Click-B
Click-B (클릭비) was a South Korean boy band that blended rock instrumentation with dance-pop elements, formed in August 1999 under DSP Media (initially Daesung Entertainment).[1] The group debuted in September 1999 with their self-titled studio album Click-B 1st, marking an early entry in the second generation of K-pop acts.[2] Originally comprising seven members—Taehyung (leader, lead vocalist, keyboardist), Yunsuk (main rapper, sub vocalist), Jonghyuk (main vocalist, bassist), Sanghyuk (sub vocalist, sub rapper), Hyungon (drummer), Hoseok (sub vocalist, sub rapper), and Minhyuk (guitarist)—Click-B gained attention for their live band performances and charismatic visuals, appealing to fans through a mix of energetic tracks and synchronized choreography.[3] By 2002, the lineup reduced to four members after departures by Hoseok, Hyungon, and Minhyuk, who pursued solo endeavors such as acting and music production.[2] The group remained active intermittently through the mid-2000s, with reunions in 2011 and 2015, the latter expanding back to seven members for the single album Reborn, their last release to date.[1][4] Throughout their career, Click-B contributed to the evolving K-pop landscape by pioneering band-style idol groups, influencing later acts with their fusion of genres and stage presence, though they achieved moderate commercial success compared to contemporaries like H.O.T. or Shinhwa.[3] Members like Jonghyuk continued in entertainment post-disbandment, with solo releases and television appearances underscoring the group's lasting individual impacts.[2]History
Formation and early years (1999–2000)
Click-B was formed in August 1999 as a seven-member boy band under Daesung Entertainment (later known as DSP Media), a Seoul-based agency specializing in idol groups during the burgeoning K-pop era.[5] The group blended rock instrumentation with dance-oriented beats, distinguishing itself from the prevailing pure pop acts like H.O.T. and Sechs Kies by incorporating live band elements such as guitars and drums alongside synchronized choreography.[6] The founding lineup consisted of Kim Tae-hyung (leader, lead vocalist, keyboardist), Woo Yun-suk (main rapper, sub-vocalist), Oh Jong-hyuk (main vocalist, bassist), Kim Sang-hyuk (sub-vocalist, sub-rapper), Ha Hyun-gon (drummer), Yoo Ho-suk (sub-vocalist, sub-rapper), and No Min-hyuk (guitarist).[5][3] The group's debut studio album, Click-B 1st, was released in September 1999, marking their entry into the competitive late-1990s K-pop landscape.[3] Featuring 12 tracks, the album highlighted the rock-dance fusion through its lead single "One," a high-energy opener clocking in at 3:58, which showcased aggressive guitar riffs paired with upbeat rhythms.[7] Other notable tracks included "Good Luck" and "Forgotten Love," which further emphasized the group's hybrid sound, though the album's overall production leaned toward electronic pop influences.[7] Initial promotions centered on live television appearances and stage performances to build visibility amid the first-generation idol boom.[8] Click-B performed on programs like KMTV's Music Tank in Seoul as early as September 25, 1999, where they showcased tracks from the debut album to audiences tuning into music broadcasts.[9] Despite DSP Media's backing, which provided training and marketing resources typical of the agency's model for acts like Fin.K.L., the single "One" achieved only modest chart placement on Korean music rankings, overshadowed by established groups dominating the scene.[5] This tempered success nonetheless fostered early fanbase growth, with supporters drawn to the members' "flower boy" visuals and musical versatility, laying groundwork for broader appeal in the following year.[5]Band changes and peak activity (2001–2003)
Following the release of their second album Challenge in June 2000, Click-B achieved greater prominence with their third album Click-B3 in April 2001 under DSP Media (see Discography for details). The album highlighted the group's signature band-dance hybrid sound, blending rock instrumentation with synchronized choreography, as exemplified in the lead single "Undefeatable" (백전무패), which became a chart-topping hit and earned them a nomination for Best Male Group at the 2001 Mnet Asian Music Awards.[10] This period marked the height of their popularity, with Click-B3 solidifying their appeal through energetic tracks that fused live band elements like guitars and drums with pop-dance rhythms, drawing widespread radio play and television appearances on programs such as KBS Music Plus.[11] In early 2002, Click-B underwent significant lineup changes, reducing from seven to four members after Ha Hyun-gon, Yoo Ho-suk, and No Min-hyuk departed to pursue acting careers or join other musical groups.[12][13] The remaining members—Woo Yun-suk, Oh Jong-hyuk, Kim Sang-hyuk, and Kim Tae-hyung—continued activities, releasing the compilation album To You (너에게) later that year, which served as a transitional release featuring re-recorded hits and new material to bridge their evolving sound amid the restructuring (see Discography).[14] This album underscored the group's adaptability, maintaining momentum with tracks like "To Be Continued" that retained their hybrid style while reflecting the reduced lineup.[15] The 2001–2003 era represented Click-B's peak activity, characterized by heightened media exposure through major television performances and fan engagements. They headlined concerts such as the Dream Concert at Olympic Stadium in May 2001 and their "Growing Up" tour in 2002, which included a show at Jamsil Arena, fostering a dedicated fanbase with interactive events and live band-dance sets.[16][17] By 2003, this surge culminated in their fourth album Click-B 04, but the preceding years established their commercial zenith through consistent chart performance and broadened visibility in the Korean music scene (see Discography).[18]Decline and disbandment (2004–2006)
Following the peak activity of their early years, Click-B released their fourth studio album, Cowboy, in February 2003 with the four remaining members: Woo Yun-suk, Oh Jong-hyuk, Kim Sang-hyuk, and Kim Tae-hyung.[19] The album's title track, "Cowboy," blended rock and dance elements characteristic of the group's style, and it achieved sales of approximately 99,000 copies.[20] In 2004, the group issued a compilation album, The Best of Click-B, which collected 22 tracks from their previous releases, serving as a retrospective of their hits up to that point (see Discography).[21] That same year, Click-B collaborated with the duo J-Walk—formed by former Sechs Kies members Jang Su-won and Kim Jae-duck—to create the project band JnC, releasing a collaborative album under Kiss Entertainment.[22] This temporary formation aimed to merge their musical strengths but marked a shift amid ongoing lineup instability, as Kim Tae-hyung departed shortly after.[1] By 2006, Click-B had reduced to three members—Woo Yun-suk, Oh Jong-hyuk, and Kim Sang-hyuk—and released their fifth and final album, the remake collection Smile, on June 26 (see Discography).[23] The album featured nostalgic reinterpretations of 1980s and early 1990s easy-listening tracks, such as "Show" and "One-Sided Love," emphasizing the group's harmonic vocals in a bid to appeal to a broad audience.[23] However, with sales continuing to wane from their earlier peaks and intensifying competition from emerging second-generation acts like TVXQ (debuted 2003), Super Junior (2005), and Big Bang (2006), the group conducted limited promotions before officially disbanding later that year.[23][24] Members later reflected on the challenges of adapting to rapidly shifting industry trends and maintaining momentum as first-generation pioneers.[5]Reunions and comebacks (2011–2015)
In 2011, Click-B reunited with all seven original members after an eight-year hiatus, releasing the digital single "To Be Continued" on April 13, which featured a light rock sound as a nod to their band roots.[13] The group followed this with another digital single, "Empty Seat" (빈 자리), later that year, marking a brief revival driven by members' aligned schedules despite prior delays from health issues and individual commitments.[25] These releases were limited in scope, with minimal television promotions due to lead vocalist Oh Jong-hyuk's impending military enlistment, reflecting the challenges of coordinating a veteran group in a fast-evolving industry.[13] The group's full comeback arrived in 2015, culminating in the single album Reborn released on October 21, which reunited all seven members for the first time in 13 years and emphasized their signature rock-infused style (see Discography).[26] This revival was motivated by a shared sentiment among the members, sparked by a joint performance at a DSP Media concert two years earlier, and a desire to preserve their unique musical identity amid nostalgia for first-generation K-pop acts like H.O.T. and Sechs Kies. As drummer No Min-hyuk stated in an interview, "This just happened to be the time when all seven of us felt the same way at the same time," highlighting the emotional pull of their shared history. Promotions for Reborn were restrained, prioritizing a reunion concert titled 7-3=7—referencing their 2002 song about resilience after lineup changes—held on November 20 at Seoul's Coex Auditorium, rather than extensive music show appearances.[26] The event sold out in two minutes, leading to additional shows in Daegu and Busan, and received positive reception from fans appreciative of the group's enduring appeal, though it struggled to penetrate the dominant modern K-pop scene focused on younger idols and high-production visuals. Vocalist Kim Sang-hyuk noted, "We wanted to hold a concert for the fans who waited for us," underscoring the nostalgia-driven, fan-centric approach over broad commercial pushes. Following the 2015 activities, Click-B has remained inactive as a group, with no further releases or performances as of 2025, confirming their indefinite hiatus.[26]Members
Original lineup
Click-B's original lineup consisted of seven members who debuted together in 1999, bringing a mix of vocal, rap, and instrumental talents to the group. This formation emphasized a band-like structure within the idol framework, with members handling both performance and instrumentation roles. The members were Kim Tae-hyung, Woo Yun-suk, Oh Jong-hyuk, Kim Sang-hyuk, Ha Hyun-gon, Yoo Ho-suk, and No Min-hyuk.[3] The founding members' profiles are as follows:| Member | Full Name | Birthdate | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tae-hyung | Kim Tae-hyung (김태형) | March 19, 1981 | Leader, Lead Vocalist, Keyboardist[3] |
| Yun-suk | Woo Yun-suk (우연석) | May 13, 1980 | Main Rapper, Sub Vocalist[3][27] |
| Jong-hyuk | Oh Jong-hyuk (오종혁) | February 16, 1983 | Main Vocalist, Bassist[3][28] |
| Sang-hyuk | Kim Sang-hyuk (김상혁) | May 7, 1983 | Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper[3] |
| Hyun-gon | Ha Hyun-gon (하현곤) | November 28, 1983 | Drummer[3][29] |
| Ho-suk | Yoo Ho-suk (유호석) | December 8, 1983 | Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper[3][30] |
| Min-hyuk | No Min-hyuk (노민혁) | December 24, 1983 | Guitarist[3] |
Departures and lineup changes
In 2002, Click-B experienced significant lineup changes when three members—Ha Hyun-gon (drummer), Yoo Ho-suk (vocalist), and No Min-hyuk (guitarist)—departed the group. These exits were prompted by the expiration of contracts and the members' pursuits of individual careers, including acting opportunities and potential mergers with other K-pop acts, amid the band's declining commercial success following their early albums. Ha Hyun-gon, in particular, transitioned to acting, appearing in various dramas. This reduced the lineup to four members: Woo Yun-suk (leader and rapper), Oh Jong-hyuk (vocalist and dancer), Kim Sang-hyuk (vocalist and bassist), and Kim Tae-hyung (vocalist and keyboardist).[12][13] The departures of the instrumentalists profoundly impacted group dynamics, shifting Click-B from a rock-infused band format—known for combining live instrumentation with dance performances—to a more streamlined vocal-dance oriented ensemble, better suited to the rising idol trends in mid-2000s K-pop. By 2006, following Kim Tae-hyung's exit after the 2004 JnC project to focus on personal endeavors, the group operated as a trio comprising Woo Yun-suk, Oh Jong-hyuk, and Kim Sang-hyuk for their final release, the remake album Smile. These changes exacerbated internal struggles, as members sought solo paths amid persistent challenges in maintaining relevance.[12][32] Several original members participated in brief reunions in 2011 and 2015, with all seven rejoining for the single Reborn. As of November 2025, remaining active members Oh Jong-hyuk, Woo Yun-suk, and Kim Sang-hyuk unexpectedly reunited at the Korea Grand Music Awards.[33]Musical style
Genre influences
Click-B's music draws from rock, hip-hop, and dance genres, forming a distinctive hybrid within early K-pop. The group fused live rock instrumentation—including guitars, bass, and drums—with synchronized K-pop dance beats and rap-infused vocals, setting them apart as a band-oriented idol act.[31][34] This signature style produced energetic tracks characterized by powerful rock and roll structures combined with hip-hop rhythms, allowing members to perform both instrumental sections and choreography on stage.[31] Under DSP Media's production, their sound emphasized hybrid appeal, integrating strong band elements with trendy dance-pop to capture the era's youth culture.[34] Debuting amid the first wave of Korean idols, Click-B's approach featured rock-driven energy.[34]Evolution and reception
Click-B's musical evolution began with their 1999 debut, where they distinguished themselves in the first generation of K-pop by fusing rock elements with dance beats and performing as a live band that played instruments alongside choreography, earning significant attention for this innovative hybrid approach.[31] This rock-heavy sound was prominent in early releases like their self-titled debut album and the 2000 hit "Undefeatable," that set them apart from purely vocal idol groups of the era.[34] Following the departure of key members after "Undefeatable," the group's lineup reduced to four in 2002, prompting a stylistic shift away from their initial rock-dominated sound toward more accessible pop-dance elements in subsequent albums from 2003 to 2006, as the band adapted to the changing dynamics and industry trends.[34] This transition reflected broader challenges in maintaining their original band concept amid personnel instability, leading to a more polished, dance-oriented production that prioritized synchronization over live instrumentation.[34] Critically, Click-B was praised during their peak years for their hybrid approach in K-pop, demonstrating how rock instrumentation could integrate with idol aesthetics, though their post-split output faced some critique for perceived inconsistency in maintaining a cohesive identity.[31] Fans have long regarded them as innovators of this format, with their early work holding enduring appeal for its raw energy and genre-blending ambition, despite limited international reach compared to later K-pop waves.[31] The 2015 reunion album Reborn, featuring all seven original members after 13 years, sought to recapture elements of their signature band sound while incorporating contemporary dance trends, resulting in a two-track EP including "Reborn" and "I Miss You" that balanced nostalgia with modern production.[34] The release received positive fan reception, evidenced by rapid sell-outs of reunion concerts in Seoul, Daegu, and Busan.[34]Discography
Studio albums
Click-B's debut studio album, titled Click-B, was released on August 7, 1999, by DSP Media. Featuring a blend of rock and dance elements, the album showcased the group's energetic style with tracks like "One" and "Good Luck," which highlighted their fusion of guitar-driven riffs and upbeat rhythms. Other notable songs included the ballad "Forgotten Love" (잊혀진 사랑), which demonstrated their vocal range. The album achieved modest commercial success, establishing the group in the competitive K-pop landscape of the late 1990s.[7] The follow-up album, Challenge, arrived on June 14, 2000, building on the debut's rock-dance formula while incorporating more polished production. Key tracks such as "Love Letter" and "Exit (for Your Way)" emphasized catchy hooks and group harmonies, contributing to the album's appeal. It reflected steady fan support amid the group's growing popularity.[35] Click-B3, released on April 3, 2001, marked the peak of the band's activity and commercial height. This album leaned into dynamic rock-infused pop, with the hit single "Undefeatable" (백전무패) becoming a standout for its anthemic chorus and live performance energy. Additional highlights included "Click Rock'n Roll" and "Sky" (하늘아), blending high-energy tracks with emotional depth. It was their best-seller, underscoring their peak-era momentum.[36][37] Following lineup changes, Cowboy was issued on February 6, 2003, shifting focus toward vocal-driven pop with reduced rock elements. The title track "Cowboy" emerged as a popular upbeat single, while "To Be Continued" offered a reflective ballad that resonated with fans. The album emphasized the remaining members' harmonies, maintaining the group's relevance post-split.[38]Compilation albums
Click-B issued three compilation-style releases that repackaged selections from their prior discography, catering to fans during periods of lineup shifts and reduced activity. "To You" (also subtitled as the 3.5 album), released on November 20, 2001, served as an early hits collection amid the group's transition from their band-oriented sound, incorporating thematic tracks personalized to individual members alongside selections from previous albums.[39] "The Best of Click-B", a career retrospective double-CD compilation, was released on January 16, 2004 by Daeyoung AV amid the group's declining popularity, featuring 22 key tracks such as "Scandal", "Violet Fragrance" (the theme for the film My Sassy Girl), "Never Say", and "Only Once" to encapsulate their hits up to that point.[21] "Smile", issued in June 2006 as a remake album by the remaining trio of Oh Jong-hyuk, Woo Yun-suk, and Kim Sang-hyuk, blended reinterpreted versions of older songs with some new material, providing a refreshed overview of their catalog during a hiatus phase. Tracks like "Show" and remakes of earlier hits such as "Violet Fragrance" (보라빛향기) highlighted their vocal maturity and nostalgic appeal. Commercial performance was limited, reflecting the band's declining activity, though it served as a poignant close to their original run.[40]Singles
Click-B's physical singles were typically issued as promotional releases tied to their studio albums in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with a notable standalone single album during their 2015 reunion. "Undefeatable" (백전무패), released on April 3, 2001, served as the lead single from the group's third studio album, Click-B3. The track, characterized by its energetic rock-dance fusion, garnered significant attention and earned Click-B a nomination for Best Male Group at the 2001 Mnet Asian Music Awards.[41] Following a period of inactivity, Click-B returned with their first dedicated single album, Reborn, on October 21, 2015, reuniting the original seven members. The title track "Reborn" highlighted their evolved sound while nodding to their roots, paired with the B-side "I Miss You" on the physical release. The single was promoted through a music video and live performances, culminating in the group's reunion concert "7-3=7" later that year.[42]Digital singles
Click-B's digital singles marked their return to the music scene following an eight-year hiatus, beginning with the release of the single album To Be Continued on April 13, 2011, distributed through major Korean platforms including Melon and Bugs.[43][44] This digital single featured two tracks: the title track "Always," a poignant ballad reflecting on lost love with strong beats and rhythmic vocals highlighting the group's signature style, and its instrumental version. Composed and produced by the members under MS Entertainment and Neowiz Internet, the release showcased Oh Jong-hyuk's powerful vocals, Yoo Ho-suk's sweet tones, and Woo Yun-suk's emotional rap, serving as a nostalgic bridge to their 1990s roots.[45] The follow-up digital single, "Empty Seat" (빈 자리), arrived on November 19, 2011, also via Korean digital stores like Melon and Bugs, continuing the group's self-produced revival efforts.[46][47] This ballad, written and composed by member Ha Hyeong-gon, incorporated a 14-piece string orchestra alongside guitar, piano, bass, and drums to amplify its emotional depth, with vocals from Oh Jong-hyuk and Evan complemented by raps from MC Mong and Woo Yun-suk.[47] An instrumental version was included, emphasizing the track's introspective theme of absence and longing. These releases, available exclusively in digital formats, facilitated the group's streaming presence during their brief 2011 reunion, though specific performance metrics from the era remain limited in public records.[46]Live performances
Early concerts
Click-B's early live performances were primarily promotional showcases on television music programs in Seoul, where the group highlighted their innovative combination of live rock instrumentation and dance choreography from 1999 to 2001. Their debut stage took place on August 7, 1999, at MBC Music Camp, featuring songs from their first album Click-B 1st.[48] These appearances were followed by regular promotions on shows like SBS Inkigayo and KBS Music Plus, where setlists included promotional tracks blending energetic rock riffs with synchronized routines that captivated audiences during the peak of first-generation K-pop.[49][50][31] In 2001, Click-B expanded to their first standalone concert, titled A Midsummer Night's Dream, held in a Seoul venue and focusing on material from their first two albums with full live band accompaniment, which helped solidify their reputation for dynamic stage presence. The event featured representative songs like "HaNulA" and "Break It," drawing positive fan reactions for the group's ability to merge instrumental prowess with pop appeal. Album promotions continued into 2001 with similar formats at Seoul arenas, including participations in multi-artist events like Dream Concert at Olympic Stadium, where their performances underscored their growing popularity among loyal supporters.[16][31] The "Growing Up" concert in 2002 marked a pivotal moment amid lineup changes, as three members—Yoo Ho-suk, Ha Hyun-gon, and No Min-hyuk—departed, leaving the group to perform as a quartet. Held in Seoul and later released as a live VCD on April 2, 2002, the show included setlists blending earlier rock-influenced hits like "Give Your Love" with emerging dance-oriented tracks such as "Hope," adapting the live band elements to a more streamlined format. Audience response remained enthusiastic, reflecting fans' support during this transitional period and highlighting Click-B's resilience in maintaining high-energy deliveries.[51][2][31]Reunion events
In 2011, Click-B reunited after an eight-year hiatus to promote their digital singles "To Be Continued" and "Bin Jari" through limited promotional stages on music programs.[13] The group's most significant reunion event occurred in 2015 with the "7-3=7" concert, held on November 20 at the COEX Auditorium in Seoul, marking their first solo performance in 13 years featuring all seven original members.[26] The concert title referenced their early song "7-3=7," symbolizing the unbreakable bond among the members despite lineup changes over the years, and emphasized nostalgic themes by revisiting their debut-era rock-dance fusion style alongside new material from their comeback single "Reborn."[26] The full seven-member setlist included fan-favorite hits, blended with live band elements that highlighted their original musical identity.[52] Tickets for the 1,080-capacity venue sold out in just two minutes upon release on October 5, demonstrating strong lingering fan support for the first-generation group.[53][54] Media outlets praised the event's energetic atmosphere, with coverage focusing on heartfelt member interactions and audience sing-alongs that evoked the group's 1990s heyday, fostering a sense of communal nostalgia among attendees.[34] Fans expressed excitement through rapid online buzz and post-concert social media shares, underscoring the comeback's emotional resonance for long-time supporters.[55] In October 2023, Click-B reunited as a complete group of seven members for the first time in eight years at the NewX Music Festival in Seoul, performing select hits to nostalgic audiences.[56]Awards and nominations
Mnet Asian Music Awards
Click-B achieved early acclaim at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, particularly appealing to international audiences through viewer-voted categories. Their sole win came in the early years of the ceremony, underscoring their growing popularity in the late 1990s K-pop scene. Subsequent nominations highlighted their consistent output in group performance categories, reflecting the competitive landscape of male idol groups at the time.[57] The group's MAMA history is summarized in the following table:| Year | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | M.net Japan Viewer's Choice Award | "Hwayeongmun" (화영문) | Won | https://mama.mnetplus.world/history/2000/winners |
| 2001 | Best Male Group | "Undefeatable" (백전무패) | Nominated | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001_Mnet_Music_Video_Festival |
| 2002 | Best Male Group | "To Be Continued" | Nominated | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Mnet_Music_Video_Festival |