Kangta

Infobox musical artist
Name = Kang Ta
강타


Img_capt =
Landscape =
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Ahn Chilhyun
Alias = Kangta
Born = birth date and age|1979|10|10
Died =
Origin = Flagicon|South Korea North Gyeongsang, South Korea
Instrument = Piano, guitar
Genre = K-pop, R&B
Occupation = Singer, composer, actor
Years_active = 1996 - 2008
Label = SM Entertainment
Associated_acts = SMTown, H.O.T., Group S, Kangta & Vanness
URL = [http://kangta.smtown.com/ Official Site]
Current_members =
Past_members =
Notable_instruments =

Infobox Korean name
hangul=안칠현
hanja=安七炫
rr=An Chilhyeon
hangulstage=강타
rrstage=Gangta

Kangta (강타) (born October 10, 1979) is a South Korean singer, first known as the lead singer of legendary boy band H.O.T. (High-five of Teenagers). Kangta, his stage name, is the symbol for great hit in Hangul as An Chilhyun (안칠현) is his real name.

He has been a vigorous songwriter and composer, having written over 100 songs [ [http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/enter/music_artists_detail.htm?No=10149 KBS Artist Search - Kangta] ] for H.O.T.'s albums as well as for other groups and singers like NRG and Fly to the Sky. When H.O.T. disbanded in March 2001, a legion of loyal fans was in rage. However a couple of months after the group disbanded, Kangta surprised many people by becoming the first member to debut solo. He released his first solo album "Polaris", which became a huge hit; it was followed by his second album "Pinetree" in 2002. His first solo concert took place on August 24, 2003.

In 2006, Kangta was chosen as a runner up for Best Korean Singer overseas, according to Arirang International Broadcasting. A poll was issued over the internet, allowing only foreigners to vote. Shinhwa's song "Once In A Lifetime" won by 60% of the vote, beating Kangta, who came in second with 20.3 percent

In 2007, he filmed two dramas and Love in the city 2 aired on October 1, 2007.

In 2008, Kangta was initially scheduled for military service at the beginning of the year, but SM Entertainment helped him defer it to April so he could release his last album "Eternity" as a memoir for his fans. The album was released on March 12, 2008 and was his first in three years. [ [http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/06/139_20009.html Kang Ta to Begin Serving in Military From Next Month] ] On March 29 and March 30, Kangta held his last solo concert at Yonsei University's main auditorium. His previous solo concert was five years ago. His concert, "Eternity", was aimed at looking back at his last twelve years as a singer and thanking his fans. [ [http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/06/178_21708.html Singer Kangta Bids Farewell at Concert] ] [ [http://english.cri.cn/3086/2008/03/31/[e-mail] Kangta Holds Last Concert before Serving in the Army] ] On April 1, 2008, Kangta officially began his military duties in Euijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. [ [http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1516624_11858.html Singer Kang Ta Begins Military Duty in Euijeongbu] ] Kangta is currently enlisted in the Korean army for two years, which every male is required to service in. He is expected back in mid-2010.

Pre-debut & H.O.T.

Kangta was discovered at Lotte World, a theme park, when he was only 13 years old. He debuted as a back-up dancer together with Moon Hee Jun (another H.O.T. member) for singer Yoo Young Jin. Kangta eventually decided to become a singer with Moon Hee Jun and three others, Jang Woo Hyuk, Tony An, and Lee Jae Won to form H.O.T. in 1996.

Group projects

(Supreme)

After planning for years, Kangta worked with his celebrity friends Shin Hye Sung from Shinhwa and Lee Ji Hoon to form the project group "S", standing for "Supreme". They released their first solo project album called "Fr. In. Cl." or Friends in Classic. They have won several awards since then. Their title track, "I Swear" was written, composed, and arranged by Kangta while Shin Hye Sung wrote the English lyrics.

Kangta & Vanness

Early 2006, Kangta collaborated with Vanness Wu of F4 from Taiwan, and formed Kangta & Vanness. Their first debut was in Thailand ending the ceremony for the 2006 MTV Asia Awards. They released their single "Scandal" and have been busy promoting their single all over Asia. "Scandal" was a success over Asia and a a repackaged version was released in mid-July. In September 12, they held a showcase in Malaysia , Berjaya Times Square and were shocked to see so many fans turning up. They sang a few songs live and it has made the fans happy and overjoyed. A total number of few hundred fans were very lucky and managed to get their album autographed by both Kangta and Vanness. It was a successful event. In "Heart to Heart", Kangta announced that he would be entering the Army in early 2008, so he and Vanness will be putting their activities on hold.

Acting

Kangta received several offers and has accepted a drama offer in China. In 2004, he starred in a drama called "Magic Touch of Fate" together with Taiwanese actors and actresses, Ruby Lin and Alec Su. Kangta portrayed the role of the evil magician Jin-Xiu.

Soon afterwards, Kangta returned to Korea and released his much-awaited third album. In 2005, Kangta released "Persona", which included tracks that were very different from his previous two albums. The main single of the album, "Persona" had a similar melody to Babyface's "The Loneliness". Kangta surprised his fans when he said he wanted to become an actor. A month later, he starred in a KBS drama, "Loveholic".

Kangta also acted in his second Chinese drama [ [http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1432192_11858.html Kangta Lands Role in 2nd Chinese Drama] ] , "Love In The City 2". In "Love In The City 2" Kangta portrayed the life of a successful CEO with a dull life.

Advertisements

During the promotion events of Kangta's third album "Persona", he was contracted to become the spokesperson for a Korean MP3 player.

As group 'S', Kangta, Shin Hyesung, and Lee Jihoon were in a commercial for IVY Club.

Filmography

* 2002: Emergency Measures 19 (Cameo)

Drama

* 2005: Magic Touch of Fate
* 2005: Loveholic (KBS)
* 2007: Love In The City 2 (CCTV)

Discography

H.O.T. Albums

olo albums

*"Polaris"

August 19, 2001
*"Pine Tree"

August 21, 2002
*""

March 28, 2003
*"Persona"

June 13, 2005
*"Kangta & Best"

October 3, 2005
*"Eternity"

March 12, 2008

Collaborations

*"Fr. In. Cl."

September 24, 2003
*"Scandal"

May 19, 2006
*"Scandal Special Edition"

July 20, 2006

Joint discography

*"Christmas In SMTOWN"

December 15, 1999
*"Christmas Winter Vacation In SMTOWN.com"

December 8, 2000
*"Christmas Winter Vacation in SMtown.com - Angel Eyes"

December 4, 2001
*"Summer Vacation In SMTown.com"

June 10, 2002
*"2002 Winter Vacation in SMTOWN.com - My Angel My Light"

December 6, 2002
*"2003 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com"

June 18, 2003
*"2004 Summer Vacation in SMTOWN.com"

July 2, 2004
*"'06 SUMMER SMTOWN"

June 20, 2006
*"2006 WINTER SMTOWN - Snow Dream"

December 12, 2006
*"2007 SUMMER SMTOWN - FRAGILE"

July 5, 2007
*"2007 WINTER SMTOWN - ONLY LOVE"

December 7, 2007

Related publications

* Kang Ta Bromide 'A Letter to my Polaris' Photo Album (July 26, 2002)
* Kang Ta Special Photo Album Vol. 2 - Dear Memories (December 29, 2002)
* Kang Ta's Sentimental Journey Limited Edition Photo Album (October 12, 2005)

Trivia

* He and Shinhwa member Jun Jin were friends in high school.

References

External links

*en icon [http://hot.hwaiting.net/ Beginning of My Inferiority Complex]
*en icon [http://kangta.smtown.com/ Kangta's Official Site]
*ko icon [http://www.smtown.com/ SM Entertainment's Official Site]
*ko icon [http://www.smtown.com/smtown/hot/index.html H.O.T.'s Official Site]
*ko icon [http://star.ilikepop.com/starhome/s/ Group S' Official Site]
*ko icon zh icon [http://www.kangtavanness.com/ Kangta & Vanness' Official Site]
*zh icon [http://www.anqixuan.com/main.htm]
SM Entertainment