Baby V.O.X.
| Baby V.O.X | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
| Genres | K-pop, R&B |
| Years active | 1997–2006 |
| Labels | DR Music, EMI |
| Past members |
|
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 베이비복스 |
|---|---|
| Revised Romanization | Beibi Bokseu |
| McCune–Reischauer | Peipi Poksŭ |
Baby V.O.X (Korean: 베이비복스) was a South Korean five-member female dance group that debuted in 1997. The name is shortened from "Baby Voices of Xpression". It was a South Korean girl group associated to the record company DR Music (formerly Dung-Ryung Agency) and EMI Music Publishing Korea. Although it initially had much internal turmoil (controversies, etc.), Baby V.O.X. eventually became a popular group in Korea and other Asian countries from 1998 to 2006, releasing hit albums and selling over 3 million albums in Asia alone. In addition, K-Pop group solo concert held in China for the first time. They were also considered as one of the big three K-Pop girl groups in the 1990s and early 2000s along with S.E.S and Fin.K.L[1] and the pioneers of the so-called Hallyu Wave, along with the fellow groups H.O.T and NRG
However, after the failure of their last album Ride West, it began to unravel again. By the end of that year, all of the members had left the company, with some going solo, and others moving into other entertainment areas.
History
Early years (1997–1999)
Formation of group and release of first album
The group originally consisted of Cha Yu Mi, Jung Shi Woon, Jang Hyun Jung, Lee Hee Jin and Kim E-Z. Their debut single was entitled Hair Cut. They used an edgy style similar to that of the Spice Girls, but their edgy style didn't result in success. After the first album, Jung and Jang were removed from the group.
Revival in the second album
After the replacement of three members with Shim Eun Jin, Kan Mi Youn, and Lee Gai, Baby VOX went on a strict training regimen to develop their dancing and singing, which included mental and physical training as well. Baby VOX adopted the cuter and shy style used by popular groups S.E.S. and Fin.K.L during this time. Their first single, Ya Ya Ya became a quick success after the release. Ya Ya Ya hit number seven on the Korean pop charts. With their second single, Change the group adopted a more mature and sexy look. However, Lee Gai was removed from the group thus changing the line-up of the group once again.
Popularity height (1999–2003)
Success of the third album
Yoon Eun Hye replaced Lee Gai in the lineup and the group's first single from the album Get Up was soon popular nationwide. For the first time, they reached the number one spot on the Korean music pop charts. Another single 'Killer' also hit the first place on the music charts, with the sexy lady warrior style. With the Killer single, Baby VOX beat H.O.T. in the pop charts and earned the 'Top Excellency Award' in Seoul Music Award in 1999. The ballad single, 'Missing You' was very popular.
Fourth and fifth album, foreign promotions
From 2000–2001, Baby VOX made more appearances in variety shows. After their success of the third album, they started promoting themselves in China and gained a great popularity and strong fanbase. Their popularity spread to Japan and other Southeast Asian countries. [17] The fourth album, 'Why', continued its popularity, with the two strong singles Why and Betrayal. Also, Baby VOX appeared as a show host in SBS variety program, Beautiful Sunday-Cruise to the Korea Strait. With their fifth album, Boyish Story in 2001, even though the album sales and its singles Game Over, Doll, I Wish You are My Love were not as popular as the third and fourth album, the group's popularity didn't fade. Baby VOX also made their appearance as a show host in KBS variety program, Your Saturday-Aqua Girls.
Special album
As well as their success in Asian markets, Baby VOX released a special hits album were from their first five albums, with two single hits Coincidence and Go. With Coincidence, the group hit number one in the Korean music charts for the first time in three years. Coincidence was also released in a World Cup version, and performed all around Korea during the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup season, and remained popular throughout the summer. In addition to that, they managed to have a Live Concert in Seoul, which was hugely popular. A Baby VOX Music Award was also created in China.
The group held a concert in Mongolia in 2004, being the first Korean idol band to do so.[2]
Image transition and end (2003–2006)
Sixth album
In spring of 2003, Baby VOX released their sixth album, a feat achieved by very few Korean pop groups. They even released a photo album that was purported to have semi-nude images of the girls (with Eun Hye unable to participate due to her age), causing some controversy, but it faded as the image content was found to be hyped up by the media. Baby VOX topped the Chinese music chart with the Chinese single I'm Still Loving You, 3rd place with 나 어떡해 (What Should I Do) and 4th place with the same single in Thailand as well. In addition, pre-orders in the album in several countries ar as follows: 200,000+ in China, 50,000+ in Taiwan, 30,000+ in Hong Kong and 120,000+ in Thailand, with a total of 400,000 pre-orders plus the album sales in South Korea alone (210,000+) with now a total of 610,000+ of album sales. However, this was also when the group's fortunes started to change. While 'What Should I Do' hit the number one spot in the Korean music chart, their second single, 바램 (The Wish) wasn't as popular. .
Seventh album, controversies, and disbandment
The group's seventh and final album Ride West, released in April 2004, featured songs in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, as well as appearances by well-known American hip hop artists, such as Tupac Shakur, Jennifer Lopez, & independent rapper Floss P, although Tupac's "appearance" was a freestyle rap that he recorded while in prison. Baby VOX attempted a promotion in the United States of America in 2004. However the rights for the sample of Tupac's verse were not cleared, and this resulted in a court case pursued by the late rapper's mother, Afeni Shakur. This album was proclaimed to be what catapulted Baby VOX into the international spotlight, hence their use of English in the single.
Meanwhile, the music video for the album's feature song, "Xcstasy", was done in English, featuring expensive luxury vehicles and well-dressed, highly preened divas, apparently in emulation of the "Bling bling" style of hip-hop videos popular in the United States at the time. The group also performed sexy dance moves and wore provocative clothing in the music video, seen as a bit extreme in conservative Korea. This release was accompanied by much controversy. There was first the issue as to whether their managing group, DR Music, could legally use Tupac's material in the recording, with Tupac's representatives claiming that DR did not have authorization. Even though Baby VOX claimed their rights of using the Tupac's music, many different companies in the USA claimed having the authorization and the dispute was not solved.[3]
To worsen the situation, a member of Korean hip hop group DJ DOC, offended by their alleged misuse of Tupac Shakur's lyrics, denounced them in the media and referred to the group as prosititutes.[4] The dispute between DJ DOC and Baby VOX was so huge that both parties went to court for arbitration. Although the DJ DOC member later apologized , Baby VOX was still compensated. However, this dispute hurt the group's image, as the group suddenly stopped promotion of the single. A second single, "Play Remix" featuring Jennifer Lopez, was promoted for a short while, but sales were lower than from its previous albums.
After 2004, Baby VOX went into hiatus and Shim Eun Jin and Yoon Eun Hye departed the group in 2005.
In March 2006, Baby VOX was officially disbanded. Although Baby VOX had disbanded in 2006, as of 2001, they were known as the longest running girl band in South Korea, until girl group Jewelry introduced their graduation and admission concept in 2010 which allowed them to keep the group's name alive.
After the break-up (2006–present)
In 2011, Baby V.O.X appeared in an English Test by a Chinese fan. The test starts out, "If you are a music fan, you must [know] the name 'Baby VOX'. The question then explains that their 2003 album, "Devotion", was popular in many Asian countries, and that the group debuted in 1996 with Kim E-Z, Lee Hee Jin, Shim Eun Jin, Kan Mi Yeon, and Yoon Eun Hye.[5]
Netizens commented, "I guess Baby VOX's fame was really high", "Even as time passes, an unforgettable group", "I can't believe they were mentioned on a foreign test!", and "I feel really amazed and proud."
Members
Early members
Cha Yu-mi (차유미) was a member of the group from 1997 to 1998. She provided lead vocals, but left the group because of knee injuries suffered during a stage performance. She now sings in Lola Fair & Baby J as Lola Fair. She has been featured on a duet with Kim Bum Soo in his song "Whenever You Call". Her other work includes writing lyrics for a track off of BoA's U.S. debut album, and providing background vocals for Girls' Generation's "Say Yes" off of their The Boys album. Jang Hyun-jung (장현정) provided main vocals from 1997 to 1998. She was released from the group due to conflicts with the company. Jung Shi-woon (정시운), a rapper and vocalist from 1997 to 1998, was also released from the group due to conflicts with the company. Lee Gai (이가이) was a member from 1998 to 1999. She was a vocalist and instrumental player, but was released from the group for lying about her age. Prior to joining Baby V.O.X, she was a member of the trio Setorae in 1989 under the name Lee Hee Jung.
Later members
This lineup is considered to be the main Baby V.O.X. group, as it was the first to achieve large-scale success.
Kim E-Z (born as Kim Eiji) was the leader, vocalist, and main rapper, and main dancer of the group from 1997 to 2006. She was born in Incheon and majored in dance at Yewon Art Middle School, Seoul Art High School, and Kyung Hee University. After the group's breakup, Kim has worked as a television show host and an actress.
Lee Hee-Jin was the group's second main vocalist from 1997 to 2006. She was born in Seoul and graduated from Shinkyung Girls' Commercial High School and Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts, majoring in broadcasting and entertainment. After the breakup, Lee went into a state of depression but began working as a fashion model, and is trying to start an acting career.
Shim Eun-Jin was the lead vocalist and lead dancer from 1998 to 2004. Eun Jin was born in Seoul and known for her tomboy qualities. She attended Shinrim Girls' High School, Youngrak Commercial Girls' High School, and Kyonggi University, majoring in broadcasting. After the group's breakup, Shim made appearances on television variety shows, such as SBS's X-Man and KBS's Heroine6. She starred as Geumlan in the KBS history drama Dae Jo Young. Eun Jin also acknowledged that she had dated soccer player Lee Chun-Soo.
Kan Mi-Youn was a main vocalist from 1998 to 2006. Kan was born in Seoul, and attended Sungdeok Commercial Girls' High School and Kyunggi University, majoring in broadcasting. She is a dog-lover who appeared in advertisements for an animal organization. In 1999, Kan was targeted for murder by a fan of the K-pop boy group H.O.T. when she was rumored to be dating H.O.T. member Moon Hee Joon. After the group's breakup, Kan was a show host for MBC's 'Sunday Sunday Night's Health Club. Currently, she is living in China to pursue a solo singing career while making appearances in one of its top televisions shows and learning the Chinese language.
Yoon Eun-Hye was a vocalist from 1999 to 2005. She was a commercial and magazine model before joining the group. After leaving Baby V.O.X., she starred in productions such as MBC's Princess Hours, The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince, and KBS's The Man in the Vineyard. Eun Hye won MBC and KBS's "Rookie of the Year" acting awards in 2006, the "Top Excellence Award" at 2007's MBC Acting Awards, and the most coveted 44th Baeksang Best Actress Award in 2007 for The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince. She has also returned to music as she was featured in songs by Mighty Mouth and 2PM.
Discography
- Equalizeher (1997)
- Ya Ya Ya (1997)
- Come Come Come Baby (1999)
- Why (Baby V.O.X) (2000)
- Boyish Story (2001)
- Devotion (Baby V.O.X) (2003)
- Ride West (2004)
Awards
| Year | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 15th Seoul Music Award: Hallyu Award |
| Channel V Thailand: Asian Sensation Award | |
| Asiana Airlines Award: Best Asian Singer | |
| 2003 | KMA Korean Music Awards: Best Singer of the Year |
| 14th Seoul Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| SBS Music Award: Choice Award | |
| SBS Gayo Daejeon: Choice Award | |
| KBS Music Award: Choice Award | |
| Golden Disk Awards: Choice Award | |
| 2003연기SPORTS 가요대상:본상 | |
| Channel V Thailand: Singer of the Month (May 2003) | |
| KMTV Music Awards: Singer of the Year | |
| iTV Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| Channel V Awards: Worldwide Singer of the Year | |
| 2002 | SBS Music Award: Most Popular Song Award |
| SBS Music Award: Hallyu Achievement Award | |
| SBS Gayo Daejeon: Choice Award | |
| Golden Disk Awards: Choice Award | |
| KBS Music Award: Choice Award | |
| KMTV Music Awards: Hallyu Special Award | |
| KMTV Music Awards: Lifetime Special Award | |
| 13th Seoul Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| Association of Chinese Radio: Best Korean Singer | |
| Channel V Awards: International Singer of the Year | |
| Channel V Thailand: Singer of the Year Award | |
| iTV Music Awards: Song of the Year 'By Chance' | |
| iTV Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| 2001 | MBC Music Awards: Choice Award |
| KBS Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| Golden Disk Awards: Most Popular Award | |
| Award Model Line: Best Dressed Singer | |
| 2001연기SPORTS가요대상: 선행상 | |
| iTV Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| 2000 | 제1회 애견문화인의 상 |
| 11th Seoul Music Awards: Most Popular Award | |
| SBS Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| SBS Gayo Daejeon: Producer Award | |
| KBS Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| iTV Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| 7th Republic of Korean Entertainment Awards: Popularity Award | |
| 1999 | 10th Seoul Music Awards: Best Singer Award |
| SBS Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| SBS Gayo Daejeon: Top 10 Singer | |
| KBS Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| MBC Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| KMTV Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| M-net Music Awards: Choice Award | |
| 1998 | SBS Music Awards: Popularity Award |
| SBS Music Awards: Best Female Newcomer | |
| Seoul Music Awards: Rookie of the Year | |
| Migliore Popularity Awards: Popularity Award | |
| 1997 | Cleo Magazine: Album of the Month: Equalizeher |
Music program
Inkigayo
| Year | Date | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | August 29 | "Get Up" |
| October 31 | "Killer" | |
| 2002 | June 2 | "By Chance" |
| June 9 | "By Chance" | |
| June 16 | "By Chance" | |
| 2003 | June 1 | "What Should I Do" |
Music Bank
| Year | Date | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | August 5 | "Get Up" |
| September 24 | "Killer" | |
| October 7 | ||
Music Tank[6]
| Year | Date | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | August 14 | "Get Up" |
| August 21 | ||
| August 28 | ||
| August 4 | ||
| August 11 | ||
| October 30 | "Killer" | |
| November 6 | ||
| November 13 | ||
| 2000 | May 27 | "Why" |
| June 3 | ||
| September 2 | "Betrayal" | |
| 2001 | June 2 | "Game Over" |
| June 9 | ||
| September 22 | "Doll" | |
| 2002 | June 1 | "By Chance" |
| June 8 | ||
| June 15 | ||
| June 22 | ||
| June 29 | ||
| 2003 | June 7 | "What Should I Do" |
| June 14 | ||
| June 21 | ||
- Music Tank lasted from 1995 until 2007 only.
- Songs #1 for 5 consecutive weeks becomes a powerhouse song.
Goodwill Ambassador
| Year | Title | Campaign Organiser |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Asia Earthquake Disaster Nationwide Relief[7] | Various Asian earthquake disaster relief organizations |
| 2004 | Korean Wave Star[8] | Korean Airlines |
| Hi! Seoul 2004 Health Expo[9] | Korea Institute for Health | |
| e-clean-Korea 2004[10] | Ministry of Information | |
| Asia Earthquake Disaster Nationwide Relief[11] | Various Asian earthquake disaster relief organizations | |
| 2003 | Red Cross Public Relations[12] | Red Cross Society |
| Love Dogs[13] | 'Love Dogs' Dog Association | |
| Healthy Game Culture | Ministry of Culture and Tourism & Korea Federation of Games | |
| Global Sharing Movement Wave (韩流)[14] | Global Civil Society | |
| 2002 | 바른사회를 위한 시민회의[15] | NEC |
| Red Cross Public Relations | Red Cross Society | |
| Healthy Game Culture[16] | Ministry of Culture and Tourism & Korea Federation of Games | |
| 2000 | Tuberculosis X-MAS | Anti-Tuberculosis Association |
Endorsements
- 2004: Korean Airlines[17]
- 2004: K:lsky Hand Cleaner and Moisturizer
- 2004: 안산 스타맥스 타워
- 2004: ½ Waist Sliming SDL
- 2004: Fox Zone
- 2003: 3D Relax Diet
- 2003: PlusMinus (Shim Eun-jin only)
- 2003: Samsung V4 Camera (Kim E-Z only)
- 2002: StarMax Tower
- 2002: Jump Milano
- 2002: Chabridge Camera Phone
- 2002: Fruit Country (Kan Mi-youn only)
- 2002: Red Cross
- 2002: Nationwide Local Elections
- 2002: Ed Won Jeans
- 2002: Unix Ion Hairdryer Part 2
- 2001: Unix Ion Hairdryer
- 2000: 911 Computer
- 2000: Internet Mall
- 2000: LG Tele Card
- 2000: Lie Detector '트러스터'
- 2000: WWWA Ice-cream Part 2
- 1999: WWWA Ice-cream
- 1999: Fashion New Town Ahead '르네시떼'
- 1999: Hardee's
Future generations
On December 26, 2006, DR Music unveiled the members of the 2nd generation Baby V.O.X, a spinoff group called "Baby V.O.X. Re.V" (pronounced "reeve"). Like the original group, there is one lead vocalist, three "sub-vocalists", and a singer/rapper.
DR Music announced in July 2009 that a 3rd generation of Baby Vox would be created and initially focusing on Thailand. The members are Sori, Joo Yeon, Kyung Sook, and Tae Eun. However, they are to look for three more members taking auditions from Japan, China, and Thailand to make the 3rd generation Baby Vox a 7-member international group. The group that was meant to be the 3rd generation Baby Vox debuted as RaNia on April 5, 2011.
Videography
Music videos
| Year | Song | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Korean | ||
| 1997 | "Hair Cut" | 3:55 |
| "To Men" | 3:35 | |
| 1998 | "Ya Ya Ya" | 4:08 |
| "Change" | 3:38 | |
| 1999 | "Get Up" | 3:26 |
| "Killer" | 3:43 | |
| "Missing You" | 4:44 | |
| 2000 | "Why" | 4:33 |
| "Betrayal" | 3:47 | |
| "Consent" | 4:16 | |
| 2001 | "Game Over" | 3:42 |
| "Dolls" | 3:44 | |
| 2002 | "Coincidence" | 4:51 |
| "Go" | 4:56 | |
| 2003 | "What Should I Do" | 4:04 |
| "Wish" | 3:27 | |
| 2004 | "Play Remix" | 4:53 |
| "The First and the Last" | 4:51 | |
| Chinese | ||
| 2003 | "I'm Still Loving You" | 4:18 |
| English | ||
| 2004 | "Xcstasy" | 4:04 |
References
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Baby V.O.X.. |
- ↑ Kim, Hee-eun (15 May 2014). "Baby V.O.X. star joins Makoa". Joongang Ilbo. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- ↑ http://seoulbeats.com/2012/05/baby-v-o-x-all-grown-up/
- ↑ "U.S. Record Company Accuses Baby Vox for Copyright Infringement". The Chosun Ilbo. 17 June 2004. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- ↑ Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea
- ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/article/2011/04/baby-vox-appears-on-an-english-test-question
- ↑ ko:베이비복스#.EA.B0.80.EC.9A.94 .ED.94.84.EB.A1.9C.EA.B7.B8.EB.9E.A8 1.EC.9C.84
- ↑ 베이비 복스 지진-해일 피해지역 자원봉사자로
- ↑ KAL, '한류스타' 후원에 적극 나선다
- ↑ 대한적십자사 홍보대사
- ↑ 오늘 ‘e-클린 코리아2004’ 개막
- ↑ 인기연예인들, “아시아 가족 도웁시다”
- ↑ 대한적십자사 홍보대사
- ↑ 베이비복스“개는 가족”
- ↑ 지구촌나눔운동 홍보대사에 베이비복스ㆍ이경섭
- ↑ <선택 6.13> ②"투표한뒤 축구를"
- ↑ 임은경·베이비복스·임요환, 게임홍보에 나선다
- ↑ KAL, '한류스타' 후원에 적극 나선다Korean Airlines