Trouble Maker (duo)
South Korean duo formed by Cube Entertainment in 2011.
Trouble Maker (트러블 메이커) was a South Korean duo active under Cube Entertainment, consisting of Hyunseung and Hyuna. The pair debuted in 2011 as a sub-unit initially called 'JS & Hyuna'—a name that included Hyunseung’s stage name for the project, Jay Stomp. Their first mini-album and its title track, both named "Trouble Maker," came out on December 1, 2011, following teaser photos that set a private-party theme. A preview performance at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards featured an on-stage kiss. During the promotional period, the duo’s live shows drew criticism from Korean media for sexually suggestive choreography, prompting Cube Entertainment to adjust the moves for the remainder of the campaign. The song later earned a triple crown on M! Countdown. They also performed at United Cube concerts in London in December 2011 and in Brazil in 2012.
In October 2013, Cube confirmed a comeback with a racy photoshoot. The single "Now" from the EP *Chemistry* was released on October 28. Its music video, inspired by the criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde, received a 19+ rating due to references to sex, alcohol, and cigarettes. "Now" achieved a score of 11,000 points on the music show Inkigayo.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Seoul, South Korea
- Genre
- K-pop
- Years Active
- 2011–2014
- Label
- Cube
- Past Members
- Hyunseung / Hyuna
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Trouble Maker was formed in November 2011 when Cube Entertainment labelmates Hyun-seung (former member of Beast) and Hyuna (former member of 4Minute and Wonder Girls) joined as a sub-unit. Hyun-seung adopted the stage name Jay Stomp for the duo. They released their first mini-album and single, both titled 'Trouble Maker', on December 1, 2011, after a teaser performance at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards that included an on-stage kiss. Their live performances were criticized for sexually suggestive choreography, leading Cube to alter the routine for the rest of the promotion period. The duo performed at United Cube concerts in London in December 2011 and in Brazil in 2012, and won the triple crown on M! Countdown for 'Trouble Maker'.
Reader's Guide
Trouble Maker's significance lies in their boundary-pushing performances and chart success. Their 2013 comeback with the single 'Now' from the Chemistry EP featured a music video inspired by Bonnie and Clyde that earned a 19+ rating for references to sex, alcohol, and cigarettes. 'Now' achieved the highest score ever recorded on music show Inkigayo, maxing out at 11,000 points. The duo's career ended after Hyuna was removed from Cube Entertainment in September 2018 following the announcement of her relationship with Pentagon's E'Dawn, though Cube briefly reversed the decision due to backlash before Hyuna ended her contract in October 2018. Hyunseung left Cube in August 2021. Their legacy includes influencing K-pop's embrace of mature concepts and setting a scoring record on a major music show.
Did You Know?
- Their debut performance at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards included an on-stage kiss.
- 'Now' scored 11,000 points on Inkigayo.
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