User:Mazic/Secret Revamp

Secret (Korean: 시크릿; Japanese: シークレット, often stylized as SECRET) is a South Korean K-pop girl group formed by TS Entertainment in 2009. Consisting of four members, Jeon Hyosung, Jung Hana, Song Jieun and Han Sunhwa, the group made its recording debut with the release of "I Want You Back" in October 2009.

In support of their 3rd Japanese single, "So Much For Goodbye", the group will embark on its first head-lining tour in Japan named "Secret 1st Japan Tour" that will be held in March 2012. Since the Korean Music Content Industry Association through Gaon Chart started tracking sales in 2010, Secret has sold over 12 million legal digital downloads in South Korea as of December, 2011.

2009: Debut
On October 4, 2009, Secret made their debut showcase in Appejang Yehall which was later broadcasted in Mnet on March 12, through their documentary show, Secret Story. On October 13, 2009, Secret officially debuted with the release of "I Want You Back".

Musical styles and theme
Retro is the main theme of the majority of Secret's singles, although the group has channeled other genres such as Pop, Dance, R&B, and Hip-Hop. Secret were originally formed with an intention to be an RnB and Hip-Hop group as seen in their debut single, "I Want You Back". As Seoulbeats wrote, "Originally debuting with an urban RnB concept, the girls of Secret have transformed themselves into the queens of retro ever since their breakthrough hits with “Magic” and “Madonna”. Furthermore, with Wonder Girls recently vacating their long-held affair with retro in favor of a more fresh and futuristic(?) approach, Secret lays claim as the next best group to have established a retro identity." Catherine Deen of Yahoo! Philippines shared its same sentiments and said that the group is known "for its unique ability to take retro music and make it their own." While reviewing "Love is Move", Park Hyunmin of enewsWorld commented that Secret is "known for its pop-heavy beats and easy-to-follow dance moves". Hyunmin further added that "Secret′s main appeal is its retro beat and sexy choreography".

Secret's output particularly with their work with Kang Ji Won and Kim Ki Bum makes use of live instruments such as brass, saxophones and drums with the incorporation of synthesizers and electric guitars. While reviewing "Poison", Seoulbeats commented "Furthermore, the composition [of "Poison"] contains a very fitting saxophone hook along with recognizable brass and drum instrumentals that have become the trademark of Secret and their in-house composers, Kang Ji-won and Kim Ki-bum, who have produced all of Secret’s retro hits. Secret’s secret formula for success lies not only in their determined execution of one particular style, but their consistent development of a concept that suits them very well." Seoulbeats concludes that "Secret has carved out its conceptual niche in the K-pop market by developing a distinct and consistent style, and thus they are now in a position to elevate their success and recognition in the industry. While most other groups undergo drastic changes over time to keep current fans interested and to attract new fans, Secret clearly benefits from the advantages of continuity. What other groups or idols have carved out a stylistic niche over the years?"

Image
Secret is also known for their transitions to cute and the girl-next-door image through songs like "Shy Boy" and "Starlight Moonlight" from the sexy and powerful image through "Magic", "Madonna" and "Poison" while still retaining retro as the main theme for their sound. Although a commercial success with "Magic" and "Madonna" peaking at number two and number one respectively on the Gaon Charts, Secret failed to win a first place award on televised South Korean weekly music shows such as M! Countdown, Music Bank and Inkigayo until "Shy Boy". Seoulbeats wrote, "Secret embarked on an aegyo phase in their following release of “Shy Boy" although with much voiced displeasure from the members. Despite the radical change in their personalities, their style remained consistent in staying with and expanding upon their retro identity. The song became a major success as Secret traded in their sex appeal for a heavy dose of aegyo, resulting in much hardware for their chart-topping song." Secret kept its cute imagery with their following single "Starlight Moonlight" until the release of "Love is Move" and "Poison". During their promotions with "Poison", Jeon Hyosung commented "Secret has always been known as a cute group that appeals to the general public. This time, however, we′ve escaped that and showed off our unique charms. Our visuals have also changed for the sexy." Jeon added that "We′re actually closer to Shy Boy in real life."

Endorsements and other activities
The group's popularity and success in Korea has led to endorsement deals such as 9ers Chicken, Googims mall, Grand Mer(Online Fising Game) , Nike  , Nene Chicken  , Good Day Soju and Parkga among others. In October 2009, Secret has been chosen to endorse 9er's chicken.

Sunhwa became more active in acting, modelling and frequently participating in variety shows. In 2009, she became a fixed cast on a popular variety show called Invincible Youth. In November 2010, Sunhwa won the best wedding dress idol award on MBC‘s “Bouquet" which landed her a magazine cover feature on Wedding 21's December issue.  On February 2, 2011, Sunhwa guested on the KBS’s Lunar New Year special, “Idol Health Beauty Contest“, during which she was chosen as the star with the healthiest and most beautiful skin. Sunhwa, along with many other female idols, participated in a skin evaluation by select professionals. In the end, results showed that Sunhwa’s skin was actually 10 years younger than her actual age. In April 2011, Sunhwa was chosen as the model for the cosmetics company, The Skin House.  Sunhwa reportedly received a $100,000 deposit for her six month contract. Sunhwa is slated to star with Jeong Joon-ho in a new movie called "Little Hero.

Han Sunhwa, Jeon Hyosung, Kim Himchan and Bang Yong Guk were chosen as models for KELLAN sportswear 11/12 Winter Collection in September 2011. In December 2010, Secret and the Korean Non-Life Insurance Association (KNIA) teamed up to film a Commercial Film in a Kangnam studio to share their message of concern against drunk driving. With Secret, they were also appointed as ambassadors in campaigns and events such as The Seoul Competition Movie Content 'Streamed Seoul 2009' Goodwill Ambassador(2009), The 18th National Women's Soccer Tournament ambassador(2010), The Eco-Project environmental campaign 'URBAN FARM'(2010), The 8th International Paralympic Skills Competition(2010) and others. On December 28, 2011, Secret were appointed as PR ambassadors for the ‘Korea Consumers Forum’.

Secret

 * Secret 1st Japan Tour "SECRET TIME" (2012)

Showcase and events

 * Secret Story debut showcase (Korea)
 * Secret Premium debut (Japan)
 * Secret mini-outdoor concert (Japan)
 * "Shy Boy" release party (Japan)

Concert participation

 * Jakarta FantastiKpop Festival (2011)
 * New York Korea Festival/KBS Concert (2011)
 * Kpop Music Festival in Sydney (2011)
 * B.A.P Debut Showcase (2012)

Discography
Main article: Secret discography See also: List of songs by Secret, Secret videography

Korean discography

 * Studio albums
 * 2011: Moving in Secret


 * Mini albums / EPs
 * 2010: Secret Time
 * 2010: Madonna


 * Single albums
 * 2011: Shy Boy
 * 2011: Starlight Moonlight

Japanese discography

 * Mini albums / EPs
 * 2011: Shy Boy


 * Single albums
 * 2011: Madonna
 * 2012: So Much For Goodbye

Filmography
For Hyosung's filmography see, Hyosung's Filmography. For Zinger's filmography see, Zinger's Filmography. For Jieun's filmography see, Jieun's Filmography. For Sunhwa's filmography see, Sunhwa's Filmography.

Reality shows

 * 2009: Secret Story
 * 2011: MTV Secret Diary

Awards
In 2010, Secret released their hit single "Magic" which was nominated at the 12th Mnet Asian Music Awards for Best Dance Performance by a Female Group. The same year, the group released their number one hit single "Madonna" which won them a Bonsang award at the 20th Seoul Music Awards. With the success of "Magic" and "Madonna", the group received the "Newcomer award" at the 25th Golden Disk Awards.

"Shy Boy" earned the group's first win in Mnet's M! Countdown and SBS's Inkigayo. The song was their first Triple Crown in KBS's Music Bank and garnered them multiple awards and nominations. The song was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Dance Performance by a Female Group at the 13th Mnet Asian Music Awards. The song won a Bonsang award at the 21st Seoul Music Awards and at the 3rd Melon Music Awards. The song also won the Songs of the Year Award at the 1st Gaon Chart Awards for the month of January. Following the success of "Shy Boy", Secret released Starlight Moonlight in June 2011. The song earned them their second win in Inkigayo and won them a Digital Bonsang award at the 26th Golden Disk Award. In 2012, "Starlight Moonlight" won the Songs of the Year Award in the 1st Gaon Chart Awards for the month of June.