Min Kyung-hoon (Korean민경훈; born October 6, 1984) is a South Korean singer and television personality. He is the lead vocalist of the rock band Buzz and one-half of the duo Universe Cowards with Kim Hee-chul. His first solo album, Im·pres·sive, was released on December 5, 2007. His second solo album, Picnic, was released on June 27, 2011.[2] He is a regular cast member of South Korean variety show Knowing Brothers (JTBC).

Min Kyung-hoon
민경훈
National Museum of Korea "Cultural Event" in 2015
Born (1984-10-06) October 6, 1984 (age 40)
Seoul, South Korea
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Entertainer
  • Lyricist
Spouse
Shin Ki-eun
(m. 2024)
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2003–present
LabelsLong Play Music (formerly Santa Music)
Member of
YouTube information
Channel
Subscribers95.5 thousand[1]
Total views5.29 million[1]

Last updated: 18 January 2024
Korean name
Hangul
민경훈
Hanja
Revised RomanizationMin Gyeonghun
McCune–ReischauerMin Kyŏnghun

Career

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During his early childhood, Min never thought that he would become an entertainer. Once he entered high school, he worked with a group of peers who liked to sing. While continuing to sing and perform, Min realized that being a singer who sang in a café next to the Han River suited him better than becoming a famous celebrity. In his third year of high school, Min was recommended to audition for an entertainment company as he was famous among students for both his strong vocals and "flower boy" visuals.

Min went to the audition for AYON Entertainment along with a friend without thinking seriously about it. He auditioned for the company, which would later become Buzz's first agency, in a karaoke room. Once the company heard him sing, they liked him and wanted to immediately sign a contract with him.[3] Min would then record songs under this agency and become a singer.

He signed a contract with the company in late spring 2002 and gave up on both sports and school to focus on singing. Min joined Buzz in June 2002 as the group's vocalist. The band's members practiced instruments together for two years. Min, having been added to the band later, often had to stay up at night and practice his vocals without rest.[4]

2003-2007: Buzz activity days

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Buzz made their official debut with "Morning Of Buzz" on October 11, 2003.[5] Their second studio album "Effect" included songs like "Coward", "Thorn", and "Travel to Me" that gained extreme popularity.[6] In their third album "Perfect", the song "You Don't Know Men" was well received.[7][8][9][10] He was given the nickname "Ssamja" because he made a mistake singing this song. On May 17, 2007, Buzz disbanded temporarily as the members, with the exception of Min, began their mandatory military service.[11] Min was confirmed to continue solo activities while the members are serving the military.[12] On June 25, 2007, Buzz released the single "Love Is My Heart, Part 2".[13]

2007-2014: Solo activity and Military life

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On December 4, 2007, Min released his first solo album "Im · pres · sive", with the advice of Buzz members and the solicitation of his former agency.[14] The album received a lukewarm reception. On December 12, 2008, he released the digital single, "Day", which was also not received very well.[15] Until 2009, Min and Buzz took a hiatus. During this time, Min hardly left his house and suffered from severe depression and weight gain. He claims that during this "slump", he drank alcohol as soon as he woke up, and drank again to fall asleep.[16]

Min was able to get back on his feet and return to music thanks to the help from a fellow acquaintance. On February 4, 2010, the mini album "Reunion" was announced officially. The title song "I Love You" is one of his most popular solo songs. Min released the digital single "It's Alright" on March 29, 2010 and the soap opera My Life Is Beautiful OST "My Eternal Love", but there was no follow-up activity. In October and November 2010, he participated as a guest vocalist by singing his digital single "Wounded" and "Buzz 2" album "Fuzz-Buzz".

On June 27, 2011, Min released his 2nd solo album "Picnic". The album had many new attempts, including fast tempo and lively songs, a change from rock ballads, a genre Min is known for. However, controversies involving artists from the same company, namely Shin Jung-hwan's gambling in the Philippines, and MC Mong's military enlistment evasion had an adverse effect on the album promotion. The controversies lead to existing fans leaving the fandom, resulting in lower album sales compared to the previous album.

On March 6, 2012, after the release of his digital single "Look Back" on March 2,[17] Min suddenly began his military service.[18] He joined the Uijeongbu 306 supporters and served for 21 months.[19][20] While Min was serving in the military band, he performed military band performances and concert train performances.[21] Min finished his military service on December 5, 2013, and fans and Buzz members gathered and congratulated him.[22]

2014-present: Buzz re-union, Knowing Bros and Universe Cowards

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On April 8, 2014, Min returned as the singer of Buzz as the band announced their comeback.[23][24]

In December 2015, he joined JTBC's new variety show, Knowing Bros, as a cast member. Fellow cast members include comedians Kang Ho-dong and Lee Soo-geun and Super Junior member Kim Hee-chul.[25] Min's unique personality, a persona that was fresh in Korean entertainment at the time, enabled him to see a resurgence of popularity.

In fall 2016, Min and Kim Hee-chul released a duet titled "Sweet Dream". The two stars are known as "Universe Cowards" when they promote their music.[26] The song proved successful, topping the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart, an achievement known as an "all-kill".[27] In 2017, "Sweet Dream" won the Best Rock Song award at the MelOn Music Awards.[28]

Following the success of "Sweet Dream", in February 2018, Universe Cowards returned with "Falling Blossoms". It was composed by Lee Sang-joon and Cha Gil-wan and features lyrics written by Min,[29] and peaked at number 15 on Gaon Digital Chart. Billboard described it as "soft pop-rock tune that grows to a soaring, emotional cacophony" and complimented how their music video was one of the most inclusive music videos South Korea's seen in some time.[29]

Starting from November 2018, Min became a fixed cast member of the weekly variety show Problem Child in House after successful pilot episodes.[30]

In December 2020, Universal Cowards collaborated with producer DinDin and Bibi to produce the traditional hip-hop track "Hanryang".

Personal life

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On July 10, 2024, it was reported that Min would be getting married to former JTBC producer Shin Ki-eun in November.[31] The ceremony was held on November 17 at Hotel Shilla in Seoul.[32]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[33][34]
Im·pres·sive
  • Released: December 4, 2007
  • Label: A1 People
  • Formats: CD
Track listing
  1. "Im·pres·sive"
  2. "슬픈 바보" (Sad Fool)
  3. "오늘만 울자"
  4. "모래성"
  5. "죽어도 나 죽어도"
  6. "선인장"
  7. "벙어리"
  8. "나쁜 사랑"
  9. "왜..."
  10. "Hool-Hool"
6
Picnic (소풍)
  • Released: June 27, 2011
  • Label: IS Entermedia Group
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Track listing
  1. "Nightmare" (악몽)
  2. "One Single Word" (짧은 한마디)
  3. "I Didn't Cheat On You" (바람피지 않았어)
  4. "She"
  5. "Lay (Heaven Belong To You)" (빛 (Heaven Belong To You))
  6. "Happy Time"
  7. "It's You (I Got Your Love)" (너니까 (I Got Your Love))
  8. "How Do I Do" (어떡하죠 난) (feat. Lee Seok-hoon of SG Wannabe)
  9. "Loving U"
  10. "Habit" (습관)
4

Extended plays

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Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[34]
Reunion (재회)
  • Released: February 4, 2010
  • Label: IS Entermedia Group
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Track listing
  1. "It's Love Coz It Hurts" (아프니까 사랑이죠)
  2. "I Love You" (사랑해)
  3. "There are No Same Goodbyes" (똑같은 이별은 없다)
  4. "Deleted." (삭제되었습니다.)
  5. "Just... Tears" (그저... 눈물만)
4

Singles

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Title Year Peak chart positions Sales Album
KOR
[37]
As lead artist
"Sad Fool" (슬픈 바보) 2007 Im·pres·sive
"Cry Only Today" (오늘만 울자)
"One Day" (하루) 2008 Non-album single
"It's Love Coz It Hurts" (아프니까 사랑이죠) 2010 4 Reunion
"It's Alright" 21 Non-album singles
"Wounded" (상처투성이) 22
"She" 2011 9 Picnic
"Look Back" (돌아보다) 2012 31 Non-album singles
"The Way to Meet You" (널 만나러 가는 길) 2019
Collaborations
"Sweet Dream" (나비잠)
with Kim Hee-chul
2016 1 SM Station Season 1
"Falling Blossoms" (후유증)
with Kim Hee-chul
2018 15 Non-album single
"Hanryang" (한량)
with Kim Hee-chul (Feat. BIBI, Prod. DinDin)
2020 190
"I Should Not Have Loved You" (사랑하지 말걸 그랬나 봐요)
with DinDin
2021
"—" denotes release did not chart.

Soundtrack appearances

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Title Year Album
"Climax" 2008 The Lawyers of The Great Republic Korea OST
"Life is Beautiful" 2010 Life Is Beautiful OST
"Hero" 2015 SPY OST
"Love You" 2016 The K2 OST
"Here I am" 2017 Live Up to Your Name OST
"Waiting here for you" 2018 Money Flower OST
"Forever Love" 2019 Kill It OST
"Welcome 2 Life" Welcome 2 Life OST
"Lost Life" 2020 Rugal OST
"The Time is Now" 2022 The Golden Spoon OST
"Confession of My Youth" Mental Coach Jegal OST

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.[41]
2015–present Knowing Bros Cast Episodes 2 – present [25]
2017 Girl Group Battle Co-Host Lunar New Year Special [42]
I Came Alone Chuseok Pilot Special
What Shall We Eat Today - Delivery Cast
2018 Human Intelligence – The Most Perfect A.I. Users
2018–2023 Problem Child in House Cast Member [30]
2019 Stories of Two Cities - Sokcho & Wonsan Narrator Season 2, Lunar New Year Special
Shopping Mall (Shopping Nagger) Cast Seasons 1 and 2
Hon-Life: Satisfaction Project Episodes 1, 2 [43][44]
2022 Secret Man and Woman Host [45]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref
2016 2nd JTBC Awards Best Duo Award with Kim Hee-chul Knowing Bros Won [46]
2017 6th Gaon Chart Music Awards Song of the Year (November) with Kim Hee-chul "Sweet Dream" Nominated [47]
9th Melon Music Awards Best Rock Song with Kim Hee-chul Won [28]
2018 10th Melon Music Awards "Falling Blossoms" Won [48][49]
2019 8th Gaon Chart Music Awards Song of the Year (February) with Kim Hee-chul Nominated [50]
17th KBS Entertainment Awards Excellence Award in Entertainment Category Problem Child in House Nominated
2020 18th KBS Entertainment Awards Excellence Award in Show/Variety Category Nominated

References

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  1. ^ a b "About 민경훈 TV". YouTube.
  2. ^ "민경훈, 27일 두번째 정규 앨범 발표". June 15, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  3. ^ "민경훈 "스타보다 카페 가수가 꿈이었죠"". Yonhap News Agency. January 3, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
  4. ^ 안주영, 『[신앙 에세이] 사랑의 시작』, 가이드포스트(2008.12.15), p.7-11 / ISBN 89-90313-30-9
  5. ^ Lee, So-dam (August 8, 2017). "[뮤직톡톡] "전성기 ing"..버즈, 옛날사람? 여전한 현역 클래스" [[Music Tap] "Prime timing..." Buzz, an old person? An unchanged active class]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  6. ^ 김, 원겸 (April 20, 2005). "버즈, 국내 밴드위상 높였다" (in Korean). Star News (in Korean). Retrieved April 5, 2021.
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  8. ^ Kim, Won-kyum (June 1, 2006). "버즈, '남자를 몰라' 발매 한달만에 온라인 1위". Star News (in Korean). Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  9. ^ Kim, Tae-eun (July 2, 2006). "버즈 '남자를 몰라', SBS '인기가요' 정상". Star News (in Korean). Retrieved June 18, 2018.
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  16. ^ "[스타 포커스] "매일 소주 2병...100kg까지 나갔죠"". February 11, 2010.
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  18. ^ Jun, Won (March 6, 2012). "민경훈 마지막디지털 싱글 발표하고 오늘(6일) 입대" [Min Kyung-hoon announces his latest digital single and enlists today (6th)]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  19. ^ Jun, Won (December 5, 2013). "민경훈, 오늘(5일) 현역 만기제대...팬들 품으로" [Min Kyung-hoon, Discharged today (5th) from active duty]. myDaily (in Korean). Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  20. ^ "[mk포토] 민경훈 입대 '군대 잘 다녀 올게요~'" [[mk Photo] Min Kyung-hoon Enlisted, 'I'll serve in the army well~']. Sports MK (in Korean). March 6, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  21. ^ Kim, Min-hyo (October 24, 2012). "[포토] 민경훈, 군악대 공연하는거 너무 좋은걸요" [[Photo] Min Kyung-hoon, "It is nice to perform for the military band"]. Data News (in Korean). Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  22. ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (December 5, 2013). "민경훈 전역, 오늘(5일) 현역복무 마치고 팬들 곁으로" [Min Kyung-hoon discharged today (5th) from active duty and stands beside fans]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  23. ^ "버즈 8년 만에 재결합, 민경훈 "올해는 좋은 소식"". Dailian (in Korean). April 8, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  24. ^ Im, Seung-mi (April 8, 2014). "버즈, 원년멤버로 돌아온다..민경훈 팬카페에 재결합 발표". Osen (in Korean). Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  25. ^ a b Yoon, Dong-won (May 15, 2016). "'아는 형님' 강호동 이수근 민경훈 출연확정...12월을 수놓는 8인의 별들!". MTN News (in Korean). Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  26. ^ "아는형님 김희철 민경훈 '나비잠' 비하인드, 트와이스 모모 두고 '신경전'". Naver (in Korean). Seoul Shinmun. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  27. ^ "스테이션 시리즈 최초 #1 등극!". Melon (in Korean). Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  28. ^ a b "'2017 멜론뮤직어워드'방탄소년단ㆍ엑소,대상에 5관왕..아이유,'팔레트'로'올해의 앨범'상" (in Korean). AJU News. December 3, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  29. ^ a b Herman, Tamar (February 18, 2018). "Super Junior's Kim Heechul and Min Kyunghoon Give Visibility to Developmentally Disabled People in "Falling Blossoms" Video". Billboard. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
  30. ^ a b "The Problems of The Rooftop Room". October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  31. ^ Ha, Kyung-heon (July 10, 2024). "[단독] 버즈 민경훈, 방송 종사자와 11월 결혼" [[Exclusive] Buzz Min Kyung-hoon marries broadcaster in November] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Retrieved July 10, 2024 – via Naver.
  32. ^ Kim, Myung-mi (November 17, 2024). "민경훈♥'아형' 출신 PD 결혼식 공개…이상민 "몇 번을 울컥했는지" 감동" [Min Kyung Hoon ♥ PD from 'Ah-hyung' wedding revealed... Lee Sang Min "I cried so many times" moved] (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved November 17, 2024 – via Naver.
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  37. ^ "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  38. ^ Cumulative sales for "She":
  39. ^ "2012년 03월 Download Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  40. ^ Cumulative sales for "Sweet Dream":
  41. ^ "Min Kyung-hoon Filmography". Daum (in Korean).
  42. ^ [설특집] '가(歌)문의 영광' 이특•양세형•민경훈 예능 대세 MC와 대세 걸그룹의 만남 [[Special Issue] Popular entertainment MC Leeteuk, Yang Se-hyung and Min Kyung-hoon meet popular girl groups in "Girl Group Battle"]. People's Daily (in Korean). January 11, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  43. ^ 혼라이프 관찰쇼 '혼족어플', 8월 3일 첫 방송... MC 전현무 출격 (in Korean). July 30, 2019. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
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  45. ^ Jung Ji-hyun (July 5, 2022). "장도연·민경훈·지연·폴킴, '비밀남녀' MC 확정...26일 첫방송 [공식]" [Jang Do-yeon, Min Kyung-hoon, Ji-yeon, and Paul Kim confirmed MCs for "Secret Man and Woman"... First broadcast on the 26th [Official]] (in Korean). My Daily. Retrieved July 5, 2022 – via Naver.
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