Wikipedia

Fly to the Sky

Fly to the Sky(Korean:플라이 투 더 스카이) is a South KoreanR&Bduo consisting ofBrian JooandHwanhee.[1]Initially marketed asK-pop idols,the duo later developed a more mature image and became one of the most popular R&B groups in South Korea.[2]The duo has released nine studio albums since its debut in 1999.[3]

Fly to the Sky
(L-R): Hwanhee and Brian Joo
(L-R): Hwanhee and Brian Joo
Background information
OriginSeoul,South Korea
Genres
Years active
  • 1999–2009
  • 2014–2019
Labels
  • SM Entertainment(1999–2004)
  • PFull Entertainment (2004–2009)
  • H2 Media (2014–present)
Members
Websitewww.ftts.co.kr

Musical career

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1999–2001: Debut and the early years

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The duo was formed in late 1998 bySM Entertainment.Brian Joo auditioned while he was attendingHoly Spirit High SchoolinNew Jersey.Hwang Yoon-Suk, later to be known as Hwanhee, was encouraged to audition by a staff member working for the label at his high school festival. Fly to the Sky officially debuted on November 21, 1999, at the LOG-INH.O.T.Concert and SM Festival Concert '99.

Soon after, the duo released their debut albumDay by Dayon December 9, 1999, and made their first official television appearance two days later. Unlike their predecessors on their label, popularteen idolsat that time, they shied away from upbeattechnoanddance music,opting for mid-tempo ballads. The debut became highly successful selling over 250,000 copies.[4]The duo acquired status as the next-generation stars as they won Best New Artist award in 2000.[5]At the same time, the duo failed to rise to instant stardom unlike their predecessors such asH.O.T.,whose album sales have passed the one million mark.[6]

Their popularity rapidly climbed with the release of their second albumThe Promisein 2001, which featured more diverse genres than its predecessor. With more upbeat tracks, it peaked at #2, but quickly disappeared from the charts.[7]In the same year, they held a joint concert with Korean R&B singer Kim Jo-Han.

2002–2004: Musical transition

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Fly to the Sky - Day by Day (1999)
bubblegum-influenced debut single
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Fly to the Sky - Condition of My Heart (2002)
heavy ballad written by Brian McKnight
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Fly to the Sky - Like a Man (2006)
the melodramatic title single from their first album under PFull Entertainment
Problems playing this file? Seemedia help.

In April 2002, their third albumSea of Lovewas released while Joo was inNew JerseyattendingRutgers University.As a result, Hwang began to perform by himself until Joo returned to Korea. The lead single from the album was the title track, a poppy ballad, and it became a summer hit. Their second single "Condition of my Heart" was written by American singerBrian McKnight;in contrast to the first single, "Condition" was a heavier ballad. The single signaled the duo's musical transition from bubblegum music to R&B. Along with their music, their image began to change as the duo traded in their "flower boy"look for a more masculine image. In the same year, the label released a female duo that was said by fans to complement Fly to the Sky known asIsak N Jiyeon,however the two groups never worked independently with each other.

Their 2003 studio albumMissing Youfeatured more tracks that departed frombubblegum musicand emphasized their vocal skills for an image as serious artists. Performing commercially well, the album gave the duo many awards including "Bonsang" award fromSBSGayo Daejunand Korea Music Awards. This period is remembered for the highly publicized death of their manager, who was also the manager ofBoA,another Korean singer.[8]On avariety show,both members recalled this incident as an emotionally hard time for them. Hwanhee was especially shocked, because he was on the same vehicle with his manager just hours before the incident.

In November 2004, the duo released their fifth and last studio album under SM Entertainment,Gravity.The album received little promotion, and became the duo's lowest-selling studio album, selling just below 90,000 copies.[9][10]Nevertheless, they held their first official concert successfully inJamsil Arenaon December 21, 2004, and received "Best R&B Artist" award from SBS Gayo Daejun.[11]A controversy rose as critics questioned their eligibility for the award, because the album was released only two months before the show. They challenged the credibility and fairness of SBS Gayo Daejun in its entirety as the artists who boycotted SBS such asYG Familyor those who were not present did not receive any awards. They scorned the show as "a party for only those who were present."[12]

The release of theirGreatest hitsalbumEternityin 2005 coincided with the release of the soundtrack of Korean dramaFashion 70swhich featured the duo. The popular Korean show made their song "가슴 아파도" ( "Although My Heart Aches" ), the theme song of the show, an unexpected hit.[13]Eternityis the last Fly to the Sky album released by SM Entertainment.

2004–2006: Leaving SM Entertainment and personal struggles

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After Fly to the Sky's contract with SM Entertainment expired in November 2004, the duo signed on with PFull Entertainment. The duo stated that they wanted a smaller label that was willing to promote them as musicians and focus less on commercial success.[14]Under this label, Fly to the Sky released their sixth studio albumTransitionafter a year-long hiatus in January 2006. The album became massively successful, selling over 160,000 copies.

The duo embarked on their first nationwide tour, "Fly To The Sky: 2006 The Twice Tour". Starting from Jamsil Arena inSeoulin May 2006, they held concerts inBusan,Daegu,Junju, andKwangju.Including the number of audiences in the encore concert in Seoul, the tour garnered more than 50,000 people.[15]

To commemorate the success ofTransition,Fly To The Sky released a special new edition, which included music videos, deleted scenes and the additional tracks "Hwan Sang (Illusion)," "Hot and Cold," and "When I Say."

In 2004 and 2005, the duo's uncertain future after their contract with SM Entertainment led to a speculation that they would disband.[16]Brian Joo publicly addressed the rumours onSBSshow "Yah Shim Man Man," which aired on July 10. He admitted that the two had difficulties in the early days of their career and said that he had been troubled by feelings of inferiority to Hwanhee, because he received more attention and praise than him.[17]Despite their status as a duo, he felt that he was not given his due or the same amount of attention as Hwanhee. Eventually he found this difficult to bear, and suggested to him that they pursue their separate paths. Hwanhee responded angrily and the matter escalated into a serious fight nearly leading to disbandment. The two reconciled soon after, and said they "grew to better understand each other and realized that they both needed each other."[18][19]Afterwards, the pair decided to try to better understand each other in order to solve their problems together and to support each other. After reflecting on this incident, Joo's eyes were brimming with tears.

Since 2006, the duo has been seen frequently on variety shows and pursued individual careers. Hwanhee appeared onKorean television drama"Over the Rainbow" during summer of 2006, and Joo released his solo albumThe Brianin December 2006. As they appeared more often on non-music programs, the duo saw an increase in their popularity and backlash from critics at the same time as they felt the duo were compromising their image as artists.[20]

2007–2009: Return to prominence and solo projects

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The duo's seventh albumNo Limitationswas released on July 4, 2007. Their first television performance to promote the album was on June 29, 2007.[21]Popular tracks that are included in the album are "Oneuldo Eebbeungul," ( "오늘도 이쁜걸"Pretty Today Too) "Geuraedo Sarangipnida," ( "그래도 사랑입니다"It's still love) and "Gee-uk Han Joom" ( "기억 한 줌"Grain of Memory),[22]as well as "My Angel", which peaked at #1 on many on- and offline charts.No Limitationsbecame the duo's first number one album.Decennium(2009) became the group's final album, with the duo stating that they will not renew their contract and will go their separate ways professionally. As of 2009, Hwanhee and Brian have released their respective first and second solo albums. Hwanhee has also participated in the production of Song Ji Eun's solo single "Yesterday" and also features in the title track.

2014: Comeback after five years on hiatus

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On April 14, 2014, Brian Joo announced on his Twitter that Fly to the Sky will be making their comeback in May. The band later signed up with H2 Media, the agency of member Hwanhee.[23]Their ninth new albumContiniuumhas been released and the main title track is "You You You".[24]The single peaked at number one on Gaon digital chart.[25]

In June, the duo releases a music video titled "Years Apart" as a theme song for the movieNo Tears for the Dead.[26]

Although being on hiatus for 5 years, Hwanhee and Brian expressed their good teamwork and solid friendship in an interview, telling "There were rumors about us being gay and liking men, but it’s not like that. We’re that close so people feel that way about us”.[27]

Musical style

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The duo's debut single "Day by Day" was a light bubblegumlove song.Their subsequent songs were a combination of R&B,pop rap,andhip-hopuntil 2002, when the duo abandoned bubblegum pop. Since 2002, they opted for a blend of heavy R&B andKorean pop.They continue to sing love songs, and some of them continue to incorporate hip-hop and rap from Joo.

The duo differs in their taste of music. Producer ofTransition,Hwang Se-Jun, has said Hwanhee prefers pure R&B while Brian likes music with distinct beats and has a strong liking for rap.[19]Despite his passion, their 2006 studio albumTransitiondoes not feature any. Brian predicts that there will no longer be any opportunity to include his rap in their album, and dislikes "being generalized as a duo comprised of one rapper and one vocalist." He lamented the waning popularity of hip-hop in South Korea where "hip-hop is merely labeled as dance music in Korea."[14]

Criticisms

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Prior to the duo's transition to R&B, critics were displeased as despite being promoted as serious artists that appeal to older audiences, they felt that the duo was no different from other popular teen idols at that time.[28]In a lengthy interview with music review site "52street", the site described the duo in the early years as, "trendy hairstyle, thick make-up, and flashy dance moves."[14]

As their career matured, critics have pointed that Fly to the Sky has yet to find their own style. The duo has been criticized for lack of creative control over their works and relying heavily on composers whose distinct styles overpower their vocals.[29]During their career they have written lyrics for four songs in albumsGravityandNo Limitations.[29][30]Music critic Shin Hye Rim says,[29]

Ironically, Fly to the Sky's sixth albumTransition,which means change or transformation, shows no significant improvement. Despite that this album is their first step under their new label, the album almost turns out just the way we have predicted. Fany's thick tone color and Brian's clean-cut voice fuse to make music that spits out sorrow. That's about it.

Their appearances at variety shows were met with scrutiny as the duo were seen frequently outside of music programs during 2006.[31]They were one of many artists who hopped on a bandwagon to promote their albums by appearing comical on variety shows. Critics compared this choice to a double-edged sword; while they gained more publicity and a more viewer-friendly image, they were compromising their image as professional artists.[32]From January to February 2006, Seoul YWCA conducted a research to study variety shows that air from 6PM to 8PM. The research concluded that "variety shows star the same celebrities and air similar content."[20]The article listed celebrities who frequent those shows, of which Joo was one of them. He appeared in television shows of three major broadcasting networks of Korea during the same time slot on January 6 and January 29.[20]

Awards and nominations

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Golden Disc Awards
Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2003 Main Prize (Bonsang) "Missing You" Won [33]
2006 "Like a Man" Won
Mnet Asian Music Awards
Year Category Work Result Ref.
2000 Best New Group "Day By Day" Nominated [34]
Best R&B Performance Nominated
2001 "The Promise" (약속) Nominated [35]
2002 "My Heart" Nominated [36]
2003 "Missing You" Won [37]
2006 "Like a Man" Won [38]
2007 "My Angel" Nominated [39]
SBS Gayo Daejeon
Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2000 Rookie Award — Won [40]
2002 R&B Award Won [41]
2003 Main Prize (Bonsang) Won [42]
2004 R&B Award Won [43]
2006 Main Prize (Bonsang) Won [44]

Other awards

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Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2003 Seoul Music Awards Main Prize (Bonsang) — Won [45]
2006 Korean Fashion World Awards Best Dressed Singer — Won [46]
2014 Melon Music Awards R&B/Soul Award "You You You" Won [47]

Discography

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Main article:Fly to the Sky discography

References

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  1. ^Martin, Annie (2017-10-02)."Fly to the Sky to release new album in November".UPI.Retrieved2018-10-29.
  2. ^Yoon, Min-sik (2018-05-14)."Hwanhee to release new single on May 22".The Korea Herald.Retrieved2018-10-29.
  3. ^O, So-yeong (2014-11-21).대체할 수 없는 시너지, 플라이투더스카이의 15주년 '되돌아 보기'.Sports Q(in Korean).Retrieved2018-10-29.
  4. ^"2000.04월 - 가요 음반 판매량 (Record Sales of April 2000)"(in Korean). Music Industry Association Korea. April 2000. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-06-16.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  5. ^"Fly to the Sky Artist Review".Mnet.Archived fromthe originalon 2011-07-14.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  6. ^"1999.12월 - 가요 음반 판매량 (Record Sales of December 1999)".Music Industry Association Korea. December 1999. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-06-16.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  7. ^"2001.02월 - 가요 음반 판매량 (Record Sales of February 2001)"(in Korean). Music Industry Association Korea. February 2001. Archived fromthe originalon September 2, 2004.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  8. ^"보아, 매니저 교통사고 사망 '통곡' (BoA mourns death of her manager)"(in Korean). 2003-07-09. Archived fromthe originalon August 14, 2003.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  9. ^"2004 Yearly Chart"(in Korean). Music Industry Association Korea. December 2004. Archived fromthe originalon August 1, 2008.Retrieved2006-11-20.
  10. ^"2005 Yearly Chart"(in Korean). Music Industry Association Korea. December 2005. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-03-10.Retrieved2006-11-20.
  11. ^"다양한 장르, 정상급 가수들의 뜨거운 경합 Diverse Genres, Intense battle between top-notch artists"(in Korean). 2004-12-31. Archived fromthe originalon 2005-01-22.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  12. ^"플라이투더스카이가 상을? 2개월 활동했는데? 찝찝한 결과... (Fly to the Sky wins an award? After only being active for two months? An unclear result..."(in Korean). 2004-12-30. Archived fromthe originalon 2021-02-25.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  13. ^"드라마패션70s주제곡 뜬다 Drama Fashion 70s Theme Song becomes a hit "(in Korean). 2005-06-09. Archived fromthe originalon September 22, 2007.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  14. ^abcOk-sun Seo."Fly to the Sky: Two voices, two attractions, second start... Four wings that fly once again"(in Korean). 52street. p. 1. Archived fromthe originalon 2009-02-19.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  15. ^"플라이투더스카이, 음반활동 종료..개인활동 돌입 (Fly to the Sky takes a hiatus and starts individual activities)"(in Korean). 31 May 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-12-13.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  16. ^"브라이언 왜 생방송 도중 눈물 흘렸나 (Why did Brian shed tears on a live show?)"(in Korean). 2006-02-19. Archived fromthe originalon 2006-03-09.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  17. ^Kim Ji-yun (2006-08-09)."신화 플라이투더스카이 쥬얼리, 장수비결은? (Shinhwa, Fly to the Sky, and Jewelry: What are their secrets to a long lasting career?)"(in Korean).Retrieved2006-12-24.[permanent dead link‍]
  18. ^Lee Dong-Jun (2006-07-10)."브라이언," 해체 위기 맞은 적 있다 "(Brian," We Nearly Disbanded. ")"(in Korean). Archived fromthe originalon 2007-10-11.Retrieved2006-08-29.
  19. ^abWon-kyung Cho; Kim Ha-rim (2006)."Fly to the Sky Transition"(in Korean). Archived fromthe originalon 2009-02-18.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  20. ^abcHu Yoon-Hee (2006-04-04)."오락프로 출연자 '그 나물에 그 밥' (Entertainment TV Show Cast All the Same)"(in Korean).The Hankyoreh.Archived fromthe originalon November 13, 2007.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  21. ^Park Mi-ea (2007-06-20)."환희-브라이언, 29일 플투스 7집 첫 무대 (Fany-Brian, First Seventh Album Performance on the 29th)"(in Korean). EDaily. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-10-11.Retrieved2007-06-22.
  22. ^Lee Gyoo-Rim (2007-05-28)."플라이투더스카이, 1년 반만에 정규 7집 발표 (Fly to the Sky to release seventh album after a year and a half)"(in Korean). Mydaily. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-10-13.Retrieved2007-06-22.
  23. ^"플라이 투 더 스카이, 9집 앨범으로 컴백".
  24. ^Fly to the Sky Returns with “Continuum” on May 20Soompi.com (April 30, 2014). Retrieved on May 20, 2014.
  25. ^Gaon Digital Chart Week 22 of 2014Archived2014-06-01 at theWayback MachineGaon.co.kr (May 2014). Retrieved May 31, 2014
  26. ^Fly to the Sky Drops “Years Apart” MV for Jang Dong Gun and Kim Min Hee’s MovieSoompi.com (June 4, 2014). Retrieved June 4, 2014
  27. ^Fly to the Sky: “Rumors That We Are a Couple Are Better than Rumors of Us Fighting”Soompi.com (June 11, 2014). Retrieved on June 15, 2014.
  28. ^"Fly to the Sky at IZM.com"(in Korean). July 2005. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-03-01.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  29. ^abcHye-rim Shin (February 2006)."Album Review Transition"(in Korean). Archived fromthe originalon 2007-03-10.Retrieved2006-10-28.
  30. ^Joong-Suk Yang (August 2006)."4집 - Missing You"(in Korean). oimusic. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-03-10.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  31. ^플라이 투 더 스카이, 오락 프로그램서도 종횡무진 ‘플라이!’(in Korean). 2006-03-24.Retrieved2006-12-24.[permanent dead link‍]
  32. ^"발라드 가수도 웃겨야 살아남는다 (Even ballad singers must be funny to survive)"(in Korean). 2006-03-06.Retrieved2006-12-24.[permanent dead link‍]
  33. ^역대수상자[Past Winners].Golden Disc Awards(in Korean).Retrieved2018-10-29.
  34. ^"2000 MMF part 1".MAMA.Retrieved 2014-06-25.
  35. ^"2001 M.net Korean Music Festival Winners list"Archived2014-10-09 at theWayback Machine.MAMA.Retrieved 2014-07-22.
  36. ^"2002 MMF part 1"Archived2014-08-19 at theWayback Machine.Mwave.Retrieved 2014-08-17.
  37. ^"2003 M.net Korean Music Festival Winners list"Archived2012-10-29 at theWayback Machine.MAMA.Retrieved 2014-06-12.
  38. ^"TVXQ Sweeps the 2006 MMKF"(in Korean). 2006-11-27.Retrieved2006-12-24.
  39. ^"2007 Mnet KM Music Festival Part1"Archived2014-10-26 at theWayback Machine.MAMA.Retrieved 2014-12-14.
  40. ^Choe, Seung-hyeon (2000-12-18)."SBS 올해의 10대가수 선정".Maeil Business Newspaper(in Korean).Retrieved2018-10-29.
  41. ^Hong, Je-seong (2002-12-30)."'2002 SBS 가요대전 "대상은 보아".Yonhap News Agency(in Korean).Retrieved2018-10-29.
  42. ^"2003 SBS 가요대전 대상에 이효리".JoongAng Ilbo.2003-12-29.Retrieved2018-10-29.
  43. ^Gim, Yeong-hyeon (2004-12-30)."신화, '2004 SBS 가요대전' 대상".Maeil Business Newspaper(in Korean).Retrieved2018-10-29.
  44. ^"2006 SBS 가요대전 대상에 '동방신기'".KBS News(in Korean). 2006-12-30.Retrieved2018-10-29.
  45. ^역대 수상자.Seoul Music Awards(in Korean). Archived fromthe originalon 2018-02-23.Retrieved2018-10-29.
  46. ^신현준, 코리아 패션 월드 어워즈 '베스트 드레서' 선정.The Chosun Ilbo(in Korean). 2006-12-03.Retrieved2018-10-29.
  47. ^"'2014 MMA' 플투스, R&B 소울부문 수상.. "이수만에 감사"".The Chosun Ilbo(in Korean). 2014-11-13.Retrieved2018-10-29.
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