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September 07, 1996, 5 young men started their debut in Korea and Asia's music scene, a day that should be remembered. That day Moon Hee Jun, Jang Woo Hyuk, Tony An, KangTa and Lee Jae Won, appeared in MBC show. They named them as H.O.T, stands for High-five Of Teenagers and became the idol of teenagers that era. They dominated many charts, setting the standard for other K-pop groups. They were on the top in SBS, MBC, KBS and KMTV music charts won the music award from the TV station.
H.O.T. was formed by producer Lee Soo Man of SM Entertainment. Their songs were a mixture of rap, ballads, dance, hip-hop, pop and rock. They debuted with the song "Warrior's Descendant" which brought them under some criticism when it was found to be a plagiarization of a Cyprus Hill's song. It changed after their next single "Candy". It sent H.O.T to the top of the charts with its catchy and cuter image.
Their second album WOLF & SHEEP in 1997, brought more controversy when their title song was banned from stations because of the explicit language. The second song released from that album "Full of Happiness" topped the charts and set a record for selling over 100,000 copies in 10 days. In 1998, "We Are The Future"'s promo video song earned an American MTV Video Award for Best International Video.
Started from the third album RESURRECTION, each personnel began writing their own music and lyrics. Their last three albums RESURRECTION, I YAH! and OUTSIDE CASTLE, almost entirely composed by the members. In addition, since the first debut, all dance's choreographies were done by Jang Woo Hyuk and Moon Hee Jun. Such talents have not been matched by many new bands that appear recently.
Even within H.O.T, the group went beyond the spectrum of music for business ventures. They starred in a soccer themed movie "Age of Peace", also releasing a soundtrack by the same name, which as only released in theaters in Japan and ran slightly under 30 minutes long. The movie was released in 2000 and directed by Lawrence Lee. Everything in the film except for the five members were computerized.
H.O.T. has managed to come out with more than just music. They've produced a number of products including perfume, necklaces, etc. The perfumes come in 3 different scents; blue as Hero Spicy, green as Optimist Fresh, and red as Twinkle Flora. There are necklaces for each member as well. They have their own line of clothes and everything else as well with all the advertising they do. They also have a soda brand in 3 flavors with the catch phrase "I only drink H.O.T"
Throughout their career, H.O.T kept a clean image and participated in many public service ads. They have retained their good image even under intense scrutiny and rumors. The members have had friendly rivalries and collaborations with many other artists as a group and then also as solo artists. Many artists have enlisted their help in their albums.
A friend of the band, Kim Hwan Sung from NRG, died tragically at the age of 19 and Kang Ta wrote the main track to NRG's following album that was released in his honor.
In 5 years their albums had been sold 10 million copies. It meant average one of two Korean teenage had their album. They also set lot of records and became the first to do many things like the fastest sold ticket, 12.000 tickets were sold in just 3 minutes, the most concerts audiences ( included the audiences who could not get in ), mobilized the most security and many more. They also became the the first K-Pop group to hold a concert in the Seoul Olympic Stadium because of the immense magnitude of their fanbase. Below is a list of some of those;
There are a few images that are synonymous with the band H.O.T. Imagery of H.O.T as angels originated from their music video "The Promise of H.O.T" where all the members were animated as angels. The color white represents the band because it is their official fan color and is still used for each member in their solo activities. Fans of H.O.T are referred to as "White Angels" and H.O.T's fan club is known as "Forever The White Angels". H.O.T's official fan club was Club H.O.T.
H.O.T had hold 4 official concerts;
Sadly, their 4th concert in February 27, 2001 at Seoul Olympic Main Stadium titled "H.O.T Forever" was their last concert. In May 13, 2001, H.O.T disbanded. The disbandment of H.O.T came as a shock, coming on the heals of their denial of rumors of breaking up and proclamations of "H.O.T Forever". There was a year-long call for a boycott on SM Entertainment by fans who, naturally, did not want their favorite group to be disbanded. The break up caused controversy as to what the actual reason for it was. It was rumored that financial issues caused the group to split.
The royalties the members received were about 1 cent per album sold. Members Moon Hee Jun and Kang Ta signed contracts with SM Town while Lee Jae Won, Tony An, and Jang Woo Hyuk were offered much less profitable contracts. When Tony An once complained that they were being underpaid, Lee Soo Man said "I even pay for your gas, what are you complaining about?" in response.
Moon Hee Jun and Kang Ta came under a lot of criticism for allegedly causing the break up by not signing their contracts as a group though many believe Lee Soo Man arranged the break up.
After the split Jang Woo Hyuk, Tony An, and Lee Jae Won, formed a three-member group called jtL under another label, and sold moderately successful albums who lately pursuing career as soloists. While Kangta and Moon Hee Jun were offered lucrative contracts to SM Entertainment as solo artists and released successful albums. While Kangta's music was usually mainstream pop, Moon Hee Jun attempted to establish a rock music career.
After 3 years of disbandment, in March 17, 2004, all members of H.O.T gathered together in SBS studio to attend the SBS Handprinting Ceremony. All members appeared in the event as H.O.T. KangTa said "No matter if we meet a year or two years later, it always feels as though we said goodbye yesterday."
Now, each member is active and still gaining popularity in their solo careers. Each of them also now run their own companies;
Speaking about H.O.T, fans will feel the warm. Each of us can tell about the prides that created by this phenomenal group. Their songs aren't just about love and tears but it tells about non-violence, strength, hope, dreams, unity and social issue which aimed not for teenagers only but from young to the old. Together Forever H.O.T.
