Ok Taecyeon
| Taecyeon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
December 27, 1988 Busan, South Korea[1] |
| Occupations | Rapper,[1] Dancer,[1] Actor, Singer, Model, Composer, Songwriter, CEO of Okcat [2] |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Associated acts | JYP Nation |
| Website | Taecyeon's Profile on 2PM's Website |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 옥택연 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 玉澤演 |
| Revised Romanization | Ok Taek-yeon |
| McCune–Reischauer | Ok T'aegyŏn |
Ok Taec-Yeon (Hangul: 옥택연, Hanja: 玉澤演; born December 27, 1988),[1] generally known as Taecyeon, is a member of the Korean boy band 2PM, in which he is the main rapper. In 2010 Taecyeon debuted as an actor in the Korean drama Cinderella's Sister and went on to become a main character in the KBS drama Dream High.
Early life
Taecyeon was born in Busan, South Korea [3][4] (Note: the reference to Busan starts at 3:34 in the video), but immigrated at the age of 10, with his parents and older sister Jihyen to Bedford, Massachusetts,[5] a small town situated in the Greater Boston Area. Taecyeon lived there for seven years, attending Bedford High School where he was an active member of the Chess Club, Jazz Band, JV Soccer Team and National Honor Society, before returning to pursue his career in Korea. Taecyeon was educated at Gel In High School in Seoul and studied Business Administration at Dankook University.[1] He is fluent in English, Korean, and Japanese.[6] Being from Busan,[7] Taecyeon is also familiar with the use of the satoori dialect. A dialect that will be used in the upcoming KBS2 Drama, Very Good Days.
Pre-debut
It was his sister Jihyen who persuaded him to participate in a JYP Entertainment audition, whose promotion she had noticed when surfing on the Internet. After his reluctant agreement to participate, both headed for New York City on his 17th birthday. A week later he was chosen for the final 35 and got the call to go to Korea to go further in the competition. At first Taecyeon applied to become a model, but the judges suggested he try dancing and singing. Eventually he was named one of the dozen finalists (including his future bandmates Lee Junho and Hwang Chansung) to compete in the show Superstar Survival, but was the first contestant to leave the show.[8]
Music career
In 2008 he took part in Mnet's Hot Blood Men[5] which follows the extreme training of 13 trainees in order to become a member of the boy band One Day. One Day spawned two boy bands, 2AM and 2PM, the latter of which Taecyeon became a member of. Six months after Hot Blood was aired on TV 2PM debuted with their first single "10 Points out of 10 Points" ("10점 만점에 10점")[9] from their first EP Hottest Time of the Day, but it wasn't until their second EP 2:00PM Time For Change that their success in the Korean music industry skyrocketed.[5] So far 2PM has released two studio albums and three EPs.
Solo activities
Taecyeon is featured in "Yes I'm In Love" by Bada on her fourth album and Baek Ji-young's 2009 song "내 귀에 캔디" (My Ear's Candy). He formerly hosted SBS's music show Inkigayo with Wooyoung, and was a permanent cast member on Family Outing 2 before it was cancelled.
In 2010 he made his acting debut in Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) drama series Cinderella's Sister alongside Moon Geun-young and Chun Jung-myung.[10][11] His second drama is Dream High, in which he played the role of Jinguk. The drama premiered on January 3, 2011.[12]
In September 2011 FujiTV announced that Taecyeon was going to become a regular on their Sunday drama Boku to Star no 99 Nichi, along with Japanese actor Nishijima Hidetoshi and South Korean actress Kim Tae Hee as the two main characters. This is his first regular role on a Japanese drama. The producer of the drama commented: “We needed someone who can be mysterious and make his presence felt by others at the same time. Outside of his role Taecyeon is a very polite and bright person, who always manages to create a cheerful atmosphere at the set. He is going to bring a breath of fresh air to the Japanese drama scene.” Taecyeon commented, “It’s my first role in a Japanese drama and I’m really happy to be able to work together with such a wonderful cast and such an amazing staff. I will exert myself to the best of my abilities in order to polish my acting as much as I can.” [13]
In February 2013, it was announced that Taecyeon will become an on-screen couple with Emma Wu on Global Edition: We Got Married reality show. The show premiered in April 2013 and the couple quickly gained popularity in China, Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia.[14][15]
Blue Bears with Taecyeon
In early 2012, Taecyeon teamed up with his fellow Dankook University alumni students to produce a digital album.
The album, Blue Bears with Taecyeon, was performed live on 2012/02/24 at Dankook University for the matriculation ceremony.
The title song “Wings (날개)” was written and composed by Life Music and the Dankook University students, and featured personally penned rap lyrics written by Taecyeon. The second song, a remake of Lee Gwangjo's “A Night Like Tonight (오늘같은 밤)” was also included in the performance, complete with an original rap also written by Taecyeon himself.
The album went on sale 2012/02/29, with all proceeds donated back the University.[16][17][18]
Six Beautiful Days, Budokan (Solo Stage)
On 2012/05/25 Taecyeon performed "Kiss" and "After you've left me" for his solo stage. Both songs were written and composed by Taecyeon himself.
After the performance Taecyeon wrote on his Twitter: 여러분~ 제가 쓴 "Kiss"랑 "니가 날 떠난 후에" 어떠셨어요??ㅋㅋㅋ 처음으로 작곡한 곡들을 무대에서 공개했는데요~ 훗날 디싱이나 음반에 안들어간다고 하면 약속대로 공카에 올려드릴게요ㅋㅋㅋ[19]
(Translation) @taeccool: Everyone, how did you like "Kiss" and "After you've left me", both written by me?? kkk Revealed self-composed songs on stage for the first time~ If they're not released as digital single or in a CD later on, just as promised, I'll upload them on the official cafe kkk [20]
자장가 for Hottest (Lullaby for Hottest)
On 2012/06/18 Taecyeon, composing as TY, uploaded a message on 2PM's Official Fan Cafe [21] with his newest self-composed song: 자장가 for Hottest. Taecyeon included the .mp3 as a free download for Hottest, asking them to like the song.[22]
Okcats
Taecyeon is known to draw large headed, long bodied cats that he has incorporated into his signatures and autographs. He, and fans, refer to the drawings as Okcats (옥캣). As a result of seeing knock-off Okcat shirts being produced in countries like Thailand, Taecyeon relayed through his twitter, that he desired to produce his own line of Okcats.
Starting in 2011, in conjunction with 2PM's Japanese promotions, numerous fan-goods were created for Taecyeon's Okcat character. These included a noodle bowl, a bento box and a coin purse, all designed by Taecyeon himself.
During 2PM's "What Time Is It Now" tour, Taecyeon performed on stage with his back-up dancers all costumed as Okcats. For 2PM's "Yazoo" Fan Meeting in Japan (September 2013), Taecyeon himself dressed up in an Okcat costume.
On 2013/10/09 Taecyeon tweeted a photo of himself with a prototype of a stuffed Okcat plush doll stating that he would be releasing them soon.[23]
On 2013/12/09 In advance of the release of his plush Okcat dolls Taecyeon announced the release of Official Okcat stickers/emoticons that will be used in conjunction with the KakaoTalk messaging service.[24]
On 2013/17/09 A representative from JYPE revealed that the release of the emoticons on Kakao Talk would be just the first wave Okcat items. Taecyeon plans to release more items in October, 2013.[25]
The Okcat Live
On 2013/11/10 Taecyeon hosted a 30 minute press conference on ustream to introduce his "Okcat" brand to the public. The presentation, titled "The Okcat Live",[26] took place at the COEX building with approx 50+ reporters in attendance.[27]
The presentation consisted of video and illustrations of the evolution of his Okcat character over the years, to its present form. Taecyeon also revealed a jingle and merchandise that he is producing under the "Okcat" brand including: pillows, plush toys, USB drives and phone accessories. Taecyeon stated that the merchandise will be sold through various online merchants, and be announced through his Official venues on twitter and facebook.
The presentation concluded with a round of Q&A's and an autograph session.
Army enlistment
On December 9, 2010 a JYP Entertainment representative revealed that “Taecyeon would like to give up his American permanent residence visa and recently, on December 1st, he received his official confirmation for his permanent residence cancellation.”
Taecyeon had a physical examination for drafting but received a physical body status sufficient only for enlistment as public service personnel, due to his poor vision and a dislocated shoulder back in 2008.[12] However he is currently thinking of getting another physical examination in order to undertake active military duties.[28]
The JYP representative stated: “Taecyeon has voiced thoughts of wanting to enter the military service. He submitted his documents on the 1st and is clear on his actions.” He went on to explain: “Now that Taecyeon wants to enter active duties, he recently received a re-examination. I think he was affected by the recent Yeonpyeong Island shelling,[29] so we want to respect his decision.” He concluded: “Since Taecyeon is still at a young age, he won’t be entering the military immediately. He is currently active as an actor as well as continuing his studies, so we still need to watch over him.”[30]
On the February 7th, 2011 broadcast of KBS2TV’s “Yeo Yu Man Man,” Taecyeon shared his thoughts on his enlistment situation stating that he plans to get corrective eye surgery so he can enlist.[31]
On the December 7th, 2013 broadcast of KBS2TV's "The Human Condition," Taecyeon shared his plans to enlist sometime in 2015 after 2PM concludes their schedules.[32]
On December 12th, 2013 several news agencies reported that Taecyeon was retested and judged fit for active military duty. His initial test in 2008 found him only capable of public service due his bad eyesight and a herniated disk. In 2012 and 2013 he underwent surgery to correct the disk as well as to remove pins in his upper arm from a serious break in 2013.[33][33]
TV Drama
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | TV Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Cinderella's Sister | Han Jung Woo | Lead Role | KBS2 |
| 2011 | Dream High | Jin Gook / Hyun Shi Hyuk | Lead Role | KBS |
| Boku to Star no 99 Nichi | Tae Sung | Supporting Role | Fuji TV | |
| 2013 | Who Are You? | Cha Gun Woo | Male Lead | tvN |
| 2014 | Very Good Days | Kang Dong Hee | KBS2 | |
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Marriage Blue | Won Chul | |
Music Video-Drama
On January 7, 2010 photographs surfaced of Taecyeon and Nichkhun with actress Yoon Eunhye for Cass Beer. 2PM were chosen to endorse the beer with a special, promotional single "Tik Tok". Taecyeon played one of the three main character in the 12-minute music video-drama, which was released on February 8, 2010.[34]
In May 2010 Taecyeon featured in another music video-drama for Everland's Caribbean Bay water theme park along with 2PM's Nichkhun & Chansung and Girls' Generation members Yoona, Seohyun & Yuri.[35][36]
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2006 | SBS Superstar Survival | Himself |
| 2008 | Mnet Hot Blood | Himself |
| 2008 | MBC Idol Army Season 3 | Himself |
| 2009 | SBS Inkigayo | Himself |
| 2009 | Mnet 2PM Wild Bunny | Himself |
| 2010 | SBS Family Outing 2 | Himself |
| 2011 | SBS Running man | With Nichkhun episode 40 |
| SBS 2PM Show | Himself | |
| 2013 | KBS A Song For You From 2PM | Himself |
| MBC We Got Married World Ver. | With Gui Gui | |
| SBS Running man | With Hwang Chansung episode 150 | |
| KBS2 Happy Together 3 | Himself | |
| KBS2 "The Human Condition" (Living without electricity) | With 2PM | |
| KBS2 "The Human Condition" (Living without stress) | Himself |
Discography
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 (Korean) 2pm.jype.com.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Cover story: 2PM. iamkoream.com. Retrieved 2011-01-08.
- ↑ (Video) 2PM′s Taecyeon Understands...Arabic?? enewsWorld. 2012-05-29.
- ↑
- ↑ BHS junior competes in Korean 'Survivor' – Bedford, MA – Bedford Minuteman. Wickedlocal.com. Retrieved on 2012-08-14.
- ↑ (Korean) media.paran.com. Retrieved 2011-01-08.
- ↑ Lim, Hye-seon (26 January 2010). "2PM Taecyeon mulling TV acting debut". 10 Asia. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
- ↑ Park, So-yoen (23 February 2010). "2PM Taecyeon starts shooting for new drama". 10 Asia. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 en.korea.com. Retrieved 2011-01-08.
- ↑ Sanspo. Retrieved 2011.09.28
- ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/04/we-got-married-global-edition-to-start-airing-on-april-7
- ↑ http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/28607/20130523/we-got-married-global-high-ratings.htm
- ↑ 2PM 택연, 단국대 동문들과 디지털앨범 발표 : 네이트 뉴스. News.nate.com. Retrieved on 2012-05-06.
- ↑ [NEWS] 120221 2PM’s Taecyeon to release charity project album ‘Blue Bears’ with fellow Dankook University students. 2ONEDAY! (2012-02-22). Retrieved on 2012-05-06.
- ↑ [FANCAMS] 120223 Dankook University New Student Ceremony – Blue Bears 1st performance. 2ONEDAY! (2012-04-30). Retrieved on 2012-05-06.
- ↑ https://twitter.com/#!/taeccool
- ↑ TwitLonger — When you talk too much for Twitter. Twitlonger.com (2012-05-25). Retrieved on 2012-08-14.
- ↑ Daum 카페. Cafe.daum.net. Retrieved on 2012-08-14.
- ↑ 2PM’s Taecyeon offers “Lullaby For Hottest” as free download. Allkpop.com (2012-06-18). Retrieved on 2012-08-14.
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ (Korean) news.khan.co.kr Retrieved 2011-01-08.
- ↑ (Korean) 美영주권 포기한 택연 “현역으로 가고 싶다…연평도 사태 보고 결심” media.daum.net. Retrieved 2011-01-08.
- ↑ Taecyeon cancels green card to enlist in the military. koreaboo.com (2010-12-09). Retrieved 2011-01-08.
- ↑ Taecyeon plans to get eye corrective surgery in order to enlist. Allkpop.com (2011-02-07). Retrieved on 2012-05-06.
- ↑
- ↑ 2PM 택연-닉쿤, 윤은혜 두고 삼각관계?. 조윤선 동아닷컴 기자.
- ↑ (Korean) 소녀시대-2PM ‘캐비’ M/V서 섹시한 라이프가드로 변신, newscj.com, May 7, 2010
- ↑ (Korean)소녀시대 유리, 머리카락 넘기는 모습도 '섹시', SSTV
External links
- 2PM Homepage
- Taecyeon on Twitter
- Taecyeon on Me2day
- Taecyeon on Sina Weibo
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