5tion
South Korean boy band with frequent lineup changes.
5tion (Korean: 오션; RR: Osyeon) is a South Korean boy band that rose to popularity in the early 2000s. Their name is pronounced like "ocean," a pun on the Korean word for "5," which is "oh." The group originally debuted as a dance group but later shifted to ballads, and their lineup changed many times over the years.
In 2004, two members—Lee Hyun and Hwang Sung-hwan (John)—formed a side project called After Rain. John left the group in mid-2010 to create 2NISE with Hohyeon and Jogeun. That September, 5tion returned as a trio with John, Lee Hyun, and Woo Il. Then in March 2012, the group made another comeback with a new roster and stage names: three original members (Oh Byung-jin, Lee Hyun, and Son Il-kwon) reunited with two new members (LEN and Boseok). To appeal to international fans, they adopted more foreign-sounding names—Oh Byung-jin became "Cain," Son Il-kwon became "Roy," and Lee Hyun shortened his name to "Hyun."
On January 15, 2017, while performing in Japan, the group was in a car crash when their van slid on an icy road and hit a delivery truck. All members were taken to the hospital but none suffered serious injuries. After five years of inactivity, they announced a comeback on April 29, 2022, with a live concert called "COME BACK" in Tokyo on May 6, followed by shows in Osaka on May 14 and 15.
- genre
- Dance (early), Ballad (later)
Quick Facts
- Origin
- South Korea
- Genre
- K-pop
- Years Active
- 2001–present
- Label
- JT Corea Entertainment · Akatsuki Label · IV Entertainment · Yewon Entertainment · K Story Entertainment · Chani Entertainment · De Passion · Synnara Music
- Website
- http: · www.5tion-jp.com
- Current Members
- Il Kwon / Chang Woo / Ju Ho / Jun Young / Jun Ho
- Past Members
- Taekyung / Chanmin / Seokho / Minsung / John / Hyun / Boseok / Wooil / Kyne / Len / Noa / Marine
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
5tion debuted in the early 2000s and saw several member departures and additions. In 2004, two members Lee Hyun and Hwang Sung-hwan (John) formed a project group called 'After Rain'. In mid-2010, Hwang Sung-hwan left to form 2NISE with Hohyeon and Jogeun. Later in September 2010, 5tion returned as a three-member group consisting of Hwang Sung-hwan, Lee Hyun, and Woo Il. In March 2012, the group made another comeback with a new roster: three original members (Oh Byung-jin, Lee Hyun, Son Il-kwon) and two new members (LEN and Boseok). To reach an international fanbase, member names were changed to sound more foreign: Oh Byung-jin became 'Cain', Son Il-kwon became 'Roy', and Lee Hyun was shortened to 'Hyun'. The group originally debuted as a dance group and later shifted to ballads.
Reader's Guide
5tion's significance lies in their persistence through numerous lineup changes and a serious car accident in Japan on January 15, 2017, when their van slid on an icy road into a delivery truck; all members were hospitalized but none reported serious injuries. After two years of inactivity, they announced a comeback on April 29, 2022, with a live concert called 'COME BACK' in Tokyo on May 6, 2022, followed by shows in Osaka on May 14 and 15, 2022. Their legacy is marked by adaptability and a dedicated international fanbase, though their frequent member turnover and stylistic shift from ballad to dance music reflect the challenges of sustaining a K-pop group over two decades.
Did You Know?
- The group's name is pronounced 'ocean' because the Korean word for '5' is 'oh'.
- In 2004, two members formed a project group called 'After Rain'.
- On January 15, 2017, the group was in a car crash in Japan when their van slid on ice into a delivery truck; no serious injuries were reported.
- After five years of inactivity, they announced a comeback in April 2022 with concerts in Tokyo and Osaka.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is 5tion?
5tion is a South Korean boy band that became well-known during the early 2000s. The group is particularly noted for how often its member roster shifted over the course of its career.
What does the name 5tion mean?
The name is a pun: in Korean, the number five is pronounced 'oh,' so '5tion' sounds like 'ocean' to Korean ears.
What genre does 5tion belong to?
They began their career performing dance tracks but eventually pivoted to a ballad-focused sound.
How many members does 5tion have?
Because the lineup changed so many times, there is no single fixed number. In September 2010, the group reformed as a three-member unit featuring John, Lee Hyun, and Woo Il.
What is After Rain?
After Rain is a side project that two members of 5tion—Lee Hyun and Hwang Sung-hwan (John)—started together in 2004.
More in South Korean boy bands 1-24
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