SPOTLIGHT: Code-V (Bless)

Submitted: Sep 06 2011 03:35 PM by TwistedInsanity

After a summer break, Koreaboo is back with the SPOTLIGHT series in the form of a new article. This week's edition takes interest in Code-V, a group which originally debuted at the end of 2007 as Bless, but came back after a not so spectacular debut and a few releases as Code-V in 2010.

At the end of 2007, this originally 4 member boy group debuted with their first release, "December 32nd", a reworked version of Byul's song by the same title. The song was a ballad that boasted their vocals and skills. Though it was their debut, the group wasn't able to perform and promote a lot. The song told the story of a girl whose lover had promised to come back to her at the end of the year. As time went by, he didn't return, and it eventually turned to December 31st. At night, she got up again, thinking it was December 32nd, and her man would be home again.

Bless went on to release another series of singles, including "The Second One" in April, "Happy Christmas with Bless" in December and another one featuring Byul in February 2009.

During the time in-between the second and the third single, Bless's company added another member, Jaewon, to the 4 member line-up. At the time, the oldest member, Taemin, had been a salesperson while leading a small company. When he won first prize in a singing contest held by the Melon website, he followed his dreams of becoming a singer. Sangwoo had been active with SG Wannabe and Sol had a history of playing in a high school band. Member Seon was said to be a talented musician. Maknae Jaewon lived in Great Britain for 10 years, and speaks fluent English. By combining their skills, Bless wanted to captivate the audience, not only with their vocals, but also with a fitting choreography.

Own show and "Music Rebellion"
The group managed to get a close to fixed spot on Moon Heejun's "Music Rebellion," as well as their own show on GOM TV titled "Group Runs Away From Home," also known as "Go Go Sing". It involved their daily lives from their dorm to the mini showcases they held through Korea and Seoul.

Bless is back: Re-debut as Code-V
A little more than a year after their last single, news broke out that the group would be coming back under a new name, to be able to make a fresh start and a new concept. Bless eventually re-debuted as Code-V in mid May 2010 with "Poisoning," also known as "Addiction," a mid-tempo song that made it possible for them to have a more challenging choreography while at the same time still allowing them to showcase their vocal abilities.

The release of "Poisoning" also meant the release of their first single album, "Poisoning," which included the title track, a b-side, a mix of "Poisoning," 2 instrumentals and a bonus track. The album was finally released in the beginning of June.

Through this debut, the group was also able to appear on "Making the Artist" and made various appearances on radio shows and music shows.

Just a while after their promotions started, member and leader Taemin left a shocking message through the group's fancafe, saying that he planned to leave the group.

"I'm both sorry and thankful to everyone who supported me until now!
I will be leaving Code V after the end of schedules on August 21st. Although the happiness of Taemin of Code V has ended; the regular 28-year-old Taemin will work hard to be happy. The cry of Code V will not stop.
Thank you and I'm sorry. Be happy everywhere!
THANK YOU"

Prior to announcing their anticipated comeback, Code-V's company revealed that a new member by the name of Minho, under the stage name Louis/Rui, would be added to the line-up.

Japan and the earthquake
Code-V was set on promoting in Japan before their comeback in Korea. Due to the earthquake, however, plans changed and such as with many other Kpop acts, everything was postponed.

Months later, the group made a comeback with "I'll Say It Honestly", a song from their first full length album, "Honestly," that was released in the same month. They started promotions for their first album in Japan before coming to Korea and officially starting promotions the music shows.

Just as with their previous performances, the group once again didn't manage to appear on many different TV-shows and their comeback went by kind of unnoticed.

At the end of August, Code-V revealed a reworked version of "Summer Love," a track that had been previously released on their first full album. The song was reworked to fit the summer and turned out to be a fresh and happy song. They are currently promoting this song through live shows.

Being compared to TVXQ in Japan
Code-V got the hate of lots of TVXQ fans when they revealed their thoughts on their new album, Japanese promotions, their failed debut and their ambition to make it to the top. The group was interviewed in Japan concerning their Japanese promotions, and gladly replied to the question of being "the second TVXQ," saying that they'd rather show an evolution rather than an imitation. "It is an honor, but we want the ability to go beyond that."

The many different translations generated a lot of different reactions and comments by fans. One thing sure is that Code-V looks up to TVXQ, but like most artists, they don't want to be "a second" something, but rather have their own style. The full translated interview can be read over here.

Source: PRiNCESUNGJE,@mardi09,MardiLuminosity1 and AznSamManTV

Spotlight is an editorial on Koreaboo. Every other week, we will feature a lesser known artist and let the readers know what they've been up to since their debut.

EDITORIALS on Koreaboo.com reflect the opinion of individual Koreaboo writers and not of Koreaboo.com as a whole.

After spotlights about various different underrated and lesser known artists, we're doing a shoutout to Koreaboo's members. Are you a fan of a certain group that's still together but deserves a little more attention? Let the writer know through a PM on her personal profile, or Tweet @HeartlessMinds and an article on your favorite group might pop up in the future!