Starship Entertainment is currently home to several boy groups including MONSTA X and CRAVITY. But, did you know that before them, the company had a six-member band called Boyfriend? The sextet disbanded in eight years since its debut.
Keep on reading to find out the story behind Boyfriend's disbandment and where the former members are now.
About Boyfriend, The First K-pop Boy Group with Twin Members
Boyfriend is the first boy group to debut under Starship Entertainment. It consisted of six members namely Donghyun, Hyunseong, Jeongmin, Minwoo, Kwangmin and Youngmin, with the two latter members being twins.
In May 2011, Boyfriend released their first single "Boyfriend," which didn't receive much positive response from fans and music critics. Their following music releases, however, saw better results, including "Don't Touch My Girl," "Janus" and "I'll Be There" which peaked at No. 2 on the Gaon Chart.
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Aside from Korea, Starship Entertainment's first boy group also debuted in Japan with their special album "We Are Boyfriend" in June 2012. They even released the track "Hitomi no Melody" as the OST for the popular anime "Detective Conan," becoming the first foreign artist to sing an OST for an anime.
While their popularity expanded in Japan, Boyfriend had an unlucky time in the K-pop industry. They were stuck between the second-generation groups like BIGBANG and SHINee and the third-generation groups EXO and BTS. Because of this, Starship's boy band was unable to find the ideal time to take the spotlight in the K-pop scene.
In 2018, Boyfriend began to focus more on overseas promotions and held concerts in different countries including Puerto Rico, the United States, Chicago and Dallas.
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Since the boy group was more active outside of Korea, it was assumed that the band's fall in popularity is due to their lack of domestic promotions. In fact, out of their eight years together, five years were for Japanese activities.
On May 17, 2019, Starship Entertainment announced Boyfriend's disbandment after the expiration of the members' exclusive contracts. Their last release is "Sunshower" to commemorate their seventh anniversary.
But, in May this year, the sextet reunited to release the digital single "Ending Credit" in celebration of their tenth anniversary. They will now be known as BF.
Where are the Former Boyfriend Members Now?
Former Boyfriend Donghyun
In October 2019, Boyfriend's former leader Donghyun signed an exclusive contract with SidusHQ, which is still his current agency. In the following years, he appeared in a few Korean dramas such as "Lonely Enough to Love" (2020) and "College Life That Everyone Wants" (2021).
Former Boyfriend Kim Donghyun also starred in the Korean film "Insa" where he played the main character named Tae Soo.
For more updates about him, follow him on his Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Former Boyfriend Hyunseong
Hyunseong was the main vocalist in Boyfriend. He moved to Dorothy Communications in 2020 and made his solo debut in October of the same year with the digital single "Wind Road."
This 2021, former Boyfriend Hyunseong released two new digital singles titled "Nothing Happens" and "Baby, I."
Follow his Instagram and Twitter accounts to get updated about his daily life and activities. He also has a YouTube channel to which you can subscribe.
Former Boyfriend Jeongmin
One of the former lead vocalists of Boyfriend, Jeongmin joined ARA-LINE following the group's disbandment. He then left the company in 2020 and signed with Cross Phase Entertainment this year.
In the past months, former Boyfriend Jeongmin released the mini-album "#06" and several digital singles, entitled "#01," "#02," "#04" and "Africa."
Check out his Instagram and Twitter accounts for more updates about him. He also owns a YouTube channel.
Former Boyfriend Youngmin
After Boyfriend disbanded in May, there were no reports of whether Youngmin joined a new agency. But, one month later, it was revealed that he had launched a YouTube channel with his former bandmates Kwangmin and Minwoo, called "BoyLand."
However, "BoyLand" was later changed to "Minu," implying that Minwoo is the only one left to run the YouTube channel. In fact, the platform is now full of videos featuring only Minwoo. Although, the twins appear in some videos from time to time.
But, former Boyfriend Youngmin has an Instagram account you can follow.
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Former Boyfriend Kwangmin
Kwangmin is the twin brother of Youngmin. He is currently a free agent, which means he is not under any company. Also, he did not join a new agency following his Boyfriend's disbandment and their departure from Starship Entertainment.
In April this year, former Boyfriend Kwangmin made his solo debut with the digital single "Hold On Tight" (which he co-wrote) under the stage name Cats Drink Coke. Through this song, the idol, who is primarily known as a rapper, brings out his hidden vocal talent.
Follow his Instagram and Twitter accounts to stay updated on his daily life and activities.
Former Boyfriend Minwoo
Minwoo was the maknae (youngest), main dancer and face of the group. Like Kwangmin, he did not sign with a new agency after disbanding and leaving Starship Entertainment.
As mentioned above, the former Boyfriend member launched a YouTube channel with the twins. He regularly uploads new videos to the platform. One time, they invited their friend BTOB Sungjae to appear on their channel.
Former Boyfriend Minwoo also owns Instagram and Twitter accounts, where he regularly posts photos and videos.
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
