JBJ (band)

Produce 101 Season 2 premiered on Mnet in April 2017, where 101 male trainees from various South Korean entertainment companies competed to debut in an 11-member boy group that would promote exclusively for a year and a half under YMC Entertainment. The show ended on June 16, forming the project group Wanna One.{{cite web|url=http://pop.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=201706162259594936946_1|script-title=ko:보아 "'프듀' 최종 데뷔 그룹명은 워너원(WANNA ONE)"|last=Park|first=Su-in|date=June 16, 2017|website=Herald Pop|publisher=Herald Corporation|language=ko|access-date=2017-09-24}} On the same day, the show's fans had named Kenta Takada of Star Road Entertainment, Jin Longguo of Choon Entertainment, Kim Sang-gyun of Hunus Entertainment, and Kim Tae-dong of The Vibe Label (later known as Major Nine), as eliminated trainees whom they would like to debut together as a project group equivalent to Produce 101's I.B.I.{{efn-ua|Excerpt: "이런 가운데 남자판 아이비아이(I.B.I)는 벌써 나온 듯 하다. 국민 프로듀서 사이에서 '켄콜태균'이라는 조합이 큰 인기를 얻고 있다. 3차 순위 발표식 당시 아깝게 방출된 타카다 켄타(스타로드), 김용국(춘엔터), 김태동(더바이브), 김상균(후너스)을 일컫는 말이다. 이들의 데뷔까지 바라는 국민 프로듀서가 많다." Rough translation: Members of the possible male equivalent of I.B.I has also been chosen. The fans of the show refers to them as "Kenkoltaegyun", which consists of Kenta (Star Road), Jin Longguo (Choon), Kim Taedong (Vibe) and Kim Sanggyun (Hunus). The fans hope to see them debut as a group.}} The fans tentatively named the group "JBJ", which stands for the Korean phrase 정말 바람직한 조합, meaning "A Really Desirable Combination", and "Just Be Joyful".{{efn-ua|Excerpt: "시즌2에도 이런 조합이 있다. 국민 프로듀서들은 타카다 켄타, 김용국, 김태동, 김상균에게 JBJ(Just Be Joyful의 약자)이라는 애칭까지 붙여줬다."}} Later on, Roh Tae-hyun of Ardor & Able (later known as Star Crew Entertainment), Kim Dong-han of Oui Entertainment, and Kwon Hyun-bin of YGKPlus were soon added into the fan-imagined group after the Instagram photo that Taehyun posted had received positive feedback from fans.{{cite web|url=http://www.xportsnews.com/jenter/?ac=article_view&entry_id=864195|script-title=ko:'프듀2' JBJ, 또 하나의 프로젝트 그룹 탄생하나|last=Kim|first=Ju-ae|date=June 19, 2017|publisher=Xsportsmedia|language=ko|access-date=2017-09-17}}{{cite web|url=http://news.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20170619000882|script-title=ko:프듀101의 가상 조합 JBJ, '현실 데뷔' 이뤄지나|date=June 19, 2017|website=Herald News|publisher=Herald Corporation|language=ko|access-date=2017-09-17}}

Discussions to officially form and debut JBJ began around early July 2017 between the seven tentative members and their respective agencies.{{cite web|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110685768|script-title=ko:"IBI 잇는다"…'프듀2' JBJ, 9월 가요계 데뷔 추진|last=Jeong|first=Ji-won|date=September 12, 2017|publisher=OSEN|language=ko|access-date=2017-09-17}} CJ E&M and LOEN Entertainment also participated in the discussions as the intended management companies of the group's releases and activities, respectively. Fave Entertainment, LOEN Entertainment's in-house label, was tasked to be the group's official agency. On July 25, the trainees and the companies had reached an agreement. It was reported that the group's contract would last seven months, but LOEN Entertainment expressed that they are open for any discussions to extend the group's contract. JBJ was tentatively scheduled for debut on September 10 with all seven members, but was later confirmed for debut on October 18 without Kim Tae-dong.

Kim Tae-dong's participation in the group was not confirmed because of an ongoing conflict with his agency, The Vibe Label.{{cite web|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110726415|script-title=ko:JBJ, 사실상 7人 데뷔 불발…"김태동, 합의안 거부"|last=Jeong|first=Ji-won|date=September 7, 2017|publisher=OSEN|language=ko|access-date=2017-09-24}} On July 27, Kim Tae-dong had sent his agency {{ill|certification of contents|ko|내용증명}} and requested for his contract be terminated.{{cite web|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110697291|script-title=ko:로엔 측 "김태동, 소속사 문제 잘 해결돼 JBJ 합류하길"|last=Jeong|first=Ji-won|date=July 27, 2017|publisher=OSEN|language=ko|access-date=2017-09-17}} Since then, the involved parties, including CJ E&M and LOEN Entertainment, had numerous meetings to resolve the conflict but, as of September 7, had yet to reach an agreement. After more than a year of inactivity, during which he was unable to promote as an official member of JBJ, he has returned to the agency, now called Major 9 Entertainment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1268249wpp/kim-tae-dong-reconciles-agency-writes-letter|title="Produce 101 Season 2" Contestant Kim Tae Dong Reconciles With Agency + Writes Letter To Explain And Apologize|website=Soompi|date=November 23, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-29}}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2020}}

The group's first reality show, Just be Joyful JBJ, began airing on September 27, 2017, on Mnet M2 Channel.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=312&aid=0000277055|title= "꿈의 데뷔" JBJ, 9월 중 리얼리티로 첫 활동 시작...음반 10월 18일(공식)|work=TenAsia|publisher=Naver|access-date=2017-09-07|language=ko}}

JBJ released their debut extended play Fantasy on October 18, 2017, with the title song "Fantasy". They also held a debut showcase at Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium on the same day. On October 19, JBJ made their official debut stage on the music program M Countdown with performing title song "Fantasy" along with song "Say My Name".{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0002966808|title='엠카운트다운' 핫데뷔 JBJ, 몽환적 분위기 담은 강렬 사운드|work=Herald Pop|publisher=Naver|date=October 19, 2017|language=ko}}

On October 19, it was announced that JBJ would hold fan meetings all across Asia, starting in Japan (Tokyo and Osaka) on November 23 and 26 respectively.{{cite web|url=http://munhwanews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=82703|title=JBJ, 연이은 '꽃길' 행보…일본 팬 미팅 1만석 매진과 아시아 팬 미팅 계획|date=October 19, 2017|work=Munhwa Ilbo|language=ko}}

On December 21, it was confirmed that JBJ's new album was set to be released in January 2018 and also announced that JBJ would hold their first solo concert titled JBJ 1st Concert [Really Desirable Concert] from February 3 to 4, 2018. The two-day concert was held in Olympic Park's Olympic Hall.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=241&aid=0002739396|title=JBJ 측 "1월 새 앨범 컴백…해외투어하며 준비중" [공식]|work=JTBC iPlus|publisher=Naver|date=December 21, 2017|language=ko}} It was reported that the 7,000 available tickets sold out in under a minute.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=003&aid=0008368497|title=JBJ, 첫 단독 콘서트 7000장 1분 만에 매진|work=Newsis|publisher=Naver|date=December 29, 2017|language=ko}}

On January 3, 2018, JBJ announced the new extended play titled True Colors and also revealed the tracklist of the EP, followed by six individual teaser image of each members over the next six days. One day later, four teaser images of the group's was revealed. Two days later, the music video teaser for the lead single "My Flower" was released and the EP spoiler video was released three days later.{{cite web|url=https://www.soompi.com/2018/01/02/watch-jbj-drops-colorful-album-trailer-tracklist-first-comeback/|title=Update: JBJ Drops Album Cover For "True Colors"|website=Soompi|date=January 3, 2018|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-date=August 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804075944/https://www.soompi.com/2018/01/02/watch-jbj-drops-colorful-album-trailer-tracklist-first-comeback/|url-status=dead}}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2020}}

Following by the release of True Colors on January 17, JBJ held a comeback showcase titled Joyful Colors in Yes24 Live Hall the same day.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=023&aid=0003345982|title=[더★현장] "JBJ 색깔 보여드릴 것…'TRUE COLORS'에 담은 6色 매력|work=The Chosun Ilbo|publisher=Naver|date=January 17, 2018|language=ko}}

On January 18, Fave Entertainment announced that JBJ's fanmeetings across Asia had been concluded and finished in the Philippines on January 14.{{cite web|url=http://news.wowtv.co.kr/NewsCenter/News/Read?articleId=201801161055263|title=JBJ 아시아 투어 성료...6개국 7개 지역 '하늘 찌르는 인기'|publisher=Wow TV|date=January 16, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=112&aid=0002994751|title=[팝업★]JBJ, 新 돌풍의 주인공.."음방 1위 머지않았다"|work=Herald Pop|publisher=Naver|date=January 18, 2018|language=ko}}

JBJ received their first music program trophy with "My Flower" on the January 26 episode of Music Bank.{{cite web|url=http://newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201801261752250710|title='뮤직뱅크' JBJ 데뷔 첫 1위, '더유닛-프듀' 꽃밭(종합)|work=Newsen|language=ko|date=January 26, 2018}}

Originally, JBJ was set to disband in April 2018. However, all six members expressed interest in extending their contracts, there had been discussion over a possible extension of their contracts.{{cite web|url=http://www.xportsnews.com/jenter/?ac=article_view&entry_id=933875|title=[종합] '컴백' JBJ, 청량섹시로 1월대전 합류 "1위 목표"|work=X Sports News|language=ko|date=January 17, 2018}} On February 22, Fave Entertainment and all of the members' agencies had officially been discussing the possibility of a contract extension until December 2018.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=112&aid=0003004343|title=JBJ 측 "8개월 연장 긍정적 논의 중...확정된 사안 無" (공식)|work=Herald Pop|publisher=Naver|date=February 22, 2018|language=ko}}{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0003723906|title=[단독] JBJ, 4월→12월 활동연장 '청신호'…8개월 더 본다|work=OSEN|publisher=Naver|language=ko|access-date=February 22, 2018}} On March 14, Fave Entertainment confirmed that JBJ's seven-month promotions would be concluded with the expiration of the management contract on April 30, as the companies decided not to extend the contracts. The members would still actively promote until the end of their contracts.

On March 15, 2018, JBJ confirmed that they would be releasing their last single "New Moon" on April 17, and also announced plans to hold a domestic concert and fanmeeting before the official disbandment date of April 30.{{cite web|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1110855780|script-title=ko:[공식입장 전문] JBJ, 4월 17일 마지막 신곡 발표…해산 콘서트 개최|work=OSEN|date=March 16, 2018|language=ko}} On March 19, JBJ announced details on the final solo concert, titled JBJ Really Desirable Concert [Epilogue], which would take place in Seoul from April 21 to 22, 2018, as an extension of their first concert Really Desirable Concert in February. The two-day concert was held in at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=057&aid=0001234109|title=JBJ, 4월 단독콘서트 개최…7개월 여정 마침표(공식)|work=Maeil Broadcasting Network|publisher=Naver|date=March 19, 2018|language=ko}}

JBJ released their final album New Moon on April 17. The album included three new tracks in addition to all the songs from Fantasy and True Colors.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=311&aid=0000844459|title=[엑's 투데이] JBJ, 기적을 마무리하며…오늘(17일) 신곡 '부를게' 발표|work=X Sports News|publisher=Naver|date=April 17, 2018|language=ko}}

On April 22, JBJ concluded their final concert JBJ Really Desirable Concert [Epilogue] as their last performance.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=213&aid=0001031488|title=JBJ 해산소감 "길고도, 짧았던 7개월…꿈같다"|work=TV Report|publisher=Naver|date=April 22, 2018|language=ko}}{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=410&aid=0000463439|title=[솔직리뷰] "끝 아닌 시작, 우리 잊지 말길" JBJ, 7개월 여정의 끝…눈물고백|work=Sports MK|publisher=Naver|date=April 22, 2018|language=ko}}

The group officially disbanded on April 30, 2018, following their contract expiration with Fave Entertainment.{{cite web|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=421&aid=0003258228|title=[공식입장]JBJ, 재계약 안한다 "4월까지 완전체 활동 후 마무리"|work=News1|publisher=Naver|language=ko|date=March 14, 2018}}

Adapted from their Naver profile.{{cite web|url=http://people.search.naver.com/search.naver?where=nexearch&sm=tab_ppn&query=%EA%B7%B8%EB%A3%B9jbj&os=6308510&ie=utf8&key=PeopleService|script-title=ko:제이비제이 프로필|publisher=Naver|language=ko}}

• Roh Tae-hyun ({{lang|ko|노태현}}, former member of Hotshot)
• Kenta Takada ({{lang|ko|타카다 켄타}}/{{lang|ja|髙田健太}}, member of JBJ95)
• Kim Sang-gyun ({{lang|ko|김상균}}, former member of Topp Dogg, member of JBJ95)
• Jin Longguo ({{lang|ko|김용국}}/{{lang|zh|金龙国}}, member of Longguo & Shihyun, now a soloist{{Cite web|url=https://www.kpopmap.com/jin-longguo-to-return-as-a-solo-artist-at-the-end-of-august/|title=Jin LongGuo To Return As A Solo Artist At The End Of August • Kpopmap|date=August 8, 2018|website=Kpopmap|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-29|archive-date=November 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129100111/https://www.kpopmap.com/jin-longguo-to-return-as-a-solo-artist-at-the-end-of-august/|url-status=dead}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on WP:KO/RS|date=July 2025}})
• Kwon Hyun-bin ({{lang|ko|권현빈}}, known as VIINI, now a soloist, actor and model)
• Kim Dong-han ({{lang|ko|김동한}}, soloist, member of WEi)

• Produce 101 Season 2 (Mnet, 2017)
• Just Be Joyful (Mnet, 2017)

• JBJ 1st Concert [Really Desirable Concert] (2018)
• JBJ Really Desirable Concert [Epilogue] (2018)

• 2018 JBJ Japan Tokyo Valentine Live

• JBJ 1st Concert [Joyful Days] (2018)
• Thailand (March 31, 2018)
• Indonesia (April 7, 2018)
• Japan
• Tokyo (April 10, 2018)
• Osaka (April 11 & 12, 2018)

{{awards table|style=text-align:center}}

|-

| rowspan="2"|2017

| rowspan="2"|JBJ

| Popularity Award

| {{nom}}

|-

| Rising Star Award

| {{Won}}

{{end}}

{{awards table|style=text-align:center}}

|-

| 2018

| FANTASY

| New Artist of the Year (Album)

| {{nom}}

{{end}}

{{awards table|style=text-align:center}}

|-

| rowspan="2"|2018

| rowspan="2"|JBJ

|New Artist of the Year

| {{nom}}

|-

| Global Popularity Award

| {{nom}}

{{end}}

{{awards table|style=text-align:center}}

|-

|2017

| JBJ

| Kpop Singer Award

| {{won}}

{{end}}

{{awards table|style=text-align:center}}

|-

| rowspan="3"|2018

| rowspan="3"|JBJ

|New Artist Award

| {{nom}}

|-

|Popularity Award

| {{nom}}

|-

|Hallyu Special Award

| {{nom}}

{{end}}

{{awards table|style=text-align:center}}

|-

| 2018

|JBJ

|Global Rookie Top 5

|{{won}}

{{end}}

{{awards table|style=text-align:center}}

|-

|2018

| JBJ

| Best Rookie Group (Male)

| {{won}}

{{end}}

{{notelist-ua}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Produce 101}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Kakao M artists

1

Category:Musical groups from Seoul

Category:K-pop music groups

Category:Musical groups established in 2017

Category:South Korean boy bands

Category:South Korean dance music groups

Category:South Korean pop music groups

Category:2017 establishments in South Korea