T-max
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Kim Joon, Shin Min Chul, Park Yun Hwa |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Fate | Disbanded |
| Headquarters | South Korea |
| Products | Pop music, soundtrack contributions |
T-Max (), also known as T-MAX or T.max, was a South Korean pop ensemble established in 2007 under the label 2Step Entertainment (which later became Planet 905). Initially formed as a trio, the "T" symbolized both "triple" and "trinity". Their discography includes one full-length album, one extended play, and five singles, some of which were soundtrack contributions for television dramas such as Boys Over Flowers, Detectives in Trouble, and Master of Study. Additionally, members engaged in solo acting endeavors.
History
The group T-Max was launched by Kim Joon, Shin Min Chul, and Park Yun Hwa under the management of 2Step Entertainment. Shin had prior experience as a member of the boy band B.O.K. and had participated in various soundtrack projects; meanwhile, Park Yun Hwa took part in the 2005 competition Battle Shinhwa. Their debut track, "Blooming", was released on July 19, 2007. They showcased their performances on platforms like MNet's M! Countdown, Show Music Tank, and Music Bank. Subsequent singles included "Lion Heart" launched on November 30 and "Run To You" released on December 29, 2008, which featured the song "Neol Saranghae" (My Love).
In 2009, the members broadened their activities into television appearances. Park Yun Hwa took part in SBS's “Mak Ban Shi” (Idol Maknae Rebellion), highlighting the youngest idols from various groups. Shin contributed the track "Last Hero" for the drama The Return of Iljimae. Kim Joon’s starring role in the Korean remake of Boys Over Flowers significantly raised the group's visibility, with T-Max performing the drama’s theme song "Paradise". They also released additional songs such as "Say Yes", "Wish Ur My Love", and a Japanese rendition titled "Motto Paradise". The group participated in the F4 special edition soundtrack with the track "Nappeun Maeumeul Meokgehae". On July 15, they introduced the EP Single Collection, which included solo performances by each member. The digital single Love Parade followed on September 3, featuring the song "Wonhae" (Want).
In 2010, T-Max delivered original soundtrack singles for dramas like Master of Study and Fuyu No Sonata. Park Yun Hwa collaborated with Hyuna from 4Minute on the song "Last Winter," which was included in a subsequent release of Love Parade. With Park Yun Hwa preparing for mandatory military service, the group expanded its lineup by adding Joo Chan Yang, a former contestant from Superstar K, along with newcomer Park Han Bi. Their studio album titled Born to the MAX was unveiled in June.
During 2011, T-Max contributed soundtrack singles including "Believe" and "Sesangkkeuteseo" for the drama Detectives in Trouble. Kim Joon began his military service on September 29; prior to this enlistment, the group released a ballad single called "Geunyeoga Ureo" (She Was Crying), which dealt with themes of parting and forgiveness. On January 4, 2012, T-Max officially disbanded to focus on individual pursuits in music and acting. Yoon Jung Soo, CEO of Planet 905, expressed support for their decision while remaining open to potential future reunions.
Influence
In October 2013, during a fan gathering held in Singapore, members of the South Korean variety show Running Man showcased a video montage depicting themselves as characters from Boys Over Flowers, followed by a live rendition of T-Max’s hit song "Paradise".
Members
Throughout its existence, T-max consisted of five individuals. Shin Min-chul (신민철) and Kim Joon (Kim Hyung-jun 김형준) were part of the group from 2007 until 2011. Park Yun-hwa (박윤화) was involved between 2007 and 2010, whereas Park Han-bi (박한비) and Joo Chan-yang (주찬양) joined the lineup from 2010 to 2011.
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Highest chart position | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| Born to the MAX |
|
— | — |
| "—" indicates the album did not enter the charts. | |||
Extended plays
| Title | Album details | Highest chart position | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| Single Collection |
|
— | — |
Singles
| Title | Year | Highest chart position | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| "Blooming" | 2007 | — | Non-album singles |
| "Lion Heart" | |||
| "Bang Bang Boom" (널 사랑해) | 2008 | ||
| "Jun Be O.K" (준비 O.K) | 2009 | Single Collection | |
| "Want" (원해) | Non-album single | ||
| "All I Can Say" (해줄 수 있는 말) | 2010 | 70 | Born to the MAX |
| "Don't Be Rude" (까불지마) | 79 | ||
| "She's Crying" (그녀가 울어) | 2011 | — | Non-album single |
| "—" indicates the single did not chart. | |||
Soundtrack appearances
| Title | Year | Highest chart position | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| "Paradise" | 2009 | — | Boys Over Flowers OST |
| "Say Yes" | |||
| "Wish Ur My Love" feat. J.ae | |||
| "Fight the Bad Feeling" (나쁜 마음을 먹게해) | F4 Special Edition | ||
| "At Least Once" (한번쯤은) | 2010 | 33 | Master of Study OST |
| "Believe" | 2011 | — | Detectives in Trouble OST |
| "—" indicates the track did not chart. | |||
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work nominated | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best OST | "Paradise" | Template:Nom |