NRG (South Korean band)
| Company type | Boy band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Kim Tae-hyung (producer) |
| Headquarters | South Korea |
Area served | South Korea, China, Japan, Asia |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
NRG, an abbreviation for New Radiancy Group (Hangul: 엔알지), was a South Korean pop ensemble. Initially formed as a five-member boy band comprising Chun Myung-hoon, Lee Sung-jin, Noh Yoo-min, Moon Sung-hoon, and Kim Hwan-sung, NRG launched their career in 1997, quickly gaining attention with their debut albums, New Radiancy Group and Race. After the exit of Myung-hoon and Sung-jin in 1999, their third album, NRG 003, experienced a decline in success. Following the passing of member Hwansung in 2000, Myung-hoon and Sung-jin returned for the 2001 release Sorrow.
The group achieved significant mainstream success with the albums Hit Song (2003) and New Radiancy 6 Group (2004), which included hit singles that secured their first victories on music programs and led to performances at Olympic-related events. After Moon Sunghoon left in 2005, NRG released their seventh album, One of Five: Apart & Together, before entering an unofficial disbandment phase in 2006. They regrouped as a trio in 2017 to celebrate their 20th anniversary with an extended play but disbanded once more in 2018 due to internal disputes. A final single titled "Never Going Back" was issued in 2022, which Myung-hoon described as his "final single as NRG."
NRG is acknowledged as a trailblazer in K-pop dance pop, celebrated for their "high energy dance music" that blends Eurobeat and electronic influences. They were pioneers in incorporating acrobatic stunts into K-pop choreography. Recognized as early leaders of the Korean Wave (Hallyu) that expanded throughout Asia in the late 1990s, NRG reportedly sold more than 200,000 albums domestically by 2001.
1996: Formation
Lee Sung-jin and Chun Myung-hoon initially debuted as the duo HamoHamo in 1996, releasing one album that achieved moderate success with singles such as "Papillion" and "Pangpang". Backup dancers Moon Sung-hoon and Noh Yoo-min were discovered by producer Kim Tae-hyung (ko). Motivated by the popularity of five-member group H.O.T, Kim assembled a four-member dance unit by adding Kim Hwan-sung, who had previously been part of Kkaebi Kkaebi and a collaborative project featuring Shoo from S.E.S. alongside Son Ho-young and Danny Ahn of g.o.d.
1997–1999: Debut, breakthrough and line-up changes
NRG made their debut on October 28, 1997, performing "I Can Do It" (할 수 있어) on the cable music show Music Tank. Soon after their debut, they served as hosts for ten consecutive weeks. Their debut album, New Radiancy Group, sold over 200,000 copies within South Korea. At the 1998 SBS Popular Song Awards, NRG received the New Face Award (Best Male New Artist). Members of rival boy band H.O.T viewed NRG as their primary competition due to the group’s innovative use of acrobatic choreography.
Their sophomore album, Race, released in 1998, contained dynamic dance tracks such as "Messenger" and surpassed domestic sales of 300,000 copies. Expanding beyond Korea, NRG entered both Chinese and Japanese markets, becoming the first South Korean act to actively promote in China with sales exceeding 100,000 copies.
On August 26, 1999, Sungjin and Myunghoon announced their voluntary departures from the group for reasons unrelated to internal conflict. Sungjin shifted focus toward acting and television hosting while Myunghoon concentrated on choreography and songwriting instead of performing. The group’s third album, NRG 003, was released on November 4, 1999; however, promotional activities were hindered by the absence of these two members. Later that month, they also issued a holiday-themed album titled Kiss In Christmas.
2000–2001: Passing of Kim Hwan-sung, Sorrow, and a brief pause
On May 11, 2000, NRG accepted an invitation from Yuxing Company to serve as "Fitness Dance Ambassadors" in support of the company's international growth. Shortly thereafter, the group was seen filming a commercial in Beijing ahead of their inaugural tour in China, which member Hwansung announced during a press event.
Tragically, on June 6, Hwansung was admitted to the hospital and his condition rapidly worsened, leading to a coma by June 11. Although there was consideration to cancel the tour, Hwansung’s parents insisted it proceed. He succumbed to viral pneumonia on June 15. Former members Sungjin and Myunghoon rejoined the lineup for the China tour beginning July 14. At their opening concert, NRG introduced "Antonio (Letter to Heaven)", a tribute song dedicated to Hwansung.
On January 25, 2001, NRG along with labelmates T.T.Ma secured a contract with a Latvian concert promoter for a European tour scheduled in June, marking them as the first K-pop acts to perform in Eastern Europe. Their fourth studio album Sorrow (悲) was launched on June 4, featuring a lead track penned by ex-H.O.T. member Kangta. NRG held their first solo concerts in Korea on August 17 and 19 as a homage to Hwansung.
Following the promotion of Sorrow, the group entered a period of inactivity in 2002 due to Hwansung’s passing and disappointing album sales. During this break, member Sungjin gained recognition as a comedian, eclipsing the group's collective activities.
2001–2005: Comeback with Hit Song, first chart-topping hit, and New Radiancy 6 Group
After an eighteen-month hiatus post-Sorrow, NRG released their fifth album Hit Song in February 2003. The album achieved over 300,000 pre-orders in China and sold approximately 130,000 copies domestically by May. The lead single "Hit Song" earned NRG their inaugural #1 position on a South Korean music show; this success was dedicated to late member Kim Hwan-sung. Another track, "Forgiveness," also received significant attention as both songs were promoted concurrently. At the MBC Gayo Daejejeon, NRG was honored among the Teen's Choice Top 10 Singers, performing alongside recordings of Hwansung.
On April 30, 2004, NRG unveiled their sixth album titled New Radiancy 6 Group. The title track "Hurray for a Virile Son of Korea," composed and written by Myunghoon for the Athens Olympics that year, climbed to number four on pop charts as the event neared. Due to its rising popularity, the group performed for Korean Olympic athletes at Taereung Athletics Village on May 19. Additionally, members Sungjin and Sunghoon were chosen as torchbearers for the Olympic torch relay through a Coca-Cola-sponsored vote.
Despite the acclaim for "Hurray for a Virile Son of Korea," sales for the sixth album fell short, largely attributed to its resemblance to Hit Song, which failed to meet public expectations.
2005–2015: One of Five: Apart and Together and hiatus
On September 29, 2005, NRG announced plans for a "farewell concert" scheduled on October 27 at Xenia Club in Chaoyang, Beijing, ahead of members’ upcoming military service commitments; however, they reassured fans that disbandment was not intended. On October 16, Music Factory disclosed that NRG's seventh album would be released as a trio featuring duet and solo tracks designed to facilitate promotions during military enlistment. Subsequently, Sunghoon departed from the group on October 26 to pursue ventures in internet-related business.
The seventh studio album One of Five: Apart and Together was released on November 22, 2005, highlighting individual member activities within its concept framework. Their final group performance aired on February 18, 2006’s episode of Show! Music Core.
In April 2006, Myunghoon’s television appearances were halted due to contractual disputes with Music Factory; he resumed activities after resolving issues in July. Meanwhile, Sungjin commenced mandatory military service as an industrial technician in July but eventually left the group permanently amid allegations related to gambling investigations. In 2009, Yoomin revealed that the group had effectively disbanded during members’ enlistments but expressed intentions to preserve the NRG brand through occasional reunions and live broadcasts; however, no reunion materialized.
NRG’s debut track "You Can Do It" was reinterpreted by the cast of Handsome Boys of the 20th Century, with their rendition charting on the Gaon Digital Chart.
2016–2018, 2022: Reunions
On October 22, 2016, NRG declared a reunion involving all members except Sunghoon, who maintained communication with the group. They later confirmed their appearance at the 2017 Dream Concert on September 27, marking their first stage in over a decade. In October, teaser photos and the album 20th Century (20세기) were unveiled through Genie Music. This album reached a peak position of #39 on the Gaon Album Chart.
In March 2018, Sunghoon reunited with the other members on the talk show Video Star, representing their initial joint television appearance in 13 years, where they openly addressed Hwansung's passing for the first time in more than 15 years. Additionally, Sungjin, Myunghoon, and Yoomin featured on MBC's documentary series Human Documentary: Good People (ko), where they met with Hwansung's family.
On July 9, 2021, Lee Sungjin voiced skepticism about future reunions citing previous "negative experiences" and disagreements surrounding the copyright rights to the group's name.
On February 13, 2022, Myunghoon released a single titled "Never Going Back," which included contributions from NRG members Yoomin and Sunghoon as well as singer Lisa. Although issued under Myunghoon's name, it was promoted as "his final song with NRG," featuring a tribute to Hwansung. Notably, Sungjin was neither involved in this release nor acknowledged.
Members
- Lee Sung-jin (Hangul: 이성진) – leader and main vocalist (1997–1999; 2000–2006; 2017–2018)
- Chun Myung-hoon (Hangul: 천명훈) – lead vocalist, lead rapper, main dancer (1997–1999; 2000–2006; 2017–2018; 2022)
- Noh Yoo-min (Hangul: 노유민) – sub vocalist and lead dancer (1997–2006; 2017–2018; 2022)
- Moon Sung-hoon (Hangul: 문성훈) – main rapper (1997–2005; 2022)
- Kim Hwan-sung (Hangul: 김환성) – sub vocalist (1997–2000; deceased)
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| New Radiancy Group |
|
Template:N/A | Template:N/A |
| Race |
|
Template:N/A | Template:N/A |
| NRG 003 |
|
13 | KOR: over 46,856 |
| Sorrow (悲) |
|
14 | KOR: over 49,689 |
| Hit Song |
|
5 | KOR: over 142,042 |
| New Radiancy 6 Group |
|
12 | KOR: over 35,117 |
| One of Five: Apart and Together |
|
— | Template:N/A |
Compilation albums
| Title | Album information | Highest chart ranking | Sales figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| Season's Greeting |
|
Template:N/A | Template:N/A |
| Kiss In Christmas |
|
— | Template:N/A |
Live albums
| Title | Album information | Highest chart ranking | Sales figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| 2000 Live Concert In China |
|
— | Template:N/A |
| 1st Concert with Antonio |
|
46 |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Album information | Highest chart ranking | Sales figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| 20th Century (20세기) |
|
39 |
|
Singles
| Title | Release year | Associated album |
|---|---|---|
| "I Can Do It" (할 수 있어) | 1997 | New Radiancy Group |
| "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (티파니에서 아침을) | ||
| "Making Love" (사랑만들기) | 1998 | Race |
| "Messenger" | ||
| "Our Own World" (우리만의 세상) | Season's Greetings | |
| "You! Me" (너! 나) | 1999 | NRG 003 |
| "Face" | ||
| "Antonio (Letter to Heaven)" (안토니오 (하늘로 보내는 편지)) | 2000 | 2000 Live Concert in China |
| "Sorrow" (비) | 2001 | Sorrow |
| "Boiled Egg" (삶은 계란) | ||
| "Hit Song" | 2003 | Hit Song |
| "Friend" (친구) | ||
| "One Day" (하루) | ||
| "What Should I Do?" (나 어떡해) | ||
| "Hurray for a Virile Son of Korea" (대한건아 만세) | 2004 | New Radiancy 6 Group |
| "Shoulder to Shoulder" (어깨동무) | ||
| "Lollipop" (롤리박) | ||
| "Bonus Book"(별책부록) | 2005 | One of Five: Apart & Together |
| "20th Century Night"(20세기 나이트) | 2017 | 20th Century |
| "On the Phone"(통화 중) | 2018 | Non-album single |
| "Go to the Pyeongchang"(Go to the 평창) | ||
| "Never Going Back"(추어) | 2022 |
China National Radio's Korean Singer Awards
| Year | Award Category | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Top Korean Singer | NRG | Template:Won |
Golden Disc Awards
| Year | Award Category | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Album Bonsang | Hit Song | Template:Won |
KMTV Korean Music Awards
| Year | Award Category | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Artist of the Year | NRG | Template:Won |
Mnet Asian Music Awards
| Year | Award Category | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Asian Viewers' Request Award | "Sorrow" (비) | Template:Won |
| 2003 | Best Male Group | "Hit Song" | Template:Nom |
| 2004 | Best Male Group Video | "Hurray For A Virile Son Of Korea" | Template:Nom |
SBS Gayo Daejeon
| Year | Award Category | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Rookie Award | NRG | Template:Won |
| 2003 | Main Prize (Bonsang) | NRG | Template:Won |
Seoul Music Awards
| Year | Award Category | Title | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | New Artist Award | NRG | Template:Won |