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Group that led early days of K-pop returns for 20th anniversary world tour

Teaser image for SS501's 20th anniversary project (Henecia)
Teaser image for SS501’s 20th anniversary project (Henecia)

SS501, one of the K-pop groups that shaped the music scene in the early 2000s, is ready to return to the stage.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the group’s debut, the band will embark on a world tour starting in Seoul in July. The project will feature three of the original members: Kim Hyun-joong, Heo Young-saeng and Kim Kyu-jong. Park Jung-min and Kim Hyung-jun will not be participating.

The trio will promote under a new group name, Five O One, for the world tour.

Having originally debuting as a five-member group in 2005, SS501 gained popularity in Korea and especially in Japan with hits like “U R Man,” “Snow Prince” and “Love Like This.” The group went on an indefinite hiatus in July 2010, with each of them pursuing solo careers as singers and actors. However, they have consistently emphasized that the group was never officially disbanded, leaving the door open for a reunion.

In a teaser video shared on the group’s official YouTube channel, the sound of a heartbeat accompanies shadowy silhouettes of the returning members, culminating in the revelation of their new name: Five O One.

Details about the world tour schedule and additional projects for the 20th anniversary will be released gradually through social media from the group’s agency Henecia.