VIXX: The Concept Kings of K-pop
VIXX is a South Korean boy band formed by Jellyfish Entertainment in 2012, renowned for their intense concepts, intricate storylines, and theatrical performances.Debuted on May 24, 2012, on Mnet's M! Countdown with "Super Hero".Original lineup: N (Cha Hakyeon), Leo (Jung Taekwoon), Ken (Lee Jaehwan), Ravi (Kim Wonshik), Hongbin (Lee Hongbin), Hyuk (Han Sanghyuk).Hongbin left the group in August 2020; Ravi departed in January 2023.Won multiple music show awards, including on Music Bank, Show Champion, and M Countdown.Known for pioneering dark and conceptual themes in K-pop.
- VIXX earned the nickname "Concept Kings" for their highly thematic comebacks, often exploring dark fantasy, horror ("Voodoo Doll", "Hyde"), mythology ("Jekyll", "Shangri-La"), and sci-fi concepts, setting them apart from many contemporaries.
- Member Ravi founded his own independent label, GROOVL1N, in 2017 while still active in VIXX, becoming one of the first prominent K-pop idols of his generation to establish a successful independent company.
- A significant scandal involved Hongbin in 2020. After making controversial comments while intoxicated during a live stream, criticizing fellow idols and the industry, he faced intense backlash and subsequently left VIXX and Jellyfish Entertainment.
- VIXX faced challenges when their former CEO and manager, Hwang Sejun, was sentenced to prison in 2018 for embezzling billions of won from Jellyfish Entertainment, funds partly intended for the group's activities.
- The group has been on an extended hiatus since members began enlisting for mandatory South Korean military service starting with N in 2020, followed by Leo, Ken, and Hyuk. Ravi enlisted in 2023 after legal issues related to attempts to evade military service.
- Members have pursued successful solo careers: N and Leo in acting and musicals, Ken in musicals and solo singing, Ravi in rap and production, and Hyuk in acting and solo music.