Korean group M.E.N to debut in Japan later this year

[unreal.livejournal.com]

Earlier today it came to the attention of many Kpop fans that rumors were spreading about Battle member Taehwa's possible return to the music scene. The rumor included that Taehwa was apparently going to debut in a new group in Japan. Later that day, it was confirmed by a broadcast on Japanese TV, that this rumor was indeed true.

The new group consists of 5 young guys, including Taehwa himself, actor Im Youngpil (Sungkyunkwan Scandal), Yoon Gwangsun, Park Jungjin (Former A'ST1 leader) and Shim Jihwan (rapper of Typhoon). They will have their debut later this year in Japan, and it is rumored that the group will only be promoting in Japan.

The speculations started when Battle member Taehwa posted up some pictures of himself in a practice room. Though many fans hoped it would be a solo return (he briefly promoted his solo single "Fallen Angel" at the end of 2009), it seems he was preparing for his upcoming debut in the Japanese group.



Typhoon was a mixed hip-hop group consisting of a female and male vocalist as well as a rapper, Jihwan. Due to the schedule of the female singer, Solbi, she didn't participate in the 3rd album. More news about the group and its future hasn't been revealed.

Battle was a 6 member boy group that originally was going to debut with 6 members. Battle came to life after the members, and many others, participated in "Let's Coke Play! Battle Shinhwa!" a TV-program in which the Shinhwa members went looking for the next new group. Every member of the group was personally chosen by a certain Shinhwa member and debuted in 2006. After two years, and the release of their album, Battle disappeared out of the spotlight. Hwichan and Lio entered the army, Chris went back to America to study, Leader Ryu went on into acting and Taehwa was preparing for a solo debut. Although the members went their separate ways, their entertainment company never officially said the group was disbanded. Fans therefor always kept hope that the group might return one day.

AST'1 debuted in 2008 under DSP Entertainment. The group consisted out of four Korean members, one Japanese member, and one Chinese member. They debuted with "1.2.3.4 Back". As of November 2009, the group officially broke up. Former member Hanbyul is currently a member of Monday Kiz, while Tomo, the Japanese member, works for a TV channel as a VJ. Another member is said to debut with a ballad group from Star Empire later this year.

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Source: @kohakukuku, @unsungbyul, hanlive & koreaboo

Comments

[eleclya111.livejournal.com]

I don't think so... I'm not sure what Taehwa says in the interview exactly but he mentions Battle a few times? This may very well be only a project group.

[yamapi96.livejournal.com]

I wasn't really paying attention, I put the video on while I was translating the news for this (I'm @kohakukuku XD;), but the news I got this from said Taehwa (/formerly/ from Battle), and Taehwa mentioned Battle when the MC asked them what they used to do in Korea before...;A; idk >

[eleclya111.livejournal.com]

Oh. WELL THEN. *starts bawling*

[x3sarang.livejournal.com]

Whoa back up, so many awesome people from awesome groups forming one group

[eleclya111.livejournal.com]

I'm just excited to see Taehwa work again x_x <333

[o-o-mai-o-o.livejournal.com]

OMG A'ST1S JUNGJIN. CRYING RN. ;A; I'm so happy for this group, even if they're only promoting in Japan.

[jaerotic.livejournal.com]

...Youngpil as in Chun's bestfriend who has practically been stolen by Junsu??

[baboboy.livejournal.com]

lmao is it a coincidence that 3(4) are members of FC MEN?

[eleclya111.livejournal.com]

Oh hey you're right!

[clayray3290.livejournal.com]

Taehwa! Jungjin! Ohmaigoodness, this makes me happy. :)

[da-mummy.livejournal.com]

I'm sssoooo excited for Jungjin *____* I missed him

The news made me very happy when a friend of mine linked this article to me 2 days ago on Twitter.