Omega X (Korean: 오메가엑스, stylized in all caps) is a South Korean boy band formed in 2021. The group consists of 11 members: Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Hangyeom, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Junghoon, Hyuk and Yechan.
History
Pre-debut
All of Omega X's members had appeared in survival shows or debuted in previous K-pop groups before debuting in Omega X. Hangyeom is a former member of Seven O'Clock, who also participated in Mix Nine, finishing in sixth place. Jaehan was a contestant on Produce 101 Season 2 and a former member of Spectrum. Hwichan was the drummer of Kokoma Band (literally, "Little Kids' Band"), a trainee band managed by FNC Entertainment.[2] He also participated in Mix Nine and is a former member of Limitless. Sebin is a member of Snuper and participated in The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project. Taedong participated in Boys24 and Produce 101 Season 2, and is a former member of Gidongdae. Xen and Jehyun are former members of 1Team. Kevin, Junghoon and Hyuk are former members of ENOi. Yechan participated in Under Nineteen and is a former member of 1the9.[3]
2021: Debut with Vamos and What's Goin' On
On June 30, Omega X debuted with the release of their first EP, Vamos, and its lead single of the same name.[4]
On September 6, Omega X released their first single album, What's Goin' On, and its lead single of the same name.[5]
2022: Love Me Like, Story Written in Music and Japanese debut
On January 5, Omega X released their second EP, Love Me Like, and its lead single of the same name.[6]
On June 15, Omega X released their first studio album, Story Written in Music, and its track "Play Dumb".[7]
On August 24, Omega X made their Japanese debut under Tokuma Shoten with the mini album Stand Up! and the title track was pre-released on July 1.[8]
2023–present: Return after lawsuit win and IYKYK
On February 11, 2023, a month after winning the lawsuit against their former label, Omega X attended and performed at the second day of the awards ceremony of the 30th Hanteo Music Awards. The group also revealed their new song, "Dream", which was composed by Hangyeom and written by the members, during the event.[9] The song was released on April 24, 2023, through various online music streaming sites.[10]
On May 7, 2023, it was announced that the group had parted ways with Spire Entertainment after terminating their contract.[11] In July 2023, Omega X signed an exclusive management contract with IPQ.[12]
On October 18, the group announced their return and released their third mini album IYKYK (If You Know, You Know) on November 7.[13]
Legal issues and controversies
Abuse allegations and lawsuit against Spire and YouTuber
On October 24, 2022, a video was leaked showing the CEO of Spire Entertainment physically and verbally abusing members of the group as one of them faints.[14] On the same day, Spire Entertainment released a statement claiming that both Omega X and the label had "resolved all their misunderstandings" while the CEO denied any abuse having taken place.[15][16] The following day, SBS shared a new video taken by a fan showing the CEO verbally abusing the members outside a concert venue, with one member undergoing a panic attack.[17][18]
On November 5, the group created a new Instagram separate from the label, where they announced their intentions to continue as a group and communicate with their fans.[19][20] On November 7, Spire released another apology in response to the Instagram post by Omega X, as well as announcing the resignation of the company's CEO to prevent future incidents.[21] On November 11, SBS revealed more allegations against the company such as them forcing the group to perform despite testing positive for COVID-19, and a new video of the initial yelling incident, revealing that the CEO yelled at the members for not properly thanking her or the company during their live concert. The company only issued a brief statement reaffirming the earlier apology and resignation of the CEO.[22][23]
On November 14, it was announced that a press conference would be held with the members on November 16 for a special announcement.[24] Ahead of the press conference the group filed a trademark for their name as well as the fanbase, For X.[25] It was also revealed by their legal representative that the group suffered assault, intimidation, sexual harassment, gaslighting, and other forms of abuse.[26] During the press conference, it was announced that Omega X would be filing a lawsuit to terminate their contracts against Spire Entertainment.[27][28]
On January 11, 2023, Omega X announced that they had won their lawsuit and their contracts with Spire were suspended.[29]
On August 21, IPQ released a statement denying allegations made on Omega X by YouTuber In Ji-woong and announced legal response against both In and Spire Entertainment for defamation, as well as legal action against Spire for breach of contract, mental and physical abuse against Omega X members. Lawyer Noh Jong-eon, the group's legal representative, stated on August 28 that they filed a lawsuit against Spire for sexual harassment and that they planned to hold a press conference.[30] Meanwhile, member Yechan's father also filed a complaint against the YouTuber for spreading false information.[31]
Members
Adapted from their Naver profile and official website.[32]
^Credited as Omega X but features only Taedong, Xen, and Jaehan
^Credited as Omega X but features only Jaehan and Hwichan
References
^Kang, Ju-iljoo (July 3, 2023). "[단독] 오메가엑스, 새 둥지 찾았다···아이피큐와 전속계약" [[Exclusive] Omega X Found a Bird's Nest... Exclusive contract with IPQ]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023 – via Naver.
^Son, Jae-hyung (August 14, 2014). "배우 곽동연 청담동111 꼬꼬마밴드로 등장했던 그..나혼자산다 자취일상은?" [Actor Kwak Dong-yeon who appeared as a little kid band in Cheongdam-dong111.. I live alone Whats your daily life?]. ikoreadaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 6, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
^Lee, Seul (February 12, 2023). "오메가엑스, 승소 후 첫 공식석상…"무대 보고 꿈 키워" [엑's 이슈]" [Omega X, first official appearance after winning the case... "Raise your dreams after watching the stage"]. 엑스포츠뉴스 (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
^Yoon, Jong-jin (April 24, 2023). "오메가엑스, 팬 향한 특별 마음 담은 '드림' 발표" [Omega X announces 'Dream' with special feelings for fans]. AP Newspaper (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
^Yoo, Jung-min (July 3, 2023). "오메가엑스, 아이피큐와 전속계약…'소년을 위로해줘!' 인연" [Omega X, exclusive contract with IPQ... 'Comfort the boy!' Destiny]. MBC Entertainment (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023 – via Naver.
^Yoo, Jeong-min (October 18, 2023). "오메가엑스, 11월 7일 컴백 확정…'iykyk' 발매" [Omega X confirms comeback on November 7th... ‘IYKYK’ released]. MBC Entertainment (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023 – via Naver.
^Yong, Won-joong (March 17, 2023). "오메가엑스 재한X예찬 '소년을 위로해줘', 오늘 OST 모음집 공개" [Omega X Jaehan x Yechan ‘A Shoulder to Cry On’, OST collection released today]. 싱글리스트 (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
^Jeong, Ha-eun (August 4, 2023). "오메가엑스 젠, '돌싱글즈4' OST 부른다" [Omega X Xen sings ‘Love After Divorce 4’ OST]. 스포츠서울 (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
^Maeng, Seon-mi (April 24, 2021). "오메가엑스, 리얼리티 '로딩 원 모어 찬스' 24일 첫 방송" [Omega X's reality show 'Loading One More ChanX' premieres on the 24th]. 비즈엔터 (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
^Kim, Da-eun (February 16, 2023). "오메가엑스, 플로 라디오 'X의 과몰입' 고정 DJ 발탁 [공식]" [Omega X selected as a fixed DJ for Flo Radio ‘X’s Overimmersion’ [Official]] (in Korean). Ilgan Sports. Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2023 – via Naver.
^"오메가엑스 재한X세빈, 플로 라디오 ′X의 과몰입′ DJ 첫 주자 출격" [Omega X Jaehan x Sebin, the first DJ to appear on Flo Radio 'X's Overindulgence']. 스포츠W (in Korean). March 2, 2023. Archived from the original on March 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
^Kim, Ye-na (May 4, 2023). "오메가엑스, 바이브 파티룸 '아름다운 우리에게' 오늘(4일) 첫 라이브" [Omega X, Vibe Party Room ‘To the Beautiful Us’ First Live Today (4th)]. www.xportsnews.com (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 23, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
^Yoo, Byung-cheol (May 10, 2021). "오메가엑스 제주특별자치도관광협회 제주관광 명예 홍보대사 위촉제주도 전 세계에 알릴 것" [Omega X, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Tourism Association Appointed Honorary Ambassador for Jeju Tourism... “Jeju Island will be known all over the world”]. 한국경제TV (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
^Son, Jin-ah (June 11, 2021). "오메가엑스, 아시아교류협회 홍보대사 위촉" [Omega X Appointed Public Relations Ambassador for Asia Exchange Association]. MK스포츠 (in Korean). Retrieved March 19, 2023.
^Kim, Tae-shik (June 26, 2021). "오메가엑스, 세계생활체육연맹 홍보대사로 세계 누빈다!" [Omega X travels around the world as an honorary ambassador for the World Sports Federation!]. 열린뉴스통신 (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
^Seo, Sang-hyun (December 22, 2021). "오메가엑스, '코엑스 윈터 갤러리 2021' 홍보대사 활약" [Omega X plays an active role as a public relations ambassador for 'COEX Winter Gallery 2021']. 톱데일리 (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
^Jin, Hyang-hee (December 8, 2021). "오메가엑스, '제36회 골든디스크어워즈' 신인상 노미네이트" [Omega X nominated for Rookie of the Year at the 36th Golden Disc Awards]. 스타투데이 (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
^"BTS부터 엔시티드림까지... 한터뮤직어워즈 아티스트상 수상!" [From BTS to NCT Dream... Hanteo Music Awards Artist Award!]. Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
^Ahn, Yoon-ji (January 23, 2022). "NCT127, 데뷔 후 첫 대상.."We made it! 건강·행복하길"[서울가요대상][종합]" [NCT127, first grand prize after debut.."We made it! Wishing you health and happiness"[Seoul Music Awards][General]]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 23, 2022. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
^"31st High1 Seoul Music Awards – 모바일 투표 현황" [31st High1 Seoul Music Awards – Mobile Voting Status]. Seoul Music Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
^Lim, Ji-won (June 30, 2023). "'2023 더팩트 뮤직 어워즈(TMA)', 스트레이키즈 2년 연속 1위 수상" ['2023 The Fact Music Awards (TMA)', Stray Kids win 1st place for 2 consecutive years]. Culture News (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 3, 2023. Retrieved July 3, 2023.