Brian Joo

Brian Gintaek Joo (Korean: 브라이언 진택 주) (born January 10, 1981), less commonly known as 주민규 (Joo Min-Kyu, his Hangul name), is an American singer active in South Korea, where he is known as a member of R&B duo Fly to the Sky. His solo album, The Brian, was released in December 2006. He is professionally known as Brian. Joo was born in California to parents of Korean descent. He later moved to Absecon, New Jersey. He was raised with a strict Korean upbringing, and was taught to speak Korean and adhere to Korean customs. He was attending Holy Spirit High School when a friend surprisingly signed him up for an audition to Brothers Entertainment. He was then sent to SM Entertainment in Korea. In December 9, 1999, he made his debut as a member of Fly to the Sky at the age of seventeen. He later went on to attend Rutgers University, but has yet to graduate, which he strongly regrets. Brian Joo quickly rose to fame in South Korea as a member of Fly to the Sky. Unlike main vocalist Hwanhee, Joo also sang and rapped. As Fly to the Sky made its musical transition from bubblegum pop to heavy R&B, Joo felt discontent and inferior, and felt that Fany was more appreciated for his vocal skills. This nearly led to a disbandment of the duo when Joo suggested that they break up after their first contract expired. This led to a conflict between the two members, but the duo soon reconciled. Joo has appeared frequently on television, in particular after their contract with SM Entertainment expired. Joo has appeared frequently on variety shows since 2005. On May 6, 2006, he became one of two MCs for MBC's "Music Core". This helped Joo gain publicity, and expand his fanbase in ways he could not have in the early days of his career. Months after the release of the duo's sixth album, Brian continues to appear on variety shows such as Xman and Star Golden Bell, and is still the MC of Music Core. During September 2006, Joo announced that the release of his debut solo album, The Brian. Originally scheduled for released in November 2006, the album was postponed to December. The album incorporates such diverse genres such as classic pop, soul, and jazz. With this album, Joo hopes to gain more respect as an artist, rather than as a "Fly to the Sky without Fany". He describes the reason for the solo album as, “First of all, I just wanted to do it. I also wanted to show that I could [be successful] as Brian. When (Fly to the Sky) sang, many think Fany is the main vocal, and that I am a second vocal and a rapper. I won't mention his name, but one producer once said to Fany, "You are a really good singer", when he only said "Good job", to me. So I wanted to prove that I could do it too.” Brian performed two songs from his album, "가지마" (Gajima, "Don't Go") and "바래! 바래!" (Barae! Barae!, "I Wish! I Wish!"), on December 7, 2006 on MNet Countdown, revealing them for the first time. "Gajima" is a slow ballad while "Barae! Barae!" has strong beats. The album incorporates various genres. Joo performed his first single, "Gajima" (Don't Go), on Mnet Countdown on December 7. He revealed three songs from the album to music website Melon.com. The lead single "Gajima" became one of the most-listened song in various music sites. Joo hopes to release the seventh studio album with Fany in mid-2007.