Kangta
Encyclopedia
Ahn Chil-Hyun better known by his stage name Kangta is a South Korea
n pop
, R&B
singer, first known as the lead singer the boy band H.O.T.
(High-five of Teenagers).
He is an experienced songwriter and composer, having written over 100 songs for H.O.T.'s albums as well as for other groups and singers like NRG
and Fly to the Sky
. When H.O.T. disbanded in March 2001, Kangta surprised many people by becoming the first member to debut solo. He released his first solo album "Polaris", which became a huge hit; it was followed by his second album "Pinetree" in 2002. His first solo concert took place in the summer of 2003.
In 2006, Kangta was chosen as a runner up for Best Korean Singer overseas, according to Arirang International Broadcasting. A poll was issued over the internet, allowing only people outside of Korea to vote. Shinhwa's song "Once In A Lifetime" won by 60% of the vote, beating Kangta, who came in second with 20.3 percent.
In 2007, he filmed two dramas and Love in the city 2 aired on October 1, 2007.
, a theme park, when he was only 13 years old. He debuted as a back-up dancer together with Moon Hee Jun
(another H.O.T. member) for singer Yoo Young-jin. Kangta eventually decided to become a singer with Moon Hee Jun and three others, Jang Woo Hyuk
, Tony An
, and Lee Jae Won
to form H.O.T. in 1996.
from Shinhwa
and Lee Ji Hoon
to form the project group "S", standing for "Supreme". They released their first solo project album called "Fr. In. Cl." or Friends in Classic. They have won several awards since then. Their title track, "I Swear" was written, composed, and arranged by Kangta while Shin Hye Sung wrote the English lyrics.
of F4
from Taiwan
, and formed Kangta & Vanness. Their first debut was in Thailand
ending the ceremony for the 2006 MTV Asia Awards
. They released their single "Scandal" and have been busy promoting their single all over Asia. "Scandal" was a success over Asia and a repackaged version was released in mid-July. On September 12, they held a showcase in Malaysia, Berjaya Times Square.
On Arirang TV
's talk-show "Heart to Heart", Kangta announced that he would be entering the Army in early 2008, so activities have been put on hold.
. In 2004, he starred in a drama called Magic Touch of Fate
together with Taiwan
ese actors and actresses, Ruby Lin
and Alec Su
. Kangta portrayed the role of the evil magician Jin-Xiu.
Soon afterwards, Kangta returned to Korea and released his much-awaited third album. In 2005, Kangta released "Persona", which included tracks that were very different from his previous two albums. The main single of the album, "Persona" had a similar melody to Babyface's "The Loneliness". Kangta surprised his fans when he said he wanted to become an actor. A month later, he starred in a KBS drama, Loveholic.
Kangta also acted in his second Chinese drama, Love In The City 2. In Love In The City 2 Kangta portrayed the life of a successful CEO with a dull life.
As group 'S', Kangta, Shin Hyesung, and Lee Jihoon were in a commercial for IVY Club.
's official YouTube
page on September 9, 2010. The mini album and the music video was released September 13, 2010.
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
n pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
, R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer, first known as the lead singer the boy band H.O.T.
H.O.T.
H.O.T. was a popular five-member South Korean boy band in the mid to late 1990s. Their name is an acronym, standing for "High-five Of Teenagers". They were formed by SM Entertainment in 1996 and disbanded in 2001.H.O.T...
(High-five of Teenagers).
He is an experienced songwriter and composer, having written over 100 songs for H.O.T.'s albums as well as for other groups and singers like NRG
NRG (group)
NRG is a South Korean boyband. Their name is an acronym for New Radiancy Group. Originally a five-member group, they became a three-member group when the leader Lee Sungjin left to pursue a career in acting and as an announcer and Chun Myung Hoon left to produce music...
and Fly to the Sky
Fly to the Sky
Fly to the Sky was a South Korean R&B duo, consisting of Korean American Brian Joo and South Korean native Hwanhee.Initially marketed as a duo that can sing, rap, and dance, their early works featured bubblegum pop and upbeat techno music. The duo later changed their image and style with the...
. When H.O.T. disbanded in March 2001, Kangta surprised many people by becoming the first member to debut solo. He released his first solo album "Polaris", which became a huge hit; it was followed by his second album "Pinetree" in 2002. His first solo concert took place in the summer of 2003.
In 2006, Kangta was chosen as a runner up for Best Korean Singer overseas, according to Arirang International Broadcasting. A poll was issued over the internet, allowing only people outside of Korea to vote. Shinhwa's song "Once In A Lifetime" won by 60% of the vote, beating Kangta, who came in second with 20.3 percent.
In 2007, he filmed two dramas and Love in the city 2 aired on October 1, 2007.
Pre-debut & H.O.T.
Kangta was discovered at Lotte WorldLotte World
Lotte World is a major recreation complex in Seoul, South Korea. It consists of the world's largest indoor theme park which is open all year around, an outdoor amusement park called "Magic Island", an artificial island inside a lake linked by monorail, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk...
, a theme park, when he was only 13 years old. He debuted as a back-up dancer together with Moon Hee Jun
Moon Hee Jun
Moon Hee-joon is a South Korean pop/rock singer-songwriter, and formerly a notable boyband leader of the group H.O.T. He created PS Entertainment after leaving SM Entertainment. Currently he is under a company called Sidus HQ.- Criticism :...
(another H.O.T. member) for singer Yoo Young-jin. Kangta eventually decided to become a singer with Moon Hee Jun and three others, Jang Woo Hyuk
Jang Woo Hyuk
Jang Woo Hyuk is a South Korean rapper. He debuted under SM Entertainment as one of the members of the 5 member boyband H.O.T. in 1996.-H.O.T.:...
, Tony An
Tony An
- External links :* * * * *...
, and Lee Jae Won
Lee Jae Won
-External links:* *...
to form H.O.T. in 1996.
S (Supreme)
After planning for years, Kangta worked with his celebrity friends Shin Hye SungShin Hye Sung
Shin Hye Sung was born Jung Pil Kyo on 27 November 1979. He is a South Korean singer, known as the lead vocalist of six-member boy band Shinhwa. His stage name "Hye Sung" means comet. His English name is Steve Jung...
from Shinhwa
Shinhwa
Shinhwa is a popular South Korean boy band and hip hop group. The group has six members , and debuted on March 24, 1998. It has enjoyed massive success alongside the likes of Sechs Kies, g.o.d., Turbo , Fin. K.L., H.O.T. and S.E.S...
and Lee Ji Hoon
Lee Ji Hoon
Lee Ji-hoon is a South Korean singer and actor. He is known as the "prince" of K-pop.- Biography :Lee made his debut in the Korean pop music scene on 15 October 1996, he was still in high school at that time. His debut number "Why the Heaven" recorded an instant hit, putting him on top of the...
to form the project group "S", standing for "Supreme". They released their first solo project album called "Fr. In. Cl." or Friends in Classic. They have won several awards since then. Their title track, "I Swear" was written, composed, and arranged by Kangta while Shin Hye Sung wrote the English lyrics.
Kangta & Vanness
Early 2006, Kangta collaborated with Vanness WuVanness Wu
Van Ness Wu is a American actor, singer, director, producer based in Asia. He was born on August 7, 1978 in Santa Monica, California and worked as a telemarketer before moving to Taiwan...
of F4
F4 (band)
F4 is a Taiwanese boy band. The group began in the Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden as F4 with members Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, Ken Chu, and Vic Chou...
from Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
, and formed Kangta & Vanness. Their first debut was in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
ending the ceremony for the 2006 MTV Asia Awards
MTV Asia Awards
The biannual MTV Asia Awards is the Asian equivalent of the Europe MTV EMA. Established in 2002, the show gives recognition and awards to Asian and international icons in achievement, cinema, fashion, humanitarian, and music. Just like the EMA, most of the awards are voted for by the viewers from...
. They released their single "Scandal" and have been busy promoting their single all over Asia. "Scandal" was a success over Asia and a repackaged version was released in mid-July. On September 12, they held a showcase in Malaysia, Berjaya Times Square.
On Arirang TV
Arirang TV
Arirang TV is an international, English-language network based in Seoul, South Korea, operated by The Korea International Broadcasting Foundation...
's talk-show "Heart to Heart", Kangta announced that he would be entering the Army in early 2008, so activities have been put on hold.
Acting career
Kangta received several offers and has accepted a drama offer in ChinaChina
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. In 2004, he starred in a drama called Magic Touch of Fate
Magic Touch of Fate
Magic Touch of Fate 魔術奇緣is an original Korean screenplay directed by the famous MBC Korean Director, Jang Su Bang, is now filming in Beijing, China...
together with Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
ese actors and actresses, Ruby Lin
Ruby Lin
Ruby Lin is a Taiwanese actress and pop singer. Her English name is from her mother's love of the jewel.Lin made her acting debut in a TV commercial in Taiwan. When she received her first experience in front of the camera in 1995, for a minor role, she started to develop a passion for acting...
and Alec Su
Alec Su
Alec Su is a Taiwanese pop star and versatile actor in films and television dramas. He became famous as a member of the Taiwanese Idol Band The Little Tigers, formed in 1988, and later for his first Chinese TV series Princess Returning Pearl .-Little Tigers:Alec Su's career started in 1988, at...
. Kangta portrayed the role of the evil magician Jin-Xiu.
Soon afterwards, Kangta returned to Korea and released his much-awaited third album. In 2005, Kangta released "Persona", which included tracks that were very different from his previous two albums. The main single of the album, "Persona" had a similar melody to Babyface's "The Loneliness". Kangta surprised his fans when he said he wanted to become an actor. A month later, he starred in a KBS drama, Loveholic.
Kangta also acted in his second Chinese drama, Love In The City 2. In Love In The City 2 Kangta portrayed the life of a successful CEO with a dull life.
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During the promotion events of Kangta's third album "Persona", he was contracted to become the spokesperson for a Korean MP3 player.As group 'S', Kangta, Shin Hyesung, and Lee Jihoon were in a commercial for IVY Club.
Military service
In 2008, Kangta was initially scheduled for military service at the beginning of the year, but SM Entertainment helped him defer it to April so he could release his last album "Eternity". The album was released on March 12, 2008. On March 29 and March 30, Kangta held his last solo concert before enlistment at Yonsei University's main auditorium. His concert, "Eternity", was aimed at looking back at his last twelve years as a singer and thanking his fans. On April 1, 2008, Kangta officially began his military duties in Euijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. Every male in Korea is required to serve for two years in the military, and Kangta has completed his service period on February 19, 2010.Comeback and Chinese debut
After two years and five months of hiatus from the entertainment industry due to Korean military service, Kangta comes back with his first Chinese mini album entitiled "静享七乐 (Rest in the Seven Luck)", with its lead single, Love, Frequency (Breaka Shaka). The digital single will be released online on September 13, 2010. The mini-album marks Kangta's entrance to the Chinese market. Meanwhile, the teaser for the single, as well as the digital mini-album, was released through SM EntertainmentSM Entertainment
S.M. Entertainment is an independent Korean record label, talent agency, producer, and publisher of pop music, founded by Lee Soo-man in South Korea...
's official YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
page on September 9, 2010. The mini album and the music video was released September 13, 2010.
Film
- 2002: Emergency Act 19Emergency Act 19Emergency Act 19 is a satirical 2002 South Korean film about a government act that prohibits popular music, passed in response to a number of musicians being elected to government elsewhere in the world. It is notable for the numerous K-pop stars that make appearances in the film...
(Cameo) - 2002: Resurrection of the Little Match GirlResurrection of the Little Match GirlResurrection of the Little Match Girl is a 2002 South Korean action film. It was screened at the 2003 London Film Festival and was the opening film of the Fantasia Festival that same year....
Television drama
- 2005: Magic Touch of FateMagic Touch of FateMagic Touch of Fate 魔術奇緣is an original Korean screenplay directed by the famous MBC Korean Director, Jang Su Bang, is now filming in Beijing, China...
- 2005: LoveholicLoveholic (TV series)Loveholic is a South Korean TV drama, which had its first run from May 2, 2005 to June 21, 2005 on KBS2.-Storyline:In a high school in Chun Cheon, a rebellious, disobedient student Seo Kang Wook meets a young and naive teacher Lee Yool Ju, and despite everything, they fall in love.Initially, Yool...
(KBS) - 2007: Love In The City 2 (CCTVChina Central TelevisionChina Central Television or Chinese Central Television, commonly abbreviated as CCTV, is the major state television broadcaster in mainland China. CCTV has a network of 19 channels broadcasting different programmes and is accessible to more than one billion viewers...
)
Solo albums
- Polaris
August 19, 2001 - Pine TreePine Tree (album)Pine Tree is an album in 2002 by Kangta. This is Kangta's second solo album. This album has more of a jazz/funk feel.-Track listing:# 햇살 # Happy Happy# 사랑은 기억보다 # Propose# 바다 # 고백 # The Best# 노을...
August 21, 2002 - 1st Concert Pinetree: 20020824 Live1st Concert Pinetree: 20020824 Live1st Concert Pinetree: 20020824 Live is a live album in 2003 by Kangta. This CD is from Kangta's first concert.-Track listing:# Opening# 스물셋 # The Best# Blue Moon# 이별후에는 # Doobidub# 오! 그대를 # Happy Happy...
March 28, 2003 - Persona
June 13, 2005 - Kangta & BestKangta & BestKangta & Best is a greatest hits in 2006 by Kangta. The album's songs are compiled from his first three solo albums and songs from S.-Track listing:Disc 1 - CD# Polaris# Falling In Love# Pine Tree# Paralysis# Thanks God# Memories...
October 3, 2005 - EternityEternity (Kangta album)Eternity is an album in 2008 by Kangta. This is Kangta's fourth & last solo album before leaving for his military duties.-Track listing:# 어느날 가슴이 말했다 # 너를 닮아 # 책갈피 # 그래서 미안합니다...
March 12, 2008 - Breaka ShakaBreaka Shaka爱, 频率 is the first Mandarin EP of South Korean singer Kangta, physically released September 14. "爱, 频率 " was digitally released September 13th. It is Kangta's first album after his military activities....
September 9, 2010
Collaborations
- Fr. In. Cl.Fr. In. Cl.Fr. In. Cl. is an album in 2003 by S. Fr. In. Cl. stands for Friends in Classic. S is a project group formed in 2003 that includes three singers: Kangta, Shin Hye Sung from Shinhwa, and Lee Ji Hoon. The title song "I Swear" was written by Kangta....
September 24, 2003 - ScandalScandal (album)Scandal is a one-off album released in 2006 by Kangta & Vanness, a duo composed of Korean singer Kangta and Taiwanese singer Vanness Wu. Several of the songs on Scandal were recorded in both Korean and Mandarin, and two music videos were produced...
May 19, 2006 - Scandal Special EditionScandal (album)Scandal is a one-off album released in 2006 by Kangta & Vanness, a duo composed of Korean singer Kangta and Taiwanese singer Vanness Wu. Several of the songs on Scandal were recorded in both Korean and Mandarin, and two music videos were produced...
July 20, 2006
Joint discography
- Christmas In SMTOWNChristmas in SMTownChristmas in SMTown is an album in 1999 by SM Town. It is SM Entertainment's first vacation album.- Track listing :# Jingle Bell - SM Town# 사랑하는 사람에게 - Yoo Young Jin & H.O.T.# 졸업 - H.O.T# 고마워미안해 - H.O.T....
December 15, 1999 - Christmas Winter Vacation In SMTOWN.comChristmas Winter Vacation in SMTown.comWinter Vacation in SMTown.com is an album in 2000 by SM Town. It is SM Entertainment's second winter vacation album. BoA is the new member added to the compilation album...
December 8, 2000 - Christmas Winter Vacation in SMtown.com - Angel EyesChristmas Winter Vacation in SMtown.com - Angel EyesWinter Vacation in SMTown.com – Angel Eyes is an album in 2001 by SM Town. It is SM Entertainment's third winter vacation album. This is Kangta and Moon Hee Jun's first SM Town album as solo artists...
December 4, 2001 - Summer Vacation In SMTown.comSummer Vacation in SMTown.comSummer Vacation in SMTown.com is an album in 2002 by SM Town. It is SM Entertainment's first summer vacation album. Two new groups are added to this album: a five-member boy band Black Beat and three-member girl group Shinvi...
June 10, 2002 - 2002 Winter Vacation in SMTOWN.com - My Angel My Light2002 Winter Vacation in SMTOWN.com - My Angel My Light2002 Winter Vacation in SMTOWN.com – My Angel My Light is an album in 2002 by SM Town. It is SM Entertainment's fourth winter vacation album. This was the first album that Shoo of the group S.E.S. was featured as a solo artist. Bada also provided vocals for this album, as it was recorded...
December 6, 2002 - 2003 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com2003 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com2003 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com is an album in 2003 by SM Town. Spurred by the previous year's success, this is SM Entertainment's second summer vacation album. Heavily promoted, three music videos were released for the three collaboration tracks. Officially, this album was the groups Shinhwa...
June 18, 2003 - 2004 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com2004 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com2004 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com is an album in 2004 by SM Town. It is SM Entertainment's third summer vacation album. This album marks the addition of TVXQ, and the last appearance of Moon Hee Jun, Shoo, Isak N Jiyeon, and Fly to the Sky in SM Town...
July 2, 2004 - '06 SUMMER SMTOWN'06 SUMMER SMTOWN2006 Summer SMTown is an album in 2006 by SM Town. It is SM Entertainment's fourth summer vacation album. TRAX and Super Junior are the new boy bands added to the group- Track listing :# 태양은 가득히 – SMTown# 오아시스 – TVXQ...
June 20, 2006 - 2006 WINTER SMTOWN - Snow Dream2006 WINTER SMTOWN - Snow Dream2006 Winter SMTown – Snow Dream is an album in 2006 by SM Town. It is SM Town's fifth winter vacation album. Super Junior – K.R.Y., a sub-unit of Super Junior, and Zhang Liyin are added to the compilation album. TSZX has changed its name to Cheon Sang Ji Hee The Grace...
December 12, 2006 - 2007 SUMMER SMTOWN - FRAGILE2007 SUMMER SMTOWN - FRAGILE2007 Summer SMTown – Fragile is a remake album released by SM Town, featuring older summer songs remade by various SM artistes. The album also marks the appearance of former Sugar member Ahyoomee for the first time five months after she officially signed a contract with SM Entertainment...
July 5, 2007 - 2007 WINTER SMTOWN - ONLY LOVE2007 Winter Smtown - Only Love2007 Winter SMTown – Only Love is an album in 2007 by SMTown. It is SMTown's sixth winter vacation album, the first with Girls' Generation and the last with Ahyoomee.- Track listing :# "사랑 하나죠 "- SMTown...
December 7, 2007
Related publications
- Kang Ta Bromide 'A Letter to my Polaris' Photo Album (July 26, 2002)
- Kang Ta Special Photo Album Vol. 2 - Dear Memories (December 29, 2002)
- Kang Ta's Sentimental Journey Limited Edition Photo Album (October 12, 2005)