Crystal S. Anderson, PhD

Associate Professor of English, Longwood University

Shinhwa debut in 1998, the same year as 1TYM, 4MEN and Fin.K.L. The group is best known for being the oldest K-pop group that has maintained its original lineup, paving the way for longevity for other K-pop “idol” groups. Not only is the group one of the oldest “idol” groups, it has also pioneered promoting as a group while also supporting the individual careers of its members. One of the key factors in their longevity can be traced to the group’s constant presence in the public eye, before and after a four-year hiatus. In addition to consisting producing high-quality albums, “some members act, others make music, and some are even involved in helping others produce the next generation of idol groups” (The Altantic). Their long career can also be traced to their musical development:  “They may not have branched out and stretched the limits of pop, but they were always able to adapt to changes in pop music itself over the years. Their singles generally represent the sound of K-pop at the time they were released to the point w[h]ere you can basically start with “Resolver” and listen to their singles all the way up to “Venus” and have a history lesson along the way” (seoulbeats). 

Shinhwa chose the members of Battle, which debuted during Let’s Coke Play! Shinwha Battle. Eric initially produced Stellar. Eric founded TOP Media, which manages Teen Top, UP10TION and 100%.

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RELEVANT SOURCES

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jasmooOnce. “Shinhwa Releases ‘Orange’ MV for Loyal Fans.” KpopStarz. 29 Nov 20016. http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/275901/20161129/shinhwa-releases-orange-mv-loyal-fans.htm, (2 Dec 2016).

Articles

Amy He. “What the Backstreet Boys Could Learn from K-pop.” The Atlantic. 23 Jul 2013. Evernote.

Gaya. “SB Exchange #14: The Legend of Shinhwa.” seoulbeats. Evernote.