Often credited as one of the first k-pop boy bands and the forerunners of the "idol group" trend in the Korean music industry. H.O.T. successfully turned mainstream Korean music into music for the younger generation. Made up of five teenagers at the time of their debut, they were formed to specifically target teenagers, hence their name "High-five Of Teenagers".
Member : (YEAR 2015)
Heejun 희준 Moon Hee-jun 문희준 文熙俊 March 14, 1978 (age 37)
Woohyuk우혁 Jang Woo-hyuk 장우혁 張佑赫 May 8, 1978 (age 37)
Tony An 토니안 An Seung-ho 안승호 安勝浩 June 7, 1978 (age 37)
Kangta 강타 An Chil-hyun 안칠현 安七炫 October 10, 1979 (age 36)
Jaewon 재원 Lee Jae-won 이재원 李在元 April 5, 1980 (age 35)
HISTORY
H.O.T. was formed by producer Lee Soo-man, the head of SM Entertainment, in 1996.Their music comprises a mixture of rap, ballads, dance, and later Rock. Singer Kangta provided most of the ballad vocals.
The first member that Lee Soo-man picked was Kangta. The manager saw him dancing and singing with a friend at an amusement park, and was impressed. Second was Moon Hee-joon, who after auditioning was accepted into the band. Hee-joon then invited his friend Lee Jae-won to audition, who was subsequently also admitted. The fourth to join the band was Jang Woo-hyuk, after winning first place in a dancing contest. He was asked to try out and became the fourth member to join.
SM Entertainment then traveled to LA to hold auditions. Tony An, originally discovered by Brothers Entertainment in the United States, and his friend Andy Lee both joined the band. However, Lee's parents later withdrew support, causing him to leave the band and join Shinhwa in 1998. The new group was called H.O.T. - High Five of Teenagers.
CAREER
H.O.T. was a group that enjoyed massive success in their career, allowing them to become major influences on the future of boy bands and the rest of the music scene in Korea. Their popularity also led to the creation of female groups in Korea.
H.O.T. made their debut with their first album, We Hate All Kinds of Violence in September 1996. This album and its first single, Junsa Ae Hoo Yeh, sparked controversy because some of their songs apparently plagiarized others, and lawsuits were placed against the group.
Despite their controversial debut, they released a second single from the album, Candy, which became the first of their hit songs.
They released their second album in June 1997, entitled Wolf & Sheep. This became another controversial release, since the title track featured strong language that caused it to be banned from all the major radio stations. However, a second single from this album, “We Are the Future” brought them back into the spotlight with another #1 hit. In 1998, the music video for "We Are The Future"s earned an American MTV Award for Best International Video.
The next year the group had their first live tour, starting with the Seoul Olympic Stadium. H.O.T. was the first Kpop group to hold a concert here, thanks to their large fanbase. Owing to their popularity, they were seen frequently in advertisements. At one point, they had their own soda brand with the catch phrase "I only drink H.O.T." They released their third album, Resurrection, in September 1998. This album featured a more “serious” style, with music gravitating towards rock.
On 25 June 1999, H.O.T, together with its label-mate S.E.S., performed at Michael Jackson's concert "Michael Jackson and Friends - The Adventure of Humanity".
They released their fourth album, Iyah!, and a “Best of” album in the following year, 1999. They also starred in a "Space Jam"-like movie called "Age of Peace", for which they also released a soundtrack consisting songs that the members themselves composed. Everything in the film except for the five members were computerized, and the film was released in Japan during promotional activities for their fourth album. They won numerous awards from KMTV, and various popular music shows in Korea for their fourth album and the soundtrack.
They released their fifth and final album, Outside Castle, in September 2000. All of the members took part in composing the lyrics. H.O.T. enjoyed great success with all of their albums, and were known for their talent of writing and composing many of their own songs. In addition, Moon Hee-joon and Jang Woo-hyuk were also known for their dancing abilities, and often choreographed the groups routines.
They maintained a friendly rivalry with other K-pop bands such as Sechs Kies, and were close friends with Kim Hwan-sung of N.R.G., who died from pneumonia a week or two prior to his 20th birthday. Kangta was heartbroken by his friend's death, and when N.R.G. released their album after Kim Hwan-sung's death, he wrote the main track of their album.
DISBANDMENT ;-; and post-H.O.T.
H.O.T. disbanded in May 2001. As the members of H.O.T. neared the end of their contracts with SM Entertainment, it was rumored that financial issues caused the group to split. However, because the real reasons for the breakup were never officially released to the public, financial contract issues still remain an unverified rumor to this day.
After the split, Kangta and Moon Hee-joon were offered lucrative contracts to SM Entertainment as solo artists and released moderately successful albums. While Kangta's music was usually mainstream soul or R&B, Moon Hee-joon in the beginning, like Kangta, started with the mainstream R&B, but later attempted to establish a rock music career. However, Hee-joon was overshadowed by his teen idol image and was met with harsh criticism.
The remaining members, Jang Woo-hyuk, Tony An, and Lee Jae-won, formed a three-member group called jtL under another label, and sold moderately successful albums. Later, Jang Woo-hyuk and a partner created their own dance company with Woo-hyuk leading his own team and school named Newest.
A few years after forming JTL, Tony An released a solo album, created his own entertainment company, Tn Entertainment, a successful school uniforms company, Skoolooks and an undergarment company, Shinenihs. In September 2010, Tony completed his 2-year army duty and released a new song, "Going To Meet You Now".
In 2005, Moon Hee-joon left SM Entertainment, creating his own company, PS Entertainment, and releasing one album. Later that year, Hee-joon headed off to military service, a duty required for every male Korean citizen. In 2008, he completed his 2-year army duty and signed with a company called SidusHQ.
Lee Jae-won also left SM Entertainment, and on April 4, 2005, he released his first post-H.O.T. album, "No Pain, No Gain". Lee has since then completed his military duty in 2011.
On September 12, 2005, Jang Woo-hyuk released his first solo album No More Drama, performing with the renowned American hip-hop group Elite Force, who was also a former dance team for Will Smith. Woo-hyuk was the last member to release a solo album, and he earned a reputation as "The Prince of Dance Music". In year 2010, he signed with a Chinese Entertainment Company and is currently active in China. His recent collaborations are with Singaporean Mandarin pop singer JJ Lin and Hong Kong singer/actor Karen Mok.
On September 2010, Kangta remains as a shareholder in SM Entertainment and released his new Chinese electro-pop title song, "Love, Frequency" or better known as "Breaka Shaka". Few days later he also released his first digital mini album, Love, Frequency.
Tony An released a solo mini album "Topstar" with top pop song under same name of album on April 4, 2011.
Jang Woo-hyuk new album released May 25 entitled " I am The Future ", with singles including Time is [L]over, I am the Future, and Minimalism.
Kangta expressed an interest in having the band reunite in the first half of 2011. However in March 2012 members Moon Hee Jun and Tony stated that it would be difficult for the group to come together again.
It's hard for them to reunited again because kpop industry nowadays have many newcomer that so competitive and talented + handsome look & young. They should reunited in year 2001 - 2002, 2003 - 2010 TVXQ ruled it kpop industry for 2nd Generation Idol. For now 2010s 3rd Generation Idol EXO ruled it, hope TVXQ can reunited again before they enter millitiary service ;-; ~~ SM ARTIST was so talented & legend !! ;-; but I dont like how they ending their artits like this...
We are the Future
H.O.T Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Four, three, two, one
Hey, everyboby-boby look at me
이제는 모든 세상의 틀을 바꿔버릴 거야
내가 이제 주인이 된 거야
어른들의 세상은 이미 갔다
낡아 빠진 것, 말도 안 되는 소린 집어치워
One, two and three and four and go
아직까지 우린 어른들의 그늘 아래에 있어
자유롭지 않은데
이런저런 간섭들로 하룰 지새우니
피곤할 수밖에
언제까지 우릴 자신들의
틀에 맞춰야만 직성이 풀리는지
하루 이틀 날이 갈수록
우린 지쳐 쓰러질 것 같아
난 내 세상은 내가 스스로 만들 거야
똑같은 삶을 강요하지 마
내 안에서 꿈틀대는 새로운 세계
난 키워가겠어
We are the future
집어쳐, 난 지금부터
내 인생의 주인은 나라 말하겠어
또 믿겠어, 믿겠어
잘해 나갈 거라 나는 믿겠어
Hey, hey 이제 다시
내 인생에 참견하지 말아줘요
I don't need you, I don't wanna help you
We want it 우혁이 let's go
(Ah, sorry, sorry, so, so, sorry, sorry)
(Ah, sorry, sorry, so, so, sorry, sorry)
We are the future
한 번쯤 나도 생각했었지
내가 어른이 되면 어떤 모습일까?
항상 이런 모습으로 살 수 있을까? Oh, baby
난 내 세상은 내가 스스로 만들 거야
똑같은 삶을 강요하지 마
내 안에서 꿈틀대는 새로운 세계
난 키워가겠어
난 내 세상은 내가 스스로 만들 거야
똑같은 삶을 강요하지 마
내 안에서 꿈틀대는 새로운 세계
난 키워가겠어
We are the future
The song "We are the Future" by H.O.T is a hip-hop track that talks about the struggles and aspirations of young people who want to make it big in life. The lyrics reflect the confidence and determination of the group as they assert their place in the world, despite facing judgment from others. The opening lines, "How can you judge my path, When you know my path is chosen trust," suggest that the group wants to be taken seriously and not be judged based on their appearance or background.
Throughout the song, they mention their loyalty to family and friends, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The line, "Family is set in stone friends are carved in after you know," reinforces the idea that the people you surround yourself with are a reflection of your character. They also refer to their new gang, but rather than being associated with violence or illegal activity, it appears to be a group of like-minded individuals who are pursuing success in music.
The song has a fast-paced beat and includes references to various cultural phenomena such as the movie "300" ("screaming this is sparta this is sparta") and the anime "Naruto" ("bars come through like shuriken and make you jump no shonen rasengan"). These cultural references are used to show the group's diverse interests and to communicate their enthusiasm for pop culture.
In conclusion, "We are the Future" by H.O.T is a song that reflects the aspirations and struggles of young people who are pursuing their dreams. It encourages listeners to stay true to themselves, surround themselves with supportive people, and work hard to achieve success.
Line by Line Meaning
Ey ey ey ey ey
Expression of excitement and eagerness to start the song.
Let's go
Encouragement to begin the song.
How can you judge my path
Asking the listener how they have any right to judge the singer's choices and direction in life.
When you know my path is chosen truss
Asserting that the artist's path has already been chosen and is deserving of trust.
My bars come through like shuriken and make you jump no shonen rasengan
Comparing the artist's lyrics to shuriken, a Japanese throwing star, and saying they are impactful enough to make the listener jump without using a popular Japanese anime move.
Family is set in stone friends are carved in after you know
Emphasizing the importance and permanence of family, while saying that friends are a later addition.
Wearing new gang clothes screaming this is sparta this is sparta
The singer is excited about their new gang clothes and compares themselves to the warriors from the movie 300.
We are what we are
Accepting the reality of the situation.
This is what we do uh huh
Acknowledging and emphasizing the artist's actions.
Check my face im a star woo woo
Expressing confidence and pride in the artist's stardom.
And we come with that platoon
Stating that the singer is accompanied by a group of people with common interests.
Got the city on my back you know
Acknowledging the responsibility the artist has towards their city.
When were coming through
Referring to when the singer and their group arrive.
It's the new gang bros
Claiming that the singer's group is the newest gang.
Yeah we rolling with the
Stating that the singer is rolling or traveling with their group.
Crew love
Referring to the love that members of the same group have for each other.
I aint talking all that goon stuff
Rejecting the idea of being a part of a violent gang.
I dont need to be acting tough
Asserting that the singer doesn't need to act tough to gain respect.
I act enough yeah thats whats up
Stating that the singer's actions speak enough about them.
I just worry bout my income stacking up
Emphasizing the importance of personal financial stability.
So if your on a grind then come stack with us
Inviting others who are also working hard to come and work with the artist and their group.
Rap with us
Inviting others to join the artist and their group in rapping.
Yeah jump on the track with us
Inviting others to join the singer and their group in recording music.
Join the team with us
Asking others to become a part of the artist's team.
It will never be treasonous
Assuring potential members that joining the singer's group will not be a betrayal towards anyone else.
Cause we keep the city on our back like a shoulder blade
Emphasizing how the singer's group is responsible for their city like a shoulder blade supports a body.
Now that im getting paid
Acknowledging that the singer is now receiving payment for their work.
But you dont know the days
Suggesting that the listener doesn't understand the struggles that the artist went through before they became successful.
And all the nights I pray
Suggesting that the artist has prayed for better things during their hard times.
That it would end this way
Expressing gratitude for the singer's current success.
And I would blow like a live grenade
Saying that the singer is like a dangerous and explosive weapon.
It's a war zone woo
Metaphorically referring to the music industry as a battleground.
Better stake your claim
Advising others to take action and make their mark before it's too late.
I got a shot so I'm taking aim and when I shoot its safe to say
Saying that the artist is taking a chance and they are aiming to be successful.
You disappear like david blaine you disappear like david blaine o my
Comparing the effect of the singer's success to that of a magic trick in which someone disappears.
Arteta with the tactics jheeeze
Complimenting Arteta, the coach of Arsenal Football Club, and comparing him to the artist's own strategic tactics.
Causing fire with the matchsticks boom
Saying that the singer is causing positive attention and commotion with their actions.
Ripping all through the plastic eyyy
Saying that the singer is breaking through any barriers or facades that might be in their way.
Lost it now Im frantic let's go
Saying that the singer is feeling overwhelmed and in desperate need of a change.
Mob ties
Referring to the tight connections the artist has with their group.
No lies
Emphasizing honesty as a value held by the artist.
Co sign
Referring to the endorsement of the singer's work by others in the industry.
Dont try
Warning others not to try to compete with the singer.
Great vine
Referring to the process of gaining success and recognition by gradually spreading out.
Take time
Advising the listener to be patient.
Rolling with some sick guys
Referring to the cool and exciting people the artist is surrounded by.
Low key
Saying that the singer is not trying to draw too much attention to themselves.
Showed me
Acknowledging that someone else helped the artist in some way.
How to keep it cool like lofi
Saying that the singer was taught how to maintain a laid-back and relaxed approach to life.
Switch up the variant loki jheeeze
Expressing excitement about changing things up and comparing the singer's versatility to the Marvel character Loki.
Dont get to cozy
Warning the listener not to get too comfortable in their current situation.
And dont act like you know me
Telling others not to make assumptions about the artist.
I'm bringing fire in the booth now it's about to get smokey smokey
Saying that the artist is going to perform exceptionally well and create an exciting and dynamic atmosphere.
Nah this aint kareoke
Saying that the singer's talent is not just for cute entertainment like in karaoke.
I'm like a rap god so let's make this holy
Comparing the singer's rapping skills to being god-like and suggesting that they can create something amazing and inspiring.
And show me
Requesting something from someone else.
How you pray when I spray spray spray spray
Requesting that the listener shows how they react when the artist performs well.
No I dont come to play play play play
Saying that the artist is in the music industry to make a serious impact.
Do this like schmit all day day day day
Describing the singer's work ethic as the same as professional basketball player Terrance Alan Schmidt.
Them im on my way way way way
Saying that the artist is on a path to success and will not be deterred.
To give you one wish like im ray j ray j
Saying that the singer is capable of granting wishes, much like the musician Ray J.
And I can't convey
Suggesting that the singer is unable to express something.
How it feels to lay
Describing how the singer feels.
On a sunnyday
Saying that the artist enjoys the good times.
And know my papers straight
Saying that the artist is financially secure.
My bank accumulates
Saying that the singer is saving money.
Like its automated
Comparing the act of saving money to an automated process.
Now I'm alternating
Saying that the artist is switching between different aspects of their life.
Between the life I got and the life Im making
Saying that the artist is balancing their current life with the one they are building.
Balance my pride and passion on a libra scale
Saying that the artist is maintaining a balance between their pride and passion, using the constellation Libra as a symbol of balance.
There's no need to fail
Saying that there is no excuse for failure.
I never been to jail
Saying that the artist has never been in jail.
Yeah Im on the right track and I cant derail
Saying that the singer is on the right path and will not be deterred.
All that I inhale
Saying that the singer only absorbs positive influences.
Is the game and I play it well
Saying that the singer only focuses on their music and succeeds in it.
Good vibes pink garms is what I entail
Saying that the artist prefers positive energy and pink clothing.
And I exhale
Saying that the artist releases negative energy.
Excellency
Expressing that the singer produces high-quality work.
And if you listen closely then I know you'll agree
Saying that if someone pays close attention, they will understand how good the singer is.
It's a wrap panini woo
Saying that there is a definitive conclusion to something.
I cut em of like dizzie
Saying that the artist separates themselves from others like the rapper Dizzee Rascal.
And send em back to trizzee
Saying that the artist rejects others to their hometown, likely Tristram from Diablo III.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Young Jin Yoo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind