Four childhood friends Kim Jong Wan, Lee Jae Kyung, Lee Jung Hoon and Jung Jae Won formed a band, ilot, in 1999 and performed at clubs around Seoul s Sinchon-dong; a place known for its nightlife, with numerous bars of both western-style and traditional Korean hofs, restaurants, and other activities aimed at the area s student population. During one of their performances, they were picked up by Seo Taiji, and soon became the first band to be promoted under his record label Goesoo Indigene. Since then, the boys have stuck together without adding more members. This year, they celebrate 22 years of togetherness, but it didn t come overnight.