From F4 and Fahrenheit to Big Bang and Dong Bang Shin Ki to w-inds and Arashi, it's hard to escape the power and presence of boy bands in the world of Asian pop. In that respect, rookie group Square, formed by four tall and handsome guys, is just like any other Asian boy band - except they're from Hong Kong. While Hong Kong has produced and exported many heavenly kings and pop divas over the years, only one Hong Kong boy band has ever managed to establish true local stardom and successfully penetrate the Mandarin music market - The Grasshoppers - and that was back in the heyday of Hong Kong pop. Meanwhile, Taiwan has churned out one boy band after another in the last decade, as the explosion of Taiwan idols coincided with the decline of the Canto-pop industry.
As a Hong Kong boy band, Square is arguably the first of its kind. With all four hailing from a modeling background and measuring in at over six feet, their image and appearances are more mature and idol-like than the more commonly marketed boy-next-door youth of groups like Shine, Boy'z, E-Kids, and VRF. Without a dancer in the bunch, Square is also most definitely not following in the footsteps of dance groups like The Grasshoppers, EO2, and Wind Fire Sea. In style and image, Square perhaps shares more in common with their Taiwan counterparts than their Hong Kong predecessors. But is Hong Kong ready for an idol boy band of its own?
Square was officially formed on April 11, 2008 with members James Ho, Brian Li, Rex Ho, and Gary Chiu. Quick to flash a smile and crack a joke, James worked at an office job for four years before switching to modeling. After appearing in a movie produced by Universe Film in early 2008, he was quickly signed by Universe's record label. His signing led to a casting call for friend Brian, who belonged to the same modeling agency. Having modeled for eight years prior to joining Square, Brian radiates the natural confidence and charisma of one who has walked the runways of Europe for the world's top designer labels. "I went to castings in a school uniform and backpack," he recalls of his days as a part-time model during high school. Rex, the baby and the thinker of the group, also started modeling as a student, though he only became a full-time model two months before getting selected for Square. As for the easygoing and self-effacing Gary, "They were down to the last person, and dug me up from the bottom of the drawer," he jokes wryly.
Thinking Outside the Square
Entering 2009, Square is still very new, less than a year old, but the next batch of newcomers will be knocking on the doors soon. As their boss constantly reminds them, "Entering the entertainment industry is like going to war. You have to storm ahead towards the goal." To face the challenges of their second year in the business, they're planning on more work, more movies, more music, and probably less sleep. Both of their films are scheduled for release in early 2009, and they're getting ready for another new movie and album, so prepare for a lot more Square in 2009.
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