About
TREASURE (Korean: 트레저) is a South Korean boy group formed by YG Entertainment in 2019 through the reality show YG Treasure Box. The group originally debuted with 12 members: Choi Hyun-suk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jae-hyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, Haruto, Park Jeong-woo, So Jung-hwan, Mashiho, and Bang Ye-dam. However, in November 2022, Mashiho and Bang Ye-dam left the group, leaving the current lineup with 10 members.
TREASURE debuted in 2020 with their single album The First Step: Chapter One, which marked the beginning of a four-part album series that sold over one million copies within five months. Their music style blends K-pop, dance, hip-hop, and ballads. Over the years, TREASURE has expanded its activities internationally, including in the Japanese market, and continues to gain attention with its diverse music and energetic performances.
Biography
- Group name: TREASURE (트레저)
- Debut date: August 7, 2020 (Korea) / March 31, 2021 (Japan)
- Company: YG Entertainment
- Number of members: 10
- Members: Choi Hyun-suk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jae-hyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, Haruto, Park Jeong-woo, So Jung-hwan
- Former members: Bang Ye-dam, Mashiho
- Fandom name: TREASURE MAKER (트레저 메이커)
- Lightstick: TREASURE LIGHT STICK
Official SNS
- YouTube: TREASURE
- X (formerly Twitter): @treasuremembers (Korea) / @yg_treasure_jp (Japan)
- Instagram: @yg_treasure_official
- Facebook: Treasure 트레저
- TikTok: @yg_treasure_tiktok
- Website: Korea
TREASURE Member’s Profile
Current Members
- Hyunsuk (April 21, 1999 – Korean): Leader, Main Dancer, Main Rapper, Vocalist
- Jihoon (March 14, 2000 – Korean): Leader, Lead Dancer, Vocalist
- Yoshi (May 15, 2000 – Japanese): Main Rapper, Dancer
- Junkyu (September 9, 2000 – Korean): Lead Vocalist
- Jaehyuk (July 23, 2001 – Korean): Vocalist
- Asahi (August 20, 2001 – Japanese): Lead Vocalist
- Doyoung (December 4, 2003 – Korean): Lead Dancer, Vocalist
- Haruto (April 5, 2004 – Japanese): Main Rapper, Visual
- Jeongwoo (September 28, 2004 – Korean): Main Vocalist
- Junghwan (February 18, 2005 – Korean): Vocalist, Main Dancer, Maknae
Former Members
- Bang Yedam (May 7, 2002 – Korean): Main Vocalist
- Mashiho (March 25, 2001 – Japanese): Main Dancer, Vocalist
Career
Pre-debut
TREASURE’s formation began through YG Entertainment’s reality survival program, YG Treasure Box, which aired from November 2018 to January 2019. The show featured 29 trainees competing for a spot in the agency’s next boy group. By the series’ conclusion, seven members were selected to form the group “Treasure.”
Shortly after, YG Entertainment announced plans to debut a second group, “Magnum,” comprising six additional trainees from the show. Collectively, the two units were known as “Treasure 13.” However, due to internal company issues and member departures, the groups were eventually merged and rebranded simply as “Treasure.”
2020–2022: Debut with The First Step Series and Rising Popularity
TREASURE officially debuted on August 7, 2020, with the single album The First Step: Chapter One, featuring the lead single “Boy.” The release garnered significant attention, achieving 170,000 pre-orders and topping the Circle Album Chart (formerly Gaon Album Chart).
The group continued their momentum with subsequent releases: The First Step: Chapter Two in September 2020, led by “I Love You,” and The First Step: Chapter Three in November 2020, featuring “Mmm.” They concluded the series with their first studio album, The First Step: Treasure Effect, in January 2021. Collectively, the series sold over one million copies within five months, establishing TREASURE as a prominent rookie group in the K-pop industry.
2023–Present: Reboot Project and Career Expansion
In 2023, TREASURE embarked on their “Reboot” project, signaling a new era for the group. They collaborated with the Black Clover franchise for its theatrical soundtrack, releasing “Here I Stand,” which became their first number one hit on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and earned a platinum certification from the RIAJ.
The group also formed their first official sub-unit, T5, consisting of members So Jung-hwan, Junkyu, Jihoon, Yoon Jae-hyuk, and Doyoung. T5 debuted with the digital single “Move” in July 2023, serving as a pre-release for Treasure’s second studio album, Reboot. The album achieved impressive sales, with 1,718,517 copies sold across various formats in two days. The lead single, “Bona Bona,” reached number 27 on the Circle Digital Chart and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, marking a career high for the group.
In May 2024, TREASURE released the digital single “King Kong,” followed by their second Japanese single album, King Kong / Reverse, in August 2024. As of March 2025, the group released their third extended play, Pleasure, with the lead single “Yellow,” continuing their dynamic presence in the music industry.
Leadership Rotation System
In December 2024, YG Entertainment announced a leadership rotation system for TREASURE, with Junkyu and Asahi replacing Choi Hyun Suk and Jihoon as leaders starting January 2025. Founder Yang Hyun-suk explained that the change allows different members to gain leadership experience and brings fresh perspectives to the group.
In March 2025, TREASURE discussed the transition on “Park Myung Soo’s Radio Show.” Choi Hyun Suk clarified that the decision was mutual with their company, following a rare system in K-pop where leadership rotates every two years.
Junkyu and Asahi acknowledged the pressure of their new roles but emphasized their commitment to maintaining high standards. While there are no material benefits, they support each other in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Controversies
Group’s Controversies
Cultural Appropriation Incident: In July 2021, during episode 54 of their reality series “TREASURE MAP,” member Junkyu wore a box braid wig as a penalty in a game. This act led to accusations of cultural appropriation and racism from international viewers, who criticized the use of the hairstyle, traditionally significant in Black culture, as a mere costume. Fans also directed their frustration towards YG Entertainment’s staff, who selected the costume, urging the company to be more culturally sensitive. In response, the episode was edited to remove the contentious segment, but no official apology was issued.
Dokdo Islets Omission: In October 2023, during a fan meeting in Tokyo, TREASURE unveiled a map outlining their 2024 Japan tour, “Reboot.” The map included various Korean territories but notably excluded the Dokdo Islets, a region of territorial dispute between Korea and Japan. This omission sparked outrage among Korean netizens, who perceived it as an unpatriotic act and accused YG Entertainment of disregarding Korean sovereignty to appeal to the Japanese market. Prominent figures, such as Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University, criticized the group for “providing a reason” for Japan to continue its claim over the islets. Despite the backlash, YG Entertainment remained silent on the issue.
Members’ Controversies
Bang Yedam’s Alleged Discontent with YG Entertainment: In 2022, Bang Yedam’s departure from TREASURE led to speculation regarding his dissatisfaction with YG Entertainment. Reports suggested that he wanted more opportunities as a solo artist, but the company prioritized group activities. This caused some tension between the agency and fans, with many expressing disappointment over his sudden exit. While YG Entertainment stated that his departure was due to personal career aspirations, the lack of a detailed explanation fueled further debate.
So Junghwan’s Past Controversy: Shortly after TREASURE’s debut, past comments made by So Junghwan on social media resurfaced, allegedly showing him using inappropriate language. Some netizens accused him of making insensitive remarks, while others defended him, claiming the statements were taken out of context or made before he was fully aware of their implications. YG Entertainment did not issue an official response, and the controversy eventually faded.
Haruto’s Alleged Dating Rumor: In 2021, Haruto became the subject of a dating rumor when photos allegedly showing him with a girlfriend circulated online. Some netizens claimed that a bracelet he wore matched one seen in the photos, leading to speculation about his relationship status. However, no concrete evidence was provided, and the rumor remained unconfirmed. YG Entertainment did not comment on the matter, and fans had mixed reactions, with some supporting his right to privacy and others expressing disappointment.
Choi Hyunsuk’s Alleged Inappropriate Behavior: Choi Hyunsuk faced criticism after a live broadcast in which some viewers perceived his behavior as inappropriate. Fans debated whether his actions were simply playful or if they crossed a line. While some defended him, arguing that his personality is naturally expressive, others felt he should be more cautious, considering the global reach of TREASURE. The issue did not escalate further as no official response was given.
Doyoung’s Smoking Controversy: A minor controversy arose when Doyoung was allegedly seen holding what appeared to be a cigarette in a behind-the-scenes clip. Some fans speculated that it was simply a prop or another object, but the debate continued online. YG Entertainment did not release an official statement, and the controversy gradually subsided.
Facts About TREASURE
- TREASURE became the first YG artist to open a channel on Weverse and later launched their first official fan club membership.
- TREASURE is the first YG group to debut with ten members and the last idol group launched at the company’s previous headquarters, which held a 10-year history.
- None of the members have a younger brother.
- TREASURE members have varying training periods, with Haruto and Yoshi training the longest (7.5 years), followed by Junkyu (6 years, 5 months), Doyoung and Choi Hyun Suk (5 years, 4 months), Jihoon (4 years, 4 months), Jaehyuk, and Jeongwoo (2 years, 5 months), So Junghwan (2 years, 4 months), and Asahi (2 years, 2 months).
