[identity profile] aures.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] omonatheydid
In this series I want to go through groups that are gone, but not forgotten. I will go from debut till disbandment or [indefinite] hiatus, remembering the time we had together and look back on their highs and lows.

MBLAQ



MBLAQ (an acronym for Music Boys Live in Absolute Quality) is a South Korean boy group created by South Korean singer Rain under J. Tune Camp. The group consists of Seungho, G.O, and Mir, and formerly Lee Joon and Thunder.

2009: Just BLAQ
MBLAQ was first announced on September 21, 2009 with an appearance in Nylon magazine, after having trained for two years. The group appeared alongside Rain, in his Legend of Rainism concert. They performed various songs from their produced EP, Just BLAQ, and were met with praise, with many spectators at the concert and fans considering them as the next TVXQ.

The group released teasers for their debut song, "Oh Yeah", on October 12, 2009 with the music video being released two days later. Coinciding with the music video, MBLAQ's debut single album "Just BLAQ", was released on the same day, topping various charts in South Korea.



In early December, the group debuted in Japan, following their performance during Rain's fan meeting.
Later that month, the group commenced promotions for their follow up track, "G.O.O.D Luv". Two music videos were released: an 'unofficial' music video prior to the 'official' music video, which was released on December 10, 2009.



2010: Y
On May 17, 2010, the group released their second single album, Y, a track that Rain wrote, composed, produced and choreographed. The music video for the title track, "Y", was released on the same day at midnight. MBLAQ claimed first place on June 3, 2010 on M! Countdown, and were voted the best Rookie Group for the first half of 2010 through a poll conducted by Korean music site Bugs, obtaining 46% of the votes.



On December 29, 2010, MBLAQ released a teaser music video, featuring their song "Cry", for their upcoming full-length album, BLAQ Style.

On December 30, 2010, J.Tune Entertainment merged with JYP Entertainment. However, as MBLAQ is part of J.Tune Camp, they are not considered as part of JYP Entertainment, or have any ties with the company.

2011: BLAQ Style, Japanese debut, and Mona Lisa
On January 3, 2011, J.Tune Camp released MBLAQ's music video for "Cry" on YouTube, an R&B track produced by E-Tribe.

On January 10, 2011, MBLAQ released their first studio album, BLAQ Style. After only one day of the album's release, MBLAQ recorded 25,000 orders for BLAQ Style. The next day J.Tune Camp released the full music video for Stay on YouTube, which gained more than 400,000 in a week.





They released a repackaged version of their studio album, titled BLAQ Style - 3D Edition on February 22, 2011. The album consists of the 13 tracks from BLAQ Style, as well as three new tracks. When it was released, BLAQ Style 3D reached number one on the Hanteo charts. "Again", their last new song from BLAQ Style - 3D Edition, was used to promote The Fighter in South Korea.



On May 3, MBLAQ kicked off their Japanese promotions with their debut event held at Kanagawa Lazona Kawasaki Plaza, gathering a reported 10,000 fans. Your Luv reached second position on the Oricon Daily Charts for May 3, which was before their official Japanese debut and release date. On May 4, Your Luv reached first position on the Oricon Daily Charts, selling more than 11,000 CDs. A week after their debut, MBLAQ reached second position on the Oricon Weekly Charts, selling more than 40,000 copies of Your Luv.

Their korean mini-album Mona Lisa was released online in July 2011. On July 15, when Mona Lisa was released in stores, it reached number one on the Hanteo Real-time, Daily and Weekly Charts.



On July 15, J.Tune Camp stated that since July 8, Mona Lisa had 30,000 pre-orders, with international fans, in particular Japanese fans, requesting more copies. J.Tune Camp stated they would be producing 50,000 more copies to meet the demand.

The title track, "Baby U", of their new japanese single album was released on October 26, 2011.Baby U! reached number two on the Oricon Weekly Chart, selling a total of 45,624 copies in the first week. The song also reached number one on Japan's Billboard Hot Animation Chart.

2012: 100% Ver., BLAQ Memories, and 1st Asia Tour

On January 5, MBLAQ released their teaser of “This is War” on their official YouTube channel, J.Tune Camp. On the same day, the first concept photo was also released by J.Tune Camp.

J. Tune Entertainment announced that MBLAQ's fourth mini-album was titled 100% Ver. because "[it] is an expression of MBLAQ's satisfaction and confidence in the album's quality". It has been valuably noted that MBLAQ has expended much effort in the making the album.

The full music video of "전쟁이야 (This is War)" was released four days later, on January 10, 2012.
100% Ver. was released on the same day as the music video. It has been revealed that MBLAQ's 100% Ver. had received more than 40,000 pre-orders. The music video of It's War, reached 1 million views within a week. MBLAQ won M! Countdown for 2 weeks in a row with This is War.



On March 1, MBLAQ started their follow-up promotions with Run on M! Countdown, Seungho also injured his back on the pre-recording of M! Countdown, and a video of their dance practice for Run was released online on the same day on J.Tune Camp's original YouTube channel.



On March 7, MBLAQ released a compilation album titled MBLAQ Memories - Best in Korea. The album consists of many songs from their Korean releases, and also includes a Japanese version of You're My +. Upon its release, the album landed at #9 on the Oricon Daily chart.

In June, Mir and G.O., as part of MBLAQ's subunit, released a song titled "Wild" for their Asia tour. In July, Thunder released a self-composed solo song titled "Don't Go".

2013: Sexy Beat & Love Beat
On June 4, the music video for Smoky Girl was released online and MBLAQ held a comeback showcase on the same day as the release of the music video which was streamed live on various websites such as Mnet's Mwave. Sexy Beat, MBLAQ's fifth extended play was also released on June 4, which consists of six tracks with 스모키걸 (Smoky Girl) as their title track.



A repackaged special album titled Love Beat
was released two months later on August 12, 2013. It consists of three new tracks: I Don't Know, Prayer (기도) and No Love as their title track, together with all six tracks from Sexy Beat. The music video for No Love was uploaded on J. Tune Camp's official YouTube channel on August 12, showing the photoshoot, composing and preparation for Love Beat.



2014: Broken, Winter, Lee Joon and Thunder's departure
On March 24, 2014, the music video of Be a Man was uploaded and the album, Broken, which consists of seven tracks which the members actively participated in the writing and composing part, was subsequently released online. On the same day, MBLAQ also began their comeback promotions for Be a Man by performing at a comeback showcase in WAPOP Hall.



On November 20, 2014, J. Tune Camp revealed the track list on their official Twitter and the album "Winter". Winter is the seventh EP released by the South Korean boy group MBLAQ, in time to suit the approaching Winter season. MBLAQ did not officially promote the album on music programs.

On December 16, 2014, it was announced Joon and Thunder had departed from the group and they will focus on individual activities for the time being; Joon focusing on filming his current drama, MBC's Mr. Back and Thunder studying music for a while.

2015: Mirror
The group released their eighth mini album Mirror on June 9, 2015 as trio.



2016-Present:
After Mirror in 2015, MBLAQ more or less disappeared. Member GO left to do military service in February 2016. Rumors said GO had been frustrated with their agency’s actions or lack thereof.

On February 14, 2017, G.O apologized to their fans. His explanation mentioned he was trying to put together his own fan meeting, but J.Tune Camp was being of no help. The letter also stated, “I will let you know that all three of us are not related to J.Tune Camp in terms of a contract. It’s because J.Tune Camp is gone.” G.O further said he stayed in contact with Seungho.

In April, 2017, Seung-ho decided to sign with Will Entertainment to focus on both acting and music.

G.O. is active as Jung Ji Oh TV jockey announcer. He married late 2019 to actress Choi Ye-seul. He's also active on his YouTube channel.

Mir has been busy working as a host, model and rapper. He's running his own YouTube channel.

After their departure from MBLAQ, both Lee Joon and Thunder have been busy acting.

Sources: MBCkpop, jtunecamp, wikipedia, channel-korea 1, channel-korea 2, lioden, rebloggy.

Previous: Nine Muses, 4Minute, Girl's Day, Sistar, Secret, Orange Caramel, Rainbow, 2NE1, Dalshabet, Stellar, Miss A, After School, Spica, Hello Venus, Wonder Girls, f(x), Crayon Pop, WA$$UP, BESTie & GLAM, I.O.I, Pristin, Pristin V & Hinapia, Gangkiz, The SeeYa, Coed School, 5Dolls/F-VE DOLLS, Fiestar, Boyfriend


Did you enjoy MBLAQ? Do you miss them? Do you think they will ever make a comeback? They seem pretty content at the moment though, so I can't see it happening any time soon.
Anyway, they have great title tracks, my favorite (by far) is This Is War, but I also love Mona Lisa and Y. It's sad they basically got dumped after Lee Joon and Thunder left, it's so unfortunate for them.
I would love to hear what you think about this week ♥


Date: 2020-10-14 02:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] xoxkenzxox.livejournal.com
I remember in high school being obsessed with Oh YEAH, Good LUV, and Y. And then in college my crazy roommate was obsessed with MBLAQ and I stopped paying attention to them because she was so obnoxious. Not fair, but there were so many other groups to keep up with during their time. They really turned into a mess towards the end but we will always have this magical moment.

Image
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Edited Date: 2020-10-14 02:55 pm (UTC)

Date: 2020-10-14 02:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] xoxkenzxox.livejournal.com
Also, this made my young self go absolutely crazy.

Image

Date: 2020-10-14 03:47 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] modestgoddess79.livejournal.com
Joon on variety was legendary

Date: 2020-10-14 03:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] modestgoddess79.livejournal.com
Joon and Seungho were my favorites. I loved their variety shows and appearances: Idol Army and Sesame player were hilarious.

Joon was the perfect idol: good looking, sexy, stage presence, funny on variety, could sing. dance and act.

Favorite songs were Y and Cry. I wish there were more live performances of Cry.

Date: 2020-10-14 07:20 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lechuza-yoya.livejournal.com
facts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date: 2020-10-17 02:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] chikage-chan.livejournal.com
Thank you for writing my comment for me hahahahaa I would just add that This is War is awesome too!

Date: 2020-10-14 03:46 pm (UTC)

Date: 2020-10-14 03:58 pm (UTC)
krissasaur: (+MBLAQ: Joon ▬▬▬ HEDGEHOGS)
From: [personal profile] krissasaur
I miss old kpop. I am one of those grumpy old men who scream back in my day.

Date: 2020-10-14 04:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] honeebs.livejournal.com
Ohh fun! Being sleep deprived was soo worth it haha.
The charms, the eye LOVE- they worked those camera like gods, Joon, Ninja Assassin.


The best of times.

Date: 2020-10-14 06:32 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dio-elaclaire.livejournal.com
Awww, this was a great post, op! I wasn't really a huge fan but I liked them a lot and I really need to sit down one day and just listen to their discography.

They were a very talented bunch and it's a shame what happened to them. I honestly think they'd have continued doing pretty well for a few more years even after Joon and Thunder left but who'll ever understand what these agencies think...

Date: 2020-10-14 07:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] froggster.livejournal.com
I miss Joon :( I don't watch dramas so I have no idea if he's still regularly active in entertainment.
Also. Has he ever mentioned if he's doing better with his mental issues? I vaguely remember his military service being a goddamned mess.

Mblaq started out so strong and J.Tune shot it all to hell.

Date: 2020-10-15 01:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] carmine-pink.livejournal.com
Apparently he hosts a radio show on SBS, some of my faves were guests on it recently.

Date: 2020-10-15 01:33 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] carmine-pink.livejournal.com
Ahh, 2011. It was a time when I started watching kpop music shows and checking out songs, and I discovered Monalisa which was a bop.

Date: 2020-10-15 03:57 am (UTC)
ext_1173618: (Default)
From: [identity profile] sjtaazrz.livejournal.com
I saw someone reacting to Monsta X's "Dramarama" recently and when they got to the scene on Wonho in the shower, I was like "hey, remember when Joon was in the shower breathing heavily and then said "Mblaq" and the beat dropped?" good times. Everyone lost their minds. I really miss Joon on Variety shows; he was comedy gold!

They had a bunch of great songs. It's a shame things got handled as poorly as they did. I remember recently, while rehearing for Ssask3, Rain was at some studio/building for his new label or something, like he's revving up to make/manage idol groups again and I thought "haven't we been through this and it didn't end well?"

I've seen a few youtube video from Mir and G.O and it seems like they're having fun. G.O and his wife's reactions are funny because she fangirls to a music video and he basically looks at the camera like Jim Halpert, and Mir and G.O have a reaction video (without subs) to one of those fake mr videos that were popular for a while.

Date: 2020-10-15 04:12 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] aeries-amethyst.livejournal.com
Y was literally one of the first kpop MVs I remember watching. I was stanning MBLAQ ever since then. Too bad I fell off the stan wagon and lost interest but I did check in on their music from time to time. Smoky Girl is still one of my fave songs. I miss seeing them together, they were a pretty fun group.

Date: 2020-10-15 06:47 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nixx0-0.livejournal.com
Posting this in the time I needed to remember just why I loved kpop so much now that it seems to all descend into madness at the slightest provocation.
I miss MA BOIZ.
Be A Man hit me so different back then man; now in my early freaking 20s I feel like that ahjumma saying "Back in my days!" at the top of my lungs.
BECAUSE BACK IN MY DAY I FELT COMFORTABLE STANNING GROWN MEN WITH OTHER GROWN MEN AND WOMAN😂😂

Date: 2020-10-15 07:46 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rockerista03.livejournal.com
I WAS AFRAID I'D MISS THIS KSDHFKJDSF. But anyway, I love MBLAQ, they were so good in variety and I could not stop jamming to Oh Yeah and G.O.O.D. Luv when it first dropped.

Smoky Girl is still my favourite single tho and I wish we got more. I miss Seungho, he was my bias then. But I do love seeing Lee Joon and Mir in variety because they were just It, y'know? lmao

Date: 2020-10-15 07:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rockerista03.livejournal.com
omg I'm fine with anything! Sorry I should've specified that I'd miss an MBLAQ post in general lmao I used to be such a huge stan back in the day.

And ofc bb I gotchu ♥

Date: 2020-10-15 11:59 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] minstradamus.livejournal.com
They were such a talented group, it's a shame that they have never reached the top. I remember when Mona Lisa came out I was sure they were going to become very popular. I still love that song.

Date: 2020-10-17 03:01 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] chikage-chan.livejournal.com
One of my biggest regrets is never having been able to see them live, they came to Brazil when they were pretty popular but life got in the way (and the event was super messy), and then when I got back to Japan their peak was kinda already gone... I should’ve tried harder to go to their 2013/2014 events, but my wallet was consumed by infinite, SHINee, B1A4 and Jaejoong at the time lol

Joon in Good Love was my to go MSN icon for years hahahaah And their Hello Baby was so much fun! Only good memories from the time I was their fan, this post was a great nostalgia trip! Thanks, OP!

Date: 2020-10-20 10:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lightframes.livejournal.com
MBLAQ were done so, so wrong. They were really hitting their stride musically when they broke up, and that's what makes it so sad. Their music was maturing with them. There aren't a LOT of K-pop albums like Broken.

I also got into them during Y era. I listened to that song ALL summer.

Sexy Beat is my favorite album and Dress Up is my most played song by them. They really deserved better.
(deleted comment)

Date: 2020-10-26 06:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lightframes.livejournal.com
I don't remember if they stated specific reasons, but I feel like it was probably because JTC wasn't promoting them well.

Date: 2020-10-25 02:26 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] reader17.livejournal.com
LOVE MBLAQ! Still do and still sad with what happened to them. First Lee Joon and Thunder leaving, and then later while G.O was in the service the whole company disappeared. I felt so bad for Mblaq and Madtown. (I know don't bring up other groups but it was the crappy company they both were with!) I was just getting into kpop 2012/2013 so my first encounter was Smokey girl and once I heard that I was watching all of their old videos,their variety shows, they were so good and funny. Lee Joon still cracks me up with watching his past variety shows. I also loved when they did Hello Baby! My favorite songs from them are Good Luv, No Love, Smokey Girl , Y, Sexy Beat. They have others that I enjoy as well. If there is one group I would love to see get back together it is MBLAQ! Every few months I still watch Good Luv, No Love and Smokey Girl!

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