Meet TREASURE, a New K-Pop Group Making Their Debut With Bold Single “Boy”

After years of waiting, TREASURE has arrived, and they're ready to take the first step toward their dreams. The latest boy group from YG Entertainment (home to BLACKPINK) officially made their long-anticipated debut on Friday, August 7 with "Boy", the energetic lead track from their single album The First Step: Chapter One. Bursting with vitality and teenage confidence, the song is a fitting debut for the ensemble of young adults.

First impressions are important, especially in K-pop. Each year, dozens of rookie idol groups vie for the opportunity to make their mark. Everyone is talented. Everyone works hard. And everyone wants to be a star. But it's not so easy. The reality is only a handful of rookie groups will succeed, and even then it might take years to achieve their dreams of music show wins, sold-out world tours, and grand prizes. Luckily for the 12 members of TREASURE, they're used to performing well under pressure.

It's been over 18 months since the finale of Treasure Box, the reality program that brought members Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Mashiho, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Bang Yedam, Haruto, Doyoung, Jeongwoo, and Junghwan together. Yet, despite a few setbacks — including the departure of one of their original members — their momentum hasn't stalled; stock pre-orders for their release have already exceeded 150,000 units, putting TREASURE on track to have the biggest debut of the year. And they also ranked on Billboard's Social 50 chart, even before they had actually debuted.

So now's a good time to start stanning. And if you don't know where to start, don't worry. Teen Vogue has put together this extremely thorough guide to help point you in the right direction.

How did they become TREASURE?

The group was formed on a reality competition program (or, survival series) called Treasure Box that took YG's most promising male trainees from South Korea and Japan and had them compete to become part of the final lineup of the company's new boy group. The size of the group was never specified, and throughout the series it would fluctuate between five and seven members. So it was a surprise when, in reality, 13 boys made the cut. Not to mention that large groups have never been YG Entertainment's style.

The idea was that Treasure 13 would promote together as well as in two separate units: Treasure and Magnum. However, after their debut was delayed several times, and Yoonbin left the group, it was announced earlier this year that they'd debut as TREASURE, a cohesive, 12-member group. They released the bubblegum hype track "Going Crazy" as a pre-debut gift to patient fans shortly after.

What are their fans called?

Officially, fans of TREASURE are called Treasure Makers, but the members refer to their fans as Teume ("트메") for short. And the fans have taken a liking to the abbreviated moniker.

What makes TREASURE stand out?

As previously established, TREASURE is a large group, and while there are exceptions (like SEVENTEEN and The Boyz), the average size of Korean boy groups has been trending down in recent years. But this is exactly what makes TREASURE so unique, especially for a company like YG that's never debuted a group of this size. There's also the fact that TREASURE is the company's first proper idol group in the sense that with their debut single "Boy" they're bringing colorful music, fresh concepts, and large-scale synchronized choreography to a brand that's historically been known for its cool image. And these boys can serve harmonies.

TREASURE also hopes to hit big in other important Asian markets, with four of their members hailing from Japan, another first for YG. Rapper Haruto is already a fan-favorite.

And then there's their vocal ace Bang Yedam, the 18-year-old wunderkind who amassed a loyal following as a contestant on K-pop Star 2 in 2012. He's been waiting to debut ever since — and fans are more than ready for his return to the spotlight. Yedam is also one of several members who write and produce their own music, something that YG plans to tap into for future releases.

Meet the 12 Members of TREASURE

But Yedam isn't the only shining star of the group. Let's get to know the members better.

Hyunsuk, 21

Position: Leader, Rapper, Dancer

The eldest member of TREASURE, Choi Hyunsuk has been in the K-pop consciousness for years. Joining YG in 2015, the magnetic rapper and dancer was part of Silver Boys, a fan-appointed name for the company's high-profile male trainees (including CIX's BX and Seunghun and AB6IX's Woong). The group never materialized into something real, but Hyunsuk gained a following on the 2017 survival series MIXNINE. Despite making the final lineup, the temporary group's debut was cancelled because of failed contract negotiations. Yet, Hyunsuk remained positive in spite of these setbacks, which makes him an adept and resilient leader for TREASURE.

On stage, the songwriter and producer's charisma is effortless, and he evokes the kind of colorful lyricism and bravado of his seniors and role models G-Dragon, Zico, and fellow Daegu rapper Suga. He's even featured on LEE HI's "1, 2" with a self-penned verse. Hyunsuk is also a powerful dancer, and showed off his skills on Treasure Box with a slinky cover of Jimin's "Lie" alongside a then 13-year-old Junghwan. Off stage, Hyunsuk is just as loud. When he's not working on music, you can find him watching soccer (he's an encyclopedia) and customizing his own clothes and accessories. "Fashion has no gender for Hyunsuk," Junkyu said of their eclectic leader in an early episode of Treasure Map. But don't be fooled by his age; he's the group's resident scaredy cat.

Must-watch: Hyunsuk and Junhyuk's scene-stealing rap battle; Hyunsuk's mom reminding him who to thank for his fashion-forward style.

Jihoon, 20 

Position: Leader, Vocalist, Dancer

TREASURE's second leader, Park Jihoon, hails from Busan, South Korea. He joined the company as a trainee in 2016 and appeared with the Silver Boys in a 2017 episode of the Stray Kids survival series that pitted the male trainees of YG and JYP against one another. Although Jihoon left the company in early 2018, he returned later that year to compete in Treasure Box, where his steady vocals and smooth performance skills made him a consistent player throughout the season. Since making the final lineup, fans have seen even more of Jihoon's colorful personality.

Wildly expressive and unabashedly boisterous, Jihoon has a natural talent for comedy, and he'll be one of the group's ace members on variety shows. But there's a softness to him too, and he's someone that the younger members often turn to for support and guidance. "That's easy to do but hard, reaching out to help someone," Jaehyuk said of the leader. "But Jihoon always came to help." And when he needs to relieve stress, Jihoon goes outside; his favorite activity is taking scenic photos along the Han River. He's a Pisces, after all.

Must-watch: No one loves pilates more than Jihoon loves pilates.

Yoshi, 20

Position: Rapper

Kanemoto Yoshinori is the oldest of the group's Japanese members, or J-line as they're often referred to by fans. As such, there's a brotherly nature to the soft-spoken rapper. Yoshi originally didn't make the final Treasure 13 lineup, but he was added to Magnum after the show ended, and he's grown even more confident in his performance since. (And anyone who doubts his skills should watch this unaired stage with former member Yoonbin.)

The others describe Yoshi as sweet and caring, and his emotional intelligence is captured in moments shared with his members. In a video from this past May, Yoshi and Jeongwoo have an honest conversation about the younger's fear of losing his parents, and the elder reflects on the death of his father and the last time he cried. "I envy those people who cry from joy," he said. Yoshi's quiet strength is his superpower, and he demonstrates his creativity through songwriting, graffiti art, and painting.

Must-watch: A three-minute video of Yoshi studying for his Korean exam.

Junkyu, 19

Position: Vocalist

A walking meme with a striking voice, chances are you've seen Kim Junkyu on your timeline. But the lanky vocalist is more than handsome fodder for stan Twitter. His unique voice — following in the footsteps of fellow YG artists like iKON's Junhoe and BLACKPINK's Rosé — is instantly memorable for its distinct tone. A trainee since 2014, Junkyu struggled with his confidence following a disappointing finish on MIXNINE, but his success and jovial temperament on Treasure Box gave him the boost he needed to secure a spot in TREASURE.

The self-proclaimed mood-maker of the group, Junkyu's cheerful attitude and occasional cluelessness make him easy to root for (and a natural target for Jihoon). He's also a talented songwriter and composer with a real gift for comedic timing and kimbap-making. There's only one thing he can't do, according to Hyunsuk: dress himself.

Must-watch: Junkyu's performance of Attom's "Better," which the producer noticed on Twitter; his many, many perfumes.

Mashiho, 19

Position: Vocalist, Dancer

Disciplined dancer Takata Mashiho has been training since 2013. The Japanese teen has been dancing since he was just a kid, studying everything from jazz to ballet to b-boying to tumbling. He's a captivating performer whose sweet vocals and natural aegyo (or, cuteness) make him an undeniable favorite, even among his members. He was voted as the most handsome trainee by his Treasure Box competitors. And while he projects a bright and happy image, he's serious about his performance. He's incredibly organized and detail-oriented, and he's always been focused on his dream: "My goal ever since joining YG has been our world tour," he said in a video from this past June. With TREASURE's debut, he's one step closer to achieving it.

Must-watch: His center part in "Earned It"; also, "hamburger" (just for the memes).

Yoon Jaehyuk, 19

Position: Vocalist, Rapper

Having only trained for a few months before Treasure Box, Yoon Jaehyuk struggled to find his place among the more experienced trainees, and it ultimately took a hit on the Seoul teen's self-esteem. He was eliminated from the survival series but was brought back for the finale. And what he lacked in skill he made up for in stage presence, which is not always something that an artist can learn. In K-pop, the stigma of being a "visual" — or someone street casted for their looks — lingers, but the idols who can transcend that label are the ones who dedicate themselves to their craft. And in the 18 months since the Treasure Box finale Jaehyuk has grown as a rapper, vocalist, and overall performer.

For Jaehyuk, his charm is his good-natured personality. His members and his fans find his naiveté endearing, and he's already shown a knack for hosting, serving as a designated MC for several of the group's videos. He's also TREASURE's reigning selfie king.

Must-watch: Yoon Jaehyuk, the nation's best son-in-law.

Asahi, 18

Position: Vocalist

Japanese member Hamada Asahi's nickname is "robot," a moniker that speaks to his 4D personality (a term used in K-pop to refer to an idol with eccentricities). While the shy vocalist is outwardly very quiet — he's an extreme, MBTI-certified introvert (97 percent so) — he's also incredibly creative, and his gift for drawing, composing music, and setting the perfect vibe are well-known to fans. He was eliminated on Treasure Box but was later added to the Magnum lineup, and his official position for TREASURE is vocal.

Yet, it's his talent for songwriting and producing that gives us a glimpse of his future role in the group. Asahi regularly records demos in his dimly lit dorm-room studio with his roommate Haruto, and he even wrote and composed the "3-Minute Treasure" theme song alongside Junkyu. His favorite genre is R&B, as demonstrated by this unreleased track he produced for Mashiho. And he's also a budding multi-instrumentalist.

Must-watch: This legendary aegyo battle.

Bang Yedam, 18

Position: Vocalist

TREASURE's long-awaited debut feels like a coronation for Seoul's own Bang Yedam. At the age of 11 the young singer signed to YG after placing second on the popular reality competition show K-Pop Star 2 in 2013. Since then fans have been waiting patiently for YG's vocal prodigy to make his debut. His performance of "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" in 2017 went viral in South Korea, and it even garnered the attention of Shawn Mendes, who called the 15-year-old's cover "amazing." Yedam's biggest strength as a vocalist is his innate pop sensibility — his ability to blend his K-pop accoutrements with a smooth sound influenced by Western pop-R&B.

That sound is also reflected in his own compositions, from the trap-heavy angst of "Betrayer" to the boyish lyricism of "U". He's also not afraid to experiment across genres, like on the emo rock-infused "Playing Games." Fans of the teen singer-songwriter call themselves Black Swans, a nod to his 2018 self-produced song "Black Swan." And he even released an official pre-debut single, "WAYO," earlier this summer; the track debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. But Yedam's talents don't end in the studio. He's also a top student at his performing arts school and a fast learner. One memorable moment of Treasure Box saw Yedam, who had been busy with his exams, learn an entire routine in 30 minutes; he executed it perfectly, earning high praise from WINNER's Hoony: "He's a genius." They don't call him "God Yedam" for nothing.

Must-watch: His cover of "Honesty" by Pink Sweat$, in which he added a self-penned Korean verse; the performance of Justin Bieber's "Baby" from K-pop Star 2 that earned him the nickname "look at me noona."

Doyoung, 16

Position: Dancer, Vocalist

Despite his age, dancer Kim Doyoung has been training for five years. In that time, he's honed his dancing skills and has become one of the group's performance aces. And he's also developed as a vocalist; his soft tone is a nice compliment to powerhouses Yedam, Junkyu, and Jeongwoo. The eldest of TREASURE's maknae (youngest members) line, Doyoung is relatively easy-going, but he also has an occasional flair for drama, which makes him a bit of a wildcard. And while he's quick-witted, he's not so good at games, especially the whisper challenge.

Must-watch: Hyunsuk and Doyoung's "Babushka Boi" choreography; his cover of Jisoo's "Whistle" bridge.

Haruto, 16

Position: Rapper

Known for his deep voice and striking visuals, it's no surprise that Japanese rapper Watanabe Haruto became a fan-favorite on Treasure Box. What is surprising, however, is how different he is off stage. When he's performing, he's biting and focused; off stage, he's a kid whose fears sometimes betray his staggering overconfidence. But it's his playful side that endears him to fans. He's competitive, hot-headed, and will do whatever it takes to win. And he's already winning over the hearts of stans and locals alike; his presence on "Boy" — of which he also contributed to the lyrics — is a highlight. Fun fact: His mom is a massive BIGBANG fan, so it's fate that he ended up at YG.

Must-watch: Haruto's take on Rich Brian.

Jeongwoo, 15

Position: Vocalist

Park Jeongwoo stunned viewers — and his fellow trainees — when he performed Adele's "When We Were Young" during a trainee evaluation on Treasure Box. His rich, soulful vocals are his trademark, and he's the group's go-to belter. He's another self-described mood-maker, a potent combination of colorful curiosity and mischief. For that reason, he likens himself to a puppy. He can't sit still for long, which naturally led him to pursue a life of constant schedules, traveling, and activity. "It's a precious opportunity to learn and experience a lot of things," he said in a recent promotional video. Perhaps one of those things will be learning how to become a morning person.

Must-watch: Vocal trinity Junkyu, Yedam, and Jeongwoo performing BIGBANG's "Last Dance."

Junghwan, 15

Position: Dancer, Vocalist

The youngest member of TREASURE is also steadfastly becoming their tallest. So Junghwan ranked first in dance in the Treasure Box finale, a testament to his hard work and dynamic performance skills throughout the season. (He had only been training for less than a year before the start of the show.) When it comes to dancing, Junghwan is known for his explosive power. It makes sense, considering the Iksan native is also a 4th degree black belt holder in Taekwondo. He's also grown as a vocalist with his tender tone, and while he still has introverted tendencies, his members — who call him their "Super King Cow Baby" — look to his cheery disposition to lighten the mood. In a recent video, Junghwan opened up about making his debut at 15. "It's tough, but [it's tough] for everyone," he said. "That keeps me going."

Must-watch: His part in TREASURE's dance performance of A$AP Rocky's "Wild For The Night"; his ketchup ramen.

What do I watch next?

If you want to watch TREASURE's origin story from the beginning, all episodes of Treasure Box are available to watch with subtitles on YouTube. A fair warning: Survival shows aren't for the faint of heart, and many tears will be shed by young trainees and maybe even you. But if you can tolerate the emotional devastation and occasional frustration, then Treasure Box is the perfect place to start. The group's more lighthearted variety series Treasure Map is also available to binge on their official YouTube channel. It's a mix of hilarious challenges, vlogs, and games — and it really showcases the members' individual personalities.

If you're looking for even more content, then check out their short-form franchises like "T.M.I," "3-Minute TREASURE," "T-Talk," and "Fact Check TREASURE." Some groups keep fans at a distance and share only the bare minimum; TREASURE is not that group — from passport photos to baby photos to school ID card photos, they share it all. And they'll soon have more music to share, too. YG has promised multiple releases by the end of the year.

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