WEi

For other uses, see Wei (disambiguation).

WEi
WEi in March 2022
Top: L-R: Junseo, Donghan, Seokhwa,
Bottom: L-R: Yongha, Yohan, Daehyeon
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
GenresK-pop
Years active2020–present
LabelsOui
Members

WEi (Korean: 위아이; RR: Wi Ai; Japanese: ウィーアイ) is a South Korean boy band formed by Oui Entertainment. The group consists of six members: Daehyeon, Donghan, Yongha, Yohan, Seokhwa, and Junseo. The group made their debut on October 5, 2020, with their extended play Identity: First Sight.

Name

[edit]

The group's name, WEi, combines the words "We" and "I", meaning that we are one and will make music as one.[1]

History

[edit]

Pre-debut

[edit]

Daehyeon and Donghan were contestants on the Mnet reality survival show Produce 101 Season 2. Donghan finished in 29th place, and Daehyeon in 83rd place. After the show, Donghan debuted in JBJ, while Daehyeon debuted in Rainz.[2][3] Both groups were active for a period of time and each eventually disbanded in 2018. Donghan and Daehyeon then made their solo debuts in June 2018 and July 2019 respectively.[4][5]

Seokhwa was a YG Entertainment trainee who participated in YG Treasure Box, but did not make it into the show's final debut lineup.[6]

Yongha and Junseo were contestants in Under Nineteen and both became members of the debut lineup, finishing in 6th and 9th place respectively. They debuted as members of 1the9 on April 13, 2019, and officially disbanded as a group on August 8, 2020.[7]

Yohan and Seokhwa were contestants in Produce X 101. Yohan represented Oui Entertainment, despite having only three months of training beforehand.[8] Seokhwa competed as an individual trainee and was eliminated after finishing in 35th place.[9] He signed with Oui Entertainment a month later, under Yohan's recommendation.[10] Yohan finished in 1st place, and debuted as a member and the center of X1 on August 27, 2019.[11] However, X1 disbanded on January 6, 2020, due to the Mnet vote manipulation investigation.[12]

2020–2021: Debut with Identity series

[edit]

The group was announced in May 2020 by Oui Entertainment, through individual profile videos, under the temporary name OUIBOYS.[13] The group's name was later announced to be WEi.[14] They debuted with their first EP Identity: First Sight on October 5, 2020, with the lead single "Twilight".[15]

On February 24, 2021, WEi returned with their second EP Identity: Challenge and its lead single "All Or Nothing".[16]

On June 9, WEi released their third EP Identity: Action and its lead single "Bye Bye Bye".[17]

On October 1, WEi released the promotional single "Starry Night (Prod. Dress)" through Universe Music for the mobile application, Universe.[18]

2022–2023: Love series, world tour, and Japanese debut

[edit]

On March 16, 2022, WEi released their fourth EP Love Pt. 1: First Love and its lead single "Too Bad".[19]

On July 18, WEi announced their first world tour WEi WORLD TOUR: FIRST LOVE in September.[20] The group visited 15 cities in 6 countries, including Thailand, Japan, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, and Chile.[21]

On August 11, WEi made their Japanese debut with the mini album Youth and its lead single "Maldives".[22]

On September 14, it was confirmed that WEi will make an official comeback in October.[23] Their 5th mini album Love Pt. 2: Passion and its lead single "Spray" was released on October 19.[24]

On December 10, WEi held a two-day fan concert Merry RUi Day, along with releasing a special Christmas album Gift For You.[25]

On February 27, 2023, WEi announced their second world tour WEi 2ND WORLD TOUR: PASSION in April.[26] The group visited 10 cities in 5 countries, including Japan, England, Germany, the United States of America, and Mexico.[27]

On May 29, it was confirmed that WEi will make an official comeback in June.[28] The group released their sixth EP Love Pt. 3: Eternally on June 29, along with holding a concert Eternal Sunshine on the day prior.[29]

2024–present: Japanese comeback and digital single album

[edit]

On January 18, 2024, it was confirmed that WEi will release their second Japanese mini album WAVE on February 14 along with holding two concerts titled THE WAVE in Japan.[30] Yohan will not be participating in the album promotions due to schedule conflicts.

On July 28, 2024 it was announced that WEi will release a digital single "LOVE2YOU" on August 30.[31]

Members

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[32] 		JPN
[33] 		JPN
Hot
[34]
Korean
Identity: First Sight 3 59 —
  • KOR: 67,501[35]
  • JPN: 1,525
Identity: Challenge
  • Released: February 24, 2021 (KOR)
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, Kakao M
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 4 21 —
Identity: Action
  • Released: June 9, 2021 (KOR)
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 3 20 —
Love Pt. 1: First Love
  • Released: March 16, 2022 (KOR)
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 5 39 —
Love Pt. 2: Passion
  • Released: October 19, 2022 (KOR)
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 3 36 —
Love Pt. 3: Eternally
  • Released: June 29, 2023 (KOR)
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 9 33 —
Japanese
Youth
  • Released: August 11, 2022 (JPN)
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, Imx Inc
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — 3 44
Wave
  • Released: February 14, 2024 (JPN)
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, KISS Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — 20 13
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Single albums

[edit]
List of single albums, with selected details
Title Details
Gift for You
  • Released: December 12, 2022
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
LOVE2YOU
  • Released: August 30, 2024
  • Label: Oui Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment
  • Formats: digital download, streaming

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak position Album
KOR
Down.
[48]
Korean
"Twilight" 2020 18 Identity: First Sight
"All or Nothing" (모 아님 도) 2021 127 Identity: Challenge
"Bye Bye Bye" 27 Identity: Action
"Starry Night" (Prod. Dress) (반 고흐의 밤)[A] — Non-album single
"Too Bad" 2022 76 Love Pt.1: First Love
"Spray" 147 Love Pt.2: Passion
"Gift for You" — Gift for You
"Overdrive" (질주) 2023 42 Love Pt.3: Eternally
"Love2You" 2024 — Non-album single
Japanese
"Maldives" 2022 — Youth
"Fake Love" 2024 — Wave
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Videography

[edit]

Music videos

[edit]
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
Korean
"Twilight" 2020 Hong Wonki, HYEYA (Zanybros) [49][50]
"All or Nothing" (모 아님 도)
(Prod. Jang Daehyeon) 		2021 Hong Wonki (Zanybros) [51]
"Bye Bye Bye" Lee Gi-baek (Tiger Cave Studio) [52]
"Starry Night" (반 고흐의 밤)
(Prod. Dress) 		kinotaku [53]
"Too Bad" 2022 Ha Junghoon (SUSHIVISUAL) [54]
"Spray" HEADHEAD [55]
"Overdrive" (질주) 2023 Kim Joo Sun (Apple-Juice) [56]
Japanese
"Maldives" 2022 Kim Joo Sun (Apple-Juice) [57]

Filmography

[edit]

Web show

[edit]
Year Title Notes Ref.
2020–present OUI GO UP WEi-based reality show, 3 seasons [58][59]

Concerts and tours

[edit]

Headlining tour

[edit]
  • WEi World Tour [FIRST LOVE] (2022)
  • WEi 2nd World Tour [PASSION] (2023)

Concert

[edit]
Title Date Venue Network
2022 WEi Concert [First Love] April 16, 2022 KBS Arena KAVECON
April 17, 2022
WEi Fan Concert [Merry RUi Day] December 10, 2022 YES24 LIVE HALL KAVECON
STAYG
December 11, 2022
WEi Showcase Concert [Eternal Sunshine] June 28, 2023 YES24 LIVE HALL KAVECON
STAYG
2024 WEi Japan Concert [THE WAVE] February 17, 2024 Matsushita IMP Hall
February 25, 2024 JAPAN PAVILION Hall A

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
APAN Music Awards 2020 APAN Choice New K-Pop Icon WEi Won [60]
Asia Artist Awards 2021 Male Idol Group Popularity Award Nominated [61]
U+ Idol Live Popularity Award Nominated [62]
Brand Customer Loyalty Awards 2021 Best Male Rookie Award Nominated [63]
Brand of the Year Awards Rookie Male Idol Award Nominated [64]
Gaon Chart Music Awards New Artist of the Year - Physical Identity : First Sight Nominated [65]
Global Environment International Conference Awards 2022 Top Class Representative Person Award WEi Won [66]
Golden Disc Awards 2021 Rookie Artist of the Year Nominated [67]
Hanteo Music Awards 2022 Emerging Artist Won [68]
Korea First Brand Awards 2021 New Male Artist Award Nominated [69]
2022 Male Idol Rising Star Award Nominated [70]
2023 Male Idol Rising Star Award Won [71]
Mnet Asian Music Awards 2020 Best New Male Artist Nominated [72]
Artist of the Year Nominated
Worldwide Icon of the Year Nominated
MTV Europe Music Awards 2021 Best Korean Act Nominated [73]
Seoul Music Awards 2021 Rookie of the Year Nominated [74]
K-wave Popularity Award Nominated
Popularity Award Nominated

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Starry Night (Prod. Dress)" was released as a promotional single in collaboration with Universe.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ An, Hana (October 5, 2020). "장대현 "위아이 그룹명, 우리는 하나라는 뜻...모두 한번에 OK"" (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024 – via Naver.
  2. ^ Kim, Mi-ji (December 15, 2017). "[공식] 로엔 측 "JBJ 재계약? 심도 있게 논의 중"" (in Korean). Xportsnews. Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  3. ^ Choi, Jeong-min. "'데뷔 D-1' 레인즈, 개인 티저 영상 공개" (in Korean). TenAsia. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  4. ^ Park, Soo-yoon (June 19, 2018). "JBJ 김동한 홀로서기 통할까…"진짜 내 무대의 시작"" (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  5. ^ Kim, Hyun-sik (August 20, 2019). "레인즈 출신 장대현, 24일 솔로 데뷔…'필 굿'" (in Korean). No Cut News. Archived from the original on September 14, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  6. ^ Jo, Yoon-seon (November 15, 2018). "'YG보석함' 최장수 연습생 방예담, 6년간 폭풍 성장기 공개" (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  7. ^ Jeong, Ji-won (July 27, 2020). "[단독]원더나인, 8월 8일 끝으로 공식적 해산" (in Korean). Joynews24. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  8. ^ Lee, Ye-ji (May 7, 2019). "'프로듀스 x101' 태권도 소년 김요한, 첫 녹화 현장 비하인드 사진 공개…'현재 1주차 순위는?'" (in Korean). Top Star News. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  9. ^ Lee, Deok-haeng (August 20, 2019). "'프듀 X 101' 강석화, 위 엔터테인먼트와 전속계약…"전폭적 지원 약속" [공식입장]" (in Korean). Xports News. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022 – via Naver.
  10. ^ Lee, Ye-ji (May 7, 2019). "'프로듀스 x101' 태권도 소년 김요한, 첫 녹화 현장 비하인드 사진 공개…'현재 1주차 순위는?'" (in Korean). Top Star News. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  11. ^ Kim, Min-ji (July 22, 2019). "'프듀X' 엑스원, 8월 27일 고척돔서 데뷔 쇼콘 개최" (in Korean). TV Report. Archived from the original on July 22, 2019. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  12. ^ Park, Hee-ah (January 9, 2020). "X1 해체 후, 각 소속사에서 벌어지고 있는 일" (in Korean). GQ Korea. Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  13. ^ Ji, Min-kyeong (July 10, 2020). "위보이즈 장대현·김동한·김요한·강석화, 의문의 티저 이미지 기습 공개" (in Korean). OSEN. Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  14. ^ Jeong, Mi-seon (July 11, 2020). "'장대현·김동한·김요한·강석화', 정식 팀명 '위아이(WEi)' 확정! '기대 UP'" (in Korean). enterMedia. Archived from the original on December 26, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  15. ^ Jeong, Hee-yeon (October 5, 2020). "[DA:투데이] 위아이 데뷔…장대현→김요한 올라운더 6인에 거는 기대" (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  16. ^ Jo, Yeon-kyung (February 7, 2021). ""시리즈 2막" 위아이, 24일 두번째 미니앨범 컴백 확정[공식]" (in Korean). Joins. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  17. ^ Ham, Na-yan (May 24, 2021). "위아이 컴백, 6월9일 확정 [공식]" (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  18. ^ Ha, Kyung-heon (September 25, 2021). "유니버스 뮤직, 위아이X드레스 조합으로 또 한 번 '굿 컬래버'" (in Korean). Sports Khan. Archived from the original on September 25, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  19. ^ Kang, Da-yoon (February 28, 2022). "위아이, 3월 16일 완전체 컴백 [공식]" (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on February 28, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  20. ^ Jang, In-young (July 18, 2022). "위아이, 9월 데뷔 첫 월드투어 연다…'퍼스트 러브" [We.I to open their first world tour since their debut in September... 'First Love] (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022 – via Naver.
  21. ^ Park, Sang-hoo (August 17, 2022). "위아이, 6개국 15도시 월드투어 개최 "글로벌돌 행보" [We.I to hold world tour in 15 cities in 6 countries "Global idol step] (in Korean). JTBC. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022 – via Naver.
  22. ^ Lee, Seung-hoon (August 11, 2022). "WEi、日本デビューアルバム「Youth」をリリース…爽やかなサマーソングでファンを魅了" (in Japanese). OSEN. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022 – via Kstyle.
  23. ^ Kim, No-eul (September 14, 2022). "위아이 측 "10월 컴백 목표로 새 앨범 준비 중"[공식]" [We-I's side "Preparing for a new album with the goal of a comeback in October" [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022 – via Naver.
  24. ^ Hyun, Jung-min (October 6, 2022). "위아이, 6개월 만에 컴백…초대장 보냈다" [We.I, comeback after 6 months... sent an invitation] (in Korean). Sports World. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022 – via Naver.
  25. ^ Cho, Seong-woon (December 9, 2022). "'13일 발매' 위아이, 스페셜 싱글 'Gift For You' 하라메 공개" (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on December 10, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2022 – via Naver.
  26. ^ Song, Bong-seok (February 28, 2023). "위아이, 4월 두 번째 월드투어 개최 확정 'WEi 2ND WORLD TOUR '" (in Korean). Sports Khan – via Naver.
  27. ^ Son, Bong-seok (May 22, 2023). "위아이, 두 번째 월드투어 'PASSION' 영국·독일 공연 성공적 마무리" (in Korean). Sports Khan – via Naver.
  28. ^ Lee, Da-won (May 29, 2023). "위아이, 8개월만에 컴백" (in Korean). Sports Khan – via Naver.
  29. ^ Ji, Min-kyung (May 31, 2023). "위아이, 미니 6집 컴백→쇼콘 개최 확정..글로벌 팬덤 정조준" (in Korean). Sports Khan – via Naver.
  30. ^ Yoon, Ki-baek (February 2, 2024). "위아이, 14일 日 컴백… 미니 2집 '웨이브' 발매" (in Korean). EDAILY – via Naver.
  31. ^ Ji, Dong-hyun (August 8, 2024). "'컴백' 위아이, 첫 콘셉트 포토 공개…청량 매력 끝판왕" (in Korean). Sports World – via Naver.
  32. ^ Circle (formerly Gaon) Album Chart:
  33. ^ Oricon Albums Chart:
  34. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums – Week of August 17, 2022". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  35. ^ "2020년 12월 Album Chart". Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  36. ^ "2021년 상반기 Album Chart". Archived from the original on March 11, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  37. ^ Cumulative physical sales for Identity: Challenge:
  38. ^ "2021년 07월 Album Chart". Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  39. ^ "オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2021年06月28日付". Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  40. ^ "Album Chart First Half 2022". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  41. ^ "オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2022年03月21日～2022年03月27日". Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 30, 2022. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  42. ^ "Circle Album Chart – Week 43, 2022". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 27, 2022. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
  43. ^ Cumulative physical sales for Love Pt. 2: Passion:
  44. ^ Cumulative Sales of Love Pt. 3: Eternally:
  45. ^ "オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2023年08月21日～2023年08月27日" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  46. ^ "オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2022年08月08日～2022年08月14日". Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  47. ^ Cumulative physical sales for Wave:
  48. ^ Peaks on the Circle (formerly Gaon) Download Chart:
  49. ^ Lee, Min-ji. "위아이, 데뷔 타이틀곡 '트와일라잇' 뮤비 티저 공개…홍원기 연출" (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 16, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022 – via naver.
  50. ^ @zanybros_hyeya. "'WEi - TWILIGHT' MV". Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2022 – via Instagram.
  51. ^ @a.we_design. "WEi "All Or Nothing"". Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2022 – via Instagram.
  52. ^ Sun, Mi-kyung. "위아이, 오늘(9일) 컴백..더 단단해진 위아이표 '아이덴티티 : 액션'[공식] lfrom=twitter" (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 16, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022 – via naver.
  53. ^ @kinotaku. "[WEi - 반 고흐의 밤 (Starry Night) (prod. dress)]". Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2022 – via Instagram.
  54. ^ @sushivisual (March 31, 2022). "위아이(WEi) 'Too Bad' MV". Archived from the original on September 7, 2022. Retrieved March 31, 2022 – via Instagram.
  55. ^ "WEi - 'SPRAY' M/V". October 26, 2022.
  56. ^ "UNBOXING WEi (위아이) - Love Pt. 3: Eternally". Photobook credits page time stamp 21:51. July 8, 2023.
  57. ^ "WEi [Maldives]".
  58. ^ Jung, Hee-yeon (January 27, 2021). "위아이(WEi), 자체 리얼리티 '위인전2' 론칭 [공식]" (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on January 27, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021 – via Naver.
  59. ^ Ji, Min-kyung (July 31, 2020). "위아이, 첫 리얼리티 '위인전' 공개..데뷔 카운트다운 돌입 "비글 매력 폭발"" (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on February 13, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021 – via Naver.
  60. ^ "'2020 APAN MUSIC AWARDS' 김종국X전소민 MC로 호흡(공식)" (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2021 – via Naver.
  61. ^ "Asia Artist Awards - Male Idol Group Popularity Award Voting 2021". Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  62. ^ "Asia Artist Awards - U+ Idol Live Popularity Award Voting 2021". Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
  63. ^ "2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards Voting". bcli.kcforum.co.kr. Archived from the original on April 27, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
  64. ^ "2021년을 빛낸 올해의 <신인 남자아이돌>". abk.kcforum.co.kr. June 21, 2021. Archived from the original on June 21, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2021 – via Twitter.
  65. ^ "2021 GCMA New Artist of the Year - Digital Nominees". gaonmusicawards.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  66. ^ Ji, Min-kyung (June 22, 2022). "위아이, 탑클래스대표인물대상 수상..4세대 청춘 아이콘의 존재감" [Wei wins Top Class Representative Person Award... The presence of a 4th generation youth icon] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 22, 2022 – via Naver.
  67. ^ "Golden Disc Awards Nominees". Golden Disc. JTBC Plus. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  68. ^ "Hanteo Music Awards 2022" (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  69. ^ "2021 Korea First Brand Voting". fba.kcforum.co.kr. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  70. ^ "2022 Korea First Brand Voting". fba.kcforum.co.kr. Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  71. ^ "2023 Korea First Brand". Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  72. ^ "2020 MAMA Nominees". mama.mwave.me. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  73. ^ "2021 MTV EMA Nominees". mtvema.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  74. ^ "30th Seoul Music Awards". Seoul Music Awards. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=WEi&oldid=1256378640"