Secret (South Korean group)

The documentary Secret Story which aired on Mnet introduced Secret to the public.[1] The show chronicled the debut process of the members and aired their invitation-only debut showcase, which took place on September 29, 2009.[2] On October 13, 2009, Secret officially debuted with the release of the music video of "I Want You Back", their first single.[3] Two days later, on October 15, 2009, they had their first live stage on M! Countdown.[4] Secret participated in the Master of Study OST with the song "Friends" which was released in January 2010.

Secret in Mnet 20's Choice Awards, 2010

On March 31, 2010, Secret revealed the music video for "Magic", the title track of their debut mini album Secret Time.[5] Secret had their comeback performance for "Magic" on M! Countdown on April 8, 2010. The song peaked at number five on the Music Bank K-Chart. The music video quickly reached one million views on video sharing sites such as YouTube and Cyworld, and the "Suspender Dance" which appeared in the video, gained popularity amongst netizens.[6]

Secret released their second mini album titled Madonna on August 12, 2010. The music video for the title track of the same name was released on August 11, 2010. Kang Ji-won and Kim Ki-bum, the composers who wrote "Madonna", highlighted that the inspiration behind the song was about living with confidence by becoming an icon in this generation, like the American singer Madonna.[7] Like their previous single "Magic", the music video for "Madonna" reached one million views on video sharing sites such as YouTube and Cyworld. "Madonna" was better received than "Magic", topping every major online music chart within two weeks and peaking at number one on the Gaon Chart.[8] The song also won the Bonsang Award (Main Prize) at the 20th Seoul Music Awards. On December 9, 2010, Secret attended the 25th Golden Disk Awards, and won the Newcomer Award.[9]

Secret in an interview after performing "Poison", November 2012.

Secret released the single Shy Boy in January 2011. On January 13, Secret won their very first music show award on M! Countdown. Secret also managed to stay at number one on Music Bank for three consecutive weeks.[10] During that timespan, Secret also won a mutizen award on Inkigayo.[11] They released their second single album, Starlight Moonlight on June 1, 2011.[12][13] The song won Secret their second "Mutizen" on Inkigayo with the song.[14] On August 3, 2011, the group released their first single in Japan, "Madonna", which debuted at number nine on the Oricon charts.[15]

On October 18, 2011, Secret released their first studio album, Moving in Secret. "Shy Boy" was remade to serve as the title track on their first mini album in Japan. On November 16, 2011, Secret released their first Japanese mini album, Shy Boy. They have attended the KBEE (Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo) in Paris, France, on December 1 to 3, 2011.[16]

In February 2012, Secret released their second Japanese single entitled So Much For Goodbye.[17] On February 22, they won two "Singers of the Year" awards at the Gaon Chart Awards, for "Shy Boy" and "Starlight Moonlight".[18][19] In March, the group held their first head-lining tour in Japan named "Secret 1st Japan Tour".[20] It took place in Osaka on March 5, Nagoya on March 7 and Tokyo on March 8.[20] Secret released their third Japanese single Twinkle Twinkle on June 13. Twinkle Twinkle was used as the ending theme song of the Naruto spin-off, Naruto SD: Rock Lee and his Ninja Pals.[21] The group released their first Japanese studio album named Welcome to Secret Time on August 22.[22][23][24][25] The Japanese version of "Love is Move" served as the lead single. The album also included Japanese remakes of their Korean hit singles "Madonna" and "Shy Boy", and "Starlight Moonlight", along with the two original Japanese singles "So Much for Goodbye" and "Twinkle Twinkle".[22][23]

In September, Secret released the EP Poison in South Korea.[26][27] The lead of the same name was an "upbeat dance track", written and produced by Kang Ji-won and Kim Ki-bum whom they previously worked with their previous hit singles.[26][27] According to TS Entertainment, "Poison" had "unique characteristics and colors of Secret but will have a change in concept from the cute and friendly image [shown in the past] to a sexy and feminine concept."[26][27][28]

The single Talk That, was released on December 4. It was produced by Shinsadong Tiger, whom has previously worked with their hit track "Magic".[29][30] The music video for "Talk That" was directed by Zanybros' Hong Won-ki. "Talk That" received generally positive reviews from critics, most of whom had praised the song for its mature musical style and concept as opposed to their previous singles.[31][32][33]

On the night of December 11, 2012, Secret was involved in a car accident. Hyoseong, Jieun and Sunhwa received only a few scratches and knee pain, but Hana suffered broken ribs and a bruised lung and therefore halted from Secret's activities in order to recover.[34][35] On December 27, Sunhwa and labelmate B.A.P's Youngjae teamed up to release a digital single titled "Everything is Pretty" as a present for Secret and B.A.P fans.[36][37]

In January 2013, Secret continued to perform "Talk That" on various music and award shows without Hana.[35] Hana ended her hiatus and officially rejoined Secret when she performed at the 22nd Seoul Music Awards and won a bonsang award.[38] On March 29, Secret held their solo concert in Singapore,[39] performing in front of 5,000 fans at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Hall.[39] Secret's fourth mini album, titled Letter from SECRET, with "YooHoo" as the album's lead single, was released on April 30.[40] YooHoo managed to top real time charts such as Mnet, Bugs Olleh, and Sorribada. Secret became one of most searched terms on South Korean portal sites in the midst of their return.[41] In June 2013, Secret signed with Kiss Entertainment for future Japan activities. They also moved from Sony Music to Universal Music Group Japan (Universal D's Sub-Label). On December 9, the group's third single album, Gift From Secret, featuring lead single "I Do I Do" was released. As the album was released during winter TS Entertainment stated that the lead single, "I Do I Do is a lively and warm song and is also reminiscent of carols, which will match well with the coming winter season."[42] I Do I Do was produced by Kang Ji-won and Kim Ki-bum.[43]

On February 5, 2014, Secret released the Japanese version of their Korean single "I Do I Do" along with a music video, which marks their first Japanese release with Kiss Entertainment.[44] On May 29, Tower Records Japan revealed that Secret would release a single album in Japan. Before the release of their fifth Japanese single, Secret held their third Japan tour titled 2014 Secret's Summer Live ~YooHoo~. On July 23 Secret released a Japanese version of their Korean single "YooHoo".[45] On August 11, Secret released their fifth mini album Secret Summer with "I'm In Love" as its lead single. I'm In Love was produced by hitmaker Duble Sidekick. Sonamoo member New Sun also took part in composing the track Look At Me which is featured on the album.[46]

On September 26, 2016, it was announced that Sunhwa would be leaving the group after deciding not to renew her contract with TS Entertainment in order to pursue a career in acting. Sunhwa's contract with TS Entertainment was terminated on October 13. The group would continue with the remaining three members.[47]

On February 28, 2018 it was reported that Hyoseong and Jieun were in legal disputes with TS Entertainment. Hyoseong's legal disputes with TS is due to issues such as not receiving payments. It was also reported that in August 2017, Jieun submitted a request to the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board to verify that her contract is no longer valid due to TS Entertainment not following the terms of the contract.[48]

Jieun later announced via Instagram that she was no longer a member of Secret as her contract was violated and no longer exists.[49]

On March 5, Hyoseong's lawyer revealed that she had filed a civil lawsuit against TS Entertainment in September 2017 to confirm that her contract with the agency is no longer valid. Hyoseong's lawyer stated “First, there are payments that Jun Hyo-seong has not received. TS Entertainment also transferred the management rights conferred by its exclusive contract with the singer to another party without the consent of Jun Hyoseong herself. Not only is this a clear violation of her contract, but it is also a source of instability in her promotions as a singer.” He also stated that it would be unlikely of Hyoseong to remain a member of Secret while under TS Entertainment given the situation and the lack of trust and communication between the agency and Hyoseong, effectively ending the group.[50]

Retro is the main musical style of the majority of Secret's singles, although the group has channeled other genres such as pop, dance, R&B, and hip-hop.[51] 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."[51] Catherine Deen of Yahoo! Philippines said that the group is known "for its unique ability to take retro music and make it their own."[52] 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".[53] Hyunmin further added that "Secret's main appeal is its retro beat and sexy choreography".[54]

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.[51][52] While reviewing "Poison", Seoulbeats commented that "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."[51] 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?"[51]

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.[51][55] 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 any televised South Korean weekly music shows such as M! Countdown, Music Bank and Inkigayo until "Shy Boy".[51] 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".[51] During their promotions with "Poison", Jun Hyoseong 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."[56] Jun added, "We′re actually closer to Shy Boy in real life."[56]