SG Wannabe

Did You Know?

• Original member Chae Dong-ha left the group in 2008 to focus on a solo career, and later died by suicide on May 27, 2011.
• In 2021, SG Wannabe appeared on Hangout with Yoo, their first live performance together as a group since 2018.

History

SG Wannabe debuted in 2004 with their first album, SG Wanna Be+, produced by Lee Kyung-sub and Park Keun-tae. The title track's music video featured top actors such as Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Nam-jin, Yunjin Kim, Kang Hye-jung, and Seo Sung-min, with production costs reportedly about 2 billion won. The group did not show their faces or appear in their music videos, yet their vocal abilities attracted a wide demographic, and the album achieved pre-sales of 90,000 copies. Later in 2004, they received nominations for Best Newcomer at the Golden Disc Awards and the Seoul Popular Music Awards. On March 29, 2005, SG Wannabe released their second album, which included the number-one hits "Sin & Punishment" and "살다가 (While You Live)". The album sold over 400,000 copies, making them the only artist in 2005 to reach that figure. On September 14, 2005, the group released the remake album "Classic Odyssey" with a budget of 1 billion Won, featuring hits such as "My Heart's Treasure Box". SG Wannabe was awarded the Daesang (Artist of the Year) from the Golden Disc award. By year-end, their second album ranked number one with over 400,000 copies sold, and their remake album ranked 12th with 147,047 copies. Their songs also topped the noraebang chart compiled by TJ Media.

Artistry

SG Wannabe was known for focusing on lyrical content and singing ability rather than following the kkonminam trend. Kim Yong-jun and Kim Jin-ho revealed in a 2021 appearance on You Quiz on the Block that they were initially meant to debut as "faceless singers", a term for skilled vocalists who refrain from television appearances due to not meeting societal standards for physical attractiveness. Early albums dealt with heavy subject matter, exemplified by the power ballad "As We Live". Initially an R&B group, after Lee's addition in 2008 they diversified into genres such as electropop and trot; for instance, "Arirang" features Korean traditional instruments, while "La La La" is in a country style. A key characteristic is the medium-speed tempo and distinct rhythm. They have been credited with popularizing the medium-tempo ballad centered on an emotional climatic refrain during the mid-2000s. Early in their career, they drew comparisons to Vibe for their R&B focus. Their vocal styles were noted for maturity: Chae's deep husky voice complemented Kim Jin-ho's higher-register belting and Kim Yong-jun's clear tenor. When Lee joined, he provided a powerful baritone. Unlike many contemporary groups, there was no strict lead/sub-vocal distinction; members harmonized or provided backing vocals when one sang a line.