This is the third article in a series that explores the driving forces behind hallyu and the global rise of Korean pop culture. –Ed.
Dubbed Korea’s “ticket power king” for his ability to sell out performances at the snap of a finger, K-pop and musical icon Kim Jun-su (also known as Xia) is inarguably one of the original driving forces of hallyu.
Despite being entangled in a series of legal battles throughout his career, Kim has still managed to rise above all odds and establish himself as one of the leading figures in the Korean entertainment industry.
After training for six years under one of the most sought-after K-pop agencies, SM Entertainment, Kim made his debut in 2003 as a member of the soon-to-be explosive quintet boy band TVXQ.
The boys made their first public appearance on Dec. 26 that year during a joint BoA and Britney Spears showcase, where they performed their debut single “Hug.”
TVXQ’s first and second studio album “Tri-Angle” and “Rising Sun,” respectively, went on to become massive hits and the five began climbing the ladder of success. The group snagged two Golden Disk Awards for Album of the Year with its chart-topping albums “O” in 2006 and “Mirotic” in 2008 and amassed a substantial local and international following that made it one of the hottest K-pop acts.
However, just as the group was on cloud nine, fans would soon be shocked to hear that the members were not all smiles behind the scenes.
Legal battles
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