MBLAQ
MBLAQ (Korean: 엠블랙, Japanese: エムブラック; an acronym for Music Boys Live in Absolute Quality) is a South Korean boy band created by South Korean singer Rain under J. Tune Camp. The group consists of Seungho, G.O, and Mir, and formerly Lee Joon and Thunder. The group debuted on October 15, 2009, at Rain's Legend of Rainism concert.
MBLAQ | |
|---|---|
MBLAQ in 2010 - From left to right: Seungho, Thunder, Joon, Mir, G.O | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | South Korea |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2009–2015[a] |
| Labels | |
| Members | |
| Past members | |
On October 14, 2009, the group released their debut single album, Just BLAQ, which topped various online and offline music charts in South Korea.[1] The group then released their first extended play album Y on May 19, 2010, and on January 10, 2011, MBLAQ released their first studio album, BLAQ Style.
On December 16, 2014, it was announced Joon and Thunder had departed from the group and they will focus on individual activities for the time being.[2]
History edit
2009: Just BLAQ edit
MBLAQ was first announced on September 21, 2009, with an appearance in Nylon magazine, after having trained for two years.[3] The group appeared alongside Rain, in his Legend of Rainism concert. They performed various songs from their produced EP, Just BLAQ and were met with praise, with many spectators at the concert and fans considering them as the next DBSK.[4][5] The group released teasers for their debut song, "Oh Yeah" on October 12, 2009[6] with the music video being released two days later.[7] Coinciding with the music video, MBLAQ's debut single album "Just BLAQ", was released on the same day,[8] topping various charts in South Korea.[1] The next day, the group made their broadcast debut on M.net's M! Countdown with "Oh Yeah".[1]
In early December, the group debuted in Japan, following their performance during Rain's fan meeting. Their performance resulted in a documentary being produced surrounding their stay in Japan.[9] Later that month, the group commenced promotions for their follow up track, "G.O.O.D Luv". Two music videos were released: an 'unofficial' music video prior to the 'official' music video, which was released on December 10, 2009.[10]
In May 2011, Thunder revealed that former member Sang Bae left the group due to his poor health.[11] Thunder also stated that he only joined MBLAQ fifteen days prior to their debut, and that while he sang and rapped live for their performances, his voice is not actually featured on any of the recorded tracks for Just BLAQ due to time constraints.[11]
2010: Y edit
On May 17, 2010, the group released their second single album, Y, a track that Rain wrote, composed, produced and choreographed.[12] The music video for the title track, "Y", was released on the same day at midnight with teasers being released from May 6.[12][13] MBLAQ claimed first place on June 3, 2010, on M! Countdown,[14] and were voted the best Rookie Group for the first half of 2010 through a poll conducted by Korean music site Bugs, obtaining 46% of the votes.[15]
On December 29, 2010, MBLAQ released a teaser music video, featuring their song "Cry", for their upcoming full-length album, BLAQ Style.[16]
On December 30, 2010, J.Tune Entertainment merged with JYP Entertainment. However, as MBLAQ is part of J.Tune Camp, they are not considered as part of JYP Entertainment, or have any ties with the company.
2011: BLAQ Style, Japanese debut, and Mona Lisa edit
MBLAQ returned to the music scene in January 2011.[17] MBLAQ participated in the production of BLAQ Style,[18] with Seungho composing and playing the piano for the introductory track "Sad Memories" and Mir writing the rap lyrics for "You're my +".[19]
On January 3, 2011, J.Tune Camp released MBLAQ's music video for "Cry" on YouTube, an R&B track produced by E-Tribe.[20] The video gained more than 500,000 views within a week.[21][22] J.Tune Camp announced that MBLAQ would be debuting in Japan in May, signing with Sony Music Japan.[23][24]
On January 10, 2011, MBLAQ released their first studio album, BLAQ Style. After only one day of the album's release, MBLAQ recorded 25,000 orders for BLAQ Style.[19] The next day J.Tune Camp released the full music video for Stay on YouTube, which gained more than 400,000 in a week.[21] On January 13, MBLAQ performed on M! Countdown,[25] followed by performances on the 14th, 15th and 16th at Music Bank, Music Core, and Inkigayo respectively.[26]
MBLAQ were named Artist of the Month by MTV Korea for the month of February.[27] They then released a repackaged version of their studio album, titled BLAQ Style - 3D Edition on February 22, 2011. The album consists of the 13 tracks from BLAQ Style, as well as three new tracks.[28] Two of the three new tracks included MBLAQ's participation in its production.[29] The track "돌아올 수 없는 (Can't Come Back)" was composed by G.O and the lyrics were written by both G.O and Mir, while the song titled "You" was written and composed by Thunder. When it was released, BLAQ Style 3D reached number one on the Hanteo charts.[29] "Again", their last new song from BLAQ Style - 3D Edition, was used to promote The Fighter in South Korea.
BLAQ Style 3D was released in Taiwan as a licensed album on the March 18, 2011, and reached the number one spot from March 18 to 24 on Taiwan's G-Music chart under the K-pop and J-pop category without any promotions.[30]
MBLAQ released their Japanese album on May 4, 2011, with live performances held at Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Tokyo.[31] "Your Luv", released on April 19, was ranked first for four consecutive days on Recochoku.[32] MBLAQ were also placed first on the Cellphone Message Music Video chart.[32]
On May 3, MBLAQ kicked off their Japanese promotions with their debut event held at Kanagawa Lazona Kawasaki Plaza, gathering a reported 10,000 fans. They performed "Oh Yeah", "Your Luv" and Daijoubu and more than 4,000 CDs were sold during the event.[33] Your Luv reached second position on the Oricon Daily Charts for May 3, which was before their official Japanese debut and release date. On May 4, Your Luv reached first position on the Oricon Daily Charts, selling more than 11,000 CDs.[34] A week after their debut, MBLAQ reached second position on the Oricon Weekly Charts, selling more than 40,000 copies of Your Luv.[35]
The mini-album Mona Lisa was released online in July 2011.[36] On July 14, MBLAQ returned to the stage on Mnet's M! Countdown, followed by performances on the 15th, 16th and 17th at KBS's Music Bank, MBC's Music Core, and SBS's Inkigayo respectively.[37][38][39] On July 15, when Mona Lisa was released in stores, it reached number one on the Hanteo Real-time, Daily and Weekly Charts.[citation needed]
On July 15, J.Tune Camp stated that since July 8, Mona Lisa had 30,000 pre-orders, with international fans, in particular Japanese fans, requesting more copies.[40] J.Tune Camp stated they would be producing 50,000 more copies to meet the demand.[40]
In September, MBLAQ reached the number one position on German music website Viva with their "Mona Lisa" music video by garnering 111,000 views.[41] MBLAQ's "Mona Lisa" had topped Bulgaria's Popcore TV chart for sixty eight consecutive days thus far.[42]
The title track, "Baby U", of their new single album was released on October 26, 2011.[43] Baby U! reached number two on the Oricon Daily Chart on its release date, selling more than 22,000 copies.[44][45] As part of their promotions, MBLAQ travelled to Nagoya, Japan on October 28, Osaka on the 29th, and Tokyo on the 30th to celebrate the release of their new single. On October 30, 1,500 fans were chosen by a lottery among the 12,500 people who gathered at the venue to join the LIVE performance and Great Bingo Tournament. On the final day, 23,000 fans gathered for a special 'High five' event, as well as performances.[46] Baby U! reached number two on the Oricon Weekly Chart, selling a total of 45,624 copies in the first week.[47] The song also reached number one on Japan's Billboard Hot Animation Chart.[48]
2012: 100% Ver., BLAQ Memories, and 1st Asia Tour edit
On January 1, 2012, a video teaser for MBLAQ's fourth extended play album was released, including their secondary single, “낙서 (Scribble)”. Strangely however the captions on screen were not of the song's lyrics. In the teaser video, Lee Joon is wrestling with Thunder for a woman, and ultimately points his gun to kill. The video was perceived to be very different from previous MBLAQ videos, as this was the first time the group had produced a full-story music video that incorporated acting and action sequences. The captions were later revealed, in the second music video teaser, to be for their lead single "전쟁이야 (This is War)".[49]
On January 5, MBLAQ released their teaser of “This is War” on their official YouTube channel, J.Tune Camp.[50] The video reveals the 5 members in their ensemble scene, and some small snippets of the full music video. The teaser ends with the members standing center stage with a string orchestra gathered on either side of them, shooting at the audience and finishes with a violent blood splatter that reveals their lead single's name, "전쟁이야 (This is War)".[51] On the same day, the first concept photo was also released by J.Tune Camp. The directors jokingly stated that there was a particular member, Mir, who wanted to shave his hair bald, however they took fans' opinions into consideration and only let the member go as far as a mohawk.
J. Tune Entertainment announced that MBLAQ's fourth mini-album was titled 100% Ver. because "[it] is an expression of MBLAQ's satisfaction and confidence in the album's quality". It has been valuably noted that MBLAQ has expended much effort in the making the album.
Not much has been said by the members about their secondary single, “낙서 (Scribble)”. The group members only said, “You will be able to know about this song by listening to it rather than by us explaining about it”. “Scribble” was released on music portal websites on January 3, 2012. When "Scribble" was released, it reached number one on Soribada and Bugs Music, number three on Mnet's Music chart, and number four on Cyworld Music.[52] "Scribble" was also promoted along with their lead single, "전쟁이야 (This is War)", multiple times on stage as their second single from their 100% Ver.
The full music video of "전쟁이야 (This is War)" was released four days later, on January 10, 2012. Lee Joon reprised his role as the recurring lead image of MBLAQ in the music video as a deadly but warm-hearted assassin. Thunder also appeared as a lead actor in the music video as the assassin's closest friend.[53] Both members' performance in acting, in particular Lee Joon's were positively reviewed by fans and internet browsers alike.
100% Ver. was released on the same day as the music video, containing a total of five songs: "Run", "전쟁이야 (This is War)", “낙서 (Scribble)”, "아찔한 그녀 (She's Breathtaking)", and "Hello My Ex" respectively. It has been revealed that MBLAQ's 100% Ver. had received more than 40,000 pre-orders.[54] The music video of It's War, reached 1 million views within a week. MBLAQ has won M! Countdown for 2 weeks in a row with This is War.
In early February, Mir shared a picture on his Twitter of G.O working really hard on a new album (BLAQ%Ver.) for MBLAQ. On March 1, MBLAQ started their promotions for Run on M! Countdown, Seungho also injured his back on the pre-recording of M! Countdown, and a video of their dance practice for Run was released online on the same day on J.Tune Camp's original YouTube channel.[55]
On March 7, MBLAQ released a compilation album titled MBLAQ Memories - Best in Korea. The album consists of many songs from their Korean releases, and also includes a Japanese version of You're My +. Upon its release, the album landed at #9 on the Oricon Daily chart[56]
In June, Mir and G.O., as part of MBLAQ's subunit, released a song titled "Wild" for their Asia tour. In July, Thunder released a self-composed solo song titled "Don't Go".
2013: Sexy Beat & Love Beat edit
On May 28, a teaser video for 스모키걸 (Smoky Girl), the title track of their comeback album Sexy Beat, was uploaded onto J. Tune Camp's official YouTube channel. MBLAQ previously mentioned in behind the scenes video during a photo shot for Cosmopolitan Korea that they will be returning with the song Smoky Girl, described by member Mir as an addictive song with sexy choreography. Leader Seungho confirms in the video that MBLAQ will be making their comeback in the first week of June.[57] On June 4, the music video for Smoky Girl was released online and MBLAQ held a comeback showcase on the same day as the release of the music video which was streamed live on various websites such as Mnet's Mwave.[58][59] Sexy Beat, MBLAQ's fifth extended play was also released on June 4, which consists of six tracks with 스모키걸 (Smoky Girl) as their title track.
A repackaged special album titled Love Beat was released two months later on August 12, 2013. It consists of three new tracks: I Don't Know, Prayer (기도) and No Love as their title track, together with all six tracks from Sexy Beat. The music video for No Love was uploaded on J. Tune Camp's official YouTube channel on August 12, showing the photoshoot, composing and preparation for Love Beat.
2014: Broken, Winter, Lee Joon and Thunder's departure edit
On March 20, 2014, at 12AM (KST), a teaser video for Be a Man, the title track of their comeback album Broken, was uploaded onto J. Tune Camp's official YouTube channel. On March 24, 2014, the music video of Be a Man was uploaded and the album which consists of seven tracks which the members actively participated in the writing and composing part,[60] was subsequently released online at 12PM (KST). On the same day, MBLAQ also began their comeback promotions for Be a Man by performing at a comeback showcase in WAPOP Hall at 8PM (KST).[60][61][62]
On October 13, 2014, it was rumored that Lee Joon and Thunder would be leaving the group after the expiration of their contract with J. Tune Camp.[63] However, J. Tune Camp released an official announcement stating that this was a rumor and that both Joon and Thunder are in talks with the company regarding their future activities.[64]
On November 18, 2014, J. Tune Camp revealed a mysterious image on their official Twitter which showed the date November 25, 2014. It turned out to be the release date of their upcoming album which is made up of self-composed songs.[65]
A few days later on November 20, 2014, J. Tune Camp revealed the track list on their official Twitter and the album which appears to be titled "Winter".[66]
On December 16, 2014, it was announced Joon and Thunder had departed from the group and they will focus on individual activities for the time being; Joon focusing on filming his current drama, MBC's Mr. Back and Thunder studying music for a while.[67]
2015: Mirror edit
The group released their eighth mini album Mirror on June 9, 2015, as trio.[68]
Discography edit
- BLAQ Style (2011)
Music, dance, and influence edit
Initially debuting as a group more focused on dance and pop, MBLAQ have since experimented with different genres. "Oh Yeah" and "Y" were dance/pop tracks, "My Dream", "Last Luv" and "Rust" are ballad tracks, "Bang Bang Bang" is rock ballad, "Cry" is an R&B track, and "Stay" is a track infused with hip-hop, electronic and rock.[69]
With Rain being their mentor and major influence, he has either written, composed, produced and/or choreographed a few tracks for MBLAQ, including "Oh Yeah", "G.O.O.D Luv", and "Y". For the release of Just BLAQ and Y, MBLAQ focused heavily on their performance with strong choreography. With BLAQ Style, MBLAQ decided to focus more on the music and melody rather than the choreography.[70]
Other activities edit
2009 edit
In late 2009, MBLAQ's first aired program was Mnet's MBLAQ - The Art of Seduction, which received record ratings.[71]
With their trip to Japan for Rain's fanmeet, music channel Mnet Japan decided to film a documentary of their stay, selecting them as the first stars of their show 2010 K-Pop Star series.[9] The documentary, called Yo! Tokyo, aired in early 2010, showing the public their experience with Japanese culture and traditions over a period of four days.
On December 15, 2009, it was announced that the group would be part of season five of the Idol Show (Hangul: 아이돌 군단의 떴다! 그녀!, lit. Idol Army, She Has Arrived!), with the first episode airing a day later.[72] MBLAQ filmed a total of sixteen episodes.
2010 edit
From February 18, 2010, MBLAQ members G.O and Lee Joon took on the role of co-hosts (MCD Guys) for the music show M! Countdown.[73]
In March, Thunder participated in Mnet's Mnet Scandal.[74] Thunder, having lived in the Philippines, participated in the cable TV show, Mom, I've gone crazy for English with fellow K-Pop singer Nicole from Kara, where he was an English mentor to young children.[75] He was also a host of The M-Wave with fellow artist Krystal from f(x).[76],.[77]
To coincide with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, MTV Korea created a program called Idol United, where members of male idol groups formed a soccer team to compete against other soccer teams.[78] The fourteen-member team consisted of members from U-KISS, ZE:A, F.Cuz, and The Boss (Dae Guk Nam Ah), with MBLAQ members being Seungho, Lee Joon and Mir.
In addition to his MC role in M! Countdown, Joon also took on the role of MC for QTV's Ranking Women,[79] however he has since left the program to focus on his music activities.[80] He was a permanent member of the TV show Star Golden Bell, which had been replaced by Oh! My School which he also became a permanent member of.
Lee Joon became known as the only Korean Hollywood idol star after starring in Hollywood film "Ninja Assassin" with world star and mentor Rain.
At the end of May, MBLAQ participated in GOMTV's Making the Artist, a small documentary on their life as artists.[81] MBLAQ filmed a total of four episodes documenting their promotions for Y.
Following their promotions for Y, MBLAQ were cast in the final series of Mnet's Celebrities Go to School.[82] Their mentor for the show is actor Kim Su-ro. The show started airing in August 2010.
The members of MBLAQ made an appearance in Lee Joon's drama Housewife Kim Kwang Ja's Third Activities.
2011 edit
In 2011, Thunder was made a permanent cast member of the KBS show Imagination Arcade.[83] Fellow member Lee Joon was a permanent cast member of Oh! My School, the show ended on May 29, 2011.
In March, MBLAQ took part in Mnet Wide's new corner, Refreshing Interview, with their own show called Sesame Player.[84] MBLAQ filmed a total of thirteen episodes, and Infinite had been selected to film Season 2.
In June, it was announced that G.O would replace B2ST's Yoseob in Immortal Songs 2, staying as a cast member for at least a month with new cast members including F.T Island's Hongki, 2PM's Junsu and Secret's Ji Eun.[85]
In August, members Lee Joon and Thunder have collaborated with Chinese artist Vision Wei, and their digital single "Run Away" was released on the 25th.[86]
In September, it was announced the Lee Joon had been cast in the SBS drama Fly Again, which is set to air in early 2012,[87] however, due to scheduling conflicts, he will be replaced by Lee Chun Hee.
In December, Thunder had a cameo role in jTBC drama Padam Padam... The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats where he plays the role Yang Kang Woo, the older brother of Yang Kang Chil (played by Jung Woo-sung).[88]
2012 edit
On January 5, it was announced that MBLAQ would be participating in KBS Joy's Hello Baby Season 5, and new episodes are aired weekly.[89]
On January 26, MBLAQ performed at a special concert MBC Music Era (I Giorni Della Musica) held in Ilsan. The concert consist of live performances by 38 legendary singers. MBLAQ was the only idol group to perform at the concert. MBLAQ sang Mona Lisa with veteran singers Yoon Sang, Kim Gwang Jin, BMK, Kim Kyung Ho and Baek Ji Young singing the chorus. MBLAQ's Lee Joon also joined Kim Jo Han for a live performance of Soul Mates.
On February 10, MBLAQ's Lee Joon & Mir release a digital single Do You Remember with legendary singer Kim Jo Han. The song was written by one of Korea's best composer, Ha Kwang Hoon. A remake from Jo Kwan Woo's hit song Winter Story, which was released in 1995. It was rearranged by producer and songwriter, Shin Jae Hong. During an interview, Kim Jo Han revealed that he preferred MBLAQ over SNSD and the Wonder girls. He had also expressed that he would like to be the 6th member of MBLAQ.
On March 15, it was announced that MBLAQ would be making a cameo on the drama The Strongest K-Pop Survival, which stars member Mir's sister, Go Eun Ah.[90]
On the March 16th, G.O was a special guest on an episode of SBS TV's Salamander Guru and The Shadows. G.O played a stalker and received positive reviews from fans.
In April it was confirmed that Lee Joon would have a role in the KBS2 TV drama I Need a Fairy with fellow idol star Go Woori of Rainbow.[91] Also in April, it was confirmed that G.O was cast in SBS's drama Phantom after impressing one of the producers of Salamander Guru and The Shadows.[92]
In September it was confirmed that Lee Joon would have a role in successful IRIS sequel IRIS 2 it will begin filming in October and will start airing in 2013.
In October, TvN announces that Mir will participate in The Romantic & Idol, a love variety program wherein idol can date each other.[93] Mir also joined the cast of Law of the Jungle 2, he will be the third idol to participate in the show.[94]
In November 2 they participated with to other groups in the Music Bank in Chile.
2013 edit
In January, it was confirmed that Thunder will star in MBC trendy drama Nail Shop Paris as the lead opposite to KARA's Gyuri. The story will revolve around a nail salon wherein flower boy employees work.[95] It was reported that MBLAQ will participate in 64th Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan to promote Korean pop culture, the charity concert will take place on February 9.[96]
In February, G.O was confirmed to have a cameo role in upcoming KBS2 sitcom Remaining Love along with KARA's Seungyeon, ZE:A's Siwan, SECRET's Ji Eun, and INFINITE's Sunggyu.[97]
Concerts/Tours edit
- MBLAQ Concert "Blaq Style" (2011)
- MBLAQ Concert "Your Luv" (2011)
- MBLAQ Concert "Men in MBLAQ" (2011)
- MBLAQ Concert "Hello My A+" (2012)
- MBLAQ The 1st Asia Tour "The BLAQ% Tour" (2012)
- MBLAQ Concert In Mexico (2013)
- MBLAQ Sensation Zepp Tour (2013)
- MBLAQ Global Tour Concert "Sensation" (2013)
- MBLAQ Concert "MPARTY" (2014)
- MBLAQ Concert Summer Vacation In Tokyo (2014)
- MBLAQ Concert "Thank You" (2014)
- MBLAQ Curtain Call (2014)
Filmography edit
Reality Show edit
| Year | Channel | Title | Member(s) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Mnet Japan | Yo! Tokyo | MBLAQ | |
| MBC Every 1 | Idol Show | Fifth Season and known as idol army, Co-hosts by Shin Bong-sun and Jung Joori. | ||
| 2010 | Mnet | Celebrity Goes To School | Final season of the documentary reality show. | |
| GOMTV | MBLAQ's Making The Artist | MBLAQ's mentor for the documentary is Kim Su-ro. | ||
| 2011 | Mnet | Sesame Player | Mir did not appear much as due to some injury. | |
| 2012 | KBS | MBLAQ's Hello Baby | Fifth season raising three multi-cultural children : Dayoung (Vietnamese-Korean), Lauren (Korean-Canadian) and Leo (French-Korean) | |
| MBC | Idol Manager |
Awards and nominations edit
Mnet Asian Music Awards edit
The Mnet Asian Music Awards (abbreviated as a MAMA), formerly "M.net KM Music Festival" (MKMF) (1999 - 2008), is a major K-pop music award show that is held by Mnet Media annually in South Korea. Daesang Award (Grand Prize) is equivalent Artist of the Year.
| # | Year | Nominated work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th | 2009 | "Oh Yeah" | Best New Male Artists | Nominated | [98] |
| 12th | 2010 | "Y" | Best Male Group | Nominated | [99] |
| Best Male Dance Performance[100] | Nominated | ||||
| 13th | 2011 | Mona Lisa | Best Dance Performance – Male Group | Nominated | [101] |
| 14th | 2012 | This is War | Song of the Year | Nominated | [102] |
| Best Dance Performance – Male Group [102] | Nominated |
Mnet 20's Choice Awards edit
Mnet 20's Choice Awards is presented by South Korean cable television channel Mnet.
Other awards edit
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2010 Bugs Music Awards | Newcomer Award | Won | |
| 17th Annual Republic of Korea Entertainment Arts Awards | Best Rookie Award | Won | [105] | |
| 18th Korean Cultural Entertainment Awards | New Generation Popular Music Teen Singer Award | Won | [106][107] | |
| 2011 | MTV Video Music Awards | Artist of The Month (February) | Won | [108] |
| Asia Jewelry Awards | Diamond Award | Won | [108] | |
| 19th Korean Cultural Entertainment Awards | Idol Music Daesang | Won | [109] | |
| 26th Golden Disk Awards | Disk Bonsang | Won | [110] | |
| 2012 | 7th Annual Asia Model Awards | Popular Singer Award | Won | [111][112] |
| 2012 Asia Song Festival | Best Korean Artist Award | Won | ||
| 2013 | 2013 Republic of Korea Culture Awards | Daesang (Grand) Prize | Won |
Notes edit
- ^ Indefinite hiatus
References edit
- ^ a b c "Rain's MBLAQ Makes Broadcast Debut". Korea Times. October 15, 2009. from the original on October 18, 2009. Retrieved October 17, 2009.
- ^ . Mwave. 16 December 2014. Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 16 December 2014.
- ^ Han Sang, Hee (September 20, 2009). "Rain to Reveal New Boy Band, 5-Member MBLAQ". Korea Times. from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ Han Sang, Hee (October 11, 2009). "Rain Wows Fans in 'Legend of Rainism'". Korea Times. from the original on October 13, 2009. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
- ^ Kim, Lynn (September 27, 2009). "Idol Group MBLAQ to debut at Rain's Concert". Asia Economy. from the original on November 24, 2019. Retrieved October 17, 2009.
- ^ "5인조 그룹 엠블랙(MBLAQ), 뮤직비디오 티저 공개~ '대박예감?!'" (in Korean). Seoul News. October 12, 2009. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ . Allkpop. October 13, 2009. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
- ^ Kim, Lynn (October 15, 2009). "MBLAQ debut album sweeps music charts". Asia Economy. from the original on October 20, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ a b Kim, Lynn (December 2, 2009). "MBLAQ gears up for debut in Japan". Asia Economy. from the original on September 4, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ Kim, Lynn (December 11, 2009). "MBLAQ to perform new single on "Music Bank"". Asia Economy. from the original on September 4, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
- ^ a b 천둥 "'엠블랙' 1집에 목소리 없다" 최초 고백 (in Korean). Naver News. May 11, 2011.
- ^ a b Hong, Lucia; Jessica Kim (May 17, 2010). "MBLAQ to unveil full-length music video tomorrow on MTV". Asia Economy. from the original on March 5, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
- ^ Hong, Lucia (May 6, 2010). "MBLAQ to release teaser video for new single today". Asia Economy. from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
- ^ 엠블랙 ‘엠카’서 데뷔 첫 1위 ‘감격' (in Korean). Newsen. June 3, 2010. from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
- ^ '시크돌' 엠블랙, 벅스 선정 '상반기 최고신인그룹 (in Korean). Nate News. July 8, 2010.
- ^ "BLAQ Style album teaser music video released". youtube.com. December 28, 2010. from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2012.
- ^ (in Korean). 10 Asia. November 9, 2010. Archived from the original on November 18, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙의 독립선언 "비 품 벗어날래요"(인터뷰) (in Korean). Daum. January 6, 2011. from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
- ^ a b 엠블랙, 정규1집 2만5000장 주문 '폭주' (in Korean). Daum Media. January 11, 2011. from the original on January 16, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2011.
- ^ "'엠블랙, 1집 'Cry' 음원 공개 '동방신기와 맞대결'" (in Korean). Nate News. January 3, 2011.
- ^ a b 엠블랙 유튜브 신강자 부상 (in Korean). Nate News. January 17, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙, 1월 중순 첫 무대.."강렬한 퍼포먼스 기대" (in Korean). Star News. December 24, 2010. from the original on December 29, 2010. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙, 강렬한 '다크 엔젤'로 변신…재킷사진 공개 (in Korean). Nate News. January 7, 2011. from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
- ^ '컴백' 엠블랙, 5월 소니와 손잡고 日 진출 (in Korean). Daum Media. January 10, 2011. from the original on January 14, 2011. Retrieved January 16, 2011.
- ^ 산다라박, 동생 천둥 컴백 응원 '엠카 리허설 현장' 깜짝방문 (in Korean). Daum Media. January 13, 2011.
- ^ '시크돌' 엠블랙, 컴백 첫무대.."블랙 카리스마 기대하세요" (in Korean). Nate News. January 14, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2011.
- ^ "첫 정규앨범으로 찾아온 엠블랙(MBLAQ) [AOTM 2011년 2월 | 엠블랙-①] | Video | MTV Korea". from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
- ^ 엠블랙, 22일 새앨범 "최악 경우 미르 빼고 4인만" (in Korean). Nate News. February 18, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
- ^ a b ‘엠블랙’ 한터차트 1위 기염 ‘남성그룹 명성 이어간다’ (in Korean). Nate News. February 23, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙 활동없이 대만 음반차트 1위 등극 (in Korean). Newsen News. March 29, 2011. from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ "話題の韓国グループ・MBLAQ来日にファン800人 メンバー・ミルは腰痛悪化で見送り" (in Japanese). Oricon. February 21, 2011. from the original on February 27, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
- ^ a b 엠블랙, 벨소리·착신무비 2관왕··日데뷔 전부터 '화제' (in Korean). Nate News. April 27, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2011.
- ^ "MBLAQ、デビューイベントに1万人 メンバー・ミルが復帰後初ライブ" (in Japanese). Oricon. May 3, 2011. from the original on September 6, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙 日 데뷔싱글, 오리콘 1위 올라 (in Korean). Nate News. May 4, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
- ^ (in Korean)"엠블랙 데뷔하자마자 오리콘 위클리 2위 기염". Nate News/Newsen. May 11, 2011. from the original on September 6, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙, 명화 패러디 ‘모나리자’ 5人5色 재킷 공개 ‘대박예감’ (in Korean). Nate News. July 8, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2011.
- ^ '뮤직뱅크' 엠블랙, '모나리자'로 컴백…섹시+성숙미 물씬 (in Korean). Nate News. July 15, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2011.
- ^ (in Korean). Ezy Economy. July 15, 2011. Archived from the original on April 2, 2012.
- ^ 엠블랙, 신곡 대박 조짐..해외팬 요청에 5만장 추가 제작 (in Korean). Nate News. July 15, 2011. from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2011.
- ^ a b 엠블랙, 신보 '모나리자' 해외서 5만장 주문 폭주 (in Korean). My Daily via Nate News. July 15, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙, 유럽도 점령! 독일 음악 차트 1위 (in Korean). Naver. September 2, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙 ‘베이비유’ 日레코쵸크 1위 쾌거, 국내외 차트 올킬 위엄 (in Korean). Naver. October 22, 2011. from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙, 10월 일본 두 번째 싱글 발표! (in Korean). enews24. September 22, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
- ^ ‘엠블랙’ 두번째 앨범 오리콘 싱글일간차트 2위 (in Korean). Nate News. October 28, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ "엠블랙 오리콘 2위…日 언론 "K-POP 몬스터" 극찬" (in Korean). Nate News. October 27, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙, 일본팬 2만3000명 모여…"대단하다" (in Korean). Nate News. October 31, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙 日 싱글, 오리콘 주간차트 2위 (in Korean). Seoul Yeonhap News. November 3, 2011. from the original on April 29, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ [연예 뉴스 스테이션] 엠블랙, 일본 오리콘·빌보드 차트 나란히 상위권. Sports DongA (in Korean). November 3, 2011. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ J.Tune Camp. "MBLAQ 4th Mini Album 첫번째 Teaser". Video. YouTube. from the original on 10 July 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ MBLAQ's Graffiti Teaser on YouTube
- ^ "Cover MBLAQ's "100% Ver."". January 5, 2012. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012.
- ^ 엠블랙 '낙서', 음원공개 동시 실시간차트 '석권' (in Korean). Nate News. January 3, 2012. from the original on May 20, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
- ^ J.Tune Camp. "MBLAQ 4th Mini Album '100%Ver.' 타이틀곡 '전쟁이야(This is War)' MV". Music Video. YouTube. from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
- ^ 엠블랙, 새 앨범 선주문 4만장 돌파 '돌풍예고' (in Korean). Star News. January 10, 2012. from the original on January 14, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ "엠블랙, 분신술에 검무까지…′RUN′ 퍼포먼스 화제" (in Korean). AsiaToday. March 2, 2012.
- ^ 엠블랙, 베스트앨범 발매일 日오리콘 톱10 진입 (in Korean). Money Today Star News via Nate.
- ^ . The Straits Times. May 21, 2013. Archived from the original on 2014-04-15. Retrieved 2013-06-19.
- ^ "MBLAQ sings about their "Smoky Girl" in comeback MV + 'Sexy Beat' mini album". Allkpop. June 3, 2013. from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
- ^ Lee, Nacy (26 January 2012). "Watch MBLAQ's Comeback Showcase Live on Mwave Today (June 4)". mwave.interest.me. from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
- ^ a b 엠블랙 쇼케이스, 이들의 매력은 어디까지? 성숙+유쾌 (in Korean). Ten Asia. March 24, 2014. from the original on March 24, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- ^ "[경기포토] 엠블랙 'BROKEN' 컴백 쇼케이스, 미르 포즈에 빵터진 천둥과 이준" (in Korean). Kyunggi News. March 24, 2014. from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- ^ "[TD영상] '컴백' 엠블랙, 더 섹시하게 돌아왔다…신곡 '남자답게' 무대 대공개" (in Korean). TV Daily. March 24, 2014. from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- ^ [단독]이준, 엠블랙 탈퇴..본격 연기자 활동 (in Korean). Naver News. October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ "J.Tune Camp Releases Statement Regarding Lee Joon's Departure from MBLAQ". Soompi. October 12, 2014. from the original on October 14, 2014. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
- ^ 멤버 탈퇴설 홍역 엠블랙, 11월25일 발라드 앨범 컴백 (in Korean). Joins News. November 19, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- ^ "[#MBLAQ] 7th MINI ALBUM PLAY LIST #엠블랙 #겨울". Twitter. November 20, 2014. from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- ^ Lee Joon and Thunder's Departure from MBLAQ "Lee Joon and Cheon Dung Release Official Statement on Ending Promotions as MBLAQ" 2014-12-16 at the Wayback Machine, Mwave, 16 December 2014. Retrieved on 16 December 2014.
- ^ Yoon, Sarah (June 10, 2015). "MBLAQ drops new EP 'Mirror,' talks about becoming a trio". Kpop Herald. from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
- ^ 컴백 엠블랙, 시크넘어 ‘강렬+섹시’ 2011 대박 예약 (in Korean). Newsen. January 15, 2011. from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved January 18, 2011.
- ^ (in Korean) "엠블랙 "다른 그룹과의 경쟁, 조급해 하지 않아"[인터뷰]". Daum Media. January 15, 2011. from the original on January 20, 2011. Retrieved January 18, 2011.
- ^ (in Korean). SisaSeoul. November 9, 2010. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012.
- ^ "'데뷔 2개월' 엠블랙 '떴다그녀' MC낙점 '초콜릿복근-속옷노출 깜짝'" (in Korean). Joins. December 15, 2009. Retrieved 4 March 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ 엠블랙 (14 April 2014). "mblaq – 네이트 통합 검색". search.daum.net (in Korean). from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
- ^ 엠블랙 천둥, 일반인 여친과 길거리 데이트 '엠넷 스캔들' 24일 밤 11시 (in Korean). Asia Today. March 24, 2010. from the original on October 6, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
- ^ 카라 니콜-엠블랙 천둥, 어린이 영어 멘토로 깜짝 변신 (in Korean). TV Daily. June 28, 2010. from the original on July 4, 2010. Retrieved August 28, 2010.
- ^ "엠블랙 천둥 'F(x)의 무대 기대해주세요~" (in Korean). bnt news. May 18, 2010. from the original on October 9, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
- ^ Sang-Hee Han (May 3, 2010). "Arirang TV to present global K-pop show". The Korea Times. from the original on June 16, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
- ^ "Music Videos, MTV Playlists, Reality TV, Artist News, Contests | MTV Korea". mtv.co.kr (in Korean). MTV Korea. 14 April 2014. from the original on 14 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
- ^ "엠블랙 이준, '순정녀' 새 MC 발탁 "미녀들과 함께 할 수 있어 영광" (in Korean). "Daum Media". July 6, 2010.
- ^ "엠블랙 이준 한달만에 '순정녀' MC 하차 '가수활동 전념'" (in Korean). Newsen. August 5, 2010. from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2010.
- ^ . Archived from the original on 2012-06-22.
- ^ Wee, Geun-woo; Jessica Kim (August 20, 2010). "Will college life be romantic and full of hopes for MBLAQ?". Asia Economy. from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2010.
- ^ "KBS 새 예능 '상상오락관' 신설, '가족오락관' 명성 이을까?" (in Korean). Nate News. January 7, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙 '깨알플레이어' 첫회 부터 대박예고 '인공 방귀탄' 폭소 (in Korean). Nate News. March 10, 2011. from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved March 14, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙 지오, '불후2' 합류 확정…"이 멤버로 한 달 갈 것" (in Korean). Joy News 24 via Naver. June 8, 2011.
- ^ 中 톱★ 웨이천 "韓 최고 아이돌 엠블랙과 작업 기쁘다" (in Korean). Star Today via Nate News. August 24, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙 이준, 드라마 '플라이어게인' 캐스팅 (in Korean). Star News. September 22, 2012.
- ^ "MBLAQ's Thunder makes a surprise cameo appearance on 'Padam Padam'". Allkpop. December 5, 2011. from the original on December 7, 2011. Retrieved January 7, 2011.
- ^ "엠블랙, KBS joy '헬로 베이비' 시즌5 합류" (in Korean). Joy News 24. January 5, 2012.
- ^ "엠블랙, 'K팝 최강 서바이벌' 첫방송 특별출연" (in Korean). Money Today Star News. March 15, 2012.
- ^ '선녀가필요해' 이준 고우리, 차인표 소속사 연습생으로 등장 폭소 (in Korean). TV Report. April 12, 2012.
- ^ "MBLAQ member G.O gets cast in SBS' 'Ghost'" (in Korean). Asia Today. April 29, 2012.
- ^ "More idols confirmed for 'The Romantic & Idol'". Allkpop. October 19, 2012. from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ^ "'Laws of the Jungle 2′ reveals finalized cast members including MBLAQ's Mir". Allkpop. October 23, 2012. from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ^ 박규리 정극연기 데뷔 연기자 변신..천둥과 호흡 (in Korean). Newsen. January 5, 2013. from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ^ "MBLAQ and Park Hyo Shin to also perform at '64th Sapporo Snow Festival'". Allkpop. January 17, 2013. from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ^ "G.O, Seungyeon, Siwan, Ji Eun, and Sunggyu to cameo in upcoming KBS sitcom". Allkpop. February 6, 2013. from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ^ "2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards Part1" 2015-12-08 at the Wayback Machine. MAMA. Retrieved 2014-12-18.
- ^ Hicap, Jonathan M. (October 29, 2010). . Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin Publishing. Archived from the original on October 29, 2010. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
- ^ "Winners at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards!". Allkpop. 2010-11-28. from the original on 2012-11-03. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ "Winners from the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards". Allkpop. 2011-11-29. from the original on 2012-10-30. Retrieved 2012-12-01.
- ^ a b "Winners from the '2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards'". Allkpop. November 30, 2012. from the original on December 3, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
- ^ Lee, Nancy (8 June 2012). . enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on 7 October 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
- ^ Lee, Nancy (28 June 2012). . enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
- ^ 그룹 가수상 수상하는 엠블랙 (in Korean). Nate News. October 23, 2010.
- ^ ‘제18회 대한민국 문화연예대상’ 가수상 수상 (in Korean). Newsen. December 15, 2010. from the original on September 17, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
- ^ "The 18th Korean Culture Entertainment Awards". KBS World. December 15, 2010.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b 문채원-티아라-엠블랙, 주얼리어워드 다이아몬드상 (in Korean). Nate News. December 7, 2011.
- ^ 소지섭·이태곤·엠블랙, 韓문화연예대상 대상(종합) (in Korean). Nate News. December 15, 2011.
- ^ 엠블랙, 골든디스크 음반부문 본상 수상![포토엔] (in Korean). Nate News. January 11, 2012. from the original on March 27, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
- ^ 엠블랙, '2012아시아모델상시상식' 인기가수상 수상 (in Korean). Nate News. January 19, 2012.
- ^ "KARA, B2ST, and more win at 7th annual 'Asia Model Awards' - allkpop.com". allkpop.com. from the original on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2018.