And today, in this article, Channel-Korea will provide you with a rundown of one of the male Korean idol groups, who were previously named Topp Dogg. And yes, this is about Xeno-T! For those of you who might not know them yet, it will be a good start for you to learn more about them and begin to love them. With their five members, you will love their works. So, without any further ado, let us move on to the main topic, guys. Keep scrolling down!
Pre-debut and Debut as Topp Dogg
Xeno-T is a South Korean male idol group that was formerly known as Topp Dogg. With Hojoon, Sangdo, B-Joo, Xero, and Sangwon as the members of Xeno-T, the group is under Hunus Entertainment, following Stardom Entertainment’s merger with the company. Originally a thirteen-member group created by Cho PD in 2013 under Stardom Entertainment, before the group moved to Hunus Entertainment. According to some portal news, Xeno-T, who was in that time still named Topp Dogg, promoted their group before debut with some mixtapes released in March and April 2012. The members were officially introduced in October 2013 and the group held a debut showcase on October 22nd, 2013. On October 22nd, 2013, Topp Dogg released their debut music video for the lead single “Follow Me” ( 말로해 in Korean ), and a day later, they released their debut EP, Dogg’s Out. On December 12th of the same year, Topp Dogg released a repackaged version of Dogg’s Out which included the title track “Cigarette” and a Chinese version of “Follow Me.”
Comeback & Subunit
On January 13th, 2014, Topp Dogg’s second EP, Open The Door, was released by Stardom Entertainment. On January 15th, Topp Dogg made their comeback with the release of the music video for the title track “Open the Door” and a second song titled “Arario” was released the next day. “Open the Door” is about a guy asking a girl to open the door to her heart since he knows that she is already into him. The strong beats and addictive melody are sure to keep heads bopping along throughout the song, according to SOOMPI.
And for the next step, the music video for “Arario” was released on February 12th, serving as the title track of their repackaged EP, which was released on February 24th. According to SOOMPI and some portal news, the music video for “Arario” has a dynamic and energetic theme with a mixture of old and new. Topp Dogg have combined their signature bouncy hip-hop and strong choreography with traditional Korean performance and music style, and the result is an extremely addicting song with a fresh sound. As for the point dance move, they have incorporated the use of Korean fans, which are known for being eye-catching on the stage. Topp Dogg collaborated with webtoon artist Ha Il-kwon on the album, and together, according to the agency, created a sequel to the first fantasy story told in “Open the Door.” For “Arario,” the fantasy is based on the members’ own natures.
After that, on June 9th, 2014, it was revealed that Topp Dogg would be releasing their third EP, AmadeuS, with the title track “TOPDOG.” However, a few days before the release, the entire album was leaked on the internet. According to the representatives, the files were uploaded on YouTube and other sites on the evening of June 7th. In addition to the title track “Top Dog,” the other four tracks of the group’s mini-album AmadeuS were leaked. Immediately after the incident, the agency took rapid action to prevent any additional harm, and the songs were successfully changed from public to private. “Illegal leaking is not right towards the artists and the agency, who have put their best effort into the work, and must thus be stopped. By working together with the officials, we will try to prevent the recurrence of such cases. We will also take legal action against the leaker and distributor by asking for compensations, and making them take responsibility for their acts,” the agency said. Later after the incident and everything came into peace again, on August 25th, 2014, Topp Dogg released a repackage of AmadeuS with three new tracks and a short film showing fans the behind the scenes footage of the AmadeuS photoshoot. And then, for their first anniversary, Topp Dogg released a new “old school” song, “Annie” (short for “Anniversary”), on October 16th, according to some portal news.
The Subunit and The Departures
After one of the Topp Dogg members, Seogoong, went on hiatus, Seogoong posted a message on Twitter and on Topp Dogg’s official fan café, revealing that he would be moving from Topp Dogg to its subunit named Under Dogg. He began working under the subunit on January 16th, 2015. According to KOREABOO, as Topp Dogg’s fan café was updated, it was revealed that Seogoong wishes “to cover a broader musical spectrum and show more unique, diverse stages. Beginning January 16th, 2015, Seogoong will attempt to create a new unit and work together with Under Dogg, independent from Topp Dogg.” Prior to the message on their fan café, Seogoong tweeted a message to fans on January 16th, 2015, where the short message said, “Everyone, hello? It’s Seogoong~~ You all miss me a lot, right? I miss you lots too~ Please wait a bit more, ta-dah!!! I’ll return soon with a cool image~ I love you.” Then, in July 2015, Topp Dogg was moved to Hunus Entertainment after their former company Stardom Entertainment had been acquired and merger by Hunus Entertainment. After that, Topp Dogg’s condition came to a point where they had to be worried and on October 8th, 2015, Hunus Entertainment released a statement after numerous rumors were surfacing over Kidoh and Gohn filing lawsuits against the company for “mismanagement of their careers” as the two members wanted to expand their careers. The statement confirmed the rumors that Gohn and Kidoh had both tried to file lawsuits against the company. On October 31st, 2016, Topp Dogg released a comeback teaser for their first studio album First Street, but unfortunately, at this moment, one of their members, Jenissi was revealed to have left the group to pursue a solo career. Not just that, but following promotions for their first studio album, First Street, the three of their members, Hansol, P-Goon, and Nakta were revealed to have left the group. Hansol intended to join the military. His contract with Hunus was to be discussed once he is discharged. P-Goon also planned to enlist in the military, with plans to pursue an acting career upon being discharged. Nakta had decided to terminate his contract to pursue a solo career. On February 28th, 2017, Hunus Entertainment announced that A-Tom had temporarily left the group to participate in Produce 101 Season 2 under his birth name, Kim Sang-gyun. But unfortunately, he was eliminated in the 26th place during the third elimination round.
Members
Just as you read until this section, Xeno-T’s journey couldn’t be apart with their former name, Topp Dogg’s journey with the members. So, let’s see how was this group’s journey before becoming Xeno-T. This is the list of the current members and the former members according to kprofiles.com.
Former Members
Current Members
A-Tom facts: – Family: mother, father, younger brother. – He studied at Gwangdeok High School (graduated in 2014). – Prior to debut, he was a backup dancer for EVoL and a number of their performances of “Get Up” from March – April 2013. – If he wasn’t a singer, he’d want a fashion career. – He thinks his most charming feature is his smile. – P-Goon shares a room with A-Tom, but A-Tom usually ends up sleeping on the couch because their room is too hot. – A-Tom was chosen as the most admired member by his bandmates. – A-Tom was chosen as the member who’s the most popular with noonas (older women). – A-Tom is a former BigHit trainee. – It was announced that he will go on hiatus in order to participate in the male version of Produce 101. – A-Tom debuted with JBJ (a group requested by fans, all made of trainees who ranked from 20-30 on Produce 101) on October 18th, 2017. – His agency updated, saying that after A-Tom finished his promotions with JBJ, he will return to his agency and will discuss his further activities but he won’t rejoin XENO-T (Topp Dogg). – Sanggyun is going to debut as a duo with JBJ’s Kenta. – A-Tom’s ideal type: A girl who works hard like a flight attendant. (In an interview at Ariran Radio he revealed that he really likes After School’s Lizzy). P-Goon facts: – He is from Seoul, South Korea. – He has a younger sister, Park Se Hee, a member of PEACE. – He is a former DSP Entertainment and YG Entertainment trainee. – He likes playing soccer, working out, DJing. – He can speak Japanese. – Prior to debut, he was a backup dancer for EVoL and a number of their performances of “Get Up” from March – April 2013. – He DJs as a hobby when the group is taking a break. – In 2014, he appeared on the show Let’s Go Dream Team alongside bandmates Sangdo and Hojoon. – P-Goon shares a room with A-Tom, but A-Tom usually ends up sleeping on the couch because their room is too hot. – On September 29th, 2017, it was announced that P-Goon left Topp Dogg. – It was also announced that he plans to enlist for his mandatory military service and after discharge, he plans to focus on acting. – P. Goon got married to former RaNia member, Yumin on August 25th, 2018. – Sehyeok (P-Goon) became a father in February 2019. – In February 2019, Yumin revealed that she and P-Goon had separated and she takes care of her son alone. – P-Goon’s ideal type: Someone who becomes more charming the more time you spend with her. Hansol facts: – He is a former JYP Entertainment trainee. – He auditioned with 24K’s Daeil under the dance group name “Bigone.” Daeil didn’t make it into Stardom. – He is a former backup dancer for EvoL. – His nickname is HanMian (because the second syllable of his name (Sol) sounds a bit like ‘sorry’ and the Korean word for sorry is 미안 (mi-an). – Minsung came out as asexual (from his Instagram live on the 18th of August 2017) and later came out as aromantic (via an Instagram post on the 15th of December 2017). – B-Joo, Minsung (before he left), Hojoon, and Jenissi (before he left) shared the same dorm room. – On September 29th, 2017, it was announced that Minsung left Topp Dogg. – Hansol/Minsung is now in a dance studio called 1997 Dance Studio, where he makes choreography and dances under the name Navinci (YouTube). – It was also announced that he plans to enlist for his mandatory military service. – Minsung’s ideal type: A kind person with pretty eyes. Nakta facts: – He is a former trainee under Jellyfish Entertainment and was supposed to debut with VIXX. – Family: mother, father, older sister. – He participated in the show My Dol (Mnet, 2012). – His former stage name Nakta means camel in Korean and comes from his resemblance to the animal. – Nakta was chosen as the member with the best body by his band members. – On September 29th, 2017 it was announced that Kinda left Topp Dogg. – It was announced that he left his agency and he plans to promote solo as an electronica musician under the new stage name Kinda. – Kinda’s ideal type: A kind girl, also a girl with a pretty smile. I’M facts: – He has a younger sister. – He tends to fall asleep very quickly. – It was announced via ToppDogg’s official fan café on January 16th, 2015, that I’M would be leaving the group to join the subunit UnderDogg with the intent of pursuing a “broader musical spectrum.” – Before joining STARDOM Entertainment, he previously passed an audition for Cube Entertainment and spent a brief amount of time at GYM Entertainment. – He joined the subunit UNDERDOGG that disbanded in 2017, I’M left the company. – He debuted solo and is now using the stage name I’M, under Dream Tea Entertainment. – I’M’s ideal type: A girl who only has eyes for him. Kidoh facts: – He is from Seoul, South Korea. – His stage name comes from the combination of the words ‘kid’ (as in a child) and the exclamation ‘oh.’ – Family: mother, father, younger sister (JiYoung). – The member who speaks English the best. – He likes composing songs. – He is a former trainee of Big Hit Entertainment and he was training with BTS but switched to Stardom Entertainment. – He is good friends with Jin from BTS. – His favorite color is black. – His favorite musician is Kanye West, – He lived in Australia for two years when he was a kid. – Kidoh’s ideal type: A girl who is pretty and nice. Gohn facts: – He is from Seoul, South Korea – Family: mother, father, older brother. – His stage name comes from the word ‘gone’ as in ‘gone drunk on music.’ – It was announced via ToppDogg’s official Facebook page on October 8th, 2015, that Gohn (along with Kidoh) would be withdrawing from the group and that he “has discussed with our agency that he currently wishes to stop the music activities in order to enlist and fulfill the obligatory military service… After finishing his service, if the situation allows, he aims to peruse his own musical career…” – If he wasn’t a singer, he’d be a music composer or producer. – Gohn’s ideal type: A good-natured girl with pretty eye smile. Jenissi facts: – In 2016, he appeared on the Mnet television series Show Me The Money 5. – His stage name is an abbreviation of the biblical name Jehovah Nissi. – B-Joo, Hansol (before he left), Hojoon, and Jenissi (before he left) shared the same dorm room. – On November 1st, 2016, Jenissi left the group. – Jenissi’s ideal type: A girl with a good body and short hair, age doesn’t matter. An example of a girl he admires is 4minute’s Sohyun. Sangdo facts: – Sangdo was born in Incheon, South Korea. – Family: mother, father, older sister. – Sangdo is left-handed. – His groupmates chose him as the most handsome barefaced (without makeup) and the cleanest member. – He sponsors a child from Magway, Burma (Myanmar). – Sangdo was a participant in the idol rebooting show called The Unit (but he didn’t pass the auditions). – Sangdo said that the Japanese romance drama film Let Me Eat Your Pancreas made him cry. – Sangdo’s ideal type: A girl who looks pretty when she smiles. Hojoon facts: – Hojoon was born in Gwangju, South Korea. – Family: mother, father, 2 older sisters. – Hojoon’s nickname is “K-Pop Harry Potter” because of the round glasses he always wears. – Prior to debut, he participated in the Brave Brothers BIGSTAR Show (SBS E!, 2012). – He is a former Brave Entertainment trainee and was a prospective member of BIGSTAR. – Prior to debut, he was a backup dancer for EVoL and a number of their performances of “Get Up” from March – April 2013. – He won several dance competitions prior to debut. – If he wasn’t a singer, he’d want to be a fashion designer or a composer. – He is a former trainee under Brave Entertainment and was supposed to debut with BIGSTAR. – Hojoon was chosen as the most fashionista member. – Hojoon is friends with BTS’ J-Hope, Bigstar’s Sunghak, B.A.P’s Zelo. – Hojoon attended Seungri’s Academy. – Hojoon thinks that one of Xeno-T’s strengths is that they are self-producing idols. – B-Joo, Hansol (before he left), Hojoon, and Jenissi (before he left) shared the same dorm room. – Hojoon was a participant in the idol rebooting show called The Unit (he passed the auditions). – Hojoon’s ideal type: A girl who is pretty, cute and tiny with a 4D charm. B-Joo Facts: – B-Joo was born in Seoul, South Korea. – His stage name comes from his real name ByungJoo, but also holds the meaning of ‘Be With You’ so that he’ll always be with his fans. – Prior to debut, he was a backup dancer for EVoL and a number of their performances of “Get Up” from March – April 2013. – HanSol on B-Joo’s strengths: “B-Joo is my favorite member. He is my best friend. He has a lively personality, so he fancies himself as the mood maker. He is also good at slapstick and has a nice voice.” – He has a tattoo above his right elbow that says “Bounce.” – B-Joo was chosen as the member who’s most popular with younger girls. – B-Joo LOVES Japanese convenience store food. – B-Joo’s favorite food is fruit, especially white peach. – B-Joo’s favorite movies are Spirited Away and Greatest Showman. – B-Joo has a cute dog named Sunshimie. – B-Joo has a tattoo near his left elbow that says “Serendipity.” – B-Joo has a tattoo of the Byungfreeca TV logo near one of his ankles. – B-Joo, Hansol (before he left), Hojoon, and Jenissi (before he left) shared the same dorm room. – B-Joo was a participant in the idol rebooting show called The Unit (he passed the auditions). – B-Joo’s ideal type: A girl who looks good in a white t-shirt and jeans. Xero facts: – Xero was born in Gwangju, South Korea. – Family: mother, father, older sister (SaRang) – He participated in the show Idol Dance Battle D-Style (MBC Music, 2014). – His mother is from Busan. – The other members unanimously choose him as the most narcissistic member of the group. – He acted in the drama 0시의그녀 (Midnight Girl) (MBC 2015). – Xero shares a room in the dorm with their manager. – Xero wants the five members of Xeno-T to “show a stage with a new color, different from ToppDogg where we were a larger number of people”. (Interview with Kanstar Press) – Xero loves tomato spaghetti. – Xero loves shopping and will go shopping any chance he gets. – Xero was a participant in the idol rebooting show called The Unit (but he didn’t pass the auditions). – It was announced that on February 11th, 2019, Xeno will enlist in the military. – Xero’s ideal type: A sexy girl with long hair. Sangwon facts: – Sangwon was born in Seoul, South Korea. – He studied at Hanlim Performing Arts High School. – He’s a close friend of Hyuk from VIXX. – His favorite song is ”If It Was Me” by Na Yoon-Kwon. – His role model is Zico (Block B). – He’s the 2nd in terms of English speaking skills, the first being Kidoh. – His stage name Yano comes from the phrase ‘ya know about me?’ – – Prior to debuting with ToppDogg, he used the stage name Snoppy Swaggy. – In 2015 he appeared in Show Me the Money 4. – On two plus two by BapMokja and Haeppy the members of Topp Dogg unanimously agreed that Yano is the most affected by criticism. – Yano lives by himself. – Yano was a participant in the idol rebooting show called The Unit (but he didn’t pass the auditions). – Sangwon produced Xeno-T’s Japanese debut single titled “Wherever You Are,” he was inspired by a movie titled Be With You that he went to see with B-Joo and Xero. – Sangwon produced Romeo’s “Fireworks (Beautiful Like a Flower).” – Sangwon produced a song titled “The Meaning,” and Sangdo did the vocals to it. – Sangwon is part of HEENT, a producer duo. (Source: Sangwon’s Instagram bio) – Sanwon’s ideal type: Girls with a cat-like face and aegyo-sal (bigger eyebags). An example of a girl he admires is AOA’s Seolhyun and Lovelyz’ Yein.
