ARTISTS FOR VICTORY CONCERT

A musical sensation that spans over a decade and continues to grow, Kim Gun Mo has been melting the hearts of many with his strong, inspirational, vocals and songs. Since his debut in 1992, Kim Gun Mo has been hail as one of the most popular Korean entertainer and holds the record for most albums sold in Korea topping more than 3.3 million copies with his 3^rd album released in 1995. His most famous songs include 핑계 ("Excuse"), 잘못된 만남, and 짱가. Kim Gun Mo continues to evolve as a musical artist that transcends music for all generation.

Korean veteran Trot Singer Tae Jin Ah entertains the crowd to the max whenever he steps on stage. Considered to be the oldest form of Korean pop music, Tae Jin Ah has taken the trot music scene which is by storm, since his debut in the 70’s. With hits on every album and sweeping Trot music awards across the board, Tae Jin Ah continues to put the spotlight on trot music, which has slowly gain more and more appeal with the younger generation. His most famous songs include “Babo” and “Love Isn't For Anybody To Do.” Aside from crooning on stage, Tae Jin Ah hosts a radio program called 태진아쇼쇼쇼 (Tae Jin Ah Show Show Show). Tae Jin Ah may be old school but is a force to be reckoned with. 

Debuting in 1999 with her hit song, “Choice” Baek Ji Young created an innovative musical movement with the use of Latin beats. Relatively new to the sound of Korean and Latin fusion, the Korean music audience embraced the new sound. The combination of Baek Ji-young’s sexy and passionate salsa dance and the plaintive melody of the song “Choice” was more than enough to grab the Korean music listeners’ attention. Her hit dance singles since her debut has earned her the top spot as the Queen of Dance/Ballad. After releasing her 2^nd album, Baek Ji Young took a 2 year break before returning to the music scene with her 3^rd album in the 2001. Upon her return, her new songs became instant hits, which she in returned won awards at the annual award shows. 
In February 2008, after the release and wrap-up promotion for her 6^th album, Baek Ji Young underwent vocal cord surgery to remove a cyst. With fears that her singing voice may change, the fear of losing her voice entirely was what prompted her to have the surgery. Staking a claim as one of Korea’s most popular female dance artist, Baek Ji Young returned to the music scene in the fall of 2008 with her 7^th album, Sensibility. The hot singles “Like Being Hit by a Bullet” and “Give me Your lips” off her 7^th album shot to #1 when they were released. Baek Ji Young’s trademark husky and sultry voice has cemented her place in Korean Pop Music as a creative musical talent.

 WHEESUNG

Starting his career as a back dancer for pop singer, “J”, Wheesung’s road to fame was what many considered bumpy. From being a back dancer to lead singer in the former group “A4” Wheesung’s journey to becoming one of Korean’s most popular R&B singer was rough and hard. After the short success that A4 had, Wheesung determined to prove himself, spent the next few years concentrating, training and perfecting his vocal and dance skills. With his first album “Like a Movie”, Wheesung took the R&B world by storm with his solo debut in 2002. The album became very popular after receiving praise from many well-known artists, including Seo Taiji and Shin Seung Hun. With the track ‘Why can’t it be..?” off his 2^nd album, Wheesung soon swept the nation and mesmerized people with his unique voice. Its delivery of emotions was more than enough to leave people wanting more. Like his idol Stevie Wonder, Wheesung's musical roots lie in R&B and soul, he is successful in combing different influences, ambience and emotion within the music itself that are close to our hearts. 
Since his debut, he has released five solo albums and has collaborated with many artists, including Se7en, M-Flo, Masta Wu, and Younha. Not only does is he a talented singer, he is a talented lyricist and composer. He has written and composed songs for many fellow artists. With his sultry and deep vocals, Wheesung continues to display his abilities to many as to why he is considered one of Korea’s most popular R&B singer.

SS501

Five member group, SS501, debuted in 2005, and has gained much popularity as a top idol group in Korea.  Within their first year, they received numerous awards on the weekly music programs, as well as, taking the Best New Group trophy at the year-end Korean music award shows.  With their instant rise to stardom, their demand on variety shows led the group to do a series of their own reality shows, showcasing each individual’s personality and charm.  In 2007, the group became part of the Hallyu craze, when they officially debuted in Japan.  Their first single reached the number five spot on Japan’s Oricon music chart, set a promising fan base overseas.  This led the group to not only tour in Korea and Japan, but all over Southeast Asia.
With members, Kim HyunJoong and Park JungMin, branching out into acting, remaining members; Heo YoungSaeng, Kim KyuJong and Kim HyungJun has formed a subgroup to continue SS501’s music.   Taking the stage for the first time, as a three member group in November 2008, they showed a more mature, sophisticated sound and image.  Their debut song, UR Man, a mid-tempo track with Latin beats fused with a trot feel, received much recognition on the weekly music programs.  To much demand from their fans, their song, Because I’m Stupid, (from the mega popular TV drama, Boys Over Flowers,) became an instant hit, even before its official release.
Living up to their name (the Double S, meaning Super Star,) the group has become all around entertainers.  Adding onto their credentials, each member has had their chance to radio DJ, mc, and do minor acting and modeling.  The group as five has been on hiatus since late 2008, and is currently taking on individual projects to show each of their abilities. The group will re-group in April for their upcoming album promotions in Japan and plan to release their 2^nd album this spring.

CLAZZIQUAI

Starting out in 2001, as an underground group in Vancouver BC, Canada; Clazziquai members include, DJ Clazzi, Alex, Horan and Christina.  Their successful debut onto the mainstream Korean music scene in 2004 solidified the groups’ ever growing fan base.  Their music, a fusion of several genres, such as; jazz, lounge, electronic and groove differentiated the band from most Korean music groups.  With their unique sound, the demand for the use of their music in commercials, movies, TV programs and parties gave them the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences.  Their live performances proved their musical talent and popularity.  By the end of that year, the group received awards in the, Group of the Year and Best Pop categories at Korean music award shows.  2005 took the bands’ popularity to another level when the TV drama series, My Name Is Kim Samsoon, reached high ratings.  The drama’s theme songs, Be My Loveand She Is, sung by Clazziquai, also gained popularity and media attention.

JEWELRY

Debuting in 2001, as a four member girl group, Jewelry had an unstable start.  Their first album sales didn’t showcase the groups’ potential.  Two of the members were later replaced, and then came the release of their second album, Again.  Consisting of strong ballads, it proved Jewelry’s promising vocal abilities.  With the success of Again, the group came back with a cutesy pop image for their third album.  Having stabilized their popularity in Korea, the group ventured into Japanese music.