CNBLUE has revealed the teaser image for their upcoming album 'Re-Code' set to drop on Nov 17. This is their first comeback in 3 years and 8 months and their first comeback since completing their military service. The 3 members show off a youthful and preppy charm, sporting matching sweaters against a dark background, emanating bright but calm energy.
CNBLUE is a South Korean pop-rock band formed in 2009. The band consists of Jung Yong-Hwa (leader, main vocals, guitar, keyboard, rap), Kang Min-hyuk (drums), and Lee Jung-shin (bass). First bassist Kwon Kwang-jin left the band after they released their debut Japanese extended play Now or Never in 2009, and was replaced by Lee Jung-shin. Lee Jong-hyun (guitar and vocals) left the band on August 28, 2019.
CN is an initialism for Code Name, while BLUE is a backronym for burning, lovely, untouchable, and emotional; it is meant to portray the images of Jong-hyun, Min-hyuk, Jung-shin, and Yong-Hwa, respectively. On January 14, 2010, CNBLUE debuted in Korea with the lead single "I'm a Loner" from their first Korean EP Bluetory.
CNBLUE's first live performance took place in Tokyo, Japan, at the entrance of Shinjuku Station in early 2009; it was one of at least 20 other bands performing in the area. By mid-June 2009, the band began to perform on the streets and in live clubs. They formally debuted on August 19, 2009, with Now or Never. The EP was recorded completely in English and failed to chart on the Oricon Albums Chart. In late September, their original bassist Kwon Kwang-jin left the band and was replaced by Lee Jung-shin later. Their second extended play Voice was released in November. Recorded with both English and Japanese tracks, Voice peaked at number 227 and charted for two weeks. Guitarist Lee described the band's independence in the country as "tough, but equally rewarding."
In January, FNC Entertainment unveiled a series of video teasers for CNBLUE's debut in South Korea. Bluetory was released on January 14, 2010, and stayed at the Gaon Album Chart's top for two weeks. "I'm a Loner" was promoted as the lead single and peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart. The band had their first televised live performance on KBS' Music Bank on January 15. The song was an immediate commercial success, and the band had their first music show chart win on Music Bank on January 29 and SBS' Inkigayo on January 31. CNBLUE held the record for achieving number one on South Korea's music programs in the shortest time since debut, grabbing their first win only 15 days after debuting with "I'm a Loner." The band had their debut reality show CNBLUEtory, broadcast on Mnet beginning March 10.
In March, the band started preparations for their first full-length independent album Thank U in Japan. It was released on March 20 with several tracks co-written and co-composed by Jung Yong-Hwa. The album peaked at number 90 on the Oricon Weekly Album Charts.
Almost immediately, CNBLUE achieved huge success with their music as well as performance. However, fans had given up hope of the group ever returning, especially with changes in the line-up due to members leaving and facing controversies. However, good news soon came for fans of CNBLUE.
On Oct. 20, it was announced that the 3 remaining members of CNBLUE had successfully renewed their contracts and are releasing their eighth mini-album, Re-Code, and its lead single "Then, Now and Forever," on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
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Written by Ishani Sarkar.
