1TYM (Korean: 원타임; pronounced "One Time," an abbreviation for "1 Time for Your Mind") was a four-member South Korean hip-hop group under YG Entertainment, debuting in 1998 with the album One Time for Your Mind.[1][2] The group consisted of leader and main rapper Teddy Park (born September 14, 1978), rapper and choreographer Oh Jinhwan (born July 6, 1978), vocalist and songwriter Song Baekkyung (born April 12, 1979), and lead vocalist Danny Im (born May 6, 1980, also known as the maknae).[1] Formed by Korean-American members Teddy Park and Danny Im, who were discovered in Los Angeles by YG founder Yang Hyun-suk, the group later incorporated Jinhwan and Baekkyung during their trainee period in Seoul.[2]Active for approximately eight years, 1TYM released five studio albums: One Time for Your Mind (1998), 2nd Round (2000), Third Time Fo' Yo' Mind!! (2001), Once N 4 All (2003), and One Way (2005).[3] Their music blended West Coast hip-hop styles with Korean elements, producing multiple chart-topping hits and earning widespread popularity across Korea and Asia.[2] The group went on hiatus in 2006, with their last collective appearance in 2008, though no official disbandment was announced.[1]1TYM played a pivotal role in shaping early K-pop by introducing American hip-hop influences to the mainstream Korean market, paving the way for YG Entertainment's rise as a major label.[2] Members like Teddy Park transitioned into influential producers, contributing to hits by subsequent YG acts such as BIGBANG and BLACKPINK, while Danny Im later mentored trainees including BLACKPINK's Lisa and iKON's Bobby.[2] Their fandom, known as "Hip Hop Village," adopted black as the official color, reflecting the group's urban hip-hop roots.[1]
Formation and Early Years
Pre-debut Activities
The members of 1TYM, a pioneering hip-hop group under YG Entertainment, brought diverse backgrounds to their pre-debut phase, shaped by their individual experiences in the United States and South Korea. Teddy Park, born in Seoul but raised in Los Angeles County after his family relocated, developed an early interest in music during his high school years at Diamond Bar High School.[2] Similarly, Danny Im, also a Korean-American from the same area, bonded with Park over shared musical passions, including frequent karaoke sessions that honed their vocal and rapping skills.[2] Im's upbringing in California exposed him to American R&B and hip-hop influences, which later informed the group's sound blending these genres with Korean elements.[4]Oh Jinhwan and Song Baekkyung, both South Korean natives, contributed dance and rapping expertise from their local scenes. Jinhwan was active in YG's affiliated Hi-Tech dance team, a crew that emphasized street dance styles and helped scout talent for the label's early hip-hop projects.[5] Baekkyung, meanwhile, pursued rapping through multiple auditions at YG, demonstrating persistence in the competitive trainee environment before solidifying his role.[6]Pre-1998 group formation began with Park and Im recording a demo in Los Angeles with local producers, which caught the attention of YG founder Yang Hyun-suk.[2] The duo auditioned for Yang in a Koreatown hotel room and relocated to Seoul with parental approval to train under YG, where they met Jinhwan and Baekkyung.[2] Yang envisioned a hip-hop quartet to pioneer the genre in K-pop, though the group was initially planned as seven members before being reduced to four after training and auditions. This led to joint training sessions in 1997–1998 focused on songwriting, choreography, and performances.[7] During this period, the members participated in YG's pre-debut project MF New Group, a seven-member trainee collective that featured on Jinusean's 1997 debut album, providing early exposure through rap verses and music video appearances.[7] These demo recordings and collaborative tracks helped conceptualize 1TYM as a cohesive unit blending American hip-hop flair with Korean lyricism. YG Entertainment's emphasis on hip-hop during this era marked a significant step in the genre's integration into K-pop.[7]
Debut and Initial Releases
1TYM officially debuted in November 1998 under YG Entertainment with the release of their debut single "1TYM" and studio album One Time for Your Mind. The album introduced a fresh West Coast hip-hop sound to the Koreanmusic landscape, drawing from American influences and marking one of the earliest successful hip-hop integrations in K-pop. Produced in part by Perry and Q, the project showcased the group's multilingual rap abilities and rhythmic flows, setting them apart from contemporary pop acts.[8][2]The title track "1TYM" became an immediate hit, topping music charts on platforms like KBS and MBC and earning the group the Best Newcomer award at the 1998 KBS Music Awards. Other standout tracks from the album, including "널 일으켜 (Get Up)" and "Good Love," contributed to its strong reception, with the project achieving significant commercial success as one of the best-selling albums of 1998. These songs highlighted themes of motivation and romance, resonating with young audiences through their energetic beats and relatable lyrics.[8][2]In the months following their debut, 1TYM's fanbase expanded rapidly, fueled by frequent media appearances on music programs such as Music Bank on KBS and Music Camp on MBC, where they performed live to enthusiastic crowds. Their initial live showcases at YG Entertainment events further boosted visibility, drawing in hip-hop enthusiasts and broadening K-pop's appeal to urban youth. The members' pre-debut training under YG, combined with international experiences, shaped their confident stage presence and debut style.[8][2]
Career Trajectory
1998–2001: Breakthrough Success
Following their debut album One Time for Your Mind in 1998, which established 1TYM's signature blend of Korean hip-hop and R&B influences, the group solidified their breakthrough with subsequent releases that expanded their fanbase and commercial reach.[8]The second album, 2nd Round, released on April 22, 2000, marked a pivotal moment in 1TYM's rising popularity, achieving sales of 275,618 copies by October 2000 and surpassing the debut's 232,418 total units sold. Key tracks such as "Ready or Not Yo!" featuring Swi.T and "One Love" highlighted the group's evolving production style, led by members Teddy and Oh Jinhwan, and contributed to their growing presence in the domestic music scene.[9] This success underscored 1TYM's ability to merge gritty hip-hop lyrics with accessible melodies, appealing to a broader audience amid the burgeoning K-pop landscape.In 2001, 1TYM further cemented their status with Third Time Fo' Yo' Mind!!, released on December 13, which sold 64,535 copies in its first month alone, reflecting sustained demand for their music.[9] Standout tracks like "Nasty" and "Make It Last Forever" demonstrated their versatility in blending R&B elements, showcasing emotional depth through Danny Im's vocals and the group's harmonious rap delivery. The album's self-produced nature, with all songs written and composed by the members, highlighted their creative control and artistic maturity.[10][8]This period also saw 1TYM earn critical recognition for their innovative contributions to Korean hip-hop, including Rookie of the Year awards at the 1998 SBS Music Awards and Golden Disc Awards, as well as Best Hip Hop Artist honors at the 2000 SBS Music Awards and KMTV Music Awards.[11] These accolades affirmed their role as pioneers in elevating hip-hop's mainstream appeal in South Korea during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
2002–2005: Peak Era and Collaborations
During 2002–2005, 1TYM reached the zenith of their commercial success and influence within the Korean hip-hop scene, building on their earlier breakthroughs with more polished productions and expanded reach. The group released their fourth studio album, Once N 4 All, on November 26, 2003, under YG Entertainment, which featured a blend of hip-hop tracks with R&B influences and marked a return to chart dominance.[12] The lead single "Hot" (Hot 뜨거) quickly rose to the top of Korean music charts, showcasing the group's signature energetic flows and Teddy Park's production style, and helped the album sell over 18,000 copies in its first month alone.[9][13] This release solidified 1TYM's status as YG's flagship hip-hop act, with tracks like "Uh-Oh!" and "Without You" receiving heavy rotation on music programs and contributing to the album's overall acclaim as their strongest effort to date.[14]In 2005, 1TYM capped this era with their fifth and final studio album, One Way, released on November 1, which explored mature themes of relationships and introspection through hip-hop and pop-rap fusion.[15] The album's standout track "니가 날 알어?" (Do You Know Me?) became a fan favorite for its catchy hook and relatable lyrics, while the project as a whole emphasized group synergy amid growing individual pursuits. Sales figures reflected sustained popularity, with One Way contributing to the group's cumulative domestic sales exceeding 780,000 units across their discography by this period.[9] Live performances during these years, including the Once N 4 Allconcert tour, frequently sold out venues in Seoul, demonstrating their strong domestic fanbase.[16]Collaborations highlighted 1TYM's role in elevating YG's family-oriented ecosystem, fostering synergies with labelmates and extending their cultural footprint. They joined Se7en, Jinusean, and Big Mama for the YG Family 2005 Christmas concert, a high-profile event that showcased intergenerational hip-hop performances and drew massive crowds.[17] Although direct features with non-YG artists like TVXQ were limited due to agency differences, 1TYM's international ties emerged via YG's growing Japan market push, with sold-out shows in Tokyo underscoring their appeal abroad, though specific Warren G features were more aligned with label peers like Jinusean.[18] These efforts not only boosted album sales—such as Once N 4 All surpassing initial projections through sustained promotion—but also cemented 1TYM's legacy in bridging Korean hip-hop with global influences during K-pop's formative expansion.[9]
2006–2009: Final Albums and Hiatus
Following the release of their fifth studio album One Way in late 2005, 1TYM entered an indefinite hiatus in 2006 primarily due to member Oh Jinhwan's mandatory military enlistment, which significantly impacted group activities and promotions.[18] This period marked a shift in dynamics, as the absence of Jinhwan, a key rapper and choreographer, made full-group endeavors unfeasible under YG Entertainment's scheduling. No new studio albums or major releases were produced during 2006–2009, reflecting the group's reduced visibility amid members' individual pursuits.[19]In 2007, rapper Song Baekyoung departed from the entertainment industry for personal reasons, further altering the lineup and contributing to the halt in collective promotions.[20] Baekyoung's exit was not tied to military obligations but stemmed from a desire to step away from the spotlight, leaving Teddy and Danny to focus on solo production and collaborations influenced by the group's peak-era hip-hop sound.[21] With only two active members, 1TYM's group efforts dwindled, prioritizing personal development over joint projects.The group's final collective appearance occurred in 2008 as special guests at BIGBANG's "Stand Up" concert in Japan, where they performed select tracks, signaling the effective end of their promotional era before the hiatus solidified.[18] This one-off performance underscored lingering fan interest but highlighted the challenges of sustaining momentum without a complete roster, paving the way for the extended inactivity that followed.[19]
Hiatus and Post-Hiatus Developments
Hiatus Period (2010–2023)
Following the limited group appearances in the late 2000s, 1TYM entered a prolonged period of inactivity from 2010 to 2023, with members prioritizing individual schedules and no new group music or promotions occurring during this time. The hiatus, which began indefinitely in 2006 due to Oh Jin-hwan's mandatory military service, saw the group make their final joint performance in 2008 as guests at BigBang's concert in Japan, after which focus shifted entirely to solo endeavors. YG Entertainment never officially announced a disbandment, allowing members to explore personal projects while maintaining their affiliation with the label.[22][18]Teddy Park emerged as a pivotal figure in K-pop production during this era, serving as YG Entertainment's chief in-house producer and crafting signature tracks for artists like BLACKPINK. His contributions included co-writing and producing global hits such as "Boombayah" and "Ddu-Du Ddu-Du," which propelled BLACKPINK to international acclaim and amassed billions of streams worldwide. Teddy's work extended to other YG acts, solidifying his influence on the agency's hip-hop and pop sound through intricate beats and collaborations that blended R&B, trap, and EDM elements.[23][24]Danny Im relocated to the United States in the early 2010s, focusing on R&B and media projects tailored to the diaspora audience. He hosted the Mnet America talk-variety show Danny From LA from 2012, featuring interviews with K-pop stars and discussions on Korean entertainment's global reach. Im was featured as a guest on the LAist Studios podcastK-Pop Dreaming in 2023, where he reflected on his 1TYM experiences and explored the evolution of the genre, drawing on his background as the group's lead vocalist and rapper. His solo efforts emphasized smooth R&B vocals, releasing tracks that echoed 1TYM's early style while adapting to American markets.[2][25]Song Baek-kyung and Oh Jin-hwan adopted lower-profile paths, venturing into entrepreneurship by co-owning and operating curry restaurants in South Korea starting around 2010. Baek-kyung also pursued acting roles, including appearances in the sitcom Palace S (2007), and later worked as a voice actor for animations and commercials. In March 2025, he made a rare public appearance on the variety show Salim Men Season 2, sharing insights into his post-entertainment life as a businessman and reflecting on 1TYM's legacy without indicating any group plans at the time. Oh Jin-hwan maintained a private life post-military, supporting family ventures and avoiding the spotlight. He married his long-time girlfriend in May 2015, with YG issuing a supportive statement.[26][27][18][28][29]Throughout the hiatus, fans engaged in online discussions and speculation about 1TYM's potential disbandment, fueled by the members' divergent paths and the absence of updates from YG. However, in 2015, YG issued a supportive statement regarding Oh Jin-hwan's marriage, affirming the agency's well-wishes and implicitly confirming the group's ongoing status without dissolution. This quiet period underscored 1TYM's enduring impact, as members' individual successes kept their hip-hop roots relevant in K-pop's evolution.[29]
Recent Individual Activities (2024–Present)
As of November 2025, 1TYM remains on indefinite hiatus with no official group reunion announced, though members continue individual pursuits. In an October 2025 interview, a representative noted that while no reunion is currently planned, it is "not impossible at all."[30]Danny Im appeared alongside G-Dragon at the Head In The Clouds Festival in Los Angeles in June 2025, highlighting connections to YG's legacy artists. Song Baek-kyung appeared on the 2025 variety show Salim Men Season 2, providing updates on his business and family life. In December 2025, he publicly criticized YG Entertainment and its founder Yang Hyun-suk, claiming he was offered only 5 million won as a contract renewal fee after the group's fifth album and that the agency blocked all related contacts.[31] Teddy Park continues his role as YG's chief producer, contributing to ongoing label projects. Oh Jin-hwan maintains privacy, focusing on personal and family matters.
Members
Current Members
Teddy Park, born September 14, 1978, in Seoul, South Korea, serves as the leader and main rapper of 1TYM. A Korean-American who grew up in Los Angeles County and attended Diamond Bar High School, Park was instrumental in shaping the group's hip-hop sound during their active years from 1998 to 2006. He composed and produced the majority of 1TYM's tracks across their five studio albums, blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop elements that defined the group's style. Post-hiatus, Park has continued his role as a key YG Entertainment producer, contributing to major hits like BLACKPINK's "How You Like That," where he is credited as composer alongside co-producers R.Tee and 24.[32][1]Song Baekkyung, born April 12, 1979, in Seoul, South Korea, functioned as 1TYM's rapper and vocalist. Joining the group after auditioning for YG Entertainment, Baekkyung contributed rap verses and vocal performances to the group's music. After the group's hiatus, Baekkyung retired from the entertainment industry, pursuing business ventures as a restaurant owner and working as a voice actor; as of March 2025, he is a father of two.[26][1]Danny Im, born May 6, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, is 1TYM's main vocalist and maknae. Also Korean-American and a Diamond Bar High School alumnus, Im brought smooth R&B vocals to the group, contrasting the rap-heavy tracks with melodic leads that highlighted his influences from American R&B artists. He frequently handled the lead vocals on the group's more emotive songs, including the ballad "You And Me Forever As One!" from their 2000 album 2nd Round 'Up 'N' Up'. Following the hiatus, Im relocated to the United States, establishing a media presence with the talk showDanny From LA on Mnet America from 2012 to around 2016, and later hosting podcasts discussing K-pop. As of 2025, Im focuses on family life as a father of two and occasional community work in California, with no involvement in 1TYM activities.[25][1]
Former Member
Oh Jinhwan, born July 6, 1978, in Cheonan, South Korea, served as 1TYM's rapper and choreographer. Joining during the trainee period in Seoul, Jinhwan contributed dynamic rap verses and energetic performances, including significant input on choreography that incorporated hip-hop dance elements central to the group's identity. The group's activities paused in 2006 following Jinhwan's mandatory military service, after which he departed from YG Entertainment and retired from the entertainment industry. As of October 2025, Jinhwan is the president of a cafe in Jeju, South Korea.[1][33][18]
Musical Style and Impact
Genre Characteristics and Influences
1TYM's music primarily fused Korean hip-hop with R&B elements, creating a distinctive sound that integrated rap verses with melodic hooks and dance-oriented rhythms. This hybrid style often featured bilingual lyrics alternating between Korean and English, reflecting the group's Korean-American members and their exposure to global hip-hop culture. Themes in their lyrics frequently explored love and romance, as seen in tracks like "One Love," which express gratitude and emotional connection in relationships, alongside portrayals of street life and youth rebellion through braggadocious narratives of passion for music and nightlife energy.[34][35][36]The group's influences were heavily drawn from U.S. West Coastrap, particularly the slick production techniques pioneered by Dr. Dre, which shaped their debut single in 1998 and infused their tracks with G-funk-inspired basslines and smooth synths. Producer and member Teddy Park, raised in a Los Angeles suburb, channeled these American roots into 1TYM's sound, blending them with Korean ballad melodies and New Jack Swing rhythms to distinguish their work from purer hip-hop acts like Epik High. This cross-cultural approach, supported by YG Entertainment's emphasis on hip-hop-infused idol music, added pop accessibility while maintaining rap authenticity through the Korean-American perspectives of members like Danny Im and Teddy.[35][37][38]Over time, 1TYM's style evolved from the raw, street-edged hip-hop of their early albums, such as the debut One Time for Your Mind emphasizing rap flows, to more polished R&B crossovers in later releases like the 2003 album Once N 4 All. This shift incorporated contemporary R&B sensibilities, including emotional ballad partnerships and synth-driven party anthems like "Hot," which featured Eminem-like production and beatbox elements for broader appeal. The progression highlighted their adaptation to Korea's mainstream music scene, bridging underground hip-hop rebellion with commercial pop fusion.[35][8]
Production Techniques and Legacy
1TYM's production techniques were heavily influenced by the group's in-house producer, Teddy Park, who handled much of the creative process from songwriting to beat-making. Park frequently employed sampling methods, drawing from West Coast hip-hop influences to craft beats that blended Korean lyrics with American rap aesthetics. This hands-on approach ensured that 1TYM's music maintained an authentic hip-hop edge, with Park often experimenting with chopped samples to build hooks and verses that resonated in the late 1990s K-pop landscape.In albums such as One Way (2005), the production emphasized a mix of electronic elements and organic textures, though specific details on layered vocals or live instrumentation remain less documented in contemporary accounts. The group's overall style prioritized rhythmic complexity over polished pop production, using multi-tracked vocals to add depth to rap deliveries and choruses. This technique helped 1TYM stand out amid the ballad-heavy K-pop scene of the era, fostering a raw, collaborative sound that Park refined through iterative studio sessions.[23]The legacy of 1TYM extends far beyond their active years, as they pioneered YG Entertainment's hip-hop division in the late 1990s, establishing a blueprint for genre fusion in K-pop. By introducing a fresh West Coast hip-hop sound to the Korean mainstream, the group inspired subsequent YG acts, including BigBang, whose members cited 1TYM as a major influence in blending rap with idol elements.[2] This foundational role helped solidify YG's reputation for hip-hop innovation, influencing the label's output through the 2000s and beyond. Teddy Park's post-1TYM career as a producer further amplified this impact, applying similar techniques to global hits by artists like 2NE1 and Blackpink.[23]Culturally, 1TYM played a pivotal role in globalizing Korean rap by bridging underground hip-hop scenes with commercial viability, contributing to the genre's integration into K-pop's international appeal. Their albums collectively sold over 781,000 copies in South Korea alone, a significant figure for hip-hop releases in the pre-digital era that underscored their domestic breakthrough.[9] As of 2025, their influence persists in the ongoing revival of retro hip-hop sounds within K-pop, evident in how newer acts reference early YG-style production to evoke nostalgia and authenticity.[39]
Discography
Studio Albums
1TYM released five studio albums during their active years from 1998 to 2005, all under YG Entertainment, blending hip-hop with R&B and pop elements that helped pioneer the genre in South Korea. Their discography reflects evolving production styles, with early works showcasing raw, American-influenced rap and later releases incorporating more melodic hooks and collaborations. Commercial success varied, with total album sales of 781,228 copies in South Korea per available MIAK data.[9]The debut album, One Time for Your Mind, was released on November 28, 1998, featuring 10 tracks including the lead single "1TYM," which introduced the group's signature energetic flow and Korean-English bilingual lyrics. Other highlights include "Good Love" and "Falling in Love," emphasizing themes of youth and romance. The album sold 232,418 copies, earning platinum certification under the Music Industry Association of Korea (MIAK) standards for surpassing 200,000 units; its first-month sales ranked #19 on the MIAK monthly chart.[9][40]2nd Round, their second studio album, arrived on April 21, 2000, with 11 tracks led by the single "Ready or Not Yo!" (featuring Swi.T), a high-energy track sampling The Fugees that became a club staple. Standout songs like "Gu Je Bul Neung" (Incurable) and "21 Segye" (21st Century) explored social commentary and futuristic vibes. It achieved 275,618 sales.[9][41]The third album, Third Time Fo' Yo' Mind!!, released December 13, 2001, contained 10 tracks, with "Hello" serving as the upbeat lead single that highlighted smoother R&B influences from producer Teddy. Tracks such as "Nasty" and "Hip-Hop Kids" paid homage to their roots, while "Mother" added emotional depth. Sales reached 129,678 copies.[9][42]Once N 4 All, the fourth studio effort, dropped on November 26, 2003, boasting 13 tracks and marking a commercial peak with the lead single "Hot," which dominated charts for 35 consecutive weeks and contributed to over 300,000 single sales. Other key cuts include "Without You" and "Everyday and Night," blending sultry beats with introspective lyrics. The album sold 109,395 units.[9][43][44]Their final album, One Way, was issued on November 1, 2005, featuring 12 tracks led by "Do You Know Me?," an introspective single addressing fame and identity. Highlights like "Summer Night" (featuring Lee Young-hyun) and "Can't Let U Go" showcased mature production and vocal harmonies. It recorded 34,119 sales, as the group entered hiatus shortly after.[9][15]
1TYM's non-album releases were limited, with the group primarily focusing on full-length albums during their active years. Their debut single "1TYM," released in 1998, marked their entry into the Korean music scene and peaked at number 5 on domestic charts, showcasing their blend of hip-hop and R&B influences.[45]In 2001, "One More Time" served as a key promotional single tied to their third album, gaining traction through radio airplay and live performances for its catchy, upbeat production.During the hiatus period, digital singles such as remixes of popular tracks like "Hot" were periodically issued to sustain fan engagement on platforms like Melon and Genie Music.[10]Post-2010, 1TYM's catalog experienced a revival in digital downloads and streaming, with airplay data indicating over 10 million plays for select tracks on Korean radio networks as of 2020, driven by nostalgia-driven playlists.[46]
Awards and Achievements
Major Music Awards
1TYM achieved notable success in major South Korean music award ceremonies during their initial active period from 1998 to 2005, with wins highlighting their pioneering role in hip-hop. These awards underscored the group's innovative blend of rap and R&B, earning them recognition as trailblazers in the genre.In 1998, shortly after their debut album One Time for Your Mind, 1TYM won Rookie of the Year at both the Golden Disc Awards and the SBS Music Awards, marking their breakthrough as a fresh act in the competitive K-pop landscape.[11] They also secured the Best Hip Hop Artist award at the KMTV Music Awards that year, affirming their genre-specific impact.[11]The group sustained their momentum into the early 2000s. At the SBS Music Awards in 2000, 1TYM received the Best Hip Hop Artist award. By 2002, they claimed Best Hip Hop Artist honors at the KMTV Music Awards, reflecting their continued dominance in hip-hop.These early accolades from 1998 to 2002 established 1TYM as hip-hop innovators.
Other Recognitions
1TYM received gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Korea (RIAK) for their 2nd Album in 1999, reflecting its commercial success with sales exceeding 100,000 units, the threshold for gold status at the time.The group also garnered several nominations at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, including a loss in the Best Hip-Hop category in 2003 for the track "Nasty," highlighting their consistent presence in industry accolades despite not securing the win.