Have you ever heard of the K-pop band A.N. JELL? If not, then you're missing out on one of the best fictional K-pop bands ever!
Recently, the concert video of "Promise," sung by FTISLAND's Lee Hongki and CNBLUE's Jung Yong Hwa went viral once again, as people began to reminisce the ultimate hit K-pop band, A.N. JELL that gained its popularity in the 2009 Korean drama, "You're Beautiful."
The fictional K-pop band from the drama, which seemed to be a "real" K-pop band, captured several attention and interest not only from k-drama fans but as well as K-pop fans, leading them to become the first fictional band to have a mini-concert together with real fans.
A.N. JELL: Rising to Popularity
Upon the announcement of the casting for the Korean drama "You're Beautiful" consisting of singer-actress Park Shin Hye, CNBLUE Jung Yong Hwa, FTISLAND's Lee Hong Ki, and TEAM H-actor Jang Geun Seuk, fans eagerly anticipated the musical drama.
The fans and viewers weren't only hooked because of the fun storyline, but they immediately fell in love with the Original Sound Track (OST) as well. That's why upon the release, it sold out 20,000 albums to more than 30,000, reigning #1 against K-pop bands in Korean online streaming sites such as Melon, MNET, and Dosirak.
A.N. JELL: K-pop Enthusiasts Draw Interest
During their first mini-concert, 1,400 fans showed up, given the large fan base of the real K-pop idols, Yong Hwa and Hong Ki.
The band definitely reached the heights of their popularity upon the announcement of their second mini-concert. This was also taken as the scene for the drama's finale. With more than 2,500 people in the crowd cheering and singing with them, the band performed songs from the drama's OST.
The group had performed several hit songs including "Promise" and "Still." Jang Geun Seuk also performed his solo tracks like "Goodbye" and "What Do I do." Park Shin Hye also sang the theme song entitled "Lovely Day."
A.N. JELL: Possible Debut as a K-pop Band
Due to the outstanding love and compassion that the group has received from the fans, the four artists talked about debuting as a real K-pop band after their drama has ended.
According to an insider from the drama production's marketing team, the artists discussed to have the band in reality, and they weren't against it as well, but due to the full-packed schedules of Yong Hwa and Hong Ki, who were promoting together with their idol group and as well as Shin Hye and Geun Seuk who are busy with their individual activities, A.N. JELL was unfortunately not pushed through.
A.N. JELL members: Where are They now After more than 10 years?
Jang Geun Seuk, who played the role of Hwang Tae Kyung, the main vocalist of the band, is currently serving the military. In 2018, before his enlistment, he played a role in a Korean drama, "Switch." He is set to be discharged this upcoming July 2020.
Meanwhile, Jung Yong Hwa, who played Kang Shin Woo, finished his service last 2019, planned to have an overseas fan meeting tour, and revealed to release an album as well, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, his schedule was held. Nevertheless, he's communicating with his CNBLUE co-members and was often seen in social media together.
As for Lee Hong Ki, who is the maknae and drummer of the band, Jeremy, recently entered the army for mandatory service, and according to the most recent reports, he is rumored to cast on a musical theater along with EXO's D.O. in the military.
Lastly, Park Shin Hye (Go Mi Nam), who is the only female member of the band, will have her movie comeback this 2020 through "Call," which is initially reported to be released in May.
