N.R.G HISTORY!
N.R.G stands for New Radiancy Group is a boy group debuted under Music Factory in October 28, 1997. The fandom color is Pink and the fandom name is Cheonjaeilwoo (천재일우) means "a chance in a thousand years".
Before N.R.G was born, members Sungjin and Myunghoon were in a duo "Hamohamo" in 1996. Yoomin and Sunghoon were the backup dancers for the duo and while Hwansung is a member from a co-ed group, Kkaebi Kkaebi.
1st Album: New Radiancy Group
On October 28, 1997, N.R.G debuted with the title track, "I Can Do It (할 수 있어)" in Music Tank. This song was peaked in the music charts however, the voting is closed due to the IMF crisis. Still, they maintaned their popularity and having their MC spots in Music Tank in this era. 4 days after debut, they released their first ever album, New Radiancy Group on November 1, 1997.
On February 1998, the follow-up song, "Breakfast at Tiffany's (티파니에서 아침을)" was released and on mid-April 1998, the remix version of Breakfast at Tiffany's was promoted. The remix version is the bonus track of the second album.
2nd Album: Race, Season Greetings, Success in China
On August 7, 1998, the group made a comeback with the second album, Race along the title track, "Making Love (사랑만들기)". The group is having the unisex concept and gained more popularity at that time.
Upside down, the follow-up song "Messenger" was released on October 1998. The song has a rock and metallic vibe and more on dark concept.
On November 1998, they released a Christmas album, Season Greetings along the title track, "Our World (우리만의 세상)".
During the promotions, N.R.G were invited to perform for the 6th Anniversary Korea-China Diplomatic Relations and the Chinese audience were mesmerized to see the group's performance. Because of that, the group gained massive popularity in China and successfully promoted in 1999. They're considered as the "hallyu idols".
Sungjin and Myunghoon's Departure, 3rd Album: NRG 003
On August 1999, in a press conference, Sungjin and Myunghoon left the group for various reasons. Because of this, N.R.G will promote as a trio.
The third album, NRG 003 along the title track, "Face" was released on November 1, 1999. The music quality and concept has now changed than before.
The follow-up song, "You! Me! (너! 나!)" was released on the early 2000.
Their popularity was almost dropped at that time but it maintained in China.
Hwansung's Death, 4th Album: 悲 Sorrow
On June 15, 2000, the member Hwansung has passed away due to unknown virus. This sudden event made everyone in tragedy. Because of this, Sungjin and Myunghoon rejoined the group.
On July 2000, the group held a memorial concert for Hwansung in Beijing, China and afterwards, they went on hiatus to mourn to the late member.
After one year of mourn, the group released the forth album, 悲 Sorrow on June 1, 2001. This album is dedicated for the late Hwansung and members are now started to write songs for the album. The title track, "Sorrow (비)" was written and composed by H.O.T. member, Kangta since they're friends with Hwansung.
On August 15, 2001, they held their first concert in Korea and also dedicated for the late Hwansung.
At the same month, they released the hip-hop and ballad song, "Life is... (삶은... 계란)" featuring their labelmate, Lee Jane.
5th Album: Hit Song
On February 7, 2003, after a year of hiatus, they released the fifth album, Hit Song along the title track of the same name of the album. They grew stronger and gain their confidence back with spreading the energy. They finally got their first win after 6 years of debut. This is also one of Hwansung's wish to get no. 1 in music charts, and have wins. They kept promoting with the other title tracks, "What should I do (나 어떡해)", "Forgiveness (용서)", "Day (하루)", and "Friend (친구)" and held a second concert in Korea. Their song, "Friend" was also dedicated to Hwansung.
6th Album: NR6G
On April 30, 2004, they released the sixth album, NR6G along the title track, "Hurray for a virile son of Korea (대한건아 만세)". It didn't rank well in the charts than before but the big thing is they're the torch rulers for the 2004 Athens Olympics. They're also promoting the title tracks, "Rolly Park (롤리 박)" and "Regret (풍수지탄)". H.O.T member Kangta wrote again a song for the group again called "Shoulder Hug (어깨동부)" It is an OST for the movie, "Who's Got The Tape?" where Sungjin appearing in.
Sunghoon's Departure, 7th Album: One of Five
On 2005, Sunghoon left the group for personal reasons and the group re-formed as a trio again.
On November 22, 2005, they released the seventh album, One of Five along with the title track. "Bonus Book (별책부록)" The tracks of the album are mostly their solos. After that, they went on a hiatus and went their seperate ways.
20th Anniversary Reunion, 20th Night
After 12 years of hiatus, they made a comeback for their 20th anniversary, "20th Night" and "The line is busy (통화중)". On March 2018, they reunited with Sunghoon in a variety show, Video Star.