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Fly to the Sky

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Fly to the Sky (hangul:플라이 투 더 스카이) is a South Korean R&B duo, consisting of U.S.-born Brian Joo (Korean: 브라이언) and South Korean native Fany (also known as Hwanhee; Korean: 환희 Hanja: 歡喜; meaning "delight"). Since their 1999 debut single "Day by Day," they have enjoyed consistent success with hits such as "Sea of Love," "Missing You," and 남자답게 (Like a Man).

Initially marketed as an attractive-looking duo that can sing, rap, and dance, Fly to the Sky bore heavy resemblance to teen idols in its early years.[1] The duo later changed their image and style with the release of Sea of Love in 2002. With their subsequent albums, the duo solidified their status as R&B artists and are credited as the first R&B duo of South Korea.[2][3]

Musical career

1999-2001: Debut and the early years

File:Flytotheskyearlyyrs.jpg
Fly to the Sky before their musical transition. In this photo taken in 2001, the duo sports shiny jackets and highlights.

The duo was formed in late 1998 by SM Entertainment. Brian Joo auditioned while he was attending Holy Spirit High School in New Jersey. Fany 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-IN H.O.T. Concert and SM Festival Concert '99.

Soon after, the duo released their debut album Day by Day on December 9, 1999, and made their first official television appearance two days later. Unlike their predecessors on their label, popular teen idols at that time, they shied away from upbeat techno and dance 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.[3] At the same time, the duo failed to rise to instant stardom unlike their predecessors such as H.O.T., whose album sales have passed the one million mark.[5]

Their popularity slowly climbed with the release of their sophomore album The Promise in 2001, which featured more diverse genres than its predecessor. With more upbeat tracks, it peaked at #2, but quickly disappeared from the charts.[6] In the same year, they held a joint concert with Korean R&B singer Kim Jo-Han.

2002-2004: Musical transition

Template:Sound sample box align right

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

Template:Sample box end In April 2002, their third album Sea of Love was released while Brian was in New Jersey attending Rutgers University. As a result, Fany began to perform by himself until Brian returned to Korea. The lead single from the album was the title track, a poppy ballad, and it became a summer hit. Their sophomore single "Condition of my Heart" was written by American singer Brian 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 "bishounen" look for a more masculine image.

Their 2003 studio album Missing You featured more tracks that drastically departed from bubblegum music and emphasized their vocal skills for an image as serious artists. Performing commercially well, the album gave the duo many awards including "Bonsang" award from SBS Gayo Daejun and Korea Music Awards. This period is remembered for the highly publicized death of their manager, who was also the manager of BoA, another Korean pop star.[7] On a variety show, both members recalled this incident as an emotionally hard time for them. Fany 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.[8][9] Nevertheless, they held their first official concert successfully in Jamsil Arena on December 21, 2004, and received "Best R&B Artist" award from SBS Gayo Daejun.[10] 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 as YG Family or those who were not present did not receive any awards. They scorned the show as "a party for only those who were present."[11]

The release of their Greatest hits album Eternity in 2005 coincided with the release of the soundtrack of Korean drama Fashion 70s which 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.[12] Eternity is the last Fly to the Sky album released by SM Entertainment.

2004-present: Post-SM Entertainment

File:Transitionfly6.jpg
Transition was Fly to the Sky's first album in about a year and a half.

After Fly to the Sky's contract with SM Entertainment expired in November 2004, Fly to the Sky 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.[1] Under this label, Fly to the Sky released their sixth studio album Transition after a year-long hiatus in January 2006. The album became massively successful, selling over 180,000 copies.

The duo embarked on their first nationwide tour, "Fly To The Sky: 2006 The Twice Tour". Starting from Jamsil Arena in Seoul in May 2006, they held concerts in Busan, Daegu, Junju, and Kwangju. Including the number of audiences in the encore concert in Seoul, the tour garnered more than 50,000 people, a high number by Korean standards.[13]

To commemorate the success of Transition, 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.[14] Brian publicly addressed the rumours and clarified that Fly to the Sky was not disbanding. He admitted to experiencing differences in the early years on the SBS show "Yah Shim Man Man," which aired on July 10. He confessed that he had been troubled by feelings of inferiority to Fany, because he received more attention and praise than him.[15] Despite their status as a duo, Brian felt that he was not given his due or the same amount of attention as Fany. Eventually he found this difficult to bear, and suggested to Fany that they pursue their separate paths. Fany responded angrily and the matter escalated into a serious fight nearly leading to disbandment. The two reconciled soon after, growing to better understand each other and realizing that they both needed each other.[16][17] 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, Brian's eyes were brimming with tears.

Since 2006, the duo has been seen frequently on variety shows and pursued individual careers. Fany appeared on Korean television drama "Over the Rainbow" during summer of 2006, and Brian released his solo album The Brian in December 2006. As they appeared more oftenly 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.[18]

Solo activities

See also: Brian Joo and Fany Hwang
File:Overtherainbowfany.jpg
Fany as Rex and co-star Seo Ji-Hye in Over the Rainbow.

Fany starred in the MBC series Over the Rainbow with co-stars Kim Ok-Bin and Ji Hyun Woo. The series first aired on July 26, 2006, and ended on its 16th episode on September 14, 2006. Fany's portrayal of cocky rock star Rex, the protagonist of the show, was met with mixed reviews. [19][20] The drama had struggled with low viewership well below 10% throughout its airing.[21][22] The finale garnered meager ratings of 9.3% and was criticized for its predictable ending.[23]

After the contract to SM Entertainment expired, the duo, Brian in particular, has appeared frequently on variety shows since 2005. Brian became one of two MCs for MBC's "Music Core" on May 6, 2006. This helped Brian gain publicity and expand his fanbase in ways he could not have in the early days of his career. After the duo officially took a hiatus from their sixth album, Brian continues to appear on variety shows such as Love Letter, and is still the MC of Music Core.

Brian's solo album was released December 18, 2006. Brian performed his first single, "Gajima" (Don't Go) on Mnet Countdown on December 7, and hopes to release the seventh studio album with Fany in mid-2007.[24][25]

Musical style

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

The duo differs in their taste of music. Producer of Transition, Hwang Se-Jun, has said Fany prefers pure R&B while Brian likes music with distinct beats and has a strong liking for rap.[17] Despite his passion, their 2006 studio album Transition does 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."[1]

Criticisms

Prior to the duo's transition to R&B, critics were displeased as despite being promoted as serious artists that appeal to older audiences, the duo was no different from other popular teen idols at that time.[26] 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."[1]

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 relying heavily on composers whose distinct styles overpower their vocals.[27] Despite a seven-year-long career, the duo has made no artistic contributions to their album other than writing the lyrics for the two songs in album Gravity, leading their critics to express disappointment in the duo's lack of musical progress despite their long career.[28][27] Music critic Shin Hye Rim says,[27]

Ironically, Fly to the Sky's sixth album Transition, 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.[29] They were one of many artists who hopped on a bandwagon to promote their albums by appearing comical on variety shows. Critics have said their choice was like a double-edged sword; while they gained more publicity and a more viewer-friendly image, they were compromising their image as professional artists.[30] 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."[18] The article listed celebrities who frequent those shows, of which Brian 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.[18]

Awards

Years Awards
2000
  • Best New Artist at SBS Gayo Daejun
2002
  • Best R&B Artist at SBS Gayo Daejun
2003
  • Best R&B Music Video at MNET Music Video Festival
  • Best Male Dressers at KOREA
  • Bonsang at 18th Golden Disk Awards
  • Bonsang at SBS Gayo Daejun
  • Bonsang at Seoul Gayo Awards
  • Most Popular R&B Artist at Korea Music Awards
2004
  • Best R&B Artist at SBS Gayo Daejun
2006
  • Best R&B Artist at MNET KM Music Festival[31]
  • Best Dressers at The 4th Korea Fashion Awards
  • Bonsang from 2006 Golden Disk Awards[32]
  • Bonsang from SBS Gayo Daejun

Discography

Concerts

  • Contact – Kim Jo Han & Fly to the Sky Joint Live Concert (Released September 1, 2004)
  • Fly to the Sky Live – 1st Live Concert: Unforgettable (Released April 26, 2004)

Studio albums

The chart positions are based on data from Music Industry Association Korea. Unlike Oricon Chart and the Billboard Chart, the charts are released monthly, not weekly.

Year Title Chart positions
1999 Day by Day 6
2001 The Promise 2
2002 Sea of Love 2
2003 Missing You 2
2004 Gravity 5
2006 Transition 3

Compilation albums

  • Fly to the Sky Best Album - Eternity (Released May 26, 2005)
  • Transition repackage (April 26, 2006)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Ok-sun Seo. "Fly to the Sky: Two voices, two attractions, second start... Four wings that fly once again" (in Korean). 52street. p. 1. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  2. ^ "FLY TO THE SKY on asiamusic.net". asiamusic.net. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  3. ^ a b "Fly to the Sky Artist Review". mnet.com. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  4. ^ "2000.04월 - 가요 음반 판매량 (Record Sales of April 2000)" (in Korean). Music Industry Association Korea. 2000. Retrieved 2006-12-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. ^ "1999.12월 - 가요 음반 판매량 (Record Sales of December 1999)". Music Industry Association Korea. 1999. Retrieved 2006-12-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ "2001.02월 - 가요 음반 판매량 (Record Sales of February 2001)" (in Korean). Music Industry Association Korea. 2001. Retrieved 2006-12-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. ^ "보아, 매니저 교통사고 사망 '통곡' (BoA mourns death of her manager)" (in Korean). 2003-07-09. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  8. ^ "2004 Yearly Chart" (in Korean). Music Industry Association Korea. 2004. Retrieved 2006-11-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. ^ "2005 Yearly Chart" (in Korean). Music Industry Association Korea. 2005. Retrieved 2006-11-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  10. ^ "다양한 장르, 정상급 가수들의 뜨거운 경합 Diverse Genres, Intense battle between top-notch artists" (in Korean). 2004-12-31. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  11. ^ "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. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  12. ^ "드라마 패션70s 주제곡 뜬다 Drama Fashion 70s Theme Song becomes a hit" (in Korean). 2005-06-09. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  13. ^ "플라이투더스카이, 음반활동 종료..개인활동 돌입 (Fly to the Sky takes a hiatus and starts individual activities)" (in 2006-05-31). Retrieved 2006-12-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  14. ^ "브라이언 왜 생방송 도중 눈물 흘렸나 (Why did Brian shed tears on a live show?)" (in Korean). 2006-02-19. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  15. ^ 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). Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  16. ^ Lee Dong-Jun (2006-07-10). "브라이언, "해체 위기 맞은 적 있다" (Brian, "We Nearly Disbanded.")" (in Korean). Retrieved 2006-08-29.
  17. ^ a b Won-kyung Cho (2006). "Fly to the Sky Transition" (in Korean). Retrieved 2006-12-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) Cite error: The named reference "6집으로 돌아온 Fly to the Sky (Fly to the Sky Returning with Sixth Album)" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  18. ^ a b c Hu Yoon-Hee (2006-04-04). "오락프로 출연자 '그 나물에 그 밥' (Entertainment TV Show Cast All the Same)" (in Korean). The Hankyoreh. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  19. ^ "환희, 연기 변신 평가 '나쁘지 않네' (Reaction towards Fany's acting: Not bad!)" (in Korean). 2006-07-30. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  20. ^ "환희, 연기력 부족 문제 있다. (Fany lacks acting ability)" (in Korean). 2006-08-04. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  21. ^ "'오버 더 레인보우', 시청률 7% '고전' (Over the Rainbow struggles with 7% rating)" (in Korean). 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  22. ^ "'오버 더 레인보우' 부진 못 벗어나…시청률 7.4% Over the Rainbow cannot overcome its slump at 7.4% rating" (in Korean). 2006-08-24. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  23. ^ "환희의 연기도전, 네티즌들의 평가는? Fany's shot at acting: what do the netizens think?" (in Korean). 2006-09-15. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  24. ^ "브라이언 "환희와의 비교에 우울증" (Brian, "Comparison with Fany brought depression)" (in Korean). 2006-12-08. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  25. ^ "브라이언, "솔로 앨범서 올드팝 선보일 것" (Brian to showcase classic pop)" (in Korean). 2006-09-28. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  26. ^ "Fly to the Sky at IZM.com" (in Korean). 2005. Retrieved 2006-12-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  27. ^ a b c Hye-rim Shin year=2006. "Album Review Transition" (in Korean). Retrieved 2006-10-28. {{cite web}}: Missing pipe in: |author= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ Joong-Suk Yang (2006). "4집 - Missing You" (in Korean). oimusic. Retrieved 2006-12-24. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  29. ^ "플라이 투 더 스카이, 오락 프로그램서도 종횡무진 '플라이!'" (in Korean). 2006-03-24. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  30. ^ "발라드 가수도 웃겨야 살아남는다 (Even ballad singers must be funny to survive)" (in Korean). 2006-03-06. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  31. ^ "TVXQ Sweeps the 2006 MMKF" (in Korean). 2006-11-27. Retrieved 2006-12-24.
  32. ^ "Golden Disk - Winners" (in Korean). Retrieved 2006-12-24.

Interviews

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