2AM (band)

2AM
L-R: Jinwoon, Jo Kwon, Changmin, and Seulong
L-R: Jinwoon, Jo Kwon, Changmin, and Seulong
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
Genres
Years active
  • 2008–2014
  • 2021–present
Labels
Member ofJYP Nation
Spinoff ofOne Day
Members
Website2am.jype.com Edit this at Wikidata[dead link]

2AM (Korean: 투에이엠) is a South Korean boy band, that consists of Jo Kwon, Lee Chang-min, Lim Seul-ong, and Jeong Jin-woon. The band was formed by JYP Entertainment through the Mnet documentary Hot Blood, which spawned the eleven-member boy band One Day; 2AM primarily perform ballad songs while their brother group 2PM performed more dance-focused music. With the addition of Changmin from Big Hit Entertainment, now known as Big Hit Music, the group was co-managed by JYP and Big Hit from 2008 to 2014. They officially debuted on July 11, 2008,[2] on KBS' Music Bank, performing their debut single "This Song". The group also debuted in Japan with the single "Never Let You Go: Shindemo Hanasanai" in January 2012.

2AM's albums and singles were commercially successful. Several of their Korean albums have charted within the top ten in the Gaon Album Chart, with their album I Was Wrong (2010) marking their first number one album. Several of their singles have achieved high peaks at the Gaon Digital Chart, with "Can't Let You Go Even If I Die", "You Wouldn't Answer My Calls", and "I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me" topping the chart. Their Japanese singles have also peaked within the top ten of the Oricon Singles Chart.

After the group departed JYP and Big Hit, 2AM was put on hiatus as the members moved to different companies and labels and pursued solo careers. Their hiatus extended as most of the group took part in their mandatory military service. Following the end of their military service, the group reunited after seven years with their fourth extended play, Ballad 21 F/W (2021).

Formation

[edit]

Along with the members of 2PM, 2AM's Seulong, Jo Kwon, and Jinwoon appeared on the documentary Hot Blood that was aired on Mnet, documented their rigorous training program on their pre-debut days. Changmin was not in the documentary because he had not joined JYP. Initially, Jinwoon was eliminated on Hot Blood, but he ended up in 2AM due to Daehun's withdrawal from JYPE.[3]

History

[edit]

2008–2010: Debut and early years

[edit]

2AM's first single, "이 노래 (This Song)", was released on July 21, 2008.[4] It was followed a year later by "Time For Confession", on March 19, 2009, with "친구의 고백 (Confession of a Friend)".[5] In January 2010 the group released the EP, "죽어도 못 보내" with "죽어도 못 보내 (Even If I Die I Can't Let You Go)" as the lead single. The EP featured four additional songs, three from their first and second singles and one new song titled "잘못했어 (I Was Wrong)", which was their promoted track.[6] They won their music show at Inkigayo on February 7 with "Can't Let You Go Even If I Die".[2]

Through June and July 2010, 2AM opened for Wonder Girls on the second leg of their Wonder Girls World Tour.[7] They are also featured in Made in Wonder Girls.[8] On October 26, 2010, 2AM released their first full-length album entitled Saint o'Clock, with "전활 받지 않는 너에게 (You Wouldn't Answer My Calls)" and "미친 듯이 (Like Crazy)" as the lead singles.[9]

2011–2012: Asian career

[edit]

Following the Korean success of their 2010 album Saint o'Clock, the group released a Japanese version on November 9, 2011.[10] In January 2012, they released their first Japanese single "Never Let You Go: Shindemo Hanasanai", a Japanese version of the group's Korean single, "Even if I Die, I Can't Let You Go" (죽어도 못보내).[11] It successfully entered both Oricon Daily Chart and Weekly Chart in the top 3.[12] They released their second Korean EP F.Scott Fitzgerald's Way Of Love[13] and released the music video for the lead track of the album, "I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me". In January 2012 they toured Japan, becoming the first K-Pop idol group to perform at Tokyo Bunkamura Orchard Hall.[10]

The band followed up with the release of their second Japanese single "Denwa ni Denai Kimi ni (You Wouldn't Answer My Calls)" in Japan on April 11.[14] The song immediately debuted on Oricon Daily charts at fourth place.[15] The release included the Japanese version of "You Wouldn't Answer My Calls" and a cover Ken Hirai's "Close Your Eyes" (瞳をとじて).

In April 2012, 2PM and 2AM announced the release of the documentary film known as Beyond The One Day, in Japan. One Day refers to the group from which 2PM and 2AM both split. On April 13, they released the trailer for the film.[16] This was followed up with the release of Japanese single for the theme song "One day". In September 2012, 2AM released the third Japanese single For You: Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru Koto" their first original in Japanese.[14] The title track "For You~君のためにできること~" was selected as the theme song for Japanese TBS drama NEO Soumatou Company which premiered on July 16. In the same year, 2AM held their first Asia concert tour, visiting Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Malaysia.[17] They recorded a Chinese version of the song "I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me (好痛) while Jokwon expressed some concerns about his pronunciation.[18] It featured on the Asian version of their second EP F. Scott Fitzgerald's Way Of Love. In November 2012, prior to the concert in Japan, Seulong fractured a toe and performed in a wheelchair.[19] The 4th Japanese single "Darenimo Watasenai Yo" was released in Japan on December 5, 2012.[14]

2013–2014: Japanese debut, One Spring Day, Nocturne, return to JYP, and Let's Talk

[edit]

2AM released their first full-length Japan Album titled Voice on January 9, 2013.[14] The album collected the tracks from their Japanese singles released to date and included four new songs; "First Love", "Pretty Girl", "愛の歌がRadioから", "無邪気な笑顔で" and Japanese version of "I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me (君も僕のように)". On March 5, 2013, 2AM released their second full-length album, One Spring Day. The album, containing nine tracks, is a collaboration with many artists, including pianist & composer Yiruma and Eptione Project.[20] They also hosted SNL Korea on April 13, 2013.[21] The band released their second EP, Nocturne, on November 19, 2013.[22] The EP included five tracks. Due to member Jung Jinwoon's injury, 2AM did not promote the album on music programs.

Members Seulong, Jo Kwon, and Jinwoon all officially switched their contracts back to JYP Entertainment after their contracts with Big Hit Entertainment expired in April, while Changmin stayed with Big Hit due to his involvement with Homme.[23] A new album, Let's Talk would be the first under JYP Entertainment, after releasing their previous albums with Big Hit Entertainment. Producer Park Jin Young composed several of the tracks, while the title song "Over The Destiny" was written for the group by Cho Kyumin.[24] Days Like Today was released on October 27, followed by "Over The Destiny" on October 30, 2014.[25]

2015–2020: Hiatus

[edit]

In March 2015, Seulong and Jinwoon decided not to renew their contracts with JYP Entertainment and would sign to other agencies.[26] While Changmin ended his contract in August 2015, JYP Entertainment assured that the departures did not mean 2AM was breaking up.[27]

On September 22, 2017, Jo Kwon parted ways with JYP Entertainment.[28] Jo stated that, despite his departure from JYP Entertainment, 2AM had not disbanded and that the other members had clauses in their individual contracts which would allow them to promote as 2AM in the future.[29]

On November 28, 2017, Seulong enlisted for his mandatory military service.[30][31]

In August 2018, Jo Kwon enlisted to fulfil mandatory military service requirement.[32]

On January 17, 2019, it was announced Jinwoon would enlist in March.[33] He will be the final member to enlist, due to Changmin's service completion in 2008.

2021–present: Return with Ballad 21 F/W

[edit]

On May 20, 2021, CJ ENM subsidiary Culture Depot announced that 2AM will have a reunion, ending their indefinite hiatus.[34] On September 16, the group was set to release a comeback but the release date of their song and album was not still decided.[35][unreliable source?]

On October 7, 2021, the comeback announcement was made by member Lee Chang-min.[36] According to JTBC, the group already recorded two title tracks, one written by Bang Si-hyuk and one by Park Jin-young.[37]

2AM's fourth EP Ballad 21 F/W was announced on October 12, via the groups brand-new Twitter account, set to be released on November 1 by Culture Depot and Stone Music Entertainment. The EP includes five songs, including the title tracks "Should've Known" and "No Good in Good-Bye".[38]

On March 9, 2022, the group released the single "Though You're Gone", a cover of a song by Jo Jang-hyuk.[39]

On December 28, 2023, it was revealed that the group would be collaborating with Day6 for a special performance at the 2023 MBC Music Festival on December 31.[40] The following day, it was announced that the group would be releasing a new single, "If You Change Your Mind", on January 4, 2024.[41]

On October 20, 2024, it was announced that the group would have a national concert tour in November called 2AM is Coming to Town.[42]

Other contributions

[edit]

In April 2010, they participated in the original soundtrack of drama series Personal Taste with a ballad titled "바보처럼 (Like A Fool)",[43] which also became a number one hit.[44]

2AM was chosen to represent Asia on Listen Up! The Official 2010 Fifa World Cup Album with the song titled "No. 1". The song was digitally released on May 18, 2010.[45] In October 2010, the group represented Korea and performed at the 7th Asia Song Festival, organised by Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange, at the Seoul Olympic Stadium.[46] In 2012, they were appointed as ambassadors for the World Conservation Congress.[47]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: 2AM discography

Concerts/Tours

[edit]
  • 2AM 1st Tour "Saint' O Clock" (2010-2011)
  • 2AM "Come On Christmas" Concert (2011)
  • 2AM 1st Japan Tour "Never Let You Go" (2012)
  • 2AM 1st Asia Tour "The Way Of Love" (2012)
  • 2AM 1st World Tour "Nocturne Symphony Of The Night" (2013)
  • 2AM Concert "22 S/S" (2022)
  • 2AM is Coming to Town (2024)

JYP Nation

[edit]
  • 2014 JYP NATION - ONE MIC in Seoul
  • 2012 JYP NATION Concert in Seoul

Videography

[edit]
List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
Korean
"This Song" 2008 Un­known
"What Should I Do"
"Graduation" 2009 Un­known
"A Friend's Confession"
"Can't Let You Go Even If I Die" 2010 Hong Won-ki [48]
"I Was Wrong" Un­known
"No.1" Hong Won-ki [49]
"You Wouldn't Answer My Calls" Un­known
"Like Crazy" Hong Won-ki [50]
"I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me" 2012 Lee Gi-baek [51]
"One Spring Day" 2013 Hong Won-ki [52]
"Regret" [53]
"Days Like Today" 2014 Un­known
"Over The Destiny" Un­known
Japanese
"You Wouldn't Answer My Calls" 2011 Hong Won-ki [54]
"Never Let You Go: Shindemo Hanasanai" 2012 Lee Gi-baek [55]
"Denwa ni Denai Kimi ni" [56]
"One Day" (with 2PM) Cho Su-hyun [57]
"For You: Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru Koto" [58]
"Darenimo Watasenai Yo" [59]
"One Spring Day" 2013 Un­known
"Bye Bye" 2014 Igarashi Taku [60]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by 2AM

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Park, Sang-woo (May 20, 2021). "[단독]'7년만 컴백' 2AM, '전지현 소속사' 문화창고서 앨범 제작". Ilgan Sports (in Korean). NATE (SK Communications). Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "2AM vs 2PM..맞대결의 끝이 안보인다". Star News (in Korean). May 18, 2010. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  3. ^ 2AM Profile Archived March 15, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. JPYE. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  4. ^ 2AM '이노래', 질러차트 2주째 1위 Archived December 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Paran. September 25, 2008.
  5. ^ 2AM's Long Anticipated 2nd Single Released! Archived October 15, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. allkpop. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
  6. ^ "2AM, '유럽 거리의 반항아' 신곡 이미지 컷 공개 " Archived July 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. TVDaily.com. March 5, 2010.
  7. ^ "Wonder Girls World Tour 2010 (2nd leg) - Facebook". facebook.com.
  8. ^ "MADE IN WONDER GIRLS". Mnet. Archived from the original on August 7, 2010. Retrieved August 21, 2010.
  9. ^ 2AM 조권 "10년을 기다렸다" 첫 정규앨범 발매 Archived August 21, 2023, at the Wayback Machine. Newsen. October 26, 2010.
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  28. ^ "조권, JYP→ 큐브 엔터테인먼트로 '새 둥지' [공식입장 전문]". iMBC 연예 (in Korean). November 3, 2017. Archived from the original on December 25, 2019. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  29. ^ "[종합] "아홉수 넘고 다시 태어나"...조권, JYP→큐브서 야심찬 새출발". Xports News (in Korean). January 10, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  30. ^ Hong Se-young (November 6, 2017). 임슬옹 28일 현역 입대 "행사無...조용히 입소할 것" [공식입장]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
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  33. ^ "정진운 측 "군악대 지원, 합격시 3월 입대 예정"(공식입장)". Newsen (in Korean). January 17, 2019. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
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  35. ^ "2AM to reportedly make a comeback after 7 years". Allkpop. Archived from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
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  38. ^ Jeong, Ha-eun (October 12, 2021). "2AM, 11월 1일 완전체 컴백 확정...'명품 발라드 그룹'의 귀환[공식]". Sports Seoul (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
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  41. ^ "[단독]2AM, 1월 가요계 컴백…방시혁 손잡고 완전체 귀환". SPOTV News. December 27, 2023.
  42. ^ "2am, 전국투어 콘서트 개최…11월 대구서 시작". Sports Donga. October 20, 2024.
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  44. ^ 2AM '바보처럼' 음악 차트 1위 등극, 이효리 10위 ↓ Archived May 10, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Newsen. May 4, 2010.
  45. ^ 2AM, 월드컵 공식앨범 아시아 대표 'No.1' Archived November 4, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Newsis. May 11, 2010.
  46. ^ KOFICE 7th Asia Song Festival Archived June 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine October 23, 2010. Retrieved October 12, 2011
  47. ^ 세계자연보전총회 홍보대사 2AM과 함께해요~ Archived June 16, 2023, at the Wayback Machine newsen.com
  48. ^ 죽어도 못 보내 (in Korean). music.naver.com. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
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  50. ^ "ミュージックビデオサーチ - Like Crazy" (in Japanese). Space Shower TV. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  51. ^ Evy J noh (May 9, 2014). "2AM I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me MV-1". Vimeo.com. Archived from the original on October 25, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  52. ^ Zanybros (March 18, 2013). "2AM_ONE SPRING DAY". Vimeo.com. Archived from the original on October 25, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  53. ^ Zanybros (December 26, 2013). "2AM_REGRET". Vimeo.com. Archived from the original on October 25, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  54. ^ "ミュージックビデオサーチ - You Wouldn't Answer My Calls" (in Japanese). Space Shower TV. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  55. ^ "ミュージックビデオサーチ - Never let you go〜死んでも離さない〜" (in Japanese). Space Shower TV. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  56. ^ ミュージックビデオサーチ - 電話に出ない君に (in Japanese). Space Shower TV. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
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  59. ^ ミュージックビデオサーチ - 誰にも渡せないよ (in Japanese). Space Shower TV. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  60. ^ "ミュージックビデオサーチ - Bye Bye" (in Japanese). Space Shower TV. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
[edit]
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