby succeeded in capturing teenage girl's hearts. According to the report released by AGB Nielson Media Research, ‘B1A4′s Hello Baby’ recorded 1.503% in viewer ratings with females in their teens. Considering the fact that any cable show is considered a success if their ratings reach 1%, the show is off to a great start. Following the success of previous seasons, season 6 with B1A4 and the group’s unique brand of energy and enthusiasm has increased viewer ratings. Fans have also been very excited about the show. They commented, “B1A4′s charms are finally being shown“, “Everything the babies do is so lovely“, “Love the small missions“, and “When the first-time daddies panic, it’s the funniest“.
On July 23, Gongchan underwent surgery to remove a kidney. WM Entertainment revealed "During promotions for ‘Sleep Well, Good Night’, Gongchan had complained of pains in his side. After receiving a complete medical checkup at the hospital, it was revealed that his kidney was not functioning well. However, Gongchan had a strong desire to continue with promotions and receive surgery after the group’s activities, so we decided to delay his surgery. Whenever Gongchan experienced pain, he’d receive painkillers and continue with promotions. He always had a bright smile while thinking of his fellow members and his fans, making his medical condition unaware to the public. Gongchan had personally asked to keep the news of his surgery quiet because he did not want to cause unnecessary concern for his fans." According to Gongchan’s doctor, “Gongchan was diagnosed with congenital narrowing of his ureter, leading one side of his kidney to not function at all. Therefore, we decided on a surgery to remove one of his kidneys.”
After one week, Gongchan was released from the hospital and returned to his hometown for rest. Meanwhile, Jinyoung, Sandeul, Baro, and CNU also returned to their hometowns. This marked B1A4's first vacation since 3 years. Fans reported sighting the members in their hometowns of Cheongju, Chungju, Busan, and Suncheon starting on July 28. According to WM Entertainment, B1A4 never got a day to rest since their trainee days because of their busy schedule of album production and promotions. Since Gongchan went home to recover after his recent surgery, the rest of the members went on their first vacation in three years to recharge.
The group is also scheduled to release a new OST track, titled "Hey Girl" on August 14. The song will be the title track for the upcoming drama "The Thousandth Man". This will be B1A4's second OST track— both, being the main themes of its respective dramas. In addition, it has been said that B1A4 will have a short cameo in the drama.
On September 25, B1A4's official Japanese website announced the group's first full-length Japanese language album entitled "1". The album is said to contain 5 new Japanese songs, the 2 pre-released singles, and 3 remakes which totals to 10 songs all in all. The album is to be released in 3 version namely the CD+DVD version which includes both music videos of the two singles and BTS videos for each, the CD+Goods version which includes a special member figurine (one out of five types) and a CD-only version which comes with a special trading card (one out of five different designs). All versions of the album contains a lottery ticket to the premium event for the album.
Along with the announcement of the album was the announcement of a DVD entitled "B1A4 History: 2011-2012 in Japan". The DVD costs ¥5,800 and will contain clips of the three showcases for their debut, Beautiful Target and Sleep Well, Good Night held in December, June and September respectively. The DVD is slated for an October 17 release just before the release of their album on October 24.
On September 26, WM Entertainment, B1A4's Korean agency announced that the group would finally hold their first ever headlining concert "BABA BA14" this coming December 8 and 9 at the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium (formerly the Olympic Fencing Gymansium). This would mark the first time a 2011 rookie group would hold a concert on a big venue where groups such as SS501, Super Junior and Girls' Generation have performed. The concert would be co-produced by both WM Entertainment and CJ E&M, and all apparent information about the concert would be announced by mid-October.
On October 12, WM Entertainment finally revealed details regarding the group's first concert. Along with the aforementioned information announced last September 26, the concert is said to start at 6:00 PM and tickets will be sold at October 18 starting at ₩ 88,000 (approximately $ 80). A poster was also revealed on the group's official website as a teaser. Additional individual member poster were also posted on the website starting with Jinyoung, CNU and Baro on October 15, 2012 and was followed by Sandeul's and Gongchan's a day later.
On November 5, WM Entertainment revealed a teaser for their new mini-album entitled "In the Wind". The audio-free teaser is a short clip of what looks like a large meadow/field. A day later, Jinyoung and Baro's teasers were released. The teasers show the boys lounging about in an outdoor setting with a piano accompaniment. On the 8th, Gongchan, CNU, and Sandeul's teasers were released with similar concepts.The mini-album was released on November 12 while the music video for Tried to Walk was released on the 13th.
Discography
Studio albums
- 2012: IGNITION
- Extended plays
- 2011: Let's Fly
- 2011: it B1A4
- 2012: In the Wind.
- Studio Albums
- 2012: 1
- Singles
- 2012: Beautiful Target
- 2012: Sleep Well, Good Night
Variety shows
- 2011: MTV Match Up ( with Block B)
- 2012: MTV Selca Diary
- 2012: Mnet WIDE Entertainment: Sesame Player Season 3
- 2012: MTV B1A4 Hotline (Japan)
- 2012: KBS Joy B1A4's Hello Baby Season 6
Guest appearances
- 2011: KBS Oh My School / 100 Point Out Of 100 (Baro, Gongchan) 2 last episodes
- 2011: MBC Idol Athletics Championships
- 2011–2012: SBS Star King (Jinyoung, Sandeul, Baro)
- 2011–2012: Y-Star God of Cookery Road (Baro as Co-MC 2012)
- 2011: MBC Quiz to Change the World (Baro and Sandeul)
- 2011: MTV Let Me Show
- 2011 - 2012: MBC Weekly Idol
- 2012: MBC TV 'Idol Athletics and Swimming Championships
- 2012: SBS MTV Special B1A4 Selca Diary
- 2012: SBS 1000 Song Challenge (Jinyoung, Gongchan, CNU, Sandeul)
- 2012: MBC Quiz to Change the World (Baro and CNU)
- 2012: KBS2 Let's Go! Dream Team 2 (Baro, Jinyoung and Sandeul)
- 2012: KBS Joy Hug (Baro and Sandeul)
- 2012: KBS2 1 vs 100 (Baro and Sandeul)
- 2012: Immortal Song 2 (Sandeul, Baro and CNU)
Sitcoms
- 2012: KBS Need a Fairy (CNU)
Music Video Appearance
- 2012: Zia - One Year (Baro)
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