Brian Joo
Brian Joo |
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Brian Gintaek Joo (Hangul: 브라이언 진택 주) (born January 10, 1982), less commonly known as 주민규 (Joo Min-Kyu, his Hangul name), is an American singer active in South Korea where he is known as a member of R&B duo Fly to the Sky. His solo album, The Brian will be released in December 2006. He is professionally known as simply Brian.
Early life
Joo was born in New Jersey to parents of Korean descent. He was raised with a strict Korean upbringing and was taught to speak Korean and adhere to Korean customs.[1] He was attending Holy Spirit High School when he was asked to audition for SM Entertainment. In December 9, 1999, he made his debut as a member of Fly to the Sky at the age of seventeen. He later went on to attend Rutgers University, but has yet to graduate.
Fly to the Sky
Brian Joo quickly rose to fame in South Korea as a member of Fly to the Sky. Unlike Hwanhee, who was the main vocalist, Joo also sang and rapped. As Fly to the Sky made its musical transition from bubblegum pop to heavy R&B, however, Joo felt discontent and inferiority as he felt that Fany was more appreciated for his vocal skills.[2] This nearly led to a disbandment of the duo when Joo suggested that they disband after their first contract expired. This led to a conflict between the two members, but the duo soon reconciled.
His ties to the United States stirred controversy in 2002 when Fly to the Sky was the host of radio show "1010 Club." At that time, a murder of two teenage Korean girls committed by an American soldier stationed in South Korea caused a surge in anti-American sentiment. Because Joo was an American citizen, guest Hyun Jin Young asked for his opinion regarding this matter. In response, he stated that while the American soldier must be brought to justice, he did not want relations between Korea and the United States, his home country, to become strained. What he said was reported as "You can't talk badly about the United States in front of me.. I'm an American. Please only hate the American soldiers (responsible for the incident)" (내앞에서 미국에 대해 나쁘게 얘기하면 안된다...나는 미국인이다..(사건을 일으킨) 미군 부대만 싫어해달라)[3]
His statement was met with harsh criticism and backlash. Not long after the airing, he posted a statement in an attempt to clarify his statement on the website of 1010 Club.
Unfortunately, during our program, I might have said something that some people took the wrong way...I wanted to make clear that the people involved with the incident are guilty and should face proper punishment. I also understand that the officers involved said that they were not guilty, which in fact they were. Even if they said that it was an accident. They still caused the accident and for that should be willing to face what comes to them. That is what I wanted to point out and but, since my KOREAN isn't 100% good, I believe what I said threw a lot of people off I would like to take the time to apologize. Please do not be upset with me for this misunderstanding.
Joo has appeared frequently on televison, especially after their contract with SM Entertainment expired. Joo has appeared frequently on variety shows since 2005. Brian became one of two MCs for MBC's "Music Core" on May 6, 2006. This helped Brian gain publicity and expand his fanbase in ways he could not have in the early days of his career. Months after the release of the duo's sixth album, Brian continues to appear on variety shows such as Xman and Star Golden Bell, and is still the MC of Music Core.
Solo career
In September 2006, Brian has announced that he will release his very first solo album, The Brian.[5] Announced to be released November 2006, the album has been postponed to December. His upcoming solo album will incorporate diverse genres such as classic pop, soul, and jazz. From this album, he hopes to gain more respect as an artist rather than being called "Fly to the Sky without Fany."[6] He describes the reason for the solo album as,
First of all, I just wanted to do it. I also wanted to show that I could [be successful] as Brian. When (Fly to the Sky) sang, many think Fany is the main vocal, and that I am a second vocal and a rapper. I won't mention his name, but one producer once said to Fany, "You are a really good singer," when he only said "Good job," to me. So I wanted to prove that I could do it too.
Brian performed his first single, "Gajima" (Don't Go) on Mnet Countdown on December 7th, and hopes to release the seventh studio album with Fany in mid-2007.[8] He released three songs from the album to music website Melon.com.[9]
Discography
Fly to the Sky
| Year | Title | Chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Day by Day | 6 | |||
| 2001 | The Promise | 2 | |||
| 2002 | Sea of Love | 2 | |||
| 2003 | Missing You | 2 | |||
| 2004 | Gravity | 5 | |||
| 2006 | Transition | 3 | |||
Solo album
- 2006: The Brian
References
- ^ '플라이투더스카이' 브라이언 "난 뼛속까지 한국인" (Brian of Fly to the Sky, "I'm Korean to the bone")
- ^ 신화 플라이투더스카이 쥬얼리, 장수비결은?
- ^ 브라이언 '미국에 대해 나쁘게 얘기하면 안된다' 논란..
- ^ 플라이투더스카이 브라이언..."나는 미국인" 발언 구설수 (Brian of Fly to the Sky, "I'm an American" statement controversy
- ^ '솔로 데뷔' 브라이언, "주말쯤 녹음 시작 예정" Brian to start recording solo album
- ^ 브라이언 "환희와의 비교에 우울증" (Brian, "Comparison with Fany led to Depression")
- ^ '솔로데뷔' 브라이언 "나도 할수있다는 것 보여주겠다"
- ^ 브라이언, "솔로 앨범서 올드팝 선보일 것" (Brian to showcase classic pop)
- ^ Brian releases songs from his first album!
External links
- Template:Ko icon PFull Official Website (2004 - present)
- Template:Ko icon Fly to the Sky's official website at ilikepop.com (1999-2004)