Kim Jaejoong's First Boy Group KivitUp Is Finally Here

Kim Jaejoong, the legendary vocalist who helped shape K-pop history as a member of TVXQ and JYJ, is stepping into a bold new role — and the K-pop industry is watching closely. His agency INCODE Entertainment has officially unveiled KivitUp, a five-member boy group that marks Jaejoong's very first venture as a music producer launching an idol act from the ground up.

KivitUp — consisting of members Taehwan, Hyunmin, Sena, Jaein, and Rookia — dropped their first round of concept photos on March 12 and 13 via official social media channels, giving fans their first real glimpse of the group's visual identity. The images showcased a striking chic black aesthetic that immediately drew attention across online K-pop communities, with many praising the polished yet edgy styling.

A Debut Built With Purpose

The group's debut EP, simply titled KEYVITUP, is confirmed for an April 8 release, with pre-orders opening on March 18. INCODE previously released mood films and an album scheduler on March 10 and 11, officially kicking off the promotional countdown. Every piece of content released so far has reinforced a cinematic, narrative-driven approach — a hallmark that insiders say reflects Jaejoong's own artistic sensibilities.

What makes this debut particularly noteworthy is the personal investment behind it. Kim Jaejoong is not merely lending his name to the project. As the founder of INCODE Entertainment, he has been directly involved in the group's training, concept development, and creative direction. KivitUp is the label's first-ever boy group, making this a defining moment for both the artist-turned-producer and the agency itself.

Not Just One — But Two Groups on the Horizon

In a move that signals serious ambition, INCODE revealed that KivitUp is only the beginning. A second boy group, Bayon, consisting of six members, is already slated for a June debut — just two months after KivitUp. The back-to-back launches suggest a carefully orchestrated strategy to establish INCODE as a competitive player in the idol management space.

Industry observers have noted that Jaejoong's deep understanding of the idol experience — from grueling trainee years to global stardom — gives him a unique edge in mentoring the next generation. Having navigated some of the most turbulent waters in K-pop history, his perspective on artist development is informed by lived experience rather than boardroom theory.

Why the K-Pop World Is Paying Attention

The anticipation surrounding KivitUp extends beyond casual curiosity. Korean media outlets have described the project as promising to bring a new paradigm to the scene, and the group has already been generating significant buzz among both domestic and international fan communities. The combination of Jaejoong's legendary status, the group's polished visual concept, and the ambitious dual-launch strategy has created a perfect storm of expectation.

For fans who have followed Jaejoong's two-decade career through its many reinventions, KivitUp represents something more than just another rookie group. It is the culmination of an icon's vision to give back to the industry that made him — and to prove that great artists can become great creators too.