A-Jax (band)

A-Jax (Korean: 에이젝스, stylized as A-JAX) was a South Korean boy band formed by DSP Media in 2012. Early in their career, the group was known as DSP Boyz but then was changed to A-Jax.[1] The group's final lineup was composed of five members: Hyeongkon, Yunyoung, Seungjin, Seungyeop, and Junghee. They made the first appearance on TV as a group on MBC Music's Making the Star – DSP Boyz on April 24, 2012. The group made its official debut with the single "One 4 U" in South Korea on June 1 and in Japan on August 8, 2012 with the same song.

A-Jax
Left to right: Sung-min, Ji-hoo, Yun-young, Jae-hyung, Hyeong-kon , Seung-jin, Seung-yeop
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
GenresK-pop
Years active2012–2019
Labels
Associated actsDSP Friends
Websiteajax.dspmedia.co.kr
Past members
  • Hyeongkon
  • Yunyoung
  • Seungjin
  • Seungyeop
  • Junghee
  • Sungmin
  • Jaehyung
  • Jihu

History

Pre-debut

The debut of the group was announced on April 1, 2012 with a video teaser of their MBC Music's show Making the Star. During that time, they were temporarily called as 'DSP Boyz'.[2] More teasers of the show were revealed during the time on DSP Media's YouTube account, the second on April 4, the third on April 9 and the last on April 12. On April 13, the group signed a two-year contract as endorsement models for the sports casual brand Spris. DSP Media will be revealed the members one by one starting on April 17 on DSP Media's YouTube account.[3] Jaehyung 's on April 17.[4] Yunyoung's on April 18.[5] Jihu's (Hyojun at that time) on April 19.[6] Sungmin's on April 20.[7] Seungyeop and Hyeongkon's on April 22.[8] Seungjin's on April 23.

DSP Media announced the group's official name as "A-Jax" on April 24 and DSP also explained the meaning of the group's name: "A-Jax is in reference to the mythological Greek hero that helped bring victory to the Greeks during the Trojan War."[9] On May 7, a mysterious video featuring KARA's member Goo Hara was revealed on DSP Media's YouTube account with a male voice on the background. The video created a confusion because it was not revealed if the video was a teaser for an upcoming Korean comeback of KARA, or a teaser for an upcoming solo event of Hara, or something related to A-Jax. On May 10, another video of Hara was released, revealing that the teaser was related to A-Jax. In the teaser, a song of the group (at this time the name was not revealed) was playing at the background. On May 15, DSP Media released the song and music video of the song played on the teaser, called "Never Let Go". On the music video only appears Hara. Later it was stated that the song was only a prologue song.

On May 21, it was revealed that A-Jax was set to be the opening act in KARA's last two shows of their first tour, Karasia, in Saitama, Japan. The members stated "It's an honor to be able to stand on such a big stage before our debut. It'll be a learning experience for us. As it is a great opportunity, we're going to work to show as much of our charm as possible."[10]

2012: Debut with One 4 U and 2MYX
20120709 Daejeon Wing Car event

On May 1, it was revealed that the group will be debuting in South Korea and Japan simultaneously in 2012. It was also revealed by DSP that "A-Jax will be the first Korean idol group to debut within Korea and Japan simultaneously, and will follow in the footsteps of the group SS501. A-Jax has signed under the equivalent conditions that other Korean male idol groups, who have already established their popularity, have been given, making it an unprecedented event. Thus, they are receiving much attention from Japanese music industry insiders." For their Japanese releases, they signed with the label Universal Sigma, where their labelmates Kara and Rainbow are currently signed.[11]

On May 28, DSP Media released, on A-Jax's YouTube account, a teaser of the music video for their official debut song "One 4 U". It was later stated that the music video have cost $42,500 USD only with CG effects.[12] The music video and full single of "One 4 U" were released on June 1. The group made its official debut on TV music shows on MBC's Show! Music Core on June 2, with the songs "Never Let Go" (used as opening)[13] and "One 4 U".[14] On June 4, it was stated that the group will perform on Japan's a-nation, along with the artists/groups AAA, Aaron, Breathe, Da Pump, Deep, Daichi Miura, Shu-I, U-KISS and 4ever. The event will be held in Yoyogi on August 9.[15]

On June 19, Universal Sigma announced that "One 4 U" was re-recorded in Japanese and will be released as their debut single in Japan. The single will be released on August 8, 2012.[16] It was also announced that the group will make a Handshake event commemorating the release of the single. It will be held in Tokyo on August 8, Osaka on August 10, Nagoya on August 11 and in Fukuoka on August 12.[17]

On July 7, DSP Media started an event called "Wing Car Project", to the group meet their fans outside Seoul. In that same statement, it was also announced that the group will be releasing a new digital single in July.[18] One day later, it was revealed a photo of the truck's back, revealing the name of the new single, titled "Hot Game".[19] The single was officially released on July 11, 2012 as "One 4 U" follow-up song. On July 17, A-Jax's fan-cafe was updated with the group's fan name, to be titled "A-Light".[20] On August 9, Universal Sigma announced that "Hot Game" was re-recorded in Japanese and will be released as the group's second Japanese single, to be released on October 31, 2012.[21]

The group released their debut mini album titled 2MYX on November 15. The EP includes three new songs and the songs already released in South Korea, "One 4 U", "Never Let Go" and "Hot Game".

2013–2019: Insane, Snake, Lineup changes, and disbandment

On June 26, 2013, it was revealed on A-Jax's official Twitter account that the group will be returning with their 2nd mini-album entitled Insane, with the song of same title being the promotional track. It was also revealed the mini-album's cover.[22] The mini-album will be released on July 11, 2013 with distribution by LOEN Entertainment.

On October 21, 2013, the agency announced the group's comeback when they unveiled the album jacket photo for upcoming single “Snake”. “Snake” is said to be of the lighthearted and funky rock genre where the lyrics allude a young boy's love to that of a snake.

In December 2014, the group participated to DSP Media's special Christmas Album White Letter with the song "Like Lovers" (Korean: 연인처럼) featuring labelmate Oh Jong Hyuk as well as title track "White".[23]

On January 8, 2015, DSP Media announced that Jaehyung would enlist in the army as a public service officer. On January 7, 2016, it was announced by DSP Media that Sungmin had left the group.[24] On February 5, 2016, DSP Media announced the departure of Jaehyung and Jihu. Jihu and Sungmin would remain with the label, while Jaehyung's contract was terminated. Junghee was added to the group and A-Jax will continue promoting as a quintet.[25] On December 11, 2016, the group held a showcase, in Tokyo, Japan, titled A-JAX SHOWCASE [A-JAX RISING].

On September 19, 2017, the group released their third Japanese single, "Romeo."[26] Members Seungjin and Junghee will be participating the idol rebooting show KBS's The Unit.[27]

On March 31, 2019, it was announced the group members contract expired with DSP Media.[28]

Former Members
  • Hyeongkon (형곤)
  • Yunyoung (윤영)
  • Seungjin (승진)
  • Seungyeop (승엽)
  • Junghee (중희)
  • Sungmin (성민)
  • Jaehyung (재형)
  • Jihu (지후)

Timeline

Discography
A-Jax discography
Music videos6
EPs3
Singles6

Extended plays
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[29]		 JPN
[30]
Korean
2MYX 6 —
  • KOR: 2,856+
Insane 8 —
  • KOR: 2,067+
Snake 13 —
  • KOR: 1,442+
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Singles
Year Title Peak chart positions Sales Album
KOR
[29][31]		 JPN
[32]
Korean
2012 "One 4 U" /
"Never Let Go" (B-side)		 167
164		— 2MYX
"Hot Game" 59—
"2MYX" 188—
2013 "Insane" 123— Insane
"Snake" 172— Snake
2014 "Like Lovers"
feat Oh Jong-Hyuk		 —— White Letter
Japanese
2012 "One 4 U" —29[33]
  • JPN: 4,030
 non-album single
"Hot Game" —31[34]
  • JPN: 3,692
2017 "Romeo" —51[35]
  • JPN: 949
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Collaborations
Year Title Member(s) Album/Single Note
2014 White All White Letter
2016 Fingertips love Creating a Healthy Cyber World
Campaign song		 With B1A4, BTOB, APRIL, Heo Young-ji, Oh My Girl & Kassy

Filmography
  • MBC Making the Star: DSP Boyz (2012)
  • SNS Drama "Vampire's Flower" (2014)

References
  1. "DSP Boyz' official name revealed to be 'A-Jax'". allkpop.com. April 23, 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-06-12. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
  2. "DSP, 제2의 SS501 만든다…7인조 DSP보이즈 출격" (in Korean). Naver. 2012-04-02. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  3. "DSP보이즈, 데뷔도 하기 전에 억대 모델 발탁" (in Korean). Osen. 2012-04-13. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  4. "베일 벗은 DSP보이즈, 첫 멤버 재형 공개…신비로운 매력 발산" (in Korean). Nate. 2012-04-17. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  5. "DSP보이즈, 메인보컬 윤영 공개" (in Korean). Nate. 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  6. "DSP보이즈, 세 번째 멤버 효준 공개..다부진 몸매 '눈길'" (in Korean). Nate. 2012-04-19. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  7. "DSP보이즈 네 번째 멤버 성민 공개, 188cm '슈퍼모델급 기럭지'" (in Korean). Nate. 2012-04-20. Archived from the original on 2012-04-30. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  8. "DSP보이즈 승엽-형곤 티저 공개 '마지막 멤버+팀명 기대감↑'" (in Korean). Chosun. 2012-04-22. Archived from the original on 2013-04-04. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  9. "'DSP보이즈' 팀 이름 에이젝스(A-Jax) 확정, '가요계 영웅 되겠다'" (in Korean). TVDaily. 2012-04-24. Archived from the original on 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  10. 에이젝스, 카라 오프닝 무대 통해 '3만2천 관객앞에 선다' (in Korean). Naver. 2012-05-21. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  11. "DSP보이즈 에이젝스, 韓日 동시데뷔 'SS501 뒤 잇는다'" (in Korean). Naver. 2012-05-01. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  12. "에이젝스, CG에만 5천만원 투입..대작 뮤비 탄생 예고" (in Korean). Naver. 2012-05-30. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  13. "음악중심 : A-Jax – Never Let Go, 에이젝스 – 너밖에 몰라서, Music Core 20120602 – YouTube" (in Korean). MBC's K-pop YouTube account. 2012-06-02. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  14. "음악중심 : A-Jax – ONE 4 U, 에이젝스 – 원 포 유, Music Core 20120602 – YouTube" (in Korean). MBC's K-pop YouTube account. 2012-06-02. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  15. "musicweek / a-nation Charge Go! ウイダーinゼリー musicweek & stadium fes" (in Japanese). Avex Group account. Archived from the original on 2012-06-11. Retrieved 2012-06-13.
  16. ボーイズグループの大本命がついに日韓同時デビュー！ (in Japanese). Universal Music Japan. 2012-06-19. Retrieved 2012-06-18.
  17. "「ワン・フォー・ユー -ONE 4 U-」発売記念「握手会決定！」" (in Japanese). Universal Music Japan. 2012-06-19. Retrieved 2012-06-18.
  18. "A-JAX가 여러분을 찾아갑니다! (A-JAX 윙카 이벤트)" (in Korean). DSP Media. 2012-07-04. Archived from the original on 2013-02-19. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  19. 에이젝스, 대구 ‘윙카 투어’ 약 2천여 관객 동원 ‘대성공’ (in Korean). Nate. 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
  20. "A-JAX's official fan club to be named A-LIGHT". 2012-07-17. Retrieved 2012-07-17.
  21. "2nd Singleホットゲーム詳細発表！" (in Japanese). Universal Music Group. 2012-09-28. Retrieved 2012-09-30.
  22. "Twitter / A_JAXOFFICIAL: Ajax Comeback Soon." (in Japanese). A-JAX's official Twitter account. 2013-06-26. Retrieved 2013-07-01.
  23. "DSP Media releases tracklist for 'White Letter' Christmas album! - allkpop.com".
  24. 에이젝스 메인보컬 성민 팀 탈퇴.."래퍼 도전" (in Korean). MBN Daily Broadcast. 2016-01-07.
  25. Kim, Ha-jin (February 5, 2016). 에이젝스, 5인조로 변신..中 활동 본격화. 10asia (in Korean). Korea Entertainment Media. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  26. "Romeo [w/ DVD, Limited Edition / Special Edition] A-JAX CD Album". CDJapan. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  27. "Sunmi in talks to mentor on 'The Unit' + members of A-JAX join audition lineup | allkpop.com". allkpop. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  28. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=469&aid=0000376399
  29. "Gaon Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Chart. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  30. "A-jak Japanese Discography on ORICON STYLE" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  31. "Korea K-Pop Hot 100 Chart" (in Korean). Korea K-Pop Hot 100. Archived from the original on 2012-11-25. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  32. "Japan Hot 100 Chart" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan Hot 100. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  33. "Romeo in Oricon chart" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2017-10-03.
  34. "Hot Game in Oricon chart" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
  35. "Romeo in Oricon chart" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 2017-10-03.
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