Members

The first member to join was Kim Junsu. At the age of 12 he was brought into SM Entertainment through a televised talent search with Moon Hee Jun and Kangta from H.O.T. as judges. His vocals won over the judges and procured him thorough training for the next six years. After three years of training, he was supposed to debut, but puberty caused his voice to change and he was unable to sing until it ended after another three years. After six years, he debuted as Xiah Junsu (Xiah is pronounced Shee-ah in Korean). Xiah is the stage name that Kim himself chose, explaining to his fans that the name was short for "Asia", as Asia is pronounced "ah-shee-ah" in Korean. "Xiah" would be an implication of his desire to become not only a star in Korea, but also a star recognized all throughout the continent.

The group's second member, Jung Yunho, secured his spot in TVXQ through a dance competition in which he won first place. After his selection he gained some experience in the midst of spotlight by being a rapper and backup dancer for K-pop singer Dana- who is now no longer a solo but a member in The Grace. As a dancer, he accompanied many Korean singers, traveling to China as well. Jung debuted as U-know Yunho. His chose his stage name as "U-know" from his Korean name "Yun Ho"; U-Know is pronounced "You know" in English. However, it is meant to mean "Yunho 'Knows You'" in regard to his understanding of the other members as the leader of TVXQ.

Kim Jaejoong left his hometown in Chungnam to audition for SM Entertainment. Having left the shelter of home, he experienced poverty and strife before becoming a celebrity. Kim debuted as Youngwoong Jaejoong. Youngwoong is the Korean word for "hero." His manager picked the name for him because he wanted him to be the hero of the music industry. Kim took first place in an audition of 5000 people, both in best looking and best vocals.

Shim Changmin was grouped with the youngest participants in the audition. Like Xiah Junsu, he impressed the judges with his powerful voice. He joined the group under the name Choikang Changmin. Choikang in Korean means "Most Powerful", or approximately, "the best"; "Max" became an international rendition of this name.

One year before the group's debut, the final member, Park Yoochun was added. Park Yoochun grew up in Seoul and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was in the sixth grade. He lived in Fairfax, Virginia for roughly four years before he auditioned for Brothers Entertainment and was sent to Korea to SM Entertainment. Micky was Park's English nickname when he lived in Virginia. As the winner of a talent show, he was granted the opportunity to sign with SM Entertainment in Korea. He now performs under the stage name Micky Yoochun.

Member solo activities

Xiah

* Performed in Korea as member of the promotional group Anyband with BoA, Tablo of Epik High, and Jin Bora. The project band was formed by Samsung's Anycall, and had several singles: "TPL (Talk, Play, Love)," "Promise U", "Daydream".
* Had a duet with Zhang Liyin, "Timeless", which was featured in Zhang's first single, "Timeless". He also sang the Chinese version of the song with Zhang, which was the last track of Zhang's first Chinese album, I WILL. Xiah was also featured in the second part of the two-part "Timeless" music videos.

Micky

* Appeared in Magolpi's debut music video "Flight Girl" (비행소녀)
* Was featured singer in DJ Makai's song, "Tokyo Lovelight"

Hero

* Sang "Greeting" (인사) which was featured on the A Millionaire's First Love soundtrack.
* Collaborated with The Grace for "Just for One Day", which was featured in The Grace's first Japanese full-length studio album, Graceful 4.
* Acting as the leading role in the teledrama "Heaven's Postman".
* Appeared in Taegoon's debut music video "Call Me"

Max

* Wrote the lyrics for "Evergreen" in SM Town 2007 album.

U-know

* Before debuting under TVXQ, he was a backup dancer for Dana's 2002 single, "Diamond". He was also featured in the music video.