Pentagon is a South Korean boy band formed by Cube Entertainment. Here's a comprehensive history of the group up until that time:
Pre-Debut:
Pentagon's journey began with the show "Pentagon Maker," which aired from April to July 2016. The show followed the trainees' progress and allowed viewers to vote on the final lineup. The original members included Hui, Jinho, Hongseok, E'Dawn, Yeo One, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok.
Debut and Early Years:
Pentagon officially debuted on October 10, 2016, with their extended play (EP) "Pentagon." The debut title track was "Gorilla," and it gained moderate success, introducing the group to the K-pop scene.
Unfortunately, shortly after their debut, E'Dawn and Yan An went on a temporary hiatus due to health reasons and personal matters, respectively. They joined the group later during promotions for their second EP.
Rise to Prominence:
Pentagon's breakthrough came with their third EP, "Ceremony," which was released on June 12, 2017. The title track, "Critical Beauty," received widespread acclaim, garnering them their first music show win on "The Show." The EP was well-received, solidifying Pentagon's position in the competitive K-pop industry.
Subsequent Releases:
Over the years, Pentagon continued to release successful EPs, showcasing their versatility and talent. They gained recognition for their unique sound, impressive choreography, and strong vocal performances.
In September 2018, Pentagon faced a significant setback when member E'Dawn, who was also part of the sub-unit Triple H with fellow Pentagon member Hui and HyunA, was involved in a dating scandal. The public revelation of his relationship with HyunA led to a controversy that affected both artists' careers. Eventually, E'Dawn's departure from Cube Entertainment was confirmed in November 2018.
Despite the controversy, Pentagon remained resilient and continued to promote their music. Their EPs "Thumbs Up!" (2018) and "Genie:us" (2019) achieved commercial success, further solidifying their position in the K-pop industry.
Later Years and International Tours:
In 2020, Pentagon released their eleventh EP, "We:th," featuring the title track "Daisy." The EP showcased the members' songwriting abilities, and "Daisy" received positive feedback from fans and critics alike.
Pentagon also expanded their international presence, embarking on multiple world tours and performing in various countries, garnering a growing international fanbase.
Collaborations and Sub-Units:
Pentagon members actively participated in various collaborations and sub-units. As mentioned earlier, members Hui and E'Dawn were part of the sub-unit Triple H with HyunA. Triple H released two EPs, "199X" (2017) and "REtro Futurism" (2018).
Additionally, Hui, Jinho, and Wooseok formed the special unit "YEOJINUS" in 2018. They released a digital single titled "Butterfly" as part of Cube Entertainment's project "UNIT." This showcased their vocal prowess and strong harmonies.
Participation in Survival Shows:
Several Pentagon members appeared on survival and competition shows before or during their time with the group. For instance, Hui and Kino were participants in the survival show "Produce 101" (season 2) before debuting with Pentagon. Jinho gained recognition for his incredible vocal abilities while participating in "SMTM (Show Me The Money) 5."
Member Yan An went on a hiatus due to health reasons after the group's debut but eventually returned to activities, much to the delight of fans.
Fan Engagement and Fanbase Growth:
Pentagon members are known for their dedication to their fans, known as "Universe." They frequently communicate with fans through various platforms and social media, sharing behind-the-scenes content, vlogs, and other engaging interactions.
The group's fanbase steadily grew domestically and internationally, with fans appreciating their talent, authenticity, and interaction with supporters.
Diversification of Music and Concepts:
Throughout their career, Pentagon demonstrated their versatility by experimenting with diverse music genres and concepts. They were known for their powerful and energetic performances, as well as their ability to convey emotions in ballads and more emotional tracks.
Beyond their music, Pentagon's visuals and storytelling in music videos contributed to their appeal and helped them stand out in the competitive K-pop industry.
Despite some challenges, Pentagon maintained a strong bond with their fans and continued to grow as artists, securing a place as one of the promising boy groups in the industry.