Nobody (Wonder Girls song)
Encyclopedia
"Nobody" is a dance pop song produced by Park Jin-Young
and recorded by Korean girl group Wonder Girls
. The song was released as a digital download
single on September 22, 2008 in their native Korean. Sampling the Italian trio La La's "Johnny Johnny", "Nobody" became popular within hours, becoming a top search term and ranking #1 on various digital music sites.
version of the song and scenes from the music video. The full video was then released on September 22, 2008 on the official website, and then to YouTube
.
The song continued the retro theme of Wonder Girls songs, including the 1980s feel of "Tell Me
" and "So Hot
". However, "Nobody" is inspired by older music from the 1960s and 1970s, specifically Motown girl groups.
and Sony/ATV Music Publishing
would be taking legal action against other Asian musical groups who had adopted or covered "Nobody" illegally. JYP Entertainment stated that groups and actresses in People's Republic of China
and Cambodia
had been "recklessly copying" the group's songs, dances, and costumes.
's website.
On September 30, 2008, the physical single was released, with the title The Wonder Years: Trilogy. In addition to "Nobody", the single also had two new songs — "I Tried" and "Saying 'I Love You'" — in addition to a remix of "Nobody" and instrumental versions of all four songs. The intro track was featured in the teaser music video.
A remix of the song, titled "Anybody", featured hip-hop group Dynamic Duo
, San E, and Park Jin Young. The song was given a digital release on November 18, 2008.
remix of the song was released. The remix was done by famous American DJ Jason Nevins
.
stated that an English version of "Nobody" would be released in the United States sometime in 2009, serving as their debut single there, with JYP Entertainment
confirming the release in June 2009. "Nobody" was released to iTunes
on June 26, 2009 and to Amazon MP3
a day later. Wonder Girls have set up an official YouTube
account and it includes the English version of music video itself.
On July 20, 2009, the group performed the song on the Wendy Williams Show.
On the October 31, 2009 issue of Billboard
Hot 100, the single debuted at number 76. Wonder Girls became the first South Korean
group to enter the chart.
Physical Korean single (The Wonder Years: Trilogy)
's Music Core, and SBS's 인기가요 ("Top Songs"). At the end of October, the group briefly used the "Rainstone Remix" of the song. They also performed "Nobody" on The Wendy Williams Show, a FOX morning talk show. Finally they performed on Fox's hit show So You Think You Can Dance result show.
performing a Motown-style concert with the Wonder Girls as his backup singers. After the show, a couple of record executives give Park sheet lyrics to the song "Nobody", which he prepares to debut on his next show.
Minutes before his show begins, Park is in the men's restroom using a toilet stall when he realizes that there is no toilet paper available. As he frantically calls for help, everyone on stage begins to wonder where he is as the show starts. The executives then motion the Wonder Girls to bring their microphone stands forward and take center stage. At the end of their performance, Park finally appears on stage to congratulate the group for their performance. While the song plays, the video becomes a montage of the group's career progressing to superstardom.
At the end of the video, Park enters another toilet stall and sees that there is toilet paper available. Unfortunately for him, he pulls the last sheet off the dispenser and once again has to call for help.
"Nobody" went #1 on KBS' Music Bank program in early October, then remained there for four consecutive weeks. The song also won Cyworld
's "Song of the Month" award in September and October 2008, giving them a total of 5 "Song of the Month" awards, tying Big Bang.
At the 2008 MKMF Awards, "Nobody" won awards for "Song of the Year" and "Best Music Video".
Park Jin-young
Park Jin-young also known as J.Y. Park is a singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer and the current CEO and founder of JYP Entertainment, a major artist management/record label of Korean pop music.-Music career:Park has released seven albums...
and recorded by Korean girl group Wonder Girls
Wonder Girls
Wonder Girls is a South Korean girl group. Its producer and manager is singer-songwriter Park Jin-Young and the Wonder Girls is signed to his talent agency, JYP Entertainment. Each of the five original members were selected through auditions...
. The song was released as a digital download
Music download
A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment...
single on September 22, 2008 in their native Korean. Sampling the Italian trio La La's "Johnny Johnny", "Nobody" became popular within hours, becoming a top search term and ranking #1 on various digital music sites.
History
The official website of Wonder Girls was updated in mid-September 2008, after pictures of the group were leaked, showing a 1960s Motown concept. A teaser video for "Nobody" was then released on September 18, 2008, showcasing a balladBallad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of British and Irish popular poetry and song from the later medieval period until the 19th century and used extensively across Europe and later the Americas, Australia and North Africa. Many...
version of the song and scenes from the music video. The full video was then released on September 22, 2008 on the official website, and then to YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
.
The song continued the retro theme of Wonder Girls songs, including the 1980s feel of "Tell Me
Tell Me (Wonder Girls song)
"Tell Me" was the lead single from the Wonder Girls' first full-length album, The Wonder Years. Sampling Stacey Q's "Two of Hearts", "Tell Me" was a strong hit for the group, topping various online and offline charts...
" and "So Hot
So Hot
"So Hot" is a Wonder Girls song released in 2008, produced by Park Jin-young. Released as a second single on June 3, 2008, the song became an instant hit and quickly hit #1 on various online and offline charts.-History:...
". However, "Nobody" is inspired by older music from the 1960s and 1970s, specifically Motown girl groups.
Plagiarism and lawsuits
In March 2009, it was reported that both JYP EntertainmentJYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment is a Korean music record label, founded in South Korea in 1997 by Park Jin-young.- History :Park Jin-young founded the company in 1997 as "Tae-Hong Planning Corporation", which eventually became "JYP Entertainment" in 2001....
and Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Sony/ATV Music Publishing is a music publishing company co-owned by The Michael Jackson Family Trust and Sony. The organisation was originally founded as Associated TeleVision in 1955 by Lew Grade. In 1957, ATV acquired Pye Records as a wholly owned subsidiary...
would be taking legal action against other Asian musical groups who had adopted or covered "Nobody" illegally. JYP Entertainment stated that groups and actresses in People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
and Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
had been "recklessly copying" the group's songs, dances, and costumes.
Release
After the release of the video, "Nobody" was released to various digital outlets. Within hours, the song quickly became the #1 streamed and sold song online, to the surprise of even their management. On the day of its release, the music video was also featured on blogger Perez HiltonPerez Hilton
Mario Armando Lavandeira, Jr. , better known as Perez Hilton , is an American blogger and television personality. His blog, Perezhilton.com , is known for posts covering gossip items about celebrities...
's website.
On September 30, 2008, the physical single was released, with the title The Wonder Years: Trilogy. In addition to "Nobody", the single also had two new songs — "I Tried" and "Saying 'I Love You'" — in addition to a remix of "Nobody" and instrumental versions of all four songs. The intro track was featured in the teaser music video.
A remix of the song, titled "Anybody", featured hip-hop group Dynamic Duo
Dynamic Duo
Dynamic Duo is a Korean hip hop duo, made up of members Choiza and Gaeko. Unlike the rough and off beat sound of their past group, CB Mass, Dynamic Duo changed their style to a more audience-friendly sound with a brighter ambiance...
, San E, and Park Jin Young. The song was given a digital release on November 18, 2008.
Remixes
Various remixes of "Nobody" were produced for various award shows and end-of-year specials. At the 2008 M.Net KM Music Festival (MKMF), the Wonder Girls performed a tango version and a disco version of "Nobody". The rest of the remixes debuted at the 2008 Golden Disk Awards, which showcased each Wonder Girl performing a short clip of a unique "Nobody" remix. On October 11, 2009, the official AmericanUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
remix of the song was released. The remix was done by famous American DJ Jason Nevins
Jason Nevins
Jason Nevins is an American DJ, producer and remixer, who is most widely known for his pop dance productions.-Career:In the early 1990s, Nevins began releasing singles under various monikers through various dance labels, but achieved global recognition in 1998 with his production of Run-DMC's...
.
North American release
The group's official MySpaceMySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
stated that an English version of "Nobody" would be released in the United States sometime in 2009, serving as their debut single there, with JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment is a Korean music record label, founded in South Korea in 1997 by Park Jin-young.- History :Park Jin-young founded the company in 1997 as "Tae-Hong Planning Corporation", which eventually became "JYP Entertainment" in 2001....
confirming the release in June 2009. "Nobody" was released to iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
on June 26, 2009 and to Amazon MP3
Amazon MP3
Amazon MP3 is an online music store owned and operated by Amazon.com. Launched in public beta on September 25, 2007, in January 2008 it became the first music store to sell music without digital rights management from the four major music labels , as well as many independents...
a day later. Wonder Girls have set up an official YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
account and it includes the English version of music video itself.
On July 20, 2009, the group performed the song on the Wendy Williams Show.
On the October 31, 2009 issue of Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Hot 100, the single debuted at number 76. Wonder Girls became the first South Korean
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
group to enter the chart.
Charts
| Charts (2009) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
76 |
| U.S. Billboard Heatseekers Songs Top Heatseekers Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical... |
4 |
| U.S. Billboard Year-end Hot Singles Sales 2009 | 1 |
Track listing
Digital download- "Nobody (English Version)"
Physical Korean single (The Wonder Years: Trilogy)
Track listing
US English singleTrack listing
Remix Edition EP- "Nobody" (Jason Nevins Remix)
- "Nobody" (Jason Nevins Extended Remix)
- "Nobody" (Jason Nevins Remix Instrumental)
- "Nobody" (Jason Nevins Extended Remix Instrumental)
Promotion
The Wonder Girls had their official comeback on the weekend of September 26–28, 2008, performing on KBS's Music Bank, MBCMunhwa Broadcasting Corporation
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC (Hangul : 문화방송주식회사, Munhwa Bangsong Jushikoesa) is one of four major national South Korean television and radio networks. Munhwa is the Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television...
's Music Core, and SBS's 인기가요 ("Top Songs"). At the end of October, the group briefly used the "Rainstone Remix" of the song. They also performed "Nobody" on The Wendy Williams Show, a FOX morning talk show. Finally they performed on Fox's hit show So You Think You Can Dance result show.
Music video
The music video begins with Park Jin-YoungPark Jin-young
Park Jin-young also known as J.Y. Park is a singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer and the current CEO and founder of JYP Entertainment, a major artist management/record label of Korean pop music.-Music career:Park has released seven albums...
performing a Motown-style concert with the Wonder Girls as his backup singers. After the show, a couple of record executives give Park sheet lyrics to the song "Nobody", which he prepares to debut on his next show.
Minutes before his show begins, Park is in the men's restroom using a toilet stall when he realizes that there is no toilet paper available. As he frantically calls for help, everyone on stage begins to wonder where he is as the show starts. The executives then motion the Wonder Girls to bring their microphone stands forward and take center stage. At the end of their performance, Park finally appears on stage to congratulate the group for their performance. While the song plays, the video becomes a montage of the group's career progressing to superstardom.
At the end of the video, Park enters another toilet stall and sees that there is toilet paper available. Unfortunately for him, he pulls the last sheet off the dispenser and once again has to call for help.
Reception
In the month of September, the single sold 28,160 copies."Nobody" went #1 on KBS' Music Bank program in early October, then remained there for four consecutive weeks. The song also won Cyworld
Cyworld
Cyworld is a South Korean social network service operated by SK Communications , a subsidiary of SK Telecom .Members cultivate relationships by forming Ilchon or "friendships" with each other through their minihompy....
's "Song of the Month" award in September and October 2008, giving them a total of 5 "Song of the Month" awards, tying Big Bang.
At the 2008 MKMF Awards, "Nobody" won awards for "Song of the Year" and "Best Music Video".