Broken is the sixth EP released by the South Korean boy group MBLAQ. The album was released online on March 24, 2014 at 12PM (KST).[1] The album consists of 7 tracks, and Wheesung took part in the writing of the lyrics and composing for the title song Be a Man, whereby he gifted the song to MBLAQ. He expressed that "MBLAQ is the only male group that I wanted to give a song to, so it was a pleasure to work with them on the album. I am thankful for MBLAQ for conveying the feelings that I wanted from this track".

Broken
EP by
ReleasedMarch 24, 2014 (South Korea)
Recorded2013–2014
GenreK-pop, dance, ballad
Length19:23
LanguageKorean
LabelJ. Tune Camp
MBLAQ chronology
Sexy Beat
(2013)
Broken
(2014)
Winter
(2014)
Singles from Broken
  1. "Our Relationship"
    Released: March 16, 2014
  2. "Be a Man"
    Released: March 24, 2014

Concept

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The concept shows the members' chic and strong 'masculine' mature image. Filter imitating broken glass overlaid by the members' images, which are included in the concept photos, were uploaded on the official MBLAQ's SNS and creates a rainbow set of colours. This is in contrast to the meaning of the album's name, Broken, whereby it shows how a heart can grow cold when broken, as portrayed by the members' angry and hard gazes.[2][3]

Background

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On March 20 at 12AM (KST), MBLAQ released their teaser of "Be a Man" on their official YouTube channel, J.Tune Camp.[4] It shows the sleek and sophisticated images of the members, as they wore well-tailored black and white suits together with clean-cut hair, appearing mysterious with their sharp gaze. It further dramatizes the video through the added fog and shadow effects.[5]

Track listing

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No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Broken (Intro)"Cheondung, Super CheongdamCheondung, Super CheongdamSuper Cheongdam1:26
2."Be a Man"Wheesung, MirWheesung, Lee Ki, YoungbaeLee Ki, Youngbae3:22
3."Between Us" (우리 사이; Uri Sai)S Kim, MirS KimBukgeukgom3:07
4."12 Months" (12개월; 12 Gaewol)Cheondung, Super Cheongdam, MirCheondung, Super CheongdamSuper Cheongdam3:16
5."Key" (열쇠; Yeolsoe)Duble Sidekick, David KimTenjo, TascoTenjo, Tasco3:44
6."Because There are Two" (둘이라서; Duriraseo)G.O, Avengers, MirG.O, Avengers, Radio GalaxyRadio Galaxy4:04
7."Still With You (Outro)"G.O, AvengersG.O, Avengers 0:58
Total length:19:23

Chart performance

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Album chart

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Chart Peak
position
Gaon Weekly album chart 1
Gaon Monthly album chart 8

Single chart

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Song Peak position
KOR KOR
Gaon Chart K-Pop Billboard[6]
"Be a Man" 20 9

Sales and certifications

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Chart Amount
Gaon physical album sales 20, 252

Release history

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Country Date Format Label
South Korea March 24, 2014 Digital download J.Tune Camp
CJ E&M Music
March 26, 2014 CD

References

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  1. ^ "엠블랙, 'BROKEN' 으로24일 컴백…휘성과 손잡다" (in Korean). Sports World. March 24, 2014.
  2. ^ 엠블랙, 새 앨범 '브로큰' 콘셉트 이미지 공개…시크돌이 돌아왔다 (in Korean). Ten Asia. March 10, 2014.
  3. ^ "엠블랙, 미니앨범 'BROKEN' 콘셉트 이미지 깜짝 공개" (in Korean). Chosun News. March 10, 2014.
  4. ^ MBLAQ's Be a Man Teaser on YouTube
  5. ^ 엠블랙 '남자답게' 티저영상 공개…시크돌이 돌아왔다 (in Korean). Ten Asia. March 20, 2014.
  6. ^ "K-Pop Legend Lee Sun Hee Breaks 5-Year Hiatus & Tops K-Pop Hot 100". Billboard. April 4, 2014. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
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