MJ (엠제이) is a South Korean singer, actor, songwriter, and model signed under Fantagio Music. He is currently the lead vocalist and oldest member of the boy group Astro. He also participated in the idol trot group Super Five.
I. Pre-Debut
MJ was born Kim Myungjun (김명준) on March 5, 1994 in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. In 2012, he was a contestant in the JYP Entertainment X HUM Audition and won a one year scholarship to Seoul Arts College. Prior to debuting in Astro, MJ was part of Fantagio's iTeen rookie talent development program as part of a group called iTeen Boys.
It has been said that MJ was a trainee for approximately six months before he debuted as a member of Astro. Prior to debut, he made his acting debut in the web drama To Be Continued.
II. Career
On February 23, 2016, MJ officially debuted as a member of Astro. In February 2019, MJ sand his first OST "You're My Everything" for the Korean drama My Only One. In August of 2019, he appeared on King of the Masked Singer as Driver Kim.
In April 2020, MJ sang the OST "Sweet Spring" for the Korean drama Eccentric! Chef Moon. In that same month it was confirmed that MJ would take part in his first musical. MJ, along with 2AM's Jo Kown, NU'EST's Ren, and Shin Joo Hyup were cast in the Korean version fo the musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie. They would share the role of a teenager named Jamie who dreams of becoming a drag queen.
In July 2020, MJ was cast in the MBC variety series Favorite Entertainment. He was selected to be a part of an idol trot group, Super Five, formed by famed trot singer Jang Yoong Jung. Super Five debuted on August 22, 2020. While part of the group, MJ promoted using his real name.
As a song writer, MJ has participated in the lyrics and composing for several Astro songs including "Bloom", "ONE&ONLY", and "gemini".
On October 26, 2021, it was announced that MJ would become the first member of Astro make his solo debut with the release of the digital single "Happy Virus". The single was released on November 3.
III. Discography
| Artwork | Title | Format | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Virus | Digital Single | November 3, 2021 |
IV. Soundtrack Appearances
| Title | Year | Drama |
|---|---|---|
| 내 삶의 전부 (All of My Life) | 2019 | My Only One |
| 봄날애(愛) (Sweet Spring) | 2020 | Eccentric! Chef Moon |
V. Filmography
VI. Web Series
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | To be Continued | Himself | MBC Every1 |
| 2016 | My Romantic Some Recipe | Guest | Naver TVCast |
| 2017 | Sweet Revenge | Himself | Oksusu |
| 2019 | Soul Plate | Angel Raoniel | Naver TVCast, YouTube |
| 2021 | Find the Hidden Guy | - | YouTube |
VII. Variety Shows
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Gotta Go to Know | Main Cast | SBS of FunE |
| 2019 | Go Together Travel Alone | Main Cast | TV Chosun |
| 2019 | Insane Quiz Show Season 2 | Main Cast | vLive |
| 2019 | Blanket Kick at Night | MC | tVn D |
| 2019 | King of Masked Singer | Contestant (Ep 213-214) | MBC |
| 2020 | Favorite Entertainment | Kim Myungjun (Super Five) | MBC |
| 2021 | Fact IN Star | MC | TBS |
| 2021 | Godiva Show | Contestant | Donga TV |
VIII. Musicals
| Run | Title | Role | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 4 – September 12, 2020 | Everybody's Talking About Jamie | Jamie | LG Art Center |
| December 3, 2021-February 6, 2022 | Jack the Ripper | Daniel | KEPCO Art Center |
