G.O (Jung Byung Hee)

When I decided upon one of the MBLAQ boys as my next K-Shot, I thought I would have immediately gone straight to Yang Seung Ho who I always felt was my favorite. And true, I could have chosen any one of the members as they all have that special something. If they didn’t, Rain would not have singled them out and groomed them as he did, right? Then I watched the Cry MV and G.O just did me in and promptly stole me away from Seung Ho. In my opinion, he has a lot of Rain quality about him. The way he moves, the way he plays to the camera, the way he delivers a song – all reminiscent of Rain. Furthermore, I think he resembles Rain very much. And, G.O is sexy. And so, of the five that could have made their way here, it is G.O who out-ranked the rest as my next K-Shot of Hot. ♥

 

Ok, so I know I am risking excommunication by some from the Church of Rain for daring to praise a member of MBLAQ, but I just cannot help myself. Jung Byung Hee is one very talented young man. He’s worth the risk. If a defense is necessary, I have to admit that another reason I chose G.O was to mess with my pal Nelly from MyMyooz because in passing she had mentioned she liked G.O and I simply wanted to create more spazz time for her since I had already hit her with Yoo Seung Ho, who she absolutely adores!! But, my plan completely backfired.

The moment I started to research G.O, however, I began falling for his magic.  I think it is safe to say that Nelly and I are on the same bias track! We have been watching dramas together and lately have both fallen hard for Ji Chang Wook after deciding upon watching Warrior Baek Dong Soo. So it seems girlfriend and I have similar K-tastes and as she totally appreciates Rain, we are turning into total K-besties!

Yes, I definitely see a connect between G.O and Rain. They are similar. Yet, G.O is his own man, his own vocalist with his own style and his very own swag.  Like his mentor, though, G.O possesses an incredibly smooth and soulful voice, one that is more R&B than K-pop. I honestly believe he could fare quite well as a solo artist – but indeed his voice adds emotional depth to the overall MBLAQ dynamic with a distinct richness all of its own. He is one very soulful singer. And, I know I need not reiterate, but I must: G.O is so very, very sexy.

The Beginning

This gorgeous Scorpio (b. November 6, 1987) hails from Changwon which is in the South Gyeongsang Province of South Korea (no too far from Busan) and was born Jung Byung Hee. He is the baby of the family, having two older sisters. When I think of Kim Junsu (TVXQ/JYJ) and even G-Dragon (Big Bang) who were recruited at age 11 by their respective agencies, G.O started a bit later. He debuted at 19 (or if you are going by Korean age, 20) as a vocalist in a three-member group called TyKeys. But to hear him sing, you would think he was at it longer than most seasoned vocalists twice his age. At 20, his voice was already teeming with such soul and richness.

There is not much out there on TyKeys as they did not last long as group. But what there is available is proof enough that the young Jung Byung Hee was a vocal force to be reckoned with. Formed in 2004, TyKeys released only one CD in February 2007 entitled TyKeys Vol. 1 – TY Project No. 1. Categorized as R&B, G.O (then known as Jang Goon), provided some incredibly sweet, soulful vocals along with co-vocalist, Soo (Baek Su Kyung) and rapper, Hyun Jung (Kim Hyun Jung).

This was the perfect opportunity for G.O to set the tone for his vocal style which would inevitably be the sound Rain was most likely looking for when he brought his five protégées together for their debut in 2009. G.O had all the makings of an adept R&B vocalist, and then some. Seriously, just have a listen to his My Way which is one of two solo cuts he has on the TyKeys CD:

And……THUD! My goodness, such a sweet sound coming from that man.

The second solo cut on the CD is 내가 아니라도 (Even Though It’s Not Me) and is a big, lush ballad and G.O sings it gorgeously.

TyKeys did manage to release a couple of music videos in support of their CD. This trio oozed rhythm and soul and had a spectacular sound. With two outstanding vocalists and a rapper – their CD is solid and quite well-produced. I am trying to find it but it is difficult due to it being out of print.

Old and Young

Oh my, G.O……you are KILLING me! I did not need to see you in that bed. No, sir….that was not necessary! OMG!

I’m Sorry

G.O, you soulful, gorgeous man…..

We haven’t even talked about his time with MBLAQ, collaborations and/or solo work and I am already a goner. His voice is just amazing. He sings with such ease, ebbing and flowing with intensity and emotion. Like a warm sensual caress – it just encircles you, embraces you and takes you away. I am duly smitten.

I was completely blown away by these three fine vocalists. There is no denying that their sound is mature and soulful. Sensual and smooth here is their song Get Down. This is some seriously sweet soul from TyKeys. Even Hyun Jung’s rap is dripping with sensuality. I just LOVE this song.

And then they have to go and completely blow my mind with this cover of Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You, featuring Soo and Byung Hee.

When Ty Entertainment, the agency representing the trio, went bankrupt and a very young G.O had to seek legal advice to remove any obligations he had to the defunct company. He spoke of his hardships during a backstage interview on the June 25, 2011 Immortal Song 2 broadcast:

“When my company went bankrupt, my contract should have ended then. I don’t know how to say it, but somehow I was basically tied down. I went to court at such a young age. Back then, I didn’t want to let my parents know, so I looked for lawyers myself.”

He went on to say further:

“MBLAQ’s debut was coming closer, and my lawsuit was yet to be resolved. I thought it was the end, it may sound extreme, but I thought of dying a lot.”

[Source credit: http://kpopnews9.blogspot.com]

It was a trying time for him but he emerged because success was about to be his. When Rain introduced MBLAQ to the world during his Legend of Rainism tour in 2009, there was no looking back for the handsome, young and so very talented G.O.

MBLAQ

After two years of intensive training under the tutelage of the rainmaker himself, Jung Ji Hoon (Rain), G.O along with Yang Seung Ho, Lee Chang Sun (Lee Joon), Park Sang Hyun (Cheondung/Thunder), and Bang Cheol Yong (Mir) as MBLAQ (Music Boys Live in Absolute Quality) debuted on Rain’s stage during the Legend of Rainism Tour in 2009. (Original member Kim Sang Bae left the group just prior to their debut and was replaced by Thunder.) G.O is deemed the “main vocal” of the group and I note that he does take the lead quite often in songs or carries the chorus or bridge to songs. His voice just commands that kind of respect and focus. Indeed it does.

Rain started his tour that year in Japan in August, and on October 9-10 performed at Seoul’s Olympics Park Gymnastics Stadium. It was on the 9th that MBLAQ took the stage in Seoul. On October 14, 2009, the single “Oh Yeah” was released, and on October 15, 2009 MBLAQ made their broadcast stage debut on MNet’s M! Countdown.

OMGeeeee, I am a squealing fangirl watching this debut video! I love how MNet categorized it in the upper left hand corner as “MBLAQ Hot Debut” – all I have to say to that is…..oh yeah! I do have one nit, however, not enough G.O camera time – but doesn’t he look all kinds of hot and handsome in that suit, swagged out with that sexy facial hair, wearing those black aviators?! I tell ya, I have it bad for G.O and was screaming along with the fans during this one! And, how about the Rain intro to set the whole debut up? Daebak!

Following their debut, MBLAQ just blew up. I have to hand it to Rain, he knows what he is doing and has an eye for talent. He groomed these five young men who all came from different backgrounds, from different parts of South Korea, and who each had his own style and vibe. Yet, they all still managed to fall into place with each other perfectly. Kind of how those fabulous five of TVXQ did when they first exploded on the K-music scene.

Since their debut in 2009, MBLAQ has released six extended play albums: Just Blaq (2009); Y (2010); Chapstick EP (2010); Mona Lisa (2011); 100% Ver. (2012); and Sexy Beat (2013). They also released one full studio album, Blaq Style in 2011, and an album released to the Japanese market called Blaq Memories which was a compilation of their Korean songs and a Japanese version of You’re My +.  They released two repackaged CDs, Blaq%Ver. and Love Beat as well as two digital singles, White Forever and You & I. I came across 13 music videos.

Oh Yeah

What a completely awesome debut song. It’s catchy, danceable and all five of the guys are styled impeccably, dance with aggression and look great. G.O is just sizzling and it being the first song out of the gate for MBLAQ, we got to hear his delicious vocals – soulcandy, indeed!

I found this fanmade edit of Rain in the studio dancing to the song mashed up with the MBLAQ MV – totally cool.

G.O.O.D Luv

G.O melts me into a puddle of fangirl mush with this one. Yes, G.O, you give good luv!

Y

Couple of interesting factoids on Y. It was written, composed, produced and choreographed by Rain. It was also released on my birthday in 2010. I also wonder if the video was Rain’s concept as well. Joon wronged by his love who appears to have been cheating on him with Seung Ho? It seems he shoots her dead as a result. That’s pretty heavy for a MV, isn’t it?

Cry

This is the video that pushed me over the edge and made me fall hard and fast for G.O. LOOK AT HIM! Try not to fall for him in this one, if you dare. From head to toe and all points in between, he is just so gorgeous in this video delivering the song with intensity and emotion. The song and video are a sensual feast. I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that this is perhaps the most sensual K-pop song I have heard to date. Goodness gracious, I cannot watch the video without flailing, drooling and losing a grasp on reality – at least for 3 minutes and 51 seconds anyway.

Stay

I love how G.O always seems to end up in the middle dancing – that is where he belongs, imo. ^.^  Rain is such an awesome mentor. Strict and all business, he had a vision for MBLAQ and I appreciate that he makes no apologies for being tough on them. The end product is pretty flipping successful now, right? Here is big daddy Rain mentoring the boys.

Love seeing Rain all up in his mentoring/teaching mode. Sexy!

Your Luv

G.O singing in Japanese………..swooooooon! Yes, this is one of their Japanese singles.

Mona Lisa

Baby say yes?? Well, every time the camera landed on G.O I was screaming YES!! The red jacket is really hot – he is so sexy. Hey, I waited awhile before I stated that fact again!

Baby U

A second Japanese single. I admit that watching this video made me want to see these guys live in concert very much. Oh to see G.O perform live. It’s a mission I now have. <hehehehe>

White Forever

A winter/Christmas offering. All I can say is G.O’s voice – it is just dazzling.

This Is War

I love the intensity within which they all sing, dance and glare at the camera during this MV. I always enjoy a story to the MV and this one gives us a little mini-drama. Once again, as in Y, there seems to be a love betrayal or perhaps in this one a simple case of jealousy – either way, there are guns, bullets and a fatality. Intense with lush cinematography, this MV looks and sounds great. Love the song, too.

How about a G.O-specific version? Don’t mind if I do!

Mona Lisa (Japanese Version)

G.O!!!! I love this version and actually like it better than the Korean version. Along with Cry, this is one of my faves. Dark and broody, this is just hot. And, G.O’s voice? Well it truly is perfection. And how handsome is he in that suit????

Smoky Girl

And with this one, it is official, I LOVE these guys! This is sleek and hot. G.O oozes such masculinity and magnetism – it’s overwhelming. Overwhelming in the way Rain overwhelms me. That’s pretty overwhelming…LOL!

No Love

MBLAQ shows no signs of stopping and will be coming out with a new album in early 2014. Nicely coinciding with Mr. Rain. Seems like my birthday and Christmas will be coming a bit early next year! ^.^

G.O/Mir Project

I have noticed in the K-pop world that often times groups partition off for projects, be it solo or duo. In 2012, a sub-unit of MBLAQ consisting of just G.O and Mir was created. It is kind of a natural fit for G.O to work with a rapper exclusively as he had done that during his time with TyKeys. The duo also did some OST work which I will touch on in the Collaboration/OST section later. G.O and Mir did record a song as the sub-unit called Wild which was released during MBLAQ’s first Asia tour.

I like these two together. Mir’s rich rapping against G.O’s soulful vocals is a very nice fit.  Here is a live version of Wild from Seoul.

Were a couple of Rain’s dancers backing these two up in the performance?? I think I saw Q Sang! Daebak!

These two are just too cute together.

Collaborations/OST Work

Collaborations

Apart from the collab with Mir, G.O has lent his fine vocals and/or physical presence to enhance and up the real estate of other performers’ offerings.

Let’s Go – G20

He was one of a group of 20 K-pop stars who signed on to sing the theme song for the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit.  The G20, or group of 20 ministers and governors representing 20 major economies of the world, came together in Seoul for its summit.

I could not help but bop along with this song with its infectious beat and catchy chorus. And there is so much cute going on in the video.

G.O, however is just gorgeous.

Because You Sting – J.eA

I think I have just died and gone to Jung Byung Hee heaven. What a gentle and gorgeous ballad. I love how he keeps his voice in such control never overpowering J.eA, letting it be her song yet providing support and foundation throughout. Simply amazing. Wow.

I Can’t Tell You This Is The End – J.eA/You Are My Lady – Jung Yeop

Goodness, how soft and gentle is this man????? This unplugged performance is just precious and amazing and lovely and further evidence that Byung Hee is a vocal force to be reckoned with. Hope you watch through and enjoy the second song where he duets with Jung Yeop from Brown Eyed Soul – on You Are My Lady. You will NOT be disappointed. I am still trying to catch my breath.

O-IWI-O – Nassum

Too.much.swag!! Love this one. No clue as to what O-IWI-O means but it is catchy nonetheless, right? And G.O is looking all kinds of fine in addition to lending his smooth soulful vocals.

What’s your number, G.O…..I’ll call!! ^.^

And because this one is so much fun, I have to share a live version just to allow ogle of full length G.O. He is so lean and sexy in this suit. The suit doesn’t flatter him, he flatters it!!

It’s catchy, isn’t it?

One – Nassun

This one is HOT!! I could not find a MV for it but did find the audio. Once again G.O lending his smooth vocals. There is something so soft about his voice yet there is power there. This one, like O-IWI-O, got me up out of my seat to dance. Nassun and G.O have a nice sound together – and it is reminiscent of G.O’s work with Mir AND his past work with TyKeys. It is just a natural fit for him.

Like Mir, Nassun brings the edge and G.O comes in to smooth it all out. I just love it.

Tearfully Beautiful – Dramatic Blue

In 2012, G.O participated in SBS’s Color of KPOP as part of the group Dramatic Blue which consisted of Yoseob from B2ST, Jo Kwon from 2AM, Woo Hyun from Infinite and Niel from Teen Top and released the song Tearfully Beautiful.  And OMG…I did not even recognize him on first look during the following performance…but heard his voice so knew he was there!

I Will Show You – Ailee

Here G.O just lends himself as an actor in the MV only. He is the bad boy who dumps his plain girlfriend but then wants her back when she blossoms into a goddess. I happen to think G.O and Ailee look pretty good together.

Wonder if they will collaborate musically. She has a lovely voice. He has a lovely voice. That’s a win-win! Plus, they look gorgeous together!

OST Work

Before I share his actual OST work, I have to let you have a listen to his cover of A Whole New World from the Aladdin OST with his TyKeys co-vocalist Soo. His voice is just golden to me.

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The man was just born to sing.

MBLAQ as a collective group have provided their vocals to many OST songs. In fact, they took the helm for the Ghost OST, including composing the incidental music. Impressive. Inasmuch as G.O leads the vocal parade on many of their songs, I am going to limit this section to his songs specifically, with the exception of his collabs with Mir, which I have included here.

Foolish Me – Iris II (with Mir)

Believe – Mr. Idol

I Knew – K-Pop Best Survival (with Mir)

Sidenote: Mir’s sister Go Eun Ah starred in this drama. ^.^

Winter Rain – The King of Dramas (with Mir)

Going Solo

In a heartbeat, this young man could have a solo career and one that would be completely successful. I  would really love for him to put out a full solo CD. But for now, I am content with the two singles he did give us.  The first was Even In My Dreams where he had a little help from his little MBLAQ bro, Mir. Inasmuch as I absolutely love G.O and Mir together, this song is too perfect on its own and doesn’t even need the rap break, imo. I love the rap element in Wild where I think it works SUPERBLY. And the fusion of rap with vocals that G.O and Nassun bring in the two songs they collabed on was spot on. With this one, however, not necessary. G.O sings the hell out of this song and I think it did not need any rap (even tho I adore Mir and LOVE his booming rap voice).

You be the judge. Here is a live performance of G.O’s first solo single, Even In My Dreams:

Give him the stage and he commands it. Rap not necessary, right? ^.^

G.O’s second solo single was recently released this past November and it is yet another slice of deliciousness from this mega-talented young man. Play That Song has a slow easy vibe, is rhythmic, soulful, and catchy, G.O’s voice is absolute perfection.

Here is the teaser video JTune Camp released:

I can listen to him sing 24/7 (in fact, I pretty much have been listening him 24/7)! Since there is no official MV yet for the song, how about a gorgeous live version?

 Gosh, I love him.

Television Star

Drama

G.O made cameo appearances in two dramas, Housewife Kim Kwang Ja’s Third Activities (2010) and Salamander Guru and the Shadows (2012). He had full on roles in Ghost and Couple Clinic: Love and War 2.

Ghost (2012)

I am currently watching this drama and on first look, it appears really intense and good. G.O plays Lee Tae Kyun,  a young detective in the Seoul police force’s cyber crime unit. I watched the first episode and got completely sidetracked within the first ten minutes when I eye-balled G.O. I will come back to post-script once I finish. ^.^

G.O definitely has a presence so it will be interesting to see he does here.

Couple Clinic: Love and War 2 (2013)

The overall aim of this program is to reenact real stories of married couples. It deals with the various problems that lead couples to seek divorce. Each episode is unique and stars a mixture of new and recurring cast members who are both idols and actors. The idol cast reenact scenarios that newlyweds in their 20s and 30s might experience.

[Source: mydramalist.com]

G.O was cast alongside Rainbow’s Go Woo Ri playing a young couple in the second part of the show’s idol edition depicting the highs and lows of life pre and post-marriage. G.O and Go Woo Ri play young ad executives who are dating secretly but work together. The episode revolves around the trials and tribulations of being a young couple in love, dating and trying to maintain a professional relationship in the work place as well as the pressures associated with duty and obligation to family. I was able to find the episode on Korea On Demand in its entirety but it was not subbed. But, that did not stop me from watching G.O get all romantical and stuff. I was squeeing through the whole episode!!

G.O in a bedroom. Sitting on the bed. Drinking a beer. Yes and thank you.

And, sheesh, we even got to hear G.O sing…BONUS! I thought he did well and was paired nicely with Go Woo Ri, who I thought was also really good. They had a gentle, sweet chemistry and looked adorable together.

The Dramatic (2013)

The Dramatic is a drama about idol groups and their music. Instead of featuring the group’s most popular songs that are overplayed and very well known, the show featured lesser known song. Each episode featured a different group and the members of the group were the main characters. MBLAQ starred in the first episode and were featured wearing school uniforms.

Seung Ho, Lee Joon, Cheongdung and Mir are all vying to be the school representative and engage in dance battles and other shenanigans in order to secure that position. G.O doesn’t play one of the students and in fact, acts as the MC at the dance battle as see in the clip below.

G.O is quite the debonair MC, right?

Musical

Gwanghwamun Sonata

On January 16, 2013, G.O performed in his first musical and had his first stage performance at the Tokyo Meiji Theater starring as Kang Hyun Woo in Gwanghwamun Sonata. I love musical theater. Theater performing in and of itself is perhaps the most demanding of an actor because there are no retakes. It is live action up to the moment performing. Then, add music and dancing and it becomes even more daunting.

And OMGeeee, I would have LOVED to have seen this. The basic plot line is about a songwriter named Han Sang Hoon, his student Kang Hyun Woo, and Choi Yeon Ju, the woman they are both in love with. Yeon Ju wants to become a star and believes Sang Hoon can turn her into one. She falls in love with Hyun Woo and I am sure this complicates things. Oh…G.O in a romantical musical who is the object of someone’s affection? G.O-ssi, can you please do over so I can come and see it? Jaebal? ^.~

Here is a little fancam clip of G.O on stage in his role as Hyun Woo…..oh dear me the tears in his beautiful eyes.

I am thrilled G.O did a musical. I only wish I could have seen it.

Variety

Yo’ Tokyo (2009)

I think when Rain announced he was debuting a new group fresh on the heels of starting his own entertainment agency, the media was abuzz and über curious. At least the Japanese media was. After MBLAQ’s first stage during the Legend of Rainism tour and debut on MNet, Rain brought the group with him to his December 2009 fan meeting in Tokyo.

Thus sprung a full on documentary about the fresh young K-pop group out of South Korea formally introducing them to Japanese fans. They were overwhelmed by the welcome they received at Haneda Airport stating that there were more fans there than were at Gimpo to see them off!!

They definitely got a grand taste of idol-hood when they arrived Tokyo!

And, when asked if they knew any Japanese, G.O was obviously prepared.

♥♥♥

Idol Army (2009)

This is one wacky variety show!! Season 5 featured the freshly debuted MBLAQ and aired in December of 2009. The first episode had me laughing so hard, I was literally crying. My first thought (after I caught my breath) was that never in a million years would you see the likes of a western performer taking part in something as fun and entertaining as this. I can truly see why Korean idols are so very loved by their fans. The two female MCs of the show, Jung Juri & Shin Bongsun only added to the hilarity.

In the opening episode, we are introduced to the five members of the group who are then subject so some zany (and laugh out loud) competitions to determine who the Idol Korea grand prize winner would be.

I had a feeling G.O would not be the ultimate winner due to his fail on the oil paper lip pass (really, watch Episode 1 and you will see what I mean)!!! G.O and his MBLAQ brothers certainly looked like they were having a blast. And their willingness to participate in variety shows that have them doing the most outrageous activities that is so separate and apart from their stage and MV performances only endears them to me more and more.

I laughed until I cried watching G.O pass the paper. I don’t know what had me going the most….the little mouse ear headband or the fact that he had to lock lips with Bongsun!!

Most of the weeks following the 1st episode of this 16 episode show had a guest idol group come join in the outrageous antics and competitions. It was just all around good fun.

Art of Seduction (2009)

Ahhhh, the opening episode of this variety program had Rain himself telling the story of MBLAQ. MBLAQ was the first group to come out of Rain’s J Tune entertainment agency. And I happen to think he done good! Hearing the boys introduce themselves to the world and seeing the eagerness and potential was a delight. Oh, I found the fact that all 5 members have the same blood type A+ rather wild. What were the odds of that happening???

Having Rain on board in this first episode was a nice surprise.

But woah….he was not pleased with their first broadcast stage performance. He was stern but made it a point to tell them that it was ok to be scolded because they are family. Plus, since it was their first broadcast stage performance, Rain recognized that fact but still doled out the criticism. He said that if the rating went to 10, he would give them a 5. Not because they did not sing well. Not because they did not dance well. Because they did not have ease on the stage. They were not at ease. I found his criticism very interesting and not harsh. He simply wanted them to be at ease and to have fun while performing.

It was nice to hear G.O pay respect to TyKeys stating full on that it was because of his time with them he was there as a part of MBLAQ. Respect!

The show was not really variety yet had some variety elements. It seemed more of a documentary type of program, as it did have the quality of such in that it was following the group as they made their way into the K-pop world as a new upcoming act. I loved how the group all intimated how much they wanted to meet and know their fans.

Making the Artist (2010)

This program was a 4-episode documentary looking at their lives as artists focusing on the making of their single Y.

In the dance practice studio.

In the recording studio.

In the make up chair for the video shoot.

As well as all the promotional stops and such that come with putting out new music. It seems G.O enjoys the entire process.

MBLAQ Goes to School (2012)

This was a 4-episode program chronicling the boys juggling celebrity and school life.  Ohhhhh, look at scholarly G.O!!! LOOK AT HIM!

When asked who was in the top five of their respective class while in school, G.O was the first to raise his hand. Heeheheee…brainiac!

The show even revealed authentic celeb school pictures coupled with a later shot of their celebrity self. I thought they chose quite an interesting duo of pics to show G.O’s evolution from conservative school boy to badass musician. LOL!

Interesting sidenote: The chosen ‘teacher’ for the season featuring MBLAQ was Kim Soo Ro. I thought this perfect given his starring role in the drama God of Study.

Sesame Player (2011)

This variety show was all kinds of nonsense wrapped in silly. And I enjoyed every one of the 13 episodes. Each half hour episode had three parts to it. The first was often candid phone cam segments of the guys being filmed by each other (or their manager) doing anything from Seung Ho regaling us with his extraordinary classical piano skills to G.O singing fan requests such as this:

Oh what I would have given to hear him sing the entire song. Blissssssssss-ful! ♥

The second and third would be either the “The Player” segment or the “Fragrant Interview” segment. Here is where the nonsense really came into play. The Player segment was all about some kind of competition that ultimately  lead to an elimination to find the loser who would  be subject to some kind of humiliating penalty or, as in episode 11, left to pay a huge restaurant bill after losing a sushi eating contest.

Poor baby!! LOL!

The Fragrant Interview segment was my favorite. Each episode one of the guys would be the interrogator who got to ask various questions of each of the other members who sat in a bathroom rigged with speaker, a camera and microphone. If the interviewee did not provide a good answer he would be subject to a ‘fart bomb’ which was tossed into the bathroom and immediately exploded emitting an odorous stream of nasty. Just nonsense…but actually rather entertaining.

Fortunately, G.O did not anger interrogator Cheongdung in the episode above and was not punished with an odorous bomb!

This variety program gave fans an inside look at the antics, camaraderie, competition and playfulness among the guys.

Immortal Song 2 (2011)

A weekly singing competition show pitting established idols against each other singing the songs of veteran singers who then judge them on their singing and individual interpretation of the song? This sounds like a win-win for G.O.  Let’s have a look at G.O’s performances. LOVE!!

Episode 4 – June 25, 2011

Episode 5 – July 2, 2011

OMG!! Did G.O just pull a Rain move in this one??? LOVE it. LOVE him!! ♥

Episode 6 – July 9, 2011

Episode 7 – July 16, 2011

Episode 10 – August 6, 2011

Episode 11 – August 13, 2011

Cannot breathe!

Episode 12 – August 20, 2011

Episode 13 – August 27, 2011

Episode 14 – September 3, 2011

Episode 15 – September 10, 2011

Episode 25 – November 19, 2011

Episode 65 – September 8, 2012

Episode 67 – September 22, 2012

Episode 69 – October 6, 2012

Episode 126 – November 9, 2013

I was unable to find two episodes but when I do, I will come back to lovingly post script them! ^.^

But, I must share some screen shots from some of his performances because, well…just because.

MBLAQ’s Hello Baby (2012)

OoooMO!! The cute is off the charts here! Five daddies? The opening episode of this reality show had me laughing myself silly (mostly at Joon and Mir) but I enjoyed it so much.

The premise of this reality show is taking an idol group and making them ‘parents’ and then watch them flail (or succeed) in caring for the children they are assigned to care for. When I first read about this I was soooo excited to check it out because I have a veritable soft spot for men who are rendered adorable under the spell of a child!! Case in point:

That is about nine ways to adorable and beyond!!! Maybe it is because G.O was raised with sisters he just has a natural affinity to both charm and be charmed by this adorable little princess, Dayoung – his charge in Hello Baby.

In the first episode we meet the three children, Dayoung, Lauren, and Leo when they are sought out by our “Appas” at park.  Each child comes from a multicultural family which gives our Appas pause for concern in way of being able to communicate and/or bridge any cultural gaps. Each has a Korean parent. Dayoung’s mother is Vietnamese. Lauren’s father is Canadian and Leo’s father is French.

In order to find the children, our Appas are each given three pictures consisting of a pair of lips, nose and eyes of which they have to try to match to the children. That in and of itself was hilarious! G.O in his ever present competitive spirit is the first to find one of the children, Dayoung. Initially, she is coy and shy but warms up to G.O nicely.

In fact, Dayoung becomes rather possessive of him and downright jealous when house ‘sister’ Lauren steals his attention, as she is want to do!! LOL…omg, I absolutely LOVED this show and the premise. Of course it helps that all of the members of MBLAQ are so engaging, humorous and, well….attractive!

Idol Manager (2012)

The premise here is that celebrities would come in and act as the group’s managers, handling the group’s activities and providing a peek into the more professional side of MBLAQ. The celebrities chosen to be the managers were comedian Park Kyung Lim, actress Kim Sae Rom, and Jeon Yul, member of idol group Stellar, whose biggest claim to fame is that they were produced by Shinhwa‘s Eric. All three collectively took on the name, “The Three Beauties.”

[Source: seoulbeats.com]

Oh, these obnoxious ‘beauties’ did some questionably funny things like go into the boys’ hotel room to wake then up, for example, by lying down in the bed next to them! Or, try to find a pair of boots to buy for G.O and get back to the venue before the guys return to the stage for an encore when they have no clue where they are in Japan! It was quite amusing watching them spend a good 15 minutes prior thereto trying to negotiate with the shop owner to let them ‘borrow’ the boots for an hour because in their haste , they forgot money! Bwaaahahaha!

G.O doesn’t seem too worried….

The ‘managers’ come on board right as MBLAQ head to Tokyo to begin their Asia tour.

Commercial Films

I could not find any G.O specific commercial films – but MBLAQ collectively lent themselves generously to the endorsement pool.

Cacao Black

Mmmm…..yes, G.O as sweet and decadent as chocolate itself! Yum!

Chapstick

This CF is an entire drama featuring all of the MBLAQ boys. I just love the Asian vision of the CF. They are dramatic events!! G.O, the dance instructor?? Why yes, please! Frankly, I would not survive as his student because I’d be too busy crushing on him to pay attention to what I was trying to learn. Also, he seems pretty stern…wonder if he is channeling his big brother, mentor and teacher, Rain?!

All THAT for lip balm!! See what I mean about the CFs coming out of Asia?! The group also released a 3-song EP featuring the song from the CF, If Love Goes.

G.O – The Model

I admit it. I am completely crushing on G.O. He is handsome and sexy and talented. How can a fangirl avoid that kind of an assault?? Here are some of his model-esque moments.

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Oh my….hot!

Candid G.O

Candid photos are so special because they capture moments that are generally unscripted and natural. With social media and the like, we are often invited to take a peek at those unscripted moments either by way of a fan camera shot or by selfies. G.O also happens to like the selca method of providing candids! ♥

I must interject here for a moment….LOOK AT HIM!!!

Even locking eyes with him via a photograph is unnerving! He has such luscious eyes and lips! ♥

G.O has such a relaxed laid back vibe about him. I would love to just hang out with him, grab a Starbucks and listen to some music. He seems like he would be the ultimate chillaxing partner! ♥

Final Thoughts

I am really at a loss as to what to say that could praise and honor this incredibly talented man adequately. He has definitely bewitched me. Yes, he and his MBLAQ brothers are mischievous, playful, cheeky and fun – but when you come right down to it, these are 5 very talented young men. And, G.O is especially so.

When an artist is invaded by a passion that is his driving force, it is impossible to get out of the way of that brilliance. Inasmuch as G.O has dabbled in the acting forum (and has done well), I believe in my heart that it is music that is his life force; music that breathes life in him and sustains him. It is the food he eats and air he breathes. And, there are times when he sings with such an abandoned passion that I am just moved to tears. There is not just a story being told in the lyrics of the song, there is a story being told in the notes that he sings. He is such a beautiful vocalist. As he continues to experiment and grow, I can only wonder what he will bring to the stage. I look forward to whatever it is he will give to us.

If you watch only one video out of all I have littered this post with, perhaps you might want to give one of these a go (no pun intended)! There are so many wonderful videos available from so many different live performances out there, but I just love G.O’s passionate delivery in both of these videos. The first is from MBLAQ’s 2012 Blaq Tour in Japan. Sometimes it is these quiet performance moments of just a man and his microphone (or in this case men and their microphones) that I love the best. From their Mona Lisa EP, here is I Should Not Say:

And second, from Immortal Song 2 MBLAQ’s performance of If You Come Into My Heart:

Yes, I have no words other than to say it has been my honor to feature Jung Byung Hee-ssi here as a very admirable K-Shot of Hot.  I hope the entire world will come to know, love and appreciate his amazing talent. ♥

*Bows*

[All images and videos are property of their respective owners and are being used for entertainment purposes only.]