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Seo Taiji (서태지)
Birth name	정현철, 鄭鉉哲 (Jeong Hyeon-cheol)
Also known as	Taiji, Dae-Jang, Seo Mi Oh
Born	February 21, 1972 (1972-02-21) (age 37)
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genre(s)	K-pop, Heavy metal, Hip hop, Rap rock, Nu metal,Nature Pound
Years active	1989–1996 1998–Present
Label(s)	Bando Entertainment, Seo Tae Ji Company,Yedang Entertainment
Associated acts	Sinawe, Seo Taiji and Boys
Website	http://www.seotaiji.com/
Members
Top Kim Seok-Jung
Former members
Lee Ju-no Yang Hyeon-seok

Korean name

Hangul	서태지(정현철)
Hanja	서태지(鄭鉉哲)
Revised Romanization	Seo Taeji (Jeong Hyeon-cheol)
McCune- Reischauer	Sŏ T'aeji (Chŏng Hyŏnch'ŏl)

Seo Tai-ji (Jeong Hyeon-cheol 정현철(Hanja: 鄭鉉哲), born on February 21, 1972) is a famous South Korean rock singer, musician, and songwriter. After dropping out of high school to pursue a music career, he has risen to become one of the most prominent and influential cultural icons in all of Korea; many refer to him as the "culture president of Korea"^[1]. His level of popularity in the 1990s was comparable to that of Michael Jackson's in the United States in the mid-1980s.^[2]

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early Career with Sinawe

At an early age, Hyeon-cheol had a fascination with music. At 14, he participated in several amateur rock bands. At 17, he took the stage name of Seo Taiji when he was recruited into the metal band Sinawe, playing the bass. He chose to drop out of school, a system that he felt did nothing but corrupt the minds of youth, and began his career as a professional musician.^[3]

[edit] Seo Tai-ji & Boys: 1992-1996

After the break up of Sinawe in 1991, Tai-ji switched gears and formed the dance group Seo Tai-ji & Boys (서태지와 아이들) with dancers Lee Ju-no (이주노) and Yang Hyeon-seok (양현석).

[edit] 1992: Nan Arayo (I Know)

The introduction of the first Seo Tai-ji & Boys album sparked a complete shift in the focus of popular Korean music that is still felt today. Their first single, "Nan Arayo" (난 알아요, "I Know") was a hugely successful hit, being the first of its kind in K-Pop to meld contemporary dance sounds with urban-influenced rap lyrics.

(left–right) Yang Hyeon-seok, Seo Tai-ji, and Lee Ju-no in 1993

[edit] 1993: Hayeoga (Anyhow)

The sound of Seo Tai-ji and Boys' albums was constantly evolving. The first album was very dance-oriented, while the second album began to display more hard rock and heavy metal influences, but still remaining mostly a dance album. The first single from their second album, "Hayeoga" (하여가), which means "Anyhow", combined heavy metal sounds with traditional sounds of the taepyeongso, a traditional Korean wind instrument. "Hayeoga" made lots of trot singers decline in their popularity vitally. It is said that Seo Taiji's uncle had taken the title of the song from an old Sijo by Yi Bang won written in Goryeo dynasty, because he thought that it would present well the combination of traditional music and pop music.

[edit] 1994: Balhae reul Ggumggumyeo (Dreaming For Balhae)

The third album switched gears to being much more heavy metal and rock driven. The danceable tunes are nearly non-existent except Barhae reul Ggumggumyeo (발해를 꿈꾸며 Dreaming Of Balhae), an alternative rock song which indicates a hope of reunification of Korea. Instead, songs such as the extremely controversial Gyosil Idea (교실 이데아, Classroom Idea) with an impressive death grunt backvocal by Ahn Heung-Chan (안흥찬) of Crash took center stage. Gyosil Idea was extremely critical of the Korean education system and its brainwashing of the youth of Korea. This was the first of the numerous controversies regarding Seo Tai-ji and Boys. They were accused of backwards masking Satanist messages in their songs. Although the mainstream news media later proved these accusations to be based on extremely tenuous evidence, the moral panic proved difficult to eliminate entirely.

[edit] 1995: Come Back Home

Not backing down, Seo Tai-ji and Boys' fourth album exploded with more controversial songs. "Come Back Home" was a foray into Korean gangster rap. It really made many runaway teenagers in South Korea "come back home." Pilseung(필승, "Must Triumph") was also a great hit with alternative rock sound and shouting voice. Shidaeyugam (시대유감, "Regret of the Times") was nearly banned by the Korean Performance Ethics Committee(한국공연윤리위원회, present is '한국영상물관리위원회'[Korean Video Management Committee]) for having lyrics that were considered inappropriate for youth consumption. The backlash from the fans was immense, and the system of 'pre-censorship'(사전심의제) was abolished in July 1996, partially as a result of this.

(left-right) Seo Tai-ji, Lee Ju-no, Yang Hyeon-seok declaring the retirement

[edit] 1996: Retirement

Seo-Taiji and Boys retired from South Korea's popular music scene in January 1996 during its heyday. Both Lee Ju-no and Yang Hyeon-seok established record labels right after their retirement. Yang Hyeon-seok was very successful making YG Entertainment a big corporation. After declaration on retirement, Seo Tai-ji and Boys released their Goodbye Best Album, which is the only compilation album from Seo Tai-ji and Boys. In the booklet, the writing indicates "Yes, it's not over, our love will continue as '&', not the 'End'."

[edit] Solo Career: 1998-Present

[edit] 1998: Seo Tai Ji

Two year after Seo Tai-ji and Boys' retirement, Taiji resumed his career as a musician. His solo career has and continues to also be successful. He recurred to return to his true roots and perform rock music. Without any appearances or activity in South Korea, he released an album with a couple of music videos in 1998. There was some controversy over his sudden reversal of retirement, but his first Solo album "Seo Tai Ji" sold more than a million copies even without any promotion in Korea. His first solo work includes heavy metal and Nu metal songs, but the main genre was still alternative rock. Although it was his first solo work, fans refer to it as his 5th album.

Picture of Seo Taiji during his act in 2000

[edit] 2000: Ultramania

In 2000, he returned to South Korea after a four year absence. He released the album Ultramania which consisted of Nu metal and Hardcore punk. His solo act had an effect on many South Korean boy bands such as H.O.T. and caused them to decline in popularity. His songs "Internet War" and "Ultramania" were the biggest hits of the year. After the ETPFEST, which he founded during his comeback, Taiji was presented with Hide of X-Japan's Fernandes MG-360S guitar, which is yellow with pink hearts, by Hide's parents and his brother, Hiroshi, to celebrate the success of ETPFEST and the first Hide Showcase tribute ever at a rock festival by X-Japan. During his comeback, there were arguments that his seldom appearance on TV was aimed to make a mysterious image which helps promote his popularity, but in reality his personality is very reclusive and little is known about his personal life by the public. Also, there was controversy over his music style being not original and deliberately copied from the music style of American Nu metal band Korn. It was revealed the allegations were false, as Seo Taiji had met Jonathan Davis of Korn several times in the U.S and even during his 6th Ultramania album re-recording. In 2004, he asked Korn to tour with him, which they gladly accepted. Davis has been said to claim that "It's unbelievable that an amazing artist like Seo Taiji is in Asia". He also said he would help Seo Taiji break into the American market if he wished. "Ultramania" had a huge influence on South Korea. For instance, lots of television programs of South Korea changed its genre of opening music from Techno music to Heavy metal.

Picture of Seo Taiji on live tour "Zero" in 2004

[edit] 2004: Seo Taiji 7th Issue

Seo Taiji maintained his Nu metal sound in his third solo album, 7th Issue. However, unlike Ultramania, 7th Issue was recorded mostly on a dropped C tuning, which gave the effect of the album sounding like one long song. Nevertheless, it had no problem attracting attention to a wide range of audiences. 7th Issue's catchy rock tune made his fans call it "Punk rock". His song "Live Wire" was a good hit succeeding the vivacity of "Ultramania". "Robot" deals with his youth and anguish, while the song "F.M.Business" acrimoniously criticize the issues of abortion and the commercialized music business. He also touches on the issue of sexism and sexual assult with the song, "Victim". His record sale was reduced to a half million due to on-line downloading services, but was still the highest selling record of 2004 in South Korea. Taiji proved himself to be a musician in top popularity for more than a decade. After his activities up to 2005, he once again suddenly disappeared out of the spotlight.

[edit] 2008: Atomos Part Moai

He returned to Korea after a long awaited absence, and revealed his latest single "Moai". It was the first release of Seo Taiji's ambitious 3-part "mystery project", which was followed by another single, "Bermuda Triangle" which was put up as a digital single. The third part, Atomos Part Secret, was released on March 10. He had a promotion called "Missing Taiji", where there were false rumors that Seotaiji went missing, only to return on the "Wormhole" concert day. In his single "Moai", Taiji reinvents his sound, and introduces a new experimental style he calls "nature pound". "Moai" draws inspiration from the mysterious statues of Easter Island which had long fascinated him since his childhood. He performed at the 2008 ETPFEST which he spearheaded to promote his comeback along side bands such as The Used, Dragon Ash, Death Cab for Cutie and Marilyn Manson. He also put together "The Great Seotaiji Symphony" with Tolga Kashif and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to perform his old hits and new songs presented in an entirely new form, combining rock and classical music. The venue was such a huge success that an encore performance was given in December.

[edit] 2009: Atomos Part Secret

Taiji will release a DVD+CD for his Symphony soon after his second single is released. No date or time frame has been said regarding the release of his full 8th album, more details should be given after the release of his second single.

Taiji's second single - following Atomos Part Moai - is called Atomos Part Secret. It was released on March 10th, which is the same date as the arrival of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) to Mars in 2006. Taiji also held a concert promoting his second single on March 14 and 15. Tickets for the concert, cryptically titled Wormhole, sold out in just 20 minutes.

On April 3rd, the first two Seo Taiji and Boys Albums were rereleased. Taiji will rerelease all 7 of his albums, from Nan Arayo! to 7th Issue. On May 25th, the 3rd and 4th Seo Taiji and Boys albums were rereleased.

As of June 13th, he will hold a nation wide tour named "The Möbius". The first of the concerts will be held in Seoul, Korea.

[edit] Seo Taiji Band

Although Taiji's career is strictly "solo", the following musicians consistently play with him during tours, studio recordings, and music videos:

Top (guitar) for SeoTaiJi's 6th~8th album
Rock (guitar) for SeoTaiJi's 6th~7th album
Sang Uk (Monkey) (bass) for SeoTaiJi's 6th~7th album
Heff "The Machine" Holter (drums) for SeoTaiJi's 6th~7th album

Seo Taiji Promotion Picture in 2008, left-right: Top, Seo Taiji, Kim Seok-Jung, Kang Joon-Hyung, Choi Hyun-Jin

His 8th album members include:

Guitar/arrange: Top

Keyboards/Samples/FX/arrange: Kim Seok-Jung

Bass: Kang Joon-Hyung (of A'ccel in a story)
Drums: Choi Hyun-Jin (of Vassline)

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums (Seo Tai-ji and Boys)

Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 1 - I Know!
Release Date : March 23rd, 1992

1. Yo! Taiji
2. Nan Arayo! (난 알아요 I Know!)
3. Hwansangsoke Kude (환상속의 그대 You, in the illusion / You, in the Fantasy)
4. Nowa hamkehan sigan sogeso (너와 함께한 시간 속에서 In The Time Spent With You)
5. I Bami Gipeo Gajiman (이 밤이 깊어 가지만 Though Tonight Is Growing Late)
6. Nae Modeungeot (내 모든것 My All)
7. Ijeneun (이제는 Now)
8. Blind Love - "Nan Arayo! English Version"
9. Rock'n Roll Dance
10. Missing

Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 2
Release Date : June 21st, 1993

1. Yo! Taiji
2. Hayeoga (하여가 何如歌 Anyhow Song / Hayuga)
3. Urideulman-ui Chu-eok (우리들만의 추억 Our Memories)
4. Jug-eum-ui Neup (죽음의 늪 Swamp of Death)
5. Neo-ege (너에게 TO YOU)
6. Susi-a (수시아 誰是我 Who Am I)
7. Majimak Chugje (마지막 축제 The Last Festival)
8. Urideulman-ui Chu-eok (우리들만의 추억 Our Memories [Instrumental]

Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 3 - Dreaming of a Better Day
Release Date : August 13th, 1994

1. Yo! Taiji
2. Balhaereul Ggumggumyeo (발해를 꿈꾸며 Dreaming of a Better Day)
3. A-ideul-ui Nun-euro (아이들의 눈으로 Through the Eyes of Children)
4. Gyosil Idea (교실 이데아 Classroom Idea / Class Idea)
5. Nae Mam-i-ya (내 맘이야 It's My Business)
6. Jikil Bagsawa Haideu (지킬 박사와 하이드 Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde)
7. Youngwon (영원 Eternity / Forever)
8. Barhaereul Ggumggumyeo (발해를 꿈꾸며 Dreaming of a Better Day) [Instrumental]
9. Neol jiuryeo Hae (널 지우려해 I'm Gonna Erase You / Erase You)

Product Title : Seo Tai Ji & Boys Vol. 4 - Come Back Home
Release Date : October 6th, 1995

1. Yo! Taiji
2. Seulpeun Apeum (슬픈 아픔 Sorrowful Pain))
3. Pilseung (필승 必勝 Victory)
4. Come Back Home
5. Sidae-yugam(시대유감-時代有感 Regret of the Times) [Instrumental]
1. 1996, Geudeuri Jigureul Jibaehaeseul Ttae (1996, 그들이 지구를 지배했을 때 1996, When They Conquered the World)
2. Taijiboys!
3. Good-bye
4. Free Style
5. Ineobiriseuneobi (이너비리스너비)

Executive Producer / Taiji
Producer / Taiji Co. Producer / Kook Kim
All Songs written / Taiji (Free Style : Taiji & Kim Jong Seo) STAFF :
Recording engineer / Jason Roberts, Kook Kim, Taiji
Assistants engineer / Michael Scotella
at Ocean Way Studio Lamont Hyde at Larrabee Studio
Mixing engineer / Jason Roberts
('GOOD BYE' /John Ven Nest 'TAIJI BOYS' 'inervylisnervy' / Kook Kim, Taiji)
Mastering engineer / Jason Arnold, Kim ho jung
Recording Studio / Ocean Way Studio in LA Bay Studio
in Seoul Techno Taiji Studio in Seoul
Mixing Studio / Larrabee Studio in LA Image Studio in LA
Mastering Studio / Capital Record Tower Mastering in LA,
Sound Vision in Seoul

[edit] Albums (Solo)

Seo Tai Ji (1998) - his first solo work. This album includes Heavy metal, Nu metal songs, but the main genre is Alternative rock
Ultramania (울트라맨이야) (2000) - Seo Taiji's second solo studio album. This album shows Tai-ji's favor in Nu metal
태지의 話 [Live concert album] (2000)
6th Album Re-Recording and ETPFEST Live (2003)
Seo Taiji 7th Issue (2004) - 3rd solo album.
Seo Taiji Live Tour ZERO 04 (2004)
15th anniversary album - remastered all songs from 'Seo Tai-ji & Boys' albums, live albums, solo albums, and remix songs are included. (2007)
8th Atomos (2009)