Debuting in South Korea on December 26, 2003, they quickly became a popular teenage chorus group in their homeland. By the date of their Japanese debut in 2005, Dong Bang Shin Ki had not only made themselves known in Korea as a dance only boyband, but a group that had the ability to harmonize, vocalize, and dance to perfection; earning them many praises by many other Korean artists that they would refer to as sunbae's.
With major success in Korea, Dong Bang Shin Ki made their way to Japan, eager to conquer a foreign land. With that thought in mind, Dong Bang Shin Ki decided that they did not want to come to Japan as Hallyu stars but as Japanese Pop idols and so their struggle began. For the first few months of their Japanese career, which had started with the release of the single: "Stay With Me Tonight", the members of Dong Bang Shin Ki spent that time learning/improving their Japanese, battling the depression they got from both homesickness and not achieving the response they wanted immediately, language barriers, and thoughts of giving up completely in turn to go home. While promoting Purple Line (Korean Ver.) in Korea, the members stated that they at first didn't want to work in Japan and were forced rather than having that motivation to work hard.
After months of hard work and intense Japanese studies, Dong Bang Shin Ki finally got the break they were looking for with their second single, "Somebody To Love", which ranked at number fourteen on the Oricon chart and included their first ballad song. In November, Dong Bang Shin Ki released "My Destiny", their first ballad single and with this single earned them the popularity they wanted. After "My Destiny" was released and sold more than any of their other singles, as well the gain of more fans, they released "明日は来るから". With the release of "明日は来るから", that song became an instant success and was used as the seventeenth ending for the popular anime, ONE PIECE and soon the release of their final single for their first album, "Rising Sun/Heart, Mind and Soul" had arrived. Although the "Rising Sun/Heart, Mind and Soul" single hadn't done as well as the other singles, their first album, "Heart, Mind and Soul", was still a huge hit. Things had finally started to look up for the five members known as Dong Bang Shin Ki and after the release of their album in 2006, they held their first nationwide tour: 1st Live Tour 2006: Heart, Mind and Soul. Tickets to 1st Live Tour 2006: Heart, Mind and Soul were sold out immediately.
With the success of their first five singles and their first album, they began working harder on their sixth single. In June, they released "Begin", a sweet, ballad song with an upbeat B-side("High Time") and they also appeared in the Avex summer festival A-Nation '06 that July and August. Their next and seventh single, "Sky", ranked number six on the Oricon chart making it their first single to be ranked in the Top Ten and at that time, the highest ranking single of their Japanese career. Three months later, Dong Bang Shin Ki returned with yet another single, "Miss You/“O” -正・反・合" and this single ranked number three on the Oricon charts and was the first of many to come to be ranked in the Top Five as well as, replaced "Sky" as their highest ranking single. Somehow, they managed to hold conerts in Thailand, Malaysia, and China, earning them more fans and success. While their popularity was slowly, but surely growing in Japan, Dong Bang Shin Ki's popularity in Korea rose even more and in turn they earned lots of awards, these awards included: MKMF's Best Music Video for "Rising Sun (순수)", MKMF's People's Choice Award, MKMF's Artist of the Year, China-Ten Most Popular Music Group, China-Ten Most Popular Song, etc. . . After their second tour The 2nd Asia Tour Concert 'O' and with their increasing popularity in Japan, Dong Bang Shin Ki released "Step by Step" and "Choosey Lover" both that were ranked in the top ten among very popular artists ("Step by Step" ranked number seven and "Choosey Lover" ranked number nine), not to mention that "Choosey Lover" was the opening theme song for Xenos Xenos. Finally recognized as Japanese Pop idols, they released their second album titled "Five in the Black" (ranked number ten on the Oricon charts) and held yet another nationwide concert to support this album. As they sang their song "Proud", Junsu and Yoochun broke out into tears, finally happy that they achieved their dream of breaking through in foreign territory and getting as far as they had.
In May of 2007, Dong Bang Shin Ki attended the MTV Japan Music Awards and won the award "Best Buzz Asia in Korea" for their "'O'-正.反.合." album. From June to December of 2007, Dong Bang Shin Ki released a string of five singles: "Lovin' You", "Summer: Summer Dream/Song for You/Love in the Ice", "Shine/Ride On", "Forever Love" and "Together". "Summer: Summer Dream/Song for You/Love in the Ice" peaked at number two on the Oricon charts, marking that single as their highest ranking single of the time. In November of 2007, Dong Bang Shin Ki collaborated with Koda Kumi to create "LAST ANGEL", which peaked at number two and was the image song for the movie "Resident Evil: Extinction".
2008 marked the start of Dong Bang Shin Ki's supreme rise in Japan. First in January, they released "Purple Line", marking that as not only their first single to peak at number one on the Oricon charts, but the first single to be produced by a non-Japanese band to peak at number one as well as the start of their reign as number one on the Oricon charts and their first single to be created by a non-Japanese staff. Before their amazing reign atop the Oricon charts could begin to rise, they released their third Japanese studio album titled "T" as well as indivdual singles that spelt out T.R.I.C.K (T: Two Hearts/WILD SOUL - Changmin, R: Runaway/MY GIRLFRIEND - Yoochun, I: If...?!/RAINY NIGHT - Junsu, C: Close to You/CRAZY LIFE - Yunho, K: Keyword/MAZE - Jaejoong). Following the release of the T.R.I.C.K singles, Dong Bang Shin Ki released "Beautiful You/千年恋歌" in April, their second single to peak number one on the Oricon charts and the single that broke the twenty four year old record set by Ou-Yang Fei Fei (two singles to peak number one on the charts by a foreign artist). After "Beautiful You/千年恋歌" ", Dong Bang Shin Ki returned to Korea for the 14th Annual Dream Concert on June 7th. Immediately following that concert, they wrapped their Asia tour in Beijing. Returning back to Japan, they released "どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう?", their third single to peak at number one the Oricon charts and the single that made them the first non-Japanese artist to have three consecutive singles peak at number one. Following that release, they performed at Avex Trax's 20th Anniversary meeting and A-Nation '08. In August of 2008, Dong Bang Shin Ki returned back to Korea to take part in SMTown '08 alongside BoA, 천상지희 The Grace, 張力尹, 소녀시대, SHINee and Super Junior.
They released the fourth Korean studio album titled "Mirotic", another chart topping Korean album with 502,837 copies sold and earning them another record for the first Korean album in six years to sell more than 500,000 copies. In October, Dong Bang Shin Ki returned to the Japanese Pop scene with "呪文 -MIROTIC- ", the Japanese counterpart of the title single to their fourth Korean album. "呪文 -MIROTIC- " peaked number one, causing Dong Bang Shin Ki to destroy their previous record with four single to peak number one. Dong Bang Shin Ki then attended Kouhaku Uta Gassen Music Festival on New Year's Eve, making them the first Korean group to attend.
Tohoshinki's twenty-fifth single, "Bolero/Kiss the Baby Sky/忘れないで", released on January 21, 2009 was yet another single that peaked number one atop the Oricon charts, making them the first foreign artist to have five consecutive number one singles and the song "Bolero" was used theme song for the Japanese movie, "Subaru". In March, they released "Survivor", this single peaked at number three and subsequently ended their amazing number one reign. "Survivor" was succeeded by the release of their fourth Japanese studio album, "The Secret Code", which debuted at number two on the charts and thus, they embarked on their fourth live tour: Dong Bang Shin Ki 4th Live Tour 2009: The Secret Code to help support the album. Dong Bang Shin Ki 4th Live Tour 2009: The Secret Code ended in the Tokyo Dome, making them the first Korean group to perform on that stage. In April, they released "Share the World/ウィーアー!", another one of their singles that peaked number one and extended their record to six number one singles(not consecutive). In July, they released "Stand By U" and debuted at number two on the charts. On September 30, 2009, Jejung and Yuchun came together to produce the single "COLORS ~Melody and Harmony~/Shelter". "COLORS ~Melody and Harmony~" was composed and written by Yuchun and Jejung, while "Shelter" was also composed and written by Yuchun and Jejung with the help of Junsu. "COLORS ~Melody and Harmony~/Shelter" debuted at number one and therefore making Dong Bang Shin Ki the first non-Japanese artists to have seven singles top the Oricon charts. As of March 24, 2010, Dong Bang Shin Ki has released yet another single, "時ヲ止メテ", a slow ballad song that was originally featured in a CF for the cosmetics brand Menard as well as TOHOSHINKI THE LIVE 2009.
After conflicts with the lawsuit filed by three of the members (Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu) against SM Entertainment, on April 3, 2010, Avex announced that TVXQ would be ceasing all of their Japanese activities for the time being and that it would focus on helping each member with their solo activities. It was later announced in early May 2010 that the three members of TVXQ would appear as a subunit in the Thanksgiving Live in Dome concert in Japan. The three-member group was announced by Rhythm Zone and would be called JYJ, representing the first letter of each of their names.
On November 23, 2010, SM Entertainment announced that TVXQ would be returning by now as a duo consisting of Changmin and Yunho and have their comeback in Korea in early 2011. On November 24, 2010, Avex Entertainment, as well as SM Entertainment Japan, released a statement about the renewal of contracts of SM artists signed to Avex. The special edition of TVXQ's newest album, Keep Your Head Down, was released in South Korea on January 5, 2011 and their single 왜 (Keep Your Head Down) was released by Avex Trax in Japan on January 26, 2011.
Current Members
U-Know Yunho 유노윤호/ユンホ
Birthday: 1986.02.06
Height: 184cm
Weight: 66kg
Blood type: A
Max Changmin 최강창민/チャンミン
Birthday: 1988.02.18
Height: 186cm
Weight: 61kg
Blood type: B
Former Members
Hero Jaejoong 영웅재중/ジェジュン
Birthday: 1986.01.26
Height: 178cm
Weight: 63kg
Blood type: O
Micky Yoochun 믹키유천/ユチュン
Birthday: 1986.06.04
Height: 180cm
Weight: 64kg
Blood type: O
Xiah Junsu 시아준수/ジュンス
Birthday: 1986.12.15
Registered Birthday: 1987.01.01
Height: 178cm
Weight: 60kg
Blood type: B
꼬마야
동방신기 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
모든게 좋았던 시골 어귀엔
맑은 시냇가의 반짝이는
작은 반딧불 새로
뛰어 놀며 지칠 줄도 모르는
그 앤 바로 어린 날
나의 모습인 걸
꼬마야 내말 들어봐
지금처럼 맑은 그 웃음을
꽃잎에 담아봐
어느새 어른이 되면
달이 비춘 빛이 슬프면
언젠가 그리워할지도 몰라
그 소녈 보면 씩씩했던
나도 떨리는 내 맘
가만 바라보다 눈 마주치면
내 심장은 두근
행여 내 맘 들킬까 수줍음에
짓궂게도 장난만 친 걸
꼬마야 내말 들어봐
자 울지 말고 예쁜 그 사랑을
이곳에 채워 놔
어느새 어른이 되면
지금처럼 순수한 마음
너무나 그리워질지도 몰라
동전에 행복하고 노는게 좋고
옷들을 더럽히고 혼이 나도
마냥 재밌고 그저 즐거워
친구만 있으면
(I wanna love you)
(Just like old days)
꼬마야 내말 들어봐
늘 지금처럼 맑은 그 웃음을
꽃잎에 담아봐
어느새 어른이 되면
달이 비춘 빛이 슬프면
언젠가 꼬마가 어른이 되면
무서워하던 옆집 큰 개들을
귀여워하겠지
사랑이 또 찾아오면
다정하게 널 안아주며
어린 날 떠올리며 웃어보네 oh
다시 안 올 소중한 날
The lyrics of "꼬마야" by 동방신기 portray a nostalgic and reflective tone as the singers reminisce about their childhood innocence and the simplicity of youth. The opening lines express a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of a rural setting, where everything was beloved. The imagery of a clear stream and sparkling fireflies evokes a sense of purity and joy that characterized their younger days.
As the lyrics continue, the focus shifts to the carefree nature of childhood, where playing without getting tired was the norm. The singers look back fondly on their younger selves, recognizing that they were once just like the child they now observe. There is a sense of longing to hold onto that youthful innocence and happiness.
The chorus addresses a young child, urging them to listen and remember the pure laughter and happiness they possess. It encourages the child to preserve that joy like a delicate flower petal, implying that as one grows older, such simple happiness may become harder to hold onto.
The later verses touch on the idea of growing up and potentially facing challenges and sadness that one did not anticipate in childhood. The mention of the moon casting a sad light and the potential longing for simpler times suggests a bittersweet realization that innocence and joy may be lost as one transitions into adulthood. The lyrics also express the sentiment of cherishing and protecting love and happiness in the face of life's complexities.
Overall, "꼬마야" is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the loss of childhood innocence. The song captures the essence of nostalgia and the desire to hold onto the pure and carefree moments of youth, while also acknowledging the inevitability of growing up and facing life's challenges with a sense of resilience and appreciation for the past.
Line by Line Meaning
마냥 신기해
Always amazed
모든게 좋았던 시골 어귀엔
In the countryside corner where everything was good
맑은 시냇가의 반짝이는
Shining by the clear stream
작은 반딧불 새로
With a small firefly
뛰어 놀며 지칠 줄도 모르는
Playing and not knowing how to get tired
그 앤 바로 어린 날
That is exactly the young days
나의 모습인 걸
It's my appearance
꼬마야 내말 들어봐
Little one, listen to me
지금처럼 맑은 그 웃음을
Keep that clear smile like now
꽃잎에 담아봐
Put it in a flower petal
어느새 어른이 되면
When I become an adult
달이 비춘 빛이 슬프면
If the moonlight shines sadly
언젠가 그리워할지도 몰라
I might miss it someday
그 소녈 보면 씩씩했던
Looking at that boy, so brave
나도 떨리는 내 맘
My heart is also trembling
가만 바라보다 눈 마주치면
Just looking quietly, when our eyes meet
내 심장은 두근
My heart beats faster
행여 내 맘 들킬까 수줍음에
Perhaps to reveal my heart, in shyness
짓궂게도 장난만 친 걸
Being mean, just playing around
자 울지 말고 예쁜 그 사랑을
Don't cry, but fill this place with beautiful love
이곳에 채워 놔
Fill it up here
지금처럼 순수한 마음
A pure heart like now
너무나 그리워질지도 몰라
I might long for it so much
동전에 행복하고 노는게 좋고
Playing and being happy with a coin
옷들을 더럽히고 혼이 나도
Dirtying the clothes and getting yelled at
마냥 재밌고 그저 즐거워
Always fun and simply enjoyable
친구만 있으면
As long as there are friends
늘 지금처럼 맑은 그 웃음을
Always keep that clear smile like now
달이 비춘 빛이 슬프면
If the moonlight shines sadly
언젠가 꼬마가 어른이 되면
Someday when the little one becomes an adult
무서워하던 옆집 큰 개들을
Will find scary the big dogs next door
귀여워하겠지
And end up finding them cute
사랑이 또 찾아오면
If love comes back again
다정하게 널 안아주며
Holding you tenderly
어린 날 떠올리며 웃어보네 oh
Remembering the old days and smiling
다시 안 올 소중한 날
The precious days that will never come back
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kenzie, Jeffrey B Franzel, Jon Rydningen, Ken Ingwersen, Marjorie Maye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind