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SpeXial is a Taiwanese boy band formed by Comic International Productions in 2012. The group name is a combination of "eXtra" and "Special", which expresses the desire of the group to be unique. The group started off with four members and debuted on December 7, 2012 with their self-titled album, SpeXial. After several lineup changes, the group's final line-up consists of only three members: Win, Ian, and Dylan. Their fandom name is SXF (Chinese: 特使), which represents "Special Mission".

On May 21–22, 2016, SpeXial held their first major concert "SpeXial the 1st concert - SpeXial Land 2016" at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, with a guest appearance by Pets Tseng.

Career

2012 to 2013: Debut

In 2012, Comic International Productions selected four boys whose average age was 20 years old and average height is 183 cm to form a new boy band named "SpeXial". The members included Wes (made his acting debut in Taiwanese Idol Drama K.O.3an Guo), Wayne (one of the top ten contestants of Taiwanese TV singing contest One Million Star (Season 6), Brent and Sam (made their acting debut in the television series KO One Return. Before releasing their first album, SpeXial received training in South Korea for a month.

On December 7, 2012, SpeXial debuted with their first self-titled Mandopop album, SpeXial. The album was funded by “2012 Funding the Production and Marketing of Outstanding Popular Music” of Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development. Also, SpeXial starred in Idol Drama KO One Return and performed the theme song and insert song.

In 2013, SpeXial starred in the sequel, KO One Re-act. They were invited by Executive Yuan for anti-drug campaign endorsement with Pets Tseng (who also starred in the sequel) because of their positive image in the drama.

2014: Break It Down

On May 26, 2014, Comic International Productions announced the addition of three new members (increased to seven members), including Teddy (contestant of Shanghai Model Competition), Evan (Champion of 2012 Sunshine Nation – Sunshine Boyz) and Simon (scouted by the agency on the street). They officially debuted at the press conference of second Mandopop album Break it down on June 5, the album was released on June 12 and ranked No. 3 in Five Top Ranking (week 24 of year 2014) in the first week.

Also, Warner Music Taiwan spent 2 million TWD to create an online reality show Anything SpeXial, in order to introduce SpeXial in different aspects. The fourteen-episode show was released on May 27, 2014.

After starring in Idol Drama KO One Return and KO One Re-act and performing the theme songs, SpeXial took part in other dramas such as GTO in Taiwan, The X-Dormitory, Holding Love and Angel 'N' Devil, etc.

2015: Love Killah and Dangerous

In the second half of 2014, Comic International Productions recruited three new members, including Riley (Taiwanese-Canadian), Win (Japanese) and Ian (the youngest member). They were then officially added to the group on January 13, 2015, so that SpeXial consisted of ten members.

SpeXial's first extended play Love Killah was released on February 4, 2015. Since Evan had to finish college in Canada from August 2014 and Brent started fulfilling military service from the end of December, 2014, only eight members participated in the recording. In the first week after the release of Love Killah, SpeXial held their first fan meeting at National Taiwan University Sports Center. On May 31, SpeXial won "hito Group" and "Most Popular Group" at 2015 hito Music Awards, which were their first two Taiwanese music awards. This event was Evan's comeback showcase, but Brent and Sam were absent at the ceremony as they were fulfilling military service.

In June 2015, SpeXial have been the endorser of a mobile game Junior Three Kingdoms, which was downloaded one million times. In July, the J-pop queen Ayumi Hamasaki and SpeXial collaborated on new single Sayonara feat. SpeXial, they also shot the music video together in Japan. On August 1, SpeXial's first travelogue photobook "SpeXial Life in Thailand" was released, while the shooting process was edited as LINE TV's first reality show SpeXial Life. On August 22, SpeXial were invited to perform at a-nation Summer Concert. It was the first time of them to perform Sayonara feat. SpeXial with Ayumi Hamasaki on stage.

SpeXial's third Mandopop album Dangerous was released on September 11, 2015, while Brent and Sam did not participate in the recording due to military services. Before the release of new album, one of the track Dangerous was selected by 20th Century Fox as the Chinese theme song of the film Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials. At the end of September, SpeXial held their second fan meeting under the theme of athletic meet at National Taiwan University Sports Center.

2016: First major concert and Boyz On Fire

On January 5, 2016, KKBOX announced that Ding Dang and SpeXial were invited as guest performers of the 11th KKBOX Music Awards Presentation, which was SpeXial's first time performing at this ceremony. On January 9, SpeXial were firstly invited to participate in the recording of TTV's annual Lunar New Year music show - 2016 Super Star: A Red & White Lunar New Year Special. They participated as white team artists and performed two dance songs, Break It Down 11.11 and Dangerous. The music show was then broadcast on February 7. On January 24, SpeXial performed three dance songs at KKBOX Music Awards Presentation, including Love Guardian, Dangerous and Silly Girl. This performance was also Brent's comeback showcase after the end of military service. Although Brent had participated in the 2016 Super Star, the KKBOX Music Awards was broadcast earlier, so this was his official comeback showcase. During these two performance, Sam and Ian were absent at the ceremony as they were fulfilling military service and shooting TV drama respectively.

On May 21–22, SpeXial held their first major concert "SpeXial the 1st concert - SpeXial Land 2016" at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, while Pets Tseng made guest appearance at their concert. The concert consisted of four themes, which included "Welcome to SpeXial Land", "SpeXial Lover", "Theme Park Challenge" and "Ultimate Theme Park". In addition, SpeXial returned as ten-member group with Sam's comeback showcase one week after the end of military service.

On June 5, SpeXial won "Hito Group" and "Most Popular Group" again at 2016 Hito Music Awards. However, Riley and Ian were absent at the ceremony as they were shooting TV dramas. On July 14, Comic International Productions announced the addition of two new Chinese members Dylan and Zhiwei. They were then debuted at the press conference of fourth Mandopop album Boyz On Fire on July 19, the album was released on August 12. Apart from starring in dramas KO ONE: RE-MEMBER and High 5 Basketball, SpeXial took part in film and micro films and hosted a number of variety shows. Meanwhile, SpeXial entered the Chinese market by taking part in web series and web films such as Ultimate Ranger, Men with Sword and Realm of the Immortals, etc.

On October 25, Wes injured his right leg with a comminuted fracture while shooting High 5 Basketball. He then announced that he will take a three-month break from his activities to rest on November 7. It is expected that Wes will come back in February 2017. On November 4, Simon dropped out of Master's Program at National Taiwan University of Arts to prepare for military service. He continued to work until the last public event, the press conference of High 5 Basketball, held on December 11.

2017: Buddy Buddy

On January 25, Simon announced on his personal Facebook fan page that he has filed for contract termination from Comic International Productions due to "unclear accounts", and he intended to leave SpeXial. He is still close and often hangs out with the rest of the members.

On February 9, SpeXial's second travelogue photobook "SpeXial Okinawa Photobook" was released, while the shooting process was edited as LINE TV's reality show SpeXial Life 2. During the shooting of Photobook, SpeXial directed their own music video for "Really Really" from the album Boyz On Fire. These three projects were the last projects of SpeXial consisted of twelve members.

On March 20, Zhiwei officially announced that he was leaving the group. On August 25, Riley officially announced that he was leaving the group after his contract was terminated due to different career goals (he is still close and often hangs out with the other members). As a result, SpeXial will continue as a nine-member group, including Wes, Wayne, Brent, Sam, Evan, Teddy, Win, Ian and Dylan.

On December 17, the press conference for SpeXial's fifth album 'Buddy Buddy' was held in Beijing. The album was released on December 22.

2018: Buddy Buddy

On January 5, SpeXial held a press conference for their fifth album 'Buddy Buddy' in Taiwan. However, Dylan was absent due to filming. On January 13, SpeXial was once again invited to participate in the '2018 Super Star' Awards for New Year's Eve, performing six songs, Buddy Buddy, Love Killah, Dangerous, Break it Down, Bad Bad Boy and Super Style, as singers from the white team. The program was broadcast February 15. Wes was originally unable to go on stage due to his leg injury, but in order to be with his fans and group members on New Year's Eve, he disregarded his injury and danced along to Super Style with them. Dylan was absent due to filming.

On March 23, Wayne announced on his birthday that he was going to enlist in the army in August, and it was expected that his first solo concert would be held before May 27. On May 15, Wes updated his Facebook contact information to the contact of the new company, and officially leave SpeXial now that his contract with Comic International Productions has ended, however the real reason was his leg injury never completely healed and it was difficult for him to dance. SpeXial will continue their activities in their group of eight, consisting of Wayne, Brent, Sam, Evan, Teddy, Win, Ian and Dylan.On December 17, a press conference was held in Beijing targeting the group's fifth album, Buddy Buddy, which was released on December 22.

2018: Wes' departure

On January 5, 2018, a new press conference was organized for Buddy Buddy in Taiwan. However, Dylan was absent due to filming of other projects. On January 13, the group was again invited to participate in the 2018 Super Star 'Awards for New Years Eve, performing six songs: Buddy Buddy, Love Killah, Dangerous, Break It Down, Bad Bad Boy, and Super Style. The show aired on February 15.

On March 23, Wayne announced on his birthday that he was going to enlist in the army for his military service and that he expected his first solo concert to take place before May 27. On May 15, the group's leader, Wes, announced that he planned to leave SpeXial now that his contract with Comic International Productions had ended, in large part because his leg injury never fully healed and was It made it difficult for him to dance. His departure from the group took place that same day, 28 leaving the group with eight members; Wayne, Brent, Sam, Evan, Teddy, Win, Ian, and Dylan. Wayne enlisted in the military on September 3, 2018, and his military service ended on August 12, 2019.

2019: Wayne and Teddy's departure

On September 19, 2019, Wayne announced that he would be leaving SpeXial. Teddy announced his departure from SpeXial on October 15, 2019, the same day as his twenty-sixth birthday.

2020: Brent and Sam's departure

On February 7, 2020, Brent announced on the live streaming network's platform that he was officially retiring from SpeXial.

On May 7, 2020, Sam announced on his Facebook fan page that he would be joining TVBS, confirming his official retirement from SpeXial.

2021: Evan and Ian's departure

Evan did not renew his contract with Comic International Productions, and signed with another company.

Ian did not renew his contract with Comic International Productions.

Members

Members' information

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

Extended play

Original soundtrack

Singles

• Sayonara feat. SpeXial (2015) — SpeXial (collaborated with Ayumi Hamasaki, appeared on her sixth extended play sixxxxxx)
• 劍心飛揚 (2016) — Evan and Dylan
• 月光訣 (2016) — Dylan
• 終有一天 (2016) — Zhiwei (collaborated with Li Shaminzi, Yu Shuxin, Cheng Yi, Tian Yitong and Liu Runnan)
• I'm Your Super Wang / 我是你的super王 (2017) — Ian
• Hero / 英雄 (2017) — Dylan and Zhiwei (collaborated with Cha Jie, Ryuuji Zhu, Lu Yunfeng and Peng Yuchang
• Fight For You (2017) — Riley
• 膽小鬼 (2017) — Wayne
• 畫師 (2017) — Dylan
• 超完美情人 (2017) — Brent
• 冒险家 (2017) — Dylan
• 戰火荒煙 (2017) — Dylan
• 破泪 (2017) — Wayne and Dylan
• 無名將 (2017) — Evan and Ian

Concert

Filmography

Television series

Web series

Feature film

Short film

TV film

Web film

Reality show

Variety show

Music videos

Publications

Photobook

Television series publications

Awards and nominations

References

1. ^ "SpeXial能歌能演 接棒F4" (in Chinese). 自由娛樂. 2012-12-05.
2. ^ "SpeXial終極訓練腳抽筋 四人變七人" (in Chinese). 壹週刊娛樂無限爆. 2014-05-26.
3. ^ "SpeXial turns Love Killah goes hard new members comeback MV". Taipei Main. 2015-01-20.
4. ^ "SpeXial due to release their 4th album "Boyz On Fire"". Hello Asia!. 2016-07-16.
5. "晨翔閃退第9天 粉專「去SpeXial化」" (in Chinese). 自由娛樂. 2017-02-02.
6. "心意已決！繼晨翔後 執去團名「SpeXial」離團？" (in Chinese). 三立新聞網. 2017-03-23.
7. ^ "為演唱會拚了！SpeXial才藝盡出 神祕嘉賓驚豔粉絲" (in Chinese). 三立新聞網. 2016-05-21.
8. "偶像搖籃"可米"打造全新偶像，SpeXial 2012壓軸登場" (in Chinese). iNEWS 銀河娛樂新聞. 2012-11-27.
9. 《終極一班3》站台反毒活動 曾沛慈語出驚人 (in Chinese). Yahoo!奇摩新聞. 2013-08-14.
10. "Sunshine Nation Champion Evan Ma has finally made his music debut". Sunshine Nation 2014. 2014-06-26.
11. "SpeXial見面會與粉絲重現"壁咚"，向師兄姐3J致敬 演唱經典組曲！" (in Chinese). 銀河網路電台. 2015-02-08.
12. ^ "hito流行音樂獎開獎 SpeXial囊括2團體大獎" (in Chinese). 自由娛樂. 2015-05-31.
13. "代言人SpeXial華麗登場 6月4日正式公測" (in Chinese). 《少年三國志》官方網站. 2015-06-01.
14. "Hamasaki Ayumi collaborates Taiwanese boyband Spexial". Kawaii Kakkoii Sugoi. 2015-06-27.
15. ^ "【星華娛】陽光魅力男孩 SpeXial ~首本寫真書《SpeXial Life泰青春寫真遊記》預購破兩萬本啦！" (in Chinese). ETidol 星地標. 2015-07-29. Archived from the original on 2016-08-17.
16. "SpeXial登日本a-nation！ 晨翔大手man擁濱崎步入懷中" (in Chinese). ETtoday星光雲. 2015-08-23.
17. "Spexial turns into secret agents in "Dangerous" teaser for September comeback". Taipei Main. 2015-07-31.
18. "Maze Runner ：The Scorch Triais Premieres In Taipei". Toggle. 2015-09-09. Archived from the original on September 20, 2016.
19. "Star-Studded KKBOX Music Awards Presentation". msn entertainment. 2016-01-24.
20. "《2016超級巨星紅白藝能大賞》26組藝人團體熱情飆唱 「猴賽雷」嗨翻小巨蛋 小S逼婚氣壞哈林 「BTS防彈少年團」險爆「蛋」" (in Chinese). TTV情報. 2016-01-09.
21. "SpeXial明杰退伍首次回歸！ 晨翔小巨蛋台上褲檔破啦" (in Chinese). ETtoday星光雲. 2016-01-24.
22. ^ "Jay Chou, A-Mei bag most accolades at Hito Awards". Yahoo! Lifestyle. 2016-06-08.
23. 宏正右腳「粉碎性骨折」！ 緊急動刀6小時取碎骨 (in Chinese). ETtoday星光雲. 2016-11-07.
24. "哭哭！SpeXial晨翔當兵去" (in Chinese). 自由娛樂. 2016-11-07.
25. ^ "YESASIA: SpeXial Okinawa Photobook (Two Books)". YESASIA.
26. "SpeXial導演初體驗 宏正不顧腰傷力求完美" (in Chinese). NOWnews 今日新聞. 2017-01-18.
27. "2014 至 Hit 年度總選 - 全國推崇新人及新組合" (in Chinese). 加拿大中文電台. 2015-01-18.
28. "Music voting 2015 加拿大至 Hit 年度總選 結果一覽表" (in Chinese). 加拿大中文電台. 2016-01-11.

External links

• SpeXial official Facebook page
• SpeXial official Weibo
• SpeXial YouTube channel
• SpeXial on Warner Music Taiwan
• Comic International Productions official Facebook page
• Warner Music Taiwan official Facebook page
• Warner Music Taiwan Store

• Taiwanese boy bands
• Mandopop musical groups
• Musical groups established in 2012
• 2012 establishments in Taiwan