There are several key cornerstones to K-pop and K-pop culture that are part of almost every group. From fanbase names to pre-debut sneak peaks, there are so many aspects of K-pop that set it apart from other genres. However, all of those trends had to start somewhere, right? While many of these trends aren’t directly traceable to one particular artist or idol, there is one common denominator when it comes to much of the K-pop culture we now feel to be so common: TVXQ.
TVXQ (usually stylized as TVXQ!) debuted in 2004 under SM Entertainment. Originally a five-piece group, TVXQ now performs as a duo after three members’ departures in 2010. One of the longest still-performing groups, TVXQ is credited as one of the main groups to help push K-pop to a global audience, revitalize idol culture as we know it today, and even change how the contracts idols sign affect their lives.
TVXQ found an unusually high amount of success in Japan for a Korean artist of their day and have not slowed down since. Their 2019 Japanese album XV put TVXQ in the unique position of being the first foreign act to have six number-one albums in a row in Japan. They are the best-selling foreign artist of all-time in Japan, and without their popularity paving the way for later groups, one of the biggest K-pop markets in the world might have remained closed off for years to come.
The group also helped revitalize idol culture. Nowadays, highly synchronized choreography and high-production music videos are a basic part of every K-pop group’s bag of tools. They all have TVXQ to thank, as the group’s videos helped extend their success and influenced many future idols. Members of Red Velvet, Winner, EXO, Exile, Mamamoo, and so many more have cited TVXQ as an inspiration in their own journey.
Lastly, the group helped make K-pop a better and more fair place to be an idol. After three members sued SM Entertainment over the unfair practices and treatment they received due to their contracts, several laws were changed or passed that gave much more freedom to performers. For example, the KFTC passed a new rule that contracts for entertainers could only last up to seven years, instead of the industry standard of thirteen. Many idols have benefitted from TVXQ’s efforts to change the system, and many more will continue to benefit in the years to come.
It hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the boy group though. One exciting moment in their history came when their track “Mirotic” was deemed as unsafe for younger listeners. The ban on the song and performances was eventually lifted, but there was still public outcry over the lyrics.
The duo is still performing and going strong, with their single “Rebel” coming only a few months ago. Clearly their time to influence the future of K-pop isn’t over. Hopefully the group has a long and successful career ahead of them to match all their hard work over the last 20 years.