Boys Republic was formed in Seoul, South Korea, in 2013 by Universal Music and Happy Tribe Entertainment, comprising members Onejunn, Sunwoo, Sungjun, Minsu, and Suwoong. The group began training under Universal Music and producer Keun Tae Park, with members previously trained at YYJ, Cube, JYP, and Big Hit Entertainment. Their debut single "Party Rock" was released on 5 June 2013, reaching Number 1 on online singles charts in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, and was followed by the EP Identity on 8 October 2013, featuring the title track "You Are Special" which topped the KKBOX Chart in Malaysia. In 2014 the releases "Video Game", "Dress Up", and "The Real One" established a presence in Japan and Southeast Asia, with "The Real One" earning a Teen Artist Award at the 22nd Korean Cultural Entertainment Awards. The group’s 2016 mini‑album BR: Evolution included the single "Get Down", and the 2016 Japan single "Only Girl" expanded their international discography. In 2017 the single "Closer" continued Japanese promotion, and in 2018 the group announced an indefinite hiatus effective 30 September. Boys Republic’s career is marked by chart successes across Asia, multiple international tours, and recognition as a pioneering K‑pop act under Universal Music.
