(OSEN)

GOT7 is an up-and-coming K-pop boy band composed of seven members -- JB, Mark, Jr., Jackson, Youngjae, Bambam and Yugyeom.

JYP Entertainment, one of the largest labels in Korea, debuted the boy group in January to compete with the rookie bands EXO and WINNER, under rival labels SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment, respectively.


GOT7 released its first studio album “Identify” and its lead single “Stop Stop It” on Nov. 18.

Despite the high anticipation for JYP’s newest boy band, the septet has yet to make its mark on the K-pop scene.


But the idols have become a rising group, broadening their fandom in Asian countries with their groovy music, admirable appearances and manly charms.

Find out more about each member of the relatively unknown yet attractive boy band.


1. JB (21)

GOT7 leader JB looks like a fun-loving guy onstage, but he actually loves staying inside.

He is not very fond of hanging out or partying. He prefers to stay inside his dormitory room with his body covered by a duvet.

The only time he goes out is when he goes shopping with GOT7 members. His favorite shopping area is Garosu-gil, a tree-lined street packed with clothes shops in Sinsa-dong, Seoul.


JB is known to always take care of younger members. He is particularly close to Youngjae, his roommate in GOT7’s dormitory.

The 21-year-old first debuted as a member of K-pop duo JJ Project along with bandmate Jr. under JYP Entertainment in 2012. After they failed to make an impression in the K-pop scene, they trained for and joined GOT7.


2. Mark (22)

Taiwanese-American Mark is the oldest GOT7 member.

The 22-year-old came to Korea four years ago to become a singer.


Despite his short stay in Korea, he understands Korean manners and customs. He bows first whenever he meets someone.

GOT7 members selected Mark as the most handsome guy in the group. Mark’s flawless appearance and reticence help him exude an effortless chic vibe, but he is far from being a snob.


Rather, he is warm-hearted and polite, members said.

Mark was asked to join JYP Entertainment while studying in the U.S.


3. Jackson (21)

Jackson is an extrovert. For him, it is easy to be friends with anyone.

He is called “Living Vitamin” due to his friendly, outgoing personality.


When Jackson sees fans looking at him from a distance, he approaches them first and talks to them.

The Hong Kong citizen was a fencer for eight years before joining GOT7.

His parents are athletes representing China. His father is a fencer while his mother is a gymnast.

Jackson faced fierce opposition from his parents about his decision to become a singer, not a fencer. He managed to persuade his parents to support him after winning two gold medals in fencing at the Asian Junior competition.


4. Jr. (21)

Jr. is sensitive and caring. He is called “Mom” by other GOT7 members due to his kind nature.

Jr. recently started taking an interest in marriage after watching the Korean film “My Love, My Bride.”


He said that he wants to get married in 10 years.


5. Youngjae (19)

Youngjae is the lead vocalist of the group.

The 19-year-old member just took his college admission exam in November.


He was preparing to become a singer by taking music lessons in his hometown of Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, before becoming a member of GOT7.

He wants to become a music therapist in the future.


6. Bambam (18)

Bambam is known as the fashionista of the group.

He is interested in looking after his appearance -- his physique, hairdo and fashion. He is increasingly exposing his six-pack to fans.


The 18-year-old boy is from Thailand, but speaks fluent Korean. His mother, a big fan of world-famous singer Rain, has supported him to become a singer just like Rain. She runs a Korean restaurant in Thailand.


7. Yugyeom (18)

Yugyeom is the youngest but the tallest in the band.

He always smiles, and makes his bandmates laugh. But the boy turns into a man onstage.


His 18th birthday this year coincided with the showcase for GOT7’s latest album, “Identify.” Some 1,000 fans prepared a birthday cake for him. The idol later said that it was his most unforgettable birthday.

The 18-year-old member started to dream of being a singer after seeing boy band Big Bang onstage.

Yugyeom was asked to participate in JYP Entertainment’s audition after a video of him dancing to “Shock” by boy group BEAST went viral.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)