Speed (South Korean band)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Music |
| Predecessor | Coed School (male segment) |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | MBK Entertainment (previously Core Contents Media) |
| Defunct | 2015 |
| Fate | Disbanded |
| Successor | None |
| Headquarters | Seoul , South Korea |
Area served | South Korea |
Key people | Taewoon (former leader), Yuhwan (leader after Taewoon's departure) |
| Products | Music albums, singles, performances |
| Owner | MBK Entertainment |
Number of employees | 8–10 members (varied over time) (2012–2015) |
| Parent | MBK Entertainment |
Speed (; presented as SPEED) was a South Korean male idol group established by MBK Entertainment (previously known as Core Contents Media) in 2012. Initially formed as the male segment of Coed School, they branched out as an independent act in 2013. By the end of 2015, MBK had removed their profile, indicating the group's dissolution.
2011–2012: Origins and debut
In 2011, Core Contents Media divided Co-Ed School into two separate units: the female faction, augmented by one new member, debuted as 5Dolls (F-ve Dolls) that same year. The male lineup comprised Kangho, Kwanghaeng, Jungwoo, Taewoon, Noori, and Sungmin.
On November 4, 2011, Kangho departed to focus on an acting career and was succeeded by Shin Jongkook. The male unit adopted the name Speed (SPEED) in January 2012. They launched the single album Hommage to Lovely-Dovey on February 14, featuring "Lovey Dovey-Plus," a cover of T-ara's popular track. The accompanying music video included appearances by Ryu Hwayoung and Ryu Hyoyoung. Speed's first live performance occurred on Music Bank with "Lovey Dovey-Plus." Shortly thereafter, Sejun joined the group.
Early in 2012, Co-Ed School and its subunits transitioned to GM Contents Media, a subsidiary label, before returning to Core Contents Media later that year alongside F-ve Dolls. In September, Kwanghaeng and Noori exited the group; Yuhwan and Taeha were added in October.
2013: Release of Superior Speed
At the close of December 2012, Core Contents Media revealed plans for Speed's album Superior SPEED.
The group pre-launched the single album Speed of Light on January 7, led by "Sad Promise," which had two distinct music videos: a dance version featuring Davichi's Kang Minkyung and a drama version starring Park Bo-young, A Pink's Naeun, Ji Chang-wook, and Ha Seok-jin.
On January 15, Speed unveiled their full-length debut Superior SPEED, headlined by "It's Over," which also received both dance and drama style videos. The track was produced by Shinsadong Tiger.
On February 20, they returned with a reissued edition of their debut album titled Blow Speed, promoted through the single "Pain the Love of Heart," alternatively known as "Pain."
By mid-2013, Core Contents Media confirmed there were no intentions to revive Co-Ed School since both subunits had matured into standalone groups with refreshed rosters.
2014: Mini concert and Speed Circus
Between February 3 and 7, 2014, Speed held a showcase in Mongolia and performed at UNIQOL AX Hall to promote their mini-album Speed Circus. Their setlist included six songs with guest performances from Shannon, Dani, and Hyewon of F-ve Dolls. The event was broadcast on SBS MTV on February 17.
Released on February 18, Speed Circus saw Taewoon taking primary responsibility for writing, composing, and producing most tracks. The members also participated in crafting choreography. Alongside the album launch came music videos for "Don't Tease Me" and "Why I'm Not". Taewoon's solo piece "Focus" was also part of the release.
A repackaged version called Look at Me Now added three new songs. The video for "Zombie Party," featuring Shannon, premiered on March 18, followed by the release of the "Look At Me Now" video on April 3.
2015–2016: Member changes, Speed On, and dissolution
In January 2015, MBK Entertainment revealed plans for Speed's return, introducing two additional members. However, by March, leader Taewoon had left the group to embark on a solo career, reducing Speed to eight members.
KI-O, one of the newcomers, made his debut through the winter project single "Don't Forget Me," collaborating with Speed members Sejun and Jongkook among others. He also featured in Elsie's solo debut music video and participated in her stage performances.
On June 1, 2015, Speed launched their second mini-album titled SPEED ON, accompanied by the music video for the track "What U," which included KI-O. Following Taewoon's departure, Yuhwan assumed the role of leader.
Towards November 2015, MBK Entertainment removed Speed’s profile from their official website, hinting at a possible disbandment; however, no formal announcement was made at that time.
By early 2016, Jungwoo and Sejun declared their departures on social media—Jungwoo left after his contract ended, while Sejun chose to concentrate on acting but remained affiliated with MBK. Additionally, Taeha debuted as a solo artist under the name IONE in June 2016, and Sungmin signed with Star Camp 202 to pursue an acting career.
Former members
- Kwanghaeng ()
- Jungwoo ()
- Taewoon ()
- Yuhwan ()
- Taeha ()
- Noori ()
- Jongkook ()
- Sejun ()
- KI-O ()
- Sungmin ()
Timeline
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color:blue width:7 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from bar:Kwanghaeng from:start till: 09/01/2012 Color:a bar:Noori from:start till:09/01/2012 Color:a bar:Taewoon from:start till:03/24/2015 Color:a bar:Jungwoo from:start till:01/27/2016 Color:a bar:Sungmin from:start till:06/24/2016 Color:a bar:Jongkook from:start till:end Color:a bar:Sejun from:02/17/2012 till:01/28/2016 Color:b bar:Taeha from:10/01/2012 till:06/01/2016 Color:c bar:Yuhwan from:10/01/2012 till:end Color:c bar:KI-O from:05/01/2015 till:end Color:d
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Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| Superior Speed |
|
13 |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| Speed Circus |
|
17 |
|
| Speed On |
|
11 |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Highest chart rankings | Sales figures | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | ||||
| "Lovey-Dovey Plus" | 2012 | — | Hommage to Lovey-Dovey | |
| "That's My Fault" (슬픈약속) (feat. Davichi) | 2013 | 24 |
|
Superior Speed |
| "It's Over" (feat. Park Bo-young) | 43 |
| ||
| "Pain" (통증) | 76 |
|
Blow Speed | |
| "Don't Tease Me!" (놀리러 간다) | 2014 | 95 |
|
Speed Circus |
| "Zombie Party!" (좀비 파티) | — | Look At Me Now | ||
| "Look At Me Now" | — | |||
| "What U" | 2015 | — | Speed On | |
| "—" indicates the single did not enter the charts. | ||||
Variety/Reality Show
| Year | Title | Network | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | SPEED's Dreaming Polaris | Mnet | Reality documentary series featuring SPEED |
Music Videos
| Year | Title | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Lovey Dovey Plus Ver.1 | 4:10 | Includes appearances by former T-ara member Ryu Hwayoung and 5dolls's Ryu Hyoyoung. |
| Lovey Dovey Plus Ver.2 | 4:16 | Features ex-T-ara's Ryu Hwayoung alongside 5dolls's Ryu Hyoyoung. | |
| 2013 | 슬픈약속 "That's My Fault" (Drama Ver.) | 13:17 | Drama version starring Park Bo-young, A Pink's Son Na-eun, Ji Chang-wook, and Ha Seok-jin. |
| 슬픈약속 "That's My Fault" (Dance Ver.) | 4:18 | Dance version featuring Kang Minkyung from Davichi. | |
| It's Over (Drama Ver.) | 14:30 | Drama version with appearances by Park Bo-young, A Pink's Son Na-eun, Ji Chang-wook, and Ha Seok-jin. | |
| It's Over (Dance Ver.) | 3:36 | Featuring actress Park Bo-young in the dance version. | |
| Never Say Goodbye | 1:30 | ||
| 통증 (Pain) | 3:31 | ||
| 2014 | Focus | 2:29 | "Focus," a solo track by Taewoon. |
| 왜 난 꼭 (Why I'm Not?) | 3:52 | "Why I'm Not?" featuring model Hwang Hyunjoo. | |
| 눌리러 간다 (Don't Tease Me!) | 3:58 | "Don't Tease Me!" performance recorded at a showcase event. | |
| 좀비파티 (Zombie Party) | 4:12 | "Zombie Party," starring singer Shannon Williams. | |
| Look At Me Now | 3:52 | ||
| 2015 | What U | 3:44 | |
| 선물 같은 단 한 사람 (Baby U) | 3:44 | "Baby U," directed by Sejun. |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Work Nominated | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Cyworld Digital Music Awards | "It's Over" (featuring Park Bo-young) | Rookie of the Month (January) | Template:Won |