The Grace (band)
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| ChunSangJiHee The Grace 天上智喜 The Grace 천상지희 더 그레이스 |
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| Image:천상지희2.jpg |
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | TSZX The Grace CSJH The Grace Tenjochiki |
| Genre(s) | Pop, K-pop, J-pop, A cappella, RnB, Dance |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Dancer |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Label(s) | SM Entertainment (Korea) Avex Trax (Japan) Rhythm Zone (Japan) |
| Website | 천상지희 (Korean) TJCK (Japanese) |
| Members | |
| Stephanie LINA Sunday |
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| The Grace (band) | ||||||||
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The Grace is a Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment. It consists of four members with skills in singing, dancing and also a bit of acting. The quartet debuted in 2005 and since then, the group gained popularity in South Korea and a number of other countries. They are notably popular in Japan,[citation needed] where much of their activity occurs, following the precedent of other Korean-turned-Japanese-celebrity pop stars such as S.E.S, and BoA, who are also managed by SM Entertainment.
The Grace had long been known as simply 천상지희 or 天上智喜 prior to the promotion of the 3rd Korean single around the end of 2006, at which point the group changed the name to the current ones to signal the change of the group's style to a more “graceful” one. The old name was usually shortened to TSZX (the romanization of the Mandarin Chinese pronunciation, Tiān Shàng Zhì Xǐ) or CSJH (the romanization of the Korean pronunciation, Cheon Sang Ji Hui), both of which are still widely used to refer to the band despite the change in the official name. The Grace is also known by a variety of other names, as different countries have different pronunciation for the four Chinese letters in the name. In Japan for example, the group is known as Tenjōchiki, which is also abbreviated (albeit less frequently) as TJCK[1].
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[edit] Pre-debut
Although SM Entertainment was home to famous girl group S.E.S, it was not able to find similar success in its other groups after the group disbanded at the end of 2002. Other groups such as M.I.L.K., Isak N Jiyeon, and Shinvi failed to succeed in the Korean music market.
However, in the beginning of 2004, the boy band TVXQ debuted and became a great success all over Asia. In the same year, four SM female singers released a song in the seasonal album 2004 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com, a re-recording of DANA's solo song "바램 (Fight To The End)". Besides DANA, other known SM artists included Jiyeon (from Isak N Jiyeon) plus two new faces: Sunday and Stephanie.
DANA had already released two solo albums in Korea in 2001 and 2003. Though her first album did well, the second failed to catch an audience. JiYeon, as a member of Isak N Jiyeon, released just one album in 2003.
Sunday had been an exclusive trainee for SM since 2002. She changed her real name, Bora, to avoid comparisons with BoA, a fellow SM member and one of the most successful SM artists to date. She released two singles in Japan between 2004 and 2005: リラの片想い (Lira no Kataomoi) and ウソツキBOY (UsotsukiBOY). Both singles has low sales, even though UsotsukiBOY was produced by the famous Japanese rap duo m-flo. She had to live in Japan for two years; as a result, she has become fluent in the Japanese language.
Stephanie was discovered by SM scouts after winning the annual Southern California "Teen Best Competition" in 2004. She had trained in ballet since the age of 5. At that time, she moved from Korea to San Diego, California, and took part in a California based ballet group[2]. She was offered a scholarship to the prestigious Boston Ballet University but she turned it down when the famous SM Entertainment came knocking. As an American, she is very fluent in English.
As their voices matched well, SM decided to make the four a new K-pop group, which, following TVXQ's steps, would also be an a cappella group.This new band would aim success not only in their home country of South Korea, but also China and Asia as a whole. They had a pre-debut showcase on September 14, 2004, but they had their official debut eight months later.
The group name was conceived using their new stage names: DANA is now HeeYeol DANA (Xi Yue in Chinese), JiYeon is SangMi LINA (Shang Mei), Sunday is JiSung Sunday (Zhi Sheng) and Stephanie is CheonMu Stephanie (Tian Wu). Cheon Sang Ji Hee means "Heaven Above Wisdom Joy" which approximately means "Wisdom and Joy above the Firmament (which is Heaven)"
[edit] History
[edit] Debut and early works
The Grace's first official performance occurred on April 29, 2005, in China. They performed their new songs "Too Good" and "Boomerang", and it was broadcasted weeks later by the Chinese channel CCTV. The Grace shared the stage with another SM star, Kangta, in order to introduce themselves. The verses in Boomerang were also sung in Chinese. Two days later, the quartet debuted with "Too Good" on SBS's popular music program Inkigayo.
However, The Grace's debut in Korea was marred by some controversy. SM introduced the group to Korean fans as the "female version of TVXQ". What initially seemed to be a good marketing strategy turned against them, as the girls were not received well by hardcore TVXQ fans. Another issue was the choice of their "official balloon color". In Korea, fans like to support their idols by waving balloons during performances, and each idol has their own color. Before The Grace's debut, it was stated that their color would be either pink or orange, but both colors were already used by famous groups, as orange belonged to Shinhwa and pink to NRG. In the end, fans of The Grace chose pink because NRG had been inactive for some time.
"Too Good", the first single by The Grace, was not as successful as SM expected. They promoted the song for a few months before switching to "Boomerang", accompanied by a new, sexy concept. "Boomerang" allowed them to show off their dancing skills, and the single was more warmly received. They also performed a cappella versions of Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love (the first track off their debut single) and George Michael's Faith.
After promoting their first single in Korea for almost 7 months, the group headed off to China, where they had a quickly growing fanbase. The group had a short promotional spree in China due to their rising popularity in the neighboring country. Officially released in March 2006, according to online stores, the Chinese version of the single included three new tracks: the Chinese versions of "Too Good" and "Boomerang" and the pre-group track "Fight To The End". After promotional activities concluded, The Grace headed to Japan.
[edit] Japanese singles
By the end of 2005, fans of The Grace expected the release of a full album in Korea. However, they were shocked when a new single was announced -- this time in Japan. Their debut Japanese single Boomerang was meant to be released in December, but it was postponed to January 25, 2006. However, the single's promotion still began in December. The single "Boomerang" was re-recorded for the release, with Japanese lyrics and an altered instrumental. The Japanese single also had a B-side called "Do You Know?", a solo song by member Sunday.
The Boomerang single did not do well on the Japanese Oricon Charts, as it ranked #110 in the Singles Top 200 chart. This did not stop the girls from releasing another Japanese single shortly after. The Club was released on March 8, with another solo song called "What U Want" (this time sung by Stephanie).
The Club was released in Korea as well: two weeks before its release in Japan, SM Entertainment announced the Korean release. While the Japanese version featured rapper SEAMO, the Korean one featured famous K-pop star RAIN. Tracklisting of both versions are the same, making "What U Want" the only solo b-side released in two languages.
The Club was not well received in Japan, this time ranking #131 on the Japanese Oricon Charts. The single was also promoted briefly in South Korea without much success. After quick promotional activities in Korea, the group went back to Japan for their 3rd Japanese single, Sweet Flower.
A pop/dance tune, Sweet Flower was used as the theme for the month of April on the famous TBS music show, CDTV. Only a few radio interviews and performances at small events were done in support of the single. It also included a rock-style song called "Rock'n'Roll Star", sung by member LINA. Sweet Flower followed in the footsteps of its predecessor, and entered the charts at #151. The single was also released in Korea by SM, but it was left unchanged from its Japanese version.
Between the 3rd and 4th single releases, official releases in other Asian countries took part. The Japanese single Boomerang was released in China on June 19 by Avex Trax official Chinese distributor CRSC.[3] The Avex China website[4] also lists the Japanese single of The Club, but it is not listed by CRSC. In Taiwan and Hong Kong, a new edition of the Korean version of The Club single was released, containing a Chinese version of "The Club" plus a DVD with the Korean music video.
Even with the first few singles having low sales, another single was scheduled to be released. juicy LOVE was in stark contrast with The Grace's previous singles, as it had a reggae beat, matching well with its summer release date. Japanese reggae singer CORN HEAD was featured in this song. This time, the B-side was "Sayonara no Mukō ni", The Grace's first Japanese ballad written and sung by DANA. Like the previous single, juicy LOVE was released in Korea, left unchanged.
After four singles, The Grace's promotion in Japan went on, continuing to perform at different events. During juicy LOVE promotion, DANA hurt her leg and was unable to perform at a few of their venues. Their last song released in Japan at the end of their activities was "Get on the floor", a duet with rapper DOGMA for a movie soundtrack.
The group's last event in Japan was the a-nation tour held by Avex Trax at a huge open-air stage. The girls performed on the main stage for three days and on the "Power Stage" for the fourth day. They sang an a cappella version of Dancing Queen and their songs Boomerang and juicy LOVE. At some performances, CORN HEAD even performed with them. The promotion helped sales, as all singles by The Grace were sold out at the event[citation needed]. The official a-nation broadcast did not air any of their performances, but RZTV showed parts of "Boomerang" and "juicy LOVE".
As the schedule died down, the Japanese official website had a Diary in which the girls kept in touch with their fans, filling it with messages and photos. After 9 months in Japan, The Grace finally returned to Korea to work on a new Korean release.
[edit] Return to Korea
After weeks of waiting, SM finally announced their 3rd Korean single and in addition, changes to the group concept. Although The Grace was first marketed as an a cappella pop group, they strayed away from that image and became a typical pop/dance girl group with their later releases. To strengthen their image as an a cappella band, SM changed the band name to the current one, The Grace (천상지희 더 그레이스 / 天上智喜 the Grace); previously the band had been known as simply 천상지희, 天上智喜 or TSZX. The name change was also applied to the members' stage names as well: DANA The Grace, LINA The Grace, Sunday The Grace and Stephanie The Grace. The new name is being used extensively and consistently in place of the old ones on official promotional material.
The single 열정 (My Everything) (translated to Passion) was released on November 3, 2006. The lead single from it was the title song, a ballad track unlike their previous singles. According to the press release, the song matched with the winter season, having skillful vocals and harmony.[5] Other songs in the single include an a cappella version of George Michael's Faith, which had already been performed during the 1st single promotion, and new songs like "The Final Sentence" and "IRIS (할 말이 있어요)". Promotional activities started soon after the release, with performances on the various music shows done live in order to showcase the vocals. Members of the group have also appeared on variety shows, including SBS's New X-Man. However, the changes did not greatly increase sales; the single entered at #30 on the Music Industry Association of Korea's monthly sales charts[6] Promotional activities for the single ended in late January 2007.
[edit] 2007
[edit] First full album
In April 2007, a teaser video of The Grace was released, revealing a new "sexy upgrade" to their look for their first full album[7]; the video was aired on various Korean music channels. The album, entitled 한번 더, OK? (Hanbeon Deo, OK?, translated as "One More Time, OK?") was released on May 4, 2007[8].
"One More Time, OK?" is The Grace's most successful song to the date, topping MNET m! countdown and SBS Inkigayo charts. The album sales in its first month were almost four times what My Everything sold in total, ranking the album at 6th place for the month. [9] On June 15th, the album was released in Taiwan, being The Grace's first major release overseas. [10]
A month and a half after release, the album was suggested to be inappropriate for younger audiences by The Commission on Youth Protection. The songs "One More Time, OK?" and "Tonight Is On Me" were considered to have "suggestive lyrics". The Commission on Youth Protection is currently undergoing judgement to see if the album will be flagged. The final decision will be made towards the end of August. If flagged, the album will have a 19+ sticker attached before being put to sale.[11]
In July, the group began to promote their second single, "女友 (그녀들의 수다)" ("Girlfriends"), on the various music shows. Later, towards the end July, The Grace released their second music video from the album 한번 더, OK?, "Dancer In The Rain" which became the group's third single from their first album.
[edit] Japanese single and album
Tenjōchiki's official website announced a new single to be released on August 1st.[12] This single will feature 3 new songs: a dance number named "Piranha" and Japanese versions of the songs "My Everything" and "Just For One Day", which features TVXQ's JaeJoong. The first presses included a remix of "The Club (song)" featuring SEAMO, their first remix to be released on CD. The single debuted at no.26 in the daily charts and ended in no.50 in the weekly charts.
On September 11, 2007, the group's official site announced the release date for their first full-length Japanese album. The original release date was announced November 21st, though the date was then moved a week earlier to November 14th. The album, entitled Graceful 4, consists of 9 of their A-side single releases and new material, including "One More Time, OK?", a translated Japanese version of their 1st Korean album's single "Hanbeon Do, OK?". "Just For One Day" has also been remixed for the album, having a jazz variation.
As of early 2008, The Grace is still promoting themselves in Japan, singing on various events in support of their first album. On March 20 and 23, they will handle their first solo concert, titled Graceful Party Vol. 1.[13]
[edit] Solo work?
An article by KBS World stated that the members would possibly consider pursuing solo works. KBS stated that although "the group members will pursue individual work soon, the group will still remain together". DANA said that the group aims to be the best female group in Asia and believes that if they decide to have solo activities, their individual endeavors will only help. [14]
[edit] Members
[edit] Stephanie
- Real Name: Kim Bo-Kyung (김보경), Stephanie Kim (스테파니 김)
- Stage Name: Tian'wu Stephanie, Cheonmu Stephanie, Stephanie The Grace
- Stage Name Meaning: Dance of Heaven
- Birth Date: October 16, 1987
- Other Works: Some American musicals; female part in Kangta & Vanness' "127day" music video.
[edit] LINA
- Real Name: Lee Ji-Yeon (이지연)
- Stage Name: Shangmei Lina, Sangmi Lina, Lina The Grace
- Stage Name Meaning: Beauty of Heaven
- Birth Date: February 18, 1984
- Other Works: One album as part of IsakNJiyeon, Female part in Kangta & Vanness' "Scandal" music video, The TRAX's "First Rain" MV, and Fly to the Sky's "Goodbye" music video.
[edit] Sunday
- Real Name: Jin Bo-Ra (진보라)
- Stage Name: Zhisheng Sunday, Jiseong Sunday, Sunday The Grace
- Stage Name Meaning: Soft Voice of Heaven
- Birth Date: January 12, 1987
- Other Works: Two Japanese singles as a soloist; Fly To The Sky "Maybe God Knows" music video.
[edit] DANA
- Real Name: Hong Sung-Mi (홍성미)
- Stage Name: Xi'yue Dana, Hui-yeol Dana, Dana The Grace
- Stage Name Meaning: Happiness of Heaven
- Birth Date: July 17, 1986
- Other Works: Two albums as a soloist; Kangta "Polaris" music video, H.O.T.'s filim Age of Peace.
[edit] 5th member?
Even before the group debuted, it was speculated that a Chinese girl would be the 5th member of The Grace. A TV program in China called Hot Asia was meant to choose new members for The Grace as well as male counterpart, TVXQ. However, it is unclear if the program ever actually took place and no new members were ever added to both groups. Much time has passed and it now seems unlikely a new member will ever join either groups.
[edit] Discography
- Further information: The Grace discography
[edit] Awards
2005: Best New Singer Group (12th South Korean Performing Arts Awards)
2005: Best Foreign Singer Group (3rd South-East Music Ceremony)
2006: Hallyu All Star Award (13th South Korean Performing Arts Awards)
2007: Air-Monitor Chart #1
2007: Daily Album Chart #1 (Hanteo Charts)
2007: Best Female Group (KBS Music Bank, May 28th, 2007)
2007: 1st Place "한번 더, OK?" (Mnet M!Countdown, June 7th, 2007)
2007: Mutizen Song Award "한번 더, OK?" (SBS Inki Gayo, June 17th, 2007)
2007: Best Female Group (Korean Performing Arts Awards , October 6th, 2007)
2007: Best Dance (2007 M.NET/KM Music Festival, November 17th, 2007)
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Google – Search results for “TJCK”
- ^ YTN Star News on Stephanie
- ^ CRSC - China Record Shanghai Co.
- ^ Avex China website
- ^ Daum 천상지희, '천상지희 더 그레이스'로 개명
- ^ 11월 가요음반 판매량집계
- ^ (Korean) Yahoo! News Korea. 천상지희 더 그레이스, 섹시 업그레이드로 컴백. April 24, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ^ Gamespot Korea. 천상지희 더 그레이스 파격 변신 티저 영상 눈길. April 24, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2007.
- ^ Recording industry association Korea 2007. 5 월 - 가요음반 판매량
- ^ Avex Taiwan 天上智喜 再一次，OK？
- ^ Newsen.com 천상지희 신곡 ‘한번더 OK?’ 노랫말 19금 도마 올랐다
- ^ Tenjo Chiki Official Japanese Website
- ^ 天上智喜 1st LIVE 2008 〜Graceful 4〜（仮）
- ^ Kbs World
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