History

❤ 2005-2006: Debut

SS501 debuted on June 8, 2005 with their first single "Kyeonggo" (Korean: "경고", "Warning"), with a second single "Snow Prince" released in late 2005. 

The group was inactive in Korea for most of 2006, although they had a fan meeting in Japan in April of that year. The reason was due to Heo Young Saeng's throat condition which required a surgery, thus resulting in a need for time to fully recover. 

In mid-2006, they held their first successful concert, "Step Up Concert" in Osaka, Japan. 

In late 2006, they returned to Korea in order to promote their first full album, which was released on November 10 and titled S.T.01 Now. Singles from the album included "Unlock" and "Four Chance". As well as promoting the album on various variety and music shows, they also filmed a show on MNet called SOS. The group (except Heo Young Saeng, who was recovering from the sugery) also lent their voices for the 2006 animated movie Pi's Story.

❤ 2007-2008: Japanese activities, 'Boys Over Flowers', and Sub-unit

Later in 2007, the group debuted in the Japanese market. A Japanese fan club has been established with the name of "Triple S Japan"; it officially debuted on March 25, 2007, when SS501 had their first official meeting with the group. 

The group released their Japanese single "Kokoro", alongside multiple versions, including one with all members and five others featuring the members individually. The single debuted at #5 on the Oricon chart, and move to #3 the next day. A full album was released later that year. Then SS501 got the new comer award in Japan and this is the first time for Korean artist could get this award.

In 2008, SS501 returned to Korea with their single Deja Vu released on March 8, 2008. The title track was the first song to be promoted, and they began their comeback on music channel M.Net's M Countdown.

After success with their single "Deja Vu", they began to promote their second single, "A Song Calling for You". They performed their Goodbye Stage on Music Bank on June 6, 2008, to return to Japanese activities.

On October 2, 2008, an official announcement confirmed that leader Kim Hyun Joong was part of the cast for the Korean version of Hana Yori Dango, officially named Boys Over Flowers. It was broadcast on KBS in the first half of 2009, with a total of 25 episodes and a few special episodes.

With both Park Jung Min (Danny Park on the musical Grease) and Kim Hyun Joong on solo activities, the next SS501 album was pushed back to July 2009. As such, the other three members formed a subunit with Heo Young Saeng as the leader and released a project album named U R Man in November 2008. The first single released was "U R Man". They also promoted their single for the Boys Over Flowers soundtrack, "Nae Meoriga Nabbaseo" (Korean: "내 머리가 나빠서", "Because I'm Stupid"). Due to the success of the drama, the song had a high number of downloads.

❤ 2009—2010: Mini albums, first Asian tour, and contract issues

SS501 released their official second Japanese album All My Love on May 13, 2009. A promotional tour was also held in Japan support of the album. 

They later released the album Solo Collection, consisting of the individual members' songs. Following its release, the members dissolved into their solo activities. They later reunite to embark on their first Asia tour, visiting Seoul, Tokyo, Taiwan, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The group's mini album Rebirth was released in two part: a limited and a full edition. The former was released on the 20th of October with the latter on the 22nd. The limited special edition album included two posters and a 100 page photo diary. SS501 promoted the album with the single "Love Like This"; the song went on win two Music Bank awards and one Inkigayo Mutizen in November. Promotional activities for the album ended on November 29, 2009.

Kicking off 2010, SS501 held a concert in Thailand before holding their final concert in Seoul to conclude their Asia Tour. Although the release of their new mini album was planned to be on May 1, 2010 (a nod towards "501" in the group's name), the date was pushed back in order to "add finishing touches". 

They also performed at the 2010 Dream Concert later that month. Due to the fact that Kim Hyun Joong was still recovering from a previous injury, they sang two ballads instead of the rumored come back track. A day after their performance at the Dream Concert, one of their mini-album tracks, "Let Me Be The One" was leaked on the internet. Not long afterwards, the teaser for the comeback track was unveiled. 

The third mini album, "Destination", was finally released on May 24, 2010. Their first win for their title track "Love Ya" was during their second week of promotion in Music Bank, on June 11, 2010. They also took first place the following week. 

On June 18, 2010, Daesung Entertainment announced that SS501 would end their "Love Ya" promotions due to contract expiry with DSP on June 7, 2010.

Starting with the group's leader Kim Hyun Joong, majority of the members began to leave DSP Entertainment. Kim was the first to leave, signing with KeyEast Entertainment. This was followed by Park Jung Min to join CNR Media, Kim Hyung Jun for S-Plus Entertainment, and Heo Young Saeng and Kim Kyu Jong both signing with B2Ment. 

Although the members are under different companies, SS501 will retain its name and will still produce songs. All of the members' companies have stated that SS501's activities will be top priority in their contracts. All the other members have also stated that the group has definitely not disbanded. Kim Hyun Joong explained in an interview that at that time, there wasn't a company that accepted them as a whole so the group decided to take this chance to focus on their solo activities.

❤ 2011-12: Solo artists and military service

With the group on hiatus, the members pursued solo activities.

Kim Hyun Joong starred in the leading role of "Baek Seung Jo" in Korean drama Playful Kiss, broadcast on MBC in September 2010. 
- He then released his debut solo album Break Down on June 8, 2011 and it exceeded 70,000 pre-ordered copies in ten days. 
- He, then released his second mini album Lucky, in October. It debuted at number 5 on Billboard's World Chart. 
- On December 15, 2011, Kim Hyun Joong released his digital single Marry You / Marry Me, which consists of "Marry Me" and Marry You" as well as instrumental versions of them. Music videos for both songs were released on his official YouTube channel the same day. 
- On January 25, 2012, Kim Hyun Joong released his first Japanese single Kiss Kiss / Lucky Guy. He was also offered as the main lead role for the drama "Conquest for the City/City Conquest", portraying the main character of Baek Mir, a wild and strong man.
- Only a few days before filming for City Conquest began in Japan, Kim Hyun Joong released his second Japanese single Heat on July 4. 
- Kim Hyun Joong finally released his first full length Japanese album entitled Unlimited on December 12, which consists of 14 tracks including the Japanese versions of Break Down and Lucky Guy. 

Heo Young Saeng and Kim Kyu Jong held a joint fanmeeting ‘Kim Kyu Jong & Heo Young Saeng Story In Seoul’ on December 4, which continued in Hong Kong, Japan and countries across Asia.

Heo Young Saeng was scheduled to launch his solo singing career on April 28, 2011, but had to postpone because he pulled the ligaments on his right hand during dance practice. 
- His debut solo mini album, Let It Go was released on May 12, 2011, which features Kim Kyu Jong and Hyuna of girl group 4minute. The album peaked at number one on Gaon's album chart for the week starting on May 8, 2011. -- In November and December, Heo Young Saeng made his theatrical musical debut in The Three Musketeers. 
- Afterwards on December 28, just before the end of the year, Heo Young Saeng released a soundtrack song entitled "The Words On My Lips" for Fermented Family, a Korean drama. 
- Later in 2012, Heo Young Saeng joined the cast of KBS2 sitcom I Need a Fairy (or Sent From Heaven) in episode 23, playing the role "Heo Young Saeng/ Kaki". 
- A month later, He released a soundtrack of the said drama entitled "Love Song". Heo released his second mini-album entitled Solo in May, in which Heo Young Saeng, himself, participated in the planning process and production of it. 
- He, then, went to Japan to release his first Japanese album entitled Over joyed in September. Overjoyed entered the Japanese Oricon weekly album charts at #29. 

Kim Kyu Jong made his musical debut in Goong: Musical, playing the lead role of Crown Prince Lee Shin, in Kyoto, Japan from June 11 to July 1, and debuted as a solo artist in September 2011 with mini album Turn Me On. The album features rap by Heo Young Saeng in dance track "My Love", and Yang Jiwon of Spica in Yesterday music video.
- In October 2011, Kim was cast in 36-part weekend drama, Saving Madame Go Bong Shil on cable channel CSTV, playing an aspiring musical actor named Nicky to mark his acting debut.
- In June 2012, B2M Entertainment announced that Kim Kyu Jong is to fulfill his mandatory military service in July, making him the first member to enlist.
- On June 3, he held his farewell fan meeting, Thank U ThanKYU with Triple S at Yonsei University in Sinchon-dong, Seoul. This marks his last official activity before his enlistment in July and the first time in over two years that all five members of SS501 have gathered together.
- On July 23, Kim reported to the recruit training center of the 35th division in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province for four weeks of basic training. They further explained that he was originally exempted because he has a hepatitis B carrier. However, since a changed in conscription law, he is eligible to serve non-active duty as a public service worker.
- On July 18, Kim released a limited edition, and later on a normal edition, mini-album Meet Me Again dedicated to his fans before his enlistment.

Park Jung Min's comeback single, Not Alone, was originally planned to be released on November 25, 2010, but was pushed back to January 20, 2011.
- He, then, released his first mini-album The, Park Jung Min on April 1, 2011.
- Park Jung Min was cast in a Japanese musical Bonds Of Boys as an exchange student from November 18 to 23, 2011.
- He also expanded his experience in acting by being cast in the Japanese drama, Love Song in August. 
- He also contributed to KBS2's The Princess' Man OST in August, where he sang "Missing You" composed by Park Jung Wook.
- During 2012, Park acted in the Taiwanese drama Fondant Garden in February, playing the lead role of "Park Hee Hwan".
- On April 12, Park filed an injunction at Seoul Central District Court against his agency CNr Media to cancel his exclusive representation contract, citing improper distribution of profits.
- The decision of the court came on July 30, favoring Park Jung Min's case against CNR Media, and it finally came to an end on May 22, after reaching an agreement that all ties would be cleared. 
- He then debuted as "Romeo" under Victor Music after his lawsuit against CNR Media. He released two Japanese albums: Give Me Your Heart and Tonight's The Night in September and October respectively.
- In November, he comes back to Korea as "Park Jung Min" for his 3rd mini-album Beautiful. 
- At the end of the year, he released a full length Japanese album Midnight Theatre back as "Romeo".

Kim Hyung Jun signed with Avex Entertainment for his Japanese activities in January 2011.
- On March 8, 2011, Kim finally released his debut solo mini album My Girl with music videos for the two lead tracks "oH! aH!" and "Girl", in which Park Jung Min visited him during the music video shoot for the latter.
- A Japanese version was released on April 6, 2011 with two bonus tracks of Japanese versions of the two lead tracks.
- On July 27, Kim released his first Japanese single, Long Night.
- In October 2011, Kim made his theater debut in the romantic comedy musical Caffeine, where he played as a barista.
- After his acting debut on Black City, Kim starred on his first main lead role in KBS Drama's romantic comedy series, My Shining Girl in March, playing the role of "Kang-min".
- His acting career was followed by SBS Plus's Late Blossom in the same year, playing the character of "Jung Min-chae".
- In July, he released his second mini album entitled Escape with its single "Sorry, I'm Sorry". The album includes five songs, and a 25-minute drama MV starring Kang Ji Hwan, Lee Ki Woo, and himself.
- He, then, held his first solo live tour "2012 1st Story in Japan" in April, and "2012 2nd Story in Japan" in August consecutively.
- In November, he was cast in Rough Play (An Actor is an Actor), a film written and produced by Kim Ki-duk.


❤ 2013-present: Expanding individual careers

Kim Hyun Joong had his first Japanese tour in January entitled 'JAPAN TOUR 2013 “UNLIMITED”' tour.
- In February, it was rumored that City Conquest has been rejected by KBS for the reason that it "lacked in quality". After some time, it was announced that Kim Hyun Joong will be withdrawing from the drama and is planning to start in another drama later this year instead.
- On the other hand, Kim Hyun Joong made his comeback in a Korean variety show, "Barefoot Friends", which first aired on April 21.
- On June 5, Kim released his third Japanese single, Tonight.
- On June 6, the same day as his birthday, Kim Hyun Joong released his new digital single in Korea entitled "What It Means To Be Alive" as a present for his fans.
- Two days later, on June 8, Kim held his "2013 KHJ Show - Party People" fanmeeting in Seoul, Korea to meet with his fans after a long while.

Heo Young Saeng was invited to do a collaboration with Lee Jung Bong named "Goodbye My Love", which was released on January 31.
- Heo then released his third mini album Life on March 13.
- After his album promotions, he left to Japan and started his Summer Snow musical as Tachibana Seiji, a young doctor who has a one-sided love to his patient, Katase Yuki.
- On May 29, news were spreading that Heo is planning to enlist for his mandatory military service in November. According to one of B2M Entertainment's representatives, he already decided to enlist by the end of 2013 right after he receives a draft notice. In fact, he already had a health checkup, and he was found to be fit for active duty by the Office of Military Manpower Administration. Further information about his enlistment has not been decided yet.
- During early June, Heo's Japan official website released tracks and information for his upcoming second Japanese album entitled Memories To You, to be released on July 3. The title is said to be Heo's memories shared with his fans.
- Heo Young Saeng enlisted in the army on October 31, 2013. Before that, he released the 3rd mini album entitled “SHE” and held the 1st concert in Seoul on Oct 26, 2013 as a gift to his Fans.

Kim Kyu Jong is still serving in the military service as of 2013. Since he was doing his military duty, updates about him can only be known through his friends' twitter updates and him writing personal handwritten letters to his fans to show his love and appreciation.
- To further show his acknowledgement towards his fans, it was revealed that he joined ThanKYU's (name of his fanclub) various donation activities. On February 1, Kyu Jong sent 14 woven hats that he and his mother had personally weaved during his spare time.
- On March 9, Kim spent his free time attending Kim Hyung Jun's 1st solo concert, "The First" at Woori Art Hall, Olympic Park, Seoul. He even went up to the stage with Kim Hyung Jun and bowed together, marking the end of the concert.

Park Jung Min attended and performed at the 2013 StarHub TVB Golden Viva Spectacular together with Sistar, U-Kiss and more on February 9, that was initially filmed during the January 31 at the Seoul Student Jamsil Gymnasium. The performances were broadcast simultaneously in Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their Hong Kong fans.
- On February 14, he held a press conference at the Sony Music Square in Tokyo about his upcoming concert tour. He had eight performances in total, starting on March 19 in Fukoka, March 21 in Osaka, March 22 in Tokyo, and March 23 in Nagoya. His shows had a different concept, though: light/dark; good/bad concept. In particular, he performed by the name "Park Jung Min" during the day, then changing his persona to "Romeo" when the night comes.

Kim Hyung Jun had his first solo concert in Korea to commemorate his 2nd anniversary since his solo debut in 2011.
- Kim Hyung Jun "The First" was held on March 9 at the Woori Art Hall at the Olympic Park, organized by SPLUS Entertainment and managed by SH Creative Works.
- He then came back on television screens, as he has been cast in MBC drama Pots of Gold (also known as Gold, Appear! and I Summon You, Gold!), playing the role of Han Ji-hye's younger brother Mong Gyu.
- On May 1, it was reported that he is planning to be enlisted in the military next year, 2014. During this time, he had his "Who Am I" Japanese live concert, which was held on March 29 to April 7 (six concerts in total) that went through cities such as Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo.

During SS501's eight anniversary, SS501 members posted the same video on YouTube together to celebrate and greet their fans. Kim Hyun Joong was not able to be in the video at that time because he had a shooting on his variety show, Barefoot Friends. However, Kim Hyun Joong still talked about his debut on his Korea fanmeeting entitled 2013 KHJ Show - Party People, held at the same day of their anniversary.

- On Otc 26, at Young Saeng's concert, all 5 members stand together on stage to sing 'GREEN PEA' song for their fans.

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