What Happened to Block B? Here are the 'Dark Horse of K-pop' Current Activities & Military Status
You may be familiar with Zico, but are you aware that he is a member of a K-pop group called Block B? On this day, let us recall the history and success of the group referred to as the "Dark Horse of K-pop."
But whatever happened to Block B? Keep reading to know where the members now are!
Who is Block B? Debut, Members, and the Reason Why They are the 'Dark Horse of K-pop'
In 2011, Cho Pd of Stardom Entertainment formed a K-pop male group under his project, "Creating Korean Eminem." The K-pop/K-hip-hop team is comprised of members Taeil, B-Bomb, Jaehyo, U-Kwon, Park Kyung, P.O, and Zico.
The anticipation of the group is positive, but Block B's start is truly a "rocky road." Luckily, after a failed debut, Block B successfully regained their name with their hit tracks, "Nillili Mambo," "Very Good," "Nalina" and more.
Due to this, the septet received the nickname, "Dark Horse of K-pop," as after numerous misfortunes and difficulties, Block B rose as one of the most iconic K-pop male groups from the second-generation era.
Block B Controversy: Inappropriate Remarks + Lawsuit Against Stardom Entertainment
In 2011, Block B was introduced on the music stage with its debut track, "Freeze!". But due to its "severely sexy" concept, it was banned by the Commission of Youth Protection on Korean television, and fans under 19 cannot listen to it, nor the video could be played before 10 p.m.
In the same year, Block B followed up with their second mini-album but two of the songs from "Welcome to the Block" were again banned from minors.
2012 entered but Block B's status got worse after their rude behavior and "mocking" the Thailand flood victims who are receiving financial donations. Fortunately, K-pop enthusiasts gave them a second chance and regained their blooming popularity after releasing "Nillili Mambo."
But if you think it is the start of the peak of Block B's career, then the difficulties of the group are just starting.
In 2013, Block B filed a lawsuit against its agency Stardom in regards to not receiving any payment since its debut. It was revealed that their CEO, Mr. Lee, run away with 66,000 USD collected from the members' parents. Shockingly, it was reported that amid the lawsuit, CEO Lee made an extreme decision.
Making the situation sadder, Block B lose in the lawsuit, the court favoring the company.
ALSO READ: Here Are 20 of The Strongest Rap Lines from K-Pop Groups, According to Fans
Where Are the Members Now? Group and Individual Activities + Military Enlistment
In 2013 then, the whole group left Stardom and transfer to Seven Seasons, hereinafter, KQ Entertainment.
The group since then steadily dropped new releases under their new nest, establishing their growing fandom as well.
Block B enjoys massive popularity not until 2018, wherein Zico left the agency and pursue his own label, KOZ Entertainment, not to mention that the members also started enlisting in the military.
Currently, the seven members are all dedicated to their solo activities.
Starting with Taeil, the main vocalist of the group was also actively promoting as a soloist since 2015, who performed in various solo concerts during Block B's activities.
In December 2020, Taeil was officially discharged from the military after entering the camp in 2019.
In February 2021, Taeil impressed viewers with his golden voice after appearing in "The King of Mask Singers," his first schedule after the military.
Meanwhile, In 2015, U-Kwon, B-Bomb, and P.O debuted as a sub-unit called Bastarz. After the sub-unit was put into hiatus, B-Bomb and P.O became actors, wherein the former rose into popularity after his appearance in the hit drama, "Hotel Del Luna." P.O. is also active as an entertainment personality, who is a regular cast in tvN's shows including "Amazing Saturday," and "Great Escape."
B-Bomb who is known for composing various tracks for Block B debuted as a solo artist with "Dawn" in 2019. However, just months after, he entered the military finishing his term of service in April 2021. On August 3, B-Bomb opened his personal YouTube channel and released a teaser video of what his fans and subscribers should expect on his upcoming vlogs.
As for the remaining members, U-Kwon, Zico, and Park Kyung simultaneously enlisted in the military in 2020 and are currently serving this 2021.
Lastly, Jaehyo who was discharged early in the military in 2019 due to his repeated knee injury became an honorary media staff member for the fishing gear company, Banax Korea.
READ MORE: COMEBACK or DISBAND: Second-Gen Male Groups With Longest Hiatus and Comeback That Fans Anticipate the Most
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Written by Eunice Dawson
