CNBLUE reveal 'X' mini album track list

CNBLUE's first live performance took place in Tokyo, Japan, at the entrance of Shinjuku Station in early 2009; it was one of at least 20 other bands performing in the area.[2] By mid-June 2009, the band began to perform on the streets and in live clubs.[3] They formally debuted on August 19, 2009 with Now or Never. The EP was recorded completely in English, and failed to chart on the Oricon Albums Chart. In late September, their original bassist Kwon Kwang-jin left the band and was replaced by Lee Jung-shin later that year.[4] Their second extended play Voice was released in November. Recorded with both English and Japanese tracks, Voice peaked at number 227 and charted for two weeks.[5] Guitarist Lee described the band's independence in the country as "tough, but equally rewarding".[2]

2010: Successful debut in Korea

edit

In January, FNC Entertainment unveiled a series of video teasers for CNBLUE's debut in South Korea.[6] Bluetory was released on January 14, 2010, and stayed at the top of the Gaon Album Chart for two weeks.[7] "I'm a Loner" was promoted as the lead single, and peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart.[8] The band had their first televised live performance on KBS' Music Bank on January 15. The song was an immediate commercial success and the band had their first music show chart win on Music Bank on January 29[9] and SBS' Inkigayo on January 31.[10] CNBLUE held the record for achieving number one on South Korea's music programs in the shortest time since debut, grabbing their first win only 15 days after debuting with "I'm a Loner".[11] The band had their debut reality show CNBLUEtory, broadcast on Mnet beginning March 10.