TVXQ

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TVXQ is a South Korean pop duo formed by SM Entertainment. The group started in 2003 with five members: U-Know Yunho, Max Changmin, Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun, and Xiah Junsu. They rose to fame with their 2004 debut single Hug and quickly released four successful Korean albums as a quintet: Tri-Angle, Rising Sun, O Jung Ban Hap, and Mirotic. Mirotic (2008) became one of K-pop’s landmark songs.

The group also achieved huge success in Japan under the name Tohoshinki. They were among the first Korean acts to build a major following there, with numerous number-one singles and albums. In 2009–2010, three members (Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu) filed lawsuits against SM Entertainment over their contracts, leading to a split. The trio formed a new group called JYJ in Japan, while Yunho and Changmin continued TVXQ as a duo. The legal disputes were settled in 2012, and the two remaining members continued TVXQ’s activities.

As a duo, Yunho and Changmin released Keep Your Head Down (2011) in Korea and Tone (2011) in Japan, followed by Time (2013) and more Japanese albums. They broke several records in Japan, including multiple number-one singles and the first foreign acts to headline big venues like Nissan Stadium. TVXQ also became renowned for their high-energy live performances and ambitious tours, including five-dome tours in Japan.

From 2014 onward, TVXQ released the Korean album Tense (2014) and the Japanese album With (2014), then rolled out more music and world tours. They marked their 10th and 15th anniversaries with special releases and concerts. After a hiatus for military service in Korea, they returned with new projects such as New Chapter series (starting in 2018) and the Japanese album XV (2019). In 2023, TVXQ released their ninth Korean studio album 20&2 to celebrate their 20th anniversary, followed by the 20&2 Asia Tour. They planned a Japan-wide Zone Tour to run from late 2024 into 2025, aligned with their Zone album.

TVXQ is known for blending dance pop, R&B, and electronic sounds, with powerful live vocals and intricate choreography. They helped popularize K-pop in Japan and across Asia, earning fame as one of the era’s most influential acts. Their fans are Cassiopeia in Korea and Bigeast in Japan, and their signature color is red. TVXQ’s impact extends beyond music, influencing many modern K-pop artists and helping shape the global spread of Korean pop culture.