Myname
MYNAME (Korean: 마이네임; stylized as MYNAME) is a South Korean boy band formed in 2011 by singer Hwanhee of Fly to the Sky under H2 Media.[1] The five-member group consists of leader and main vocalist Gunwoo, lead vocalist and lead dancer Insoo, main dancer, lead rapper, and sub-vocalist Seyong, main rapper and sub-vocalist JunQ, and lead vocalist and maknae Chaejin.[2] They debuted on October 27, 2011, with the digital single "Message," performing it for the first time on Mnet's M! Countdown.[3] MYNAME initially released several singles and albums in South Korea, including their first mini-album MYNAME 1st Mini Album in 2013, but found greater success in Japan following their Japanese debut in 2012 with a remake of "Message."[4] The group built a dedicated fanbase there through multiple Japanese releases, such as full-length albums WE ARE MYNAME (2013) and I.M.G.History
Formation and pre-debut
Myname was formed in 2010 under H2 Media by Hwanhee, a member of the R&B duo Fly to the Sky, who envisioned the group as a five-member boy band emphasizing strong vocals and dynamic performances. Hwanhee established H2 Media specifically to nurture and launch the project, drawing on his experience in the industry to guide the group's development from inception. The agency's initial concept focused on creating a versatile ensemble capable of blending pop, dance, and R&B elements, with Hwanhee serving as producer, vocal trainer, and mentor to ensure a cohesive unit. The recruitment process involved a combination of scouting and auditions orchestrated by Hwanhee, targeting talented individuals with diverse backgrounds to form the lineup of Gunwoo, Insoo, Seyong, Jun.Q, and Chaejin. For instance, Seyong was scouted in Busan after training as a JYP Entertainment trainee and had prior acting experience in the drama I Believe in Love, while also pursuing soccer before entering the entertainment field. Insoo, who had appeared on the audition program Superstar K2 and studied theater and film before majoring in dance, specifically auditioned for H2 Media despite other offers, motivated by the opportunity to work under Hwanhee. Jun.Q brought rapping skills honed in a junior high school band, adding a hip-hop edge to the group's potential sound. These selections highlighted Hwanhee's emphasis on well-rounded talents who could contribute to both musical and visual aspects of the group. Prior to their official debut, the members underwent intensive pre-debut training lasting approximately two years, starting around 2009, with a focus on enhancing vocals, dance, and overall performance skills. Hwanhee personally oversaw the regimen, which extended beyond technical training to include "humanity lessons" on professionalism, teamwork, and stage presence, as the members credited him with shaping their growth holistically. This period was marked by rigorous practice sessions at H2 Media's facilities, where the group honed their synchronization and charisma, preparing them for the competitive K-pop landscape under Hwanhee's direct guidance.2011–2013: Debut and Japanese entry
Myname officially debuted on October 27, 2011, with a performance of their digital single "Message" on the music program M! Countdown. The track was released digitally the following day through H2 Media, marking the group's entry into the South Korean music scene with a high-energy dance-pop sound.[3] The group promoted "Message" across various music shows, including appearances on Music Bank and Inkigayo, where they showcased synchronized choreography and vocal harmonies to build initial fan support.[10] In 2012, after a hiatus for further preparation, Myname returned with their first physical single album, Myname 1st Single, released on June 1, featuring the title track "Hello & Goodbye," an R&B-infused song about post-breakup emotions.[11] The group actively promoted the release on major broadcasts such as Music Core and Music Bank, culminating in goodbye stages by late June, which helped the album gain traction on domestic charts.[12] Expanding internationally, Myname made their Japanese debut with the single "Message (Japanese ver.)" on July 25, under Yoshimoto R and C's YM3D label, which peaked at No. 9 on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart, signaling early success in the market.[13] To connect with fans, they held introductory fan meetings in Japan shortly after, fostering a growing overseas following.[4] The year 2013 saw Myname strengthen their Japanese presence with the release of their debut studio album We Are Myname on March 27, a compilation of Japanese versions of their hits alongside new tracks like "We Are the Night," which debuted at No. 3 on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart.[14] Returning to Korea, they issued their first mini album, Baby I'm Sorry, on July 9, led by the intense electronic dance track of the same name; the album topped the Hanteo Album Chart upon release and reached No. 1 on the Gaon Album Chart for the week of July 7–13.[15][16] Promotions included dynamic performances on shows like M! Countdown and fan meetings to celebrate milestones, solidifying their dual-market momentum with strong chart performances and live engagements.[17]2014–2016: Expansion, tours, and breakthroughs
In 2014, Myname expanded their presence in the Japanese market with the release of their second Japanese studio album, Five Stars, on March 26. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Oricon Daily Album Chart, selling 19,473 copies on its first day. This success marked a significant step in their international growth, building on their earlier Japanese debut. To capitalize on this momentum, the group embarked on their Japan 2nd Hall Tour titled "Hands Up" later that year, performing in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where they entertained approximately 8,000 fans across two shows. These efforts highlighted Myname's increasing focus on Japanese promotions and helped solidify their fanbase in the region. The following year, Myname continued their dual-market strategy with the release of their second Korean mini album, Too Very So Much, on February 12, 2015, which featured the upbeat title track of the same name emphasizing themes of admiration and energy. Shortly after, they returned to Japan with their third Japanese album, I.M.G.: Without You, on March 10, 2015. The album topped the Oricon Daily Album Chart, achieving 34,879 copies sold in its first 24 hours, demonstrating substantial fanbase growth and market penetration. This period also saw intensified promotional activities, including live house tours across Japan, which further boosted their visibility and engagement with international audiences. By 2016, Myname achieved a breakthrough with their first European tour, titled MYNAME with MYGIRL, held from September 1 to 11. The tour covered multiple cities, including London, Paris, Warsaw, Bucharest, and Madrid, marking the group's initial foray into the European market and showcasing their live performances to diverse international fans. Culminating the year's activities, they released their fourth Japanese album, Alive: Always in Your Heart, on December 7, peaking at No. 2 on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart with 24,029 copies sold in its first week. These milestones underscored Myname's expanding global reach, with consistent chart performances and tours reflecting a growing, dedicated fanbase beyond Asia.2017–2024: Final releases, solo activities, and hiatus
In 2017, Myname released their fifth Japanese full-length album, Myname Is, on July 18. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Oricon Daily Album Chart, selling 13,316 copies on its first day. Later that year, on October 26, eldest member Insoo enlisted for mandatory military service, becoming the first of the group to do so and temporarily reducing Myname to a four-member lineup.[18] The following year, on July 25, 2018, the remaining members issued their sixth Japanese album, Kiseki, which served as a milestone for their sixth anniversary in Japan and featured the lead single "Wiz." It peaked at No. 3 on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart with initial sales of 10,337 units. These releases represented Myname's final group efforts before a prolonged period of individual military obligations, as the band shifted focus away from collective promotions.[18] Military enlistments continued to stagger across the group into the early 2020s, further impacting their availability for joint activities. Leader Gunwoo enlisted on March 20, 2020; main rapper JunQ followed on June 22, 2020, though he was discharged early on May 4, 2021, due to a knee injury sustained during service; maknae Chaejin joined active duty on July 6, 2020; and Seyong began public service work on March 22, 2021, completing it by December 21, 2022. Insoo's service concluded on July 3, 2019, allowing brief returns, but the overlapping timelines effectively halted group comebacks.[19][20][21] From 2019 onward, Myname entered an extended hiatus with no new group releases, as members prioritized military completion and personal recovery. In December 2019, their contracts with long-time agency H2 Media expired, leading to an initial announcement of disbandment that was quickly clarified as a parting of ways rather than a full dissolution; the group transitioned to independent management under a new Vivid label arrangement to maintain flexibility during the break. This period emphasized individual pursuits, including acting roles in dramas and solo music projects, which allowed members to explore personal artistry and rebuild momentum separately while preserving the possibility of future reunions. The hiatus underscored the challenges of mandatory service for South Korean idol groups, fostering a phase of introspection and diverse career development amid reduced visibility.[6]2025: Comeback and reunion activities
On April 12, 2025, MYNAME released the digital single "We Are The One (with MYNAME)," featuring members Insoo, Gunwoo, and Seyong, which was performed during their "Blooming Days" concert in Japan that day. During the concert, the group announced their comeback with the first mini album in seven years, marking their return after a hiatus focused on individual activities and mandatory military enlistments.[8] The reunion featured the three active members under independent management, having shifted from H2 Media following contract expirations in 2019, with the project emphasizing their continued popularity in Japan.[22] The Japanese mini album VIVID was released on July 2, 2025, under the Vivid label, comprising six tracks that blend energetic dance numbers, uplifting mid-tempo songs, and ballads to showcase the group's matured sound.[23] The title track, "Our Days," served as the lead single, highlighting the members' synchronized choreography and vibrant energy in its official music video.[1] Tracks such as "For You," and "Forever You" were co-created by Gunwoo, Insoo, and Seyong, reflecting personal themes of perseverance and connection with fans.[24] To commemorate the 13th anniversary of their Japanese debut on July 25, 2012, MYNAME held the anniversary concert MYNAME LIVE 2025 - VIVID at Yokohama Landmark Hall, featuring performances of new tracks from VIVID alongside fan-favorite hits from their discography.[20] The event drew enthusiastic crowds, reinforcing the group's strong fanbase in Japan through interactive segments and special anniversary messages. Following the release, MYNAME engaged in promotional activities including dance practice videos, online music video streams, and appearances at events like the BUZZ-UP 2025 Summer festival in August, where member Seyong served as an MC.[25] Fan reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with online comments praising the fresh yet nostalgic vibe of the release and expressing joy at the group's return, such as "Feel awesome to look myname again!!" and "There isn't enough volume for MyName!!!."[1] As of November 2025, the group remains active with no additional releases announced, focusing on sustained fan engagement in Japan.[7]Musical style
Core elements and influences
Myname's music is rooted in pop and dance-pop genres, frequently blending in R&B, hip-hop, and ballad elements to create a versatile sound that emphasizes catchy melodies and rhythmic drive.[26] This foundation allows the group to deliver tracks that balance upbeat energy with emotional depth, as seen in their debut single "Message," which features a staccato stomp and beat-driven structure reminiscent of early 2010s K-pop dance tracks.[26] A signature aspect of Myname's style lies in their high-energy choreographed performances, which complement intricate vocal harmonies and layered arrangements. Members like Seyong, serving as lead rapper, contribute sharp hip-hop verses that add dynamic contrast, while Insoo's prominent vocals highlight smooth R&B-infused lines and group harmonies focused on themes of love, youth, and heartfelt longing.[20][26] These elements foster an engaging live presence, with lyrics often exploring romantic vulnerability and personal growth in a youthful context.[2] The group's influences draw heavily from K-pop predecessors, particularly the R&B stylings of Fly to the Sky, owing to producer and trainer Hwanhee's direct involvement in their formation and vocal coaching.[27] For their Japanese market adaptations, Myname incorporated J-pop sensibilities through collaborations with local producers like HIRO, known as "Japan's Brave Brother," resulting in polished, melody-forward tracks tailored for international appeal.[28] Western pop and dance influences are evident in the upbeat, electronic rhythms of songs like "Message," evoking club-oriented energy with synth pulses and anthemic hooks.[26] Early production traits in Myname's discography mix electronic beats with acoustic undertones, particularly in ballads and mid-tempo tracks that showcase raw vocal delivery alongside subtle instrumentation for emotional resonance.[26] This hybrid approach, guided by Hwanhee's R&B expertise, underscores their foundational sound before later expansions.[27]Evolution across eras
In the early phase from 2011 to 2013, Myname's music centered on energetic dance-pop to capture debut vitality, as seen in their initial singles "Message" and "YooHoo," which featured upbeat rhythms and catchy hooks designed for high-energy performances.[22] By 2013, with the release of their first mini album, the group incorporated hip-hop elements through aggressive rap verses and piano-driven builds in tracks like "Baby I'm Sorry," adding emotional depth to the dance framework while maintaining a focus on breakup themes.[29][30] During the mid-period of 2014 to 2016, Myname adapted to the Japanese market with J-pop influences, evident in their full-length album Five Stars, which blended pop structures with balladry to explore more mature lyrical content about relationships and growth.[2] This evolution continued in Alive: Always in Your Heart, their 2016 Japanese release.[31] From 2017 onward, amid member enlistments that caused activity pauses, Myname's output became more experimental within J-pop, as demonstrated in the 2018 album Kiseki.[32] The 2025 comeback mini album VIVID featured the title track 'Bad Bad Higher,' marking their return after a seven-year hiatus in group releases.[1][33] Overall, Myname's trajectory shifted from exuberant, youth-oriented dance-pop to deeper, genre-blending explorations shaped by Japanese market demands and personal milestones like military service, fostering a progression toward introspective yet dynamic expressions.[2][20]Members
Current lineup and positions
MYNAME's current lineup consists of five active members who have resumed group activities following individual projects and military service completions. The group maintains a balanced structure in terms of vocal, rapping, and dance responsibilities, allowing for versatile performances without a single dominant role in dancing, though Jun.Q often takes lead in choreography execution.[22][20] Gunwoo (real name Lee Gun-woo), born January 30, 1989, in Daejeon, South Korea, serves as the leader and main vocalist. Standing at 181 cm tall with blood type AB, he is pivotal in guiding the group's direction and delivering powerful high notes in their songs.)[20] Insoo (real name Kang In-soo), born March 10, 1988, in Suwon, South Korea, holds positions as lead vocalist, lead dancer, and visual. At 178 cm with blood type AB, he contributes to melodic lines and stage presence, often highlighted for his expressive dancing.)) Seyong (real name Kim Se-yong), born November 20, 1991, in Busan, South Korea, is the main dancer, lead rapper, and sub-vocalist, also recognized for leading Japanese promotions due to his fluency in the language. Measuring 177 cm with blood type O, he brings dynamic rap verses and intricate dance routines to the group's choreography.)[34] Jun.Q (real name Kang Jun-kyu), born August 9, 1993, in Uijeongbu, South Korea, functions as main rapper and sub-vocalist, with prominent contributions to dance formations. He stands at 180 cm with blood type AB, emphasizing rhythmic rap flows and supporting vocals.) Chaejin (real name Chae Jin-seok), born December 26, 1995, in South Korea, is the lead vocalist and maknae (youngest member). At 176 cm with blood type B, he adds youthful energy through his vocal parts and visual appeal, rounding out the group's harmonious dynamics.[20] Fans engage with the members through symbolic representations such as colors and animals derived from official profiles and promotions: Gunwoo with blue and lion for leadership; Insoo with white and deer for elegance; Seyong with red and fox for charisma; Jun.Q with green and wolf for strength; and Chaejin with yellow and puppy for cuteness. These elements enhance fan interactions during events and merchandise.[20]Membership timeline and changes
Myname has maintained a stable five-member lineup consisting of leader and main vocalist Gunwoo, lead vocalist and lead dancer Insoo, main dancer and lead rapper Seyong, main rapper Jun.Q, and vocalist Chaejin since its debut in 2011, with no member departures or replacements throughout its history.[6] The group's members fulfilled their mandatory military service obligations in South Korea on a staggered timeline, beginning with Insoo's enlistment as an active-duty soldier on October 26, 2017, and his discharge on July 3, 2019.[21][20] Seyong enlisted next as a public service worker on March 22, 2021, completing his service on December 21, 2022.[35][34] Gunwoo enlisted as an active-duty soldier on March 20, 2020, and was discharged on December 19, 2021.[20] Jun.Q enlisted on June 22, 2020, but was discharged early on May 4, 2021, following knee surgery during service.[36] Chaejin enlisted last on July 6, 2020, as an active-duty soldier, and was discharged on January 5, 2022.[37] This sequence of enlistments, particularly the overlapping period from 2020 to 2022 when four members were serving simultaneously, resulted in a pause in full-group activities.[38] Regarding agency affiliations, Myname operated under H2 Media from its formation in 2011 until the expiration of their contracts in December 2019, after which the agency announced the group's disbandment—a statement promptly refuted by the members, who affirmed their intent to continue together independently.[6] Following a period of individual pursuits and the completion of military services, the group transitioned to independent management for their 2025 activities, culminating in the release of their mini-album VIVID on July 2, 2025, marking their first group project in seven years and enabling full reunion performances.[1][39]Discography
Studio and mini albums
Myname's Korean discography includes two mini albums released during their early career. Their debut mini album, Baby I'm Sorry, was released on July 4, 2013, by H2 Media and features six tracks, including the title track "Baby I'm Sorry," a dance-pop number centered on themes of regret and reconciliation in relationships.[16] The album debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and sold over 35,000 copies in South Korea.[16] Their second mini album, Too Very So Much (also known as Myname 2nd Mini Album), arrived on February 12, 2015, also under H2 Media, containing five tracks with the lead single "Too Very So Much" exploring intense emotional longing through upbeat pop rhythms.[40] The group expanded significantly into the Japanese market with a series of studio albums, emphasizing mature pop and rock influences tailored for international audiences. Their debut Japanese studio album, We Are Myname, released on March 27, 2013, by Yoshimoto R and C, comprises 14 tracks, including Japanese versions of earlier hits like "Message," and debuted at number three on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart with first-week sales of 27,813 copies.[41] The follow-up, Five Stars, issued on March 26, 2014, features 15 tracks blending electronic and ballad elements to showcase the members' vocal harmonies, entering the Oricon Albums Chart at number five with 30,081 copies sold in its debut week.[42] Subsequent releases continued to build on their Japanese popularity. I.M.G.Singles and compilations
Myname's debut release was the digital single "Message," issued on October 27, 2011, under H2 Media, marking their entry into the K-pop scene with a high-energy track emphasizing synchronized choreography and emotional vocals.[46] The music video featured dynamic dance sequences in urban settings, promoting the group's charismatic image through intense group formations and close-up member shots.[47] This standalone digital release served as a teaser for their upcoming physical outputs, with promotions focused on online platforms and initial TV appearances to build fanbase momentum. Their first physical single album, Myname 1st Single, followed on June 1, 2012, led by "Hello & Goodbye," a mid-tempo pop track exploring themes of regret and reconciliation in relationships. The accompanying music video adopted a narrative style with cinematic breakup scenes, colorful wardrobe changes, and performance cuts highlighting vocal harmonies and precise footwork, which helped it gain traction on music shows like Music Bank. Promotional strategies included fan signings and radio interviews, positioning the single as a bridge to their Japanese market expansion.[48] In Japan, Myname released the Japanese version of "Message" as their debut single on July 25, 2012, adapting the original with localized lyrics while retaining the upbeat tempo and rap verses. It peaked at number 9 on the Oricon daily singles chart, selling over 17,000 physical copies during its run, bolstered by editions including DVDs with music videos and live footage.[13] The video mirrored the Korean version's energetic styling but incorporated Japanese pop aesthetics, such as brighter lighting and fan-service elements, with promotions tied to their first Japanese showcase tour. The follow-up Japanese single "What's Up" arrived on November 21, 2012, an original track with funky rhythms and playful lyrics about everyday excitement, available in multiple jacket versions for collectors.[49] Its music video showcased vibrant, colorful sets with comedic skits and dance breaks, emphasizing the group's fun-loving persona to appeal to Japanese audiences.[50] Promotions involved handshake events and media appearances on shows like Music Station, helping sustain their visibility in the market post-debut.[51] Myname's Japanese activities continued with "Hello Again" as their fourth single on July 29, 2015, celebrating their third anniversary in the market with a nostalgic pop sound blending Korean roots and J-pop polish. The video featured elegant staging with anniversary motifs, focusing on harmonious group dynamics and subtle choreography to evoke fan nostalgia. Chart performance was modest, but promotions included limited-edition releases and fan meetings to mark the milestone. Myname also released a compilation album, Mybestname!, on November 4, 2015, under Yoshimoto R and C, collecting 15 of their previous Japanese singles and album tracks. In 2025, amid their reunion, Myname issued the digital single "We Are The One (with MYNAME)" on April 12, featuring members Insoo, Gunwoo, and Seyong, as a precursor to their mini album VIVID.[46] This upbeat collaboration track highlighted renewed group synergy with motivational lyrics and modern production, promoted via social media teasers and online live streams to re-engage fans after hiatus.[52] The release underscored their comeback strategy, focusing on digital accessibility and selective member involvement. The EP VIVID was led by the single "Our Days" on July 2, 2025, with an accompanying music video emphasizing vibrant energy and anniversary themes.| Release Date | Title | Language/Market | Chart Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 27, 2011 | "Message" | Korean (digital) | N/A | Debut single; urban dance MV.[46] |
| June 1, 2012 | "Hello & Goodbye" | Korean | N/A | Narrative breakup-themed video; TV show promotions. |
| July 25, 2012 | "Message (Japanese ver.)" | Japanese | #9 Oricon daily | DVD editions; showcase tour tie-in.[13] |
| November 21, 2012 | "What's Up" | Japanese | N/A | Colorful comedic MV; handshake events.[50] |
| July 29, 2015 | "Hello Again" | Japanese | N/A | Anniversary theme; limited editions. |
| April 12, 2025 | "We Are The One (with MYNAME)" | Korean (digital) | N/A | Reunion single; social media focus.[52] |
| July 2, 2025 | "Our Days" | Japanese | N/A | Lead single from VIVID; promotional MV.[53] |