ONF, also known as On and Off, is a talented K-pop boy group that has been making waves in the music industry since their debut in 2017. While they may not be as well-known as some other K-pop groups, ONF has a unique charm and impressive skills that set them apart. Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about this group that you might not have known before!
1. ONF Has Two Leaders
Most K-pop groups have one leader, but ONF takes a different approach. They actually have two leaders! Hyojin leads the ON team, while Seungjun leads the OFF team. This unique structure allows for better coordination and support within the group.
The ON team consists of Hyojin, E-Tion, and Minkyun, while the OFF team includes Seungjun, Wyatt, and U. Having two leaders helps balance the group dynamics and ensures that each member receives proper guidance and attention.
2. Their Group Name Has a Special Meaning
The name ONF stands for “On and Off,” which represents the group’s concept of showing two different sides. When they’re on stage (ON), they display a strong and powerful image. Off stage (OFF), they show their friendly and approachable personalities.
This duality in their concept allows fans to see various aspects of the members’ charms and talents. It’s a clever way to showcase their versatility as artists and individuals.
3. They Have a Unique Greeting
ONF has a special greeting that they use to introduce themselves to fans. They say, “2, 3! Lights On! Hello, this is ONF!” When they finish their performances or appearances, they say, “So until now, Lights Off! This has been ONF!”
This greeting ties into their group concept of being “on” and “off,” and it’s a fun way for fans to feel connected to the group. It’s like turning on a switch when they appear and turning it off when they leave.
4. Hyojin and Seungjun Have Been Friends Since Middle School
It’s always heartwarming to see long-lasting friendships in K-pop groups, and ONF has a special one. Hyojin and Seungjun, the two leaders of the group, have been friends since 2007 when they were in middle school.
Their friendship has lasted for over 15 years now, which is truly impressive. They even celebrate their friendship anniversary on March 2nd each year. This strong bond between the two leaders surely contributes to the group’s harmony and teamwork.
5. U Is the Only Japanese Member
While most of the ONF members are Korean, U stands out as the only Japanese member of the group. Born in Osaka, Japan, U brings a unique perspective and cultural background to ONF.
Despite not being a native Korean speaker, U has worked hard to improve his language skills. He even became a radio DJ for a Korean program called “Station Z,” which is a significant achievement for a foreign idol in Korea.
6. They All Participated in a Survival Show
Before their official debut, all seven original members of ONF (including former member Laun) participated in a survival show called MIXNINE. This show, produced by YG Entertainment, aimed to create a new idol group from trainees and rookie idols from various companies.
Interestingly, Hyojin performed exceptionally well on the show, finishing in second place overall among the male contestants. Although the debut group from MIXNINE was ultimately canceled, this experience helped ONF gain exposure and improve their skills before their official debut.
7. E-Tion Is a Fashion and Design Enthusiast
Every group has members with unique talents, and in ONF, E-Tion stands out for his interest in fashion and design. He’s known as the fashion leader of the group and has even designed official ONF t-shirts.
But E-Tion’s creativity doesn’t stop at fashion. He’s also interested in photography and has good drawing skills. This artistic side of E-Tion adds another layer to ONF’s diverse talents.
8. Minkyun Can Mimic an Elephant Sound
K-pop idols often showcase funny or unusual talents on variety shows, and Minkyun from ONF has a particularly unique skill. He can mimic the sound of an elephant! This unexpected talent has surely brought laughter to many fans and fellow members.
In addition to his elephant impression, Minkyun is also known for his ability to impersonate the voice of actor Han Suk Kyu. These fun skills show that ONF members have entertaining sides beyond their musical talents.
9. U Surprised Many with His Dancing Skills
While all ONF members are talented dancers, U gained special recognition for his dancing abilities. In 2022, he participated in a dance survival show called “Be Mbitious,” which was a preliminary competition for the main show “Street Man Fighter.”
Although U was eliminated from the show, he surprised many viewers and fellow dancers with his skills. He was even acknowledged as “a respected dancer” among the participants. This experience showcased U’s exceptional dancing abilities to a wider audience.
10. They’ve Overcome Challenges Together
Like many K-pop groups, ONF has faced challenges throughout their career. One significant change occurred in 2019 when their youngest member, Laun, left the group due to personal reasons. This kind of change can be difficult for any team, but ONF managed to stay strong and continue as a six-member group.
Another challenge came when most of the members had to enlist for their mandatory military service in South Korea. However, they used this time wisely. For example, E-Tion learned to play the trombone during his service, adding another skill to the group’s repertoire.