About the Royal Pirates
Header L-R: Sooyoon, James, Moon
ENG: Royal Pirates were formerly known as Fading From Dawn in the year 2004 with members: Kim Moonchul, Kim Sooyoon & Kim Richard/Moonchan (Moonchul’s brother).
Richard (the band’s bassist) and two of his friends, Dong Eun and David, passed away on April 11, 2008 in a terrible car accident in Pomona, California.
Moonchul and Sooyoon couldn’t be Fading From Dawn without Richard and decided to change their name to Royal Pirates.
James Lee officially joined Royal Pirates as bassist in Sept. 2009. He was introduced to Moonchul and Sooyoon by mutual friends.
Moonchul, Sooyoon and their families moved to California when they were both about 10 years old. They met at a church and became best friends not too long after. (They're not blood related, they just have the same last name and both moved from Korea to CA around the same time. They were meant to be!)
ESP: Royal Pirates previamente eran conocidos como Fading From Dawn en el 2004 consistiendo de: Kim Moonchul, Kim Sooyoon y Kim Richard/Moonchan (hermano de Moonchul).
Richard, el bajista de la banda fallecio el 11 de Abril del 2008 en un accidente automovilístico terrible en Pomona, California junto a dos de sus amigos. Moonchul y Sooyoon no podían ser Fading From Dawn sin Richard así que decidieron cambiar su nombre a Royal Pirates. James Lee se unió oficialmente a Royal Pirates como bajista en Septiembre 2009. El fue introducido a Moonchul y Sooyoon por medio de amigos mutuales. Moonchul, Sooyoon y sus familias se mudaron a California cuando ellos ambos tenían alrededor de 10 años. Se conocieron en una iglesia convirtiéndose en mejores amigos poco después. (Ellos no son parientes de sangre, solo tienen el mismo apellido y se mudaron a California de Corea alrededor del mismo tiempo. Era destino el que se conocieran!)
Richard (the band’s bassist) and two of his friends, Dong Eun and David, passed away on April 11, 2008 in a terrible car accident in Pomona, California.
Moonchul and Sooyoon couldn’t be Fading From Dawn without Richard and decided to change their name to Royal Pirates.
James Lee officially joined Royal Pirates as bassist in Sept. 2009. He was introduced to Moonchul and Sooyoon by mutual friends.
Moonchul, Sooyoon and their families moved to California when they were both about 10 years old. They met at a church and became best friends not too long after. (They're not blood related, they just have the same last name and both moved from Korea to CA around the same time. They were meant to be!)
ESP: Royal Pirates previamente eran conocidos como Fading From Dawn en el 2004 consistiendo de: Kim Moonchul, Kim Sooyoon y Kim Richard/Moonchan (hermano de Moonchul).
Richard, el bajista de la banda fallecio el 11 de Abril del 2008 en un accidente automovilístico terrible en Pomona, California junto a dos de sus amigos. Moonchul y Sooyoon no podían ser Fading From Dawn sin Richard así que decidieron cambiar su nombre a Royal Pirates. James Lee se unió oficialmente a Royal Pirates como bajista en Septiembre 2009. El fue introducido a Moonchul y Sooyoon por medio de amigos mutuales. Moonchul, Sooyoon y sus familias se mudaron a California cuando ellos ambos tenían alrededor de 10 años. Se conocieron en una iglesia convirtiéndose en mejores amigos poco después. (Ellos no son parientes de sangre, solo tienen el mismo apellido y se mudaron a California de Corea alrededor del mismo tiempo. Era destino el que se conocieran!)
Moonchul
ENG: Moonchul (aka Moon, Andrew/Andy) is the main vocalist and guitarist of the Royal Pirates. He was born in Incheon, South Korea on September 2, 1988. He has been singing since he was around 13 and has been playing guitar since he was 15. He also plays bass, drums, and piano. He attended WHS (Walnut High School) in Walnut, California and graduated in 2007. He went on to Mt. SAC (San Antonio College) in Walnut as a music major, but withdrew in the middle of 2010 to meet with record companies in Korea. Moonchul was a barista in the past, despite his dislike of coffee. His phobias include spiders, roaches, and other insects. He describes himself as adventurous, sarcastic, and evil, and mentioned that he smiles more in person. One of his dreams is to perform at Wembley Stadium. Moonchul is known for his “prettiness,” mysteriousness, levity, and fashion sense.
SPN: Moonchul (también conocido como Moon, Andrew/Andy) es el vocalista principal y guitarrista de Royal Pirates. Nació en Incheon, Corea del Sur el 2 de Septiembre, 1988. El ha cantado aproximadamente desde los 13 años y tocado la guitarra desde los quince años. Tambien toca el bajo, la batería, y el piano. Atendió la preparatoria Walnut High School en Walnut, California y se graduó en el 2007. El fue estudiante del Colegio (universidad) San Antonio en Walnut donde estudio música como su asignatura principal pero se retiro a mediados del 2010 para reunirse con disqueras en Corea. En el pasado Moonchul fue barista (persona que trabaja preparando diferentes tipos de café), a pesar de que no le gusta el café. Sus fobias incluyen arañas, cucarachas, y otros insectos. El se describe como aventurero, sarcástico, y malvado. Ha mencionado que sonríe mas en persona. Uno de sus sueños es cantar en el Estadio Wembley. Moonchul es conocido por ser "bonito", misterioso, su ligereza, y su sentido de moda.
SPN: Moonchul (también conocido como Moon, Andrew/Andy) es el vocalista principal y guitarrista de Royal Pirates. Nació en Incheon, Corea del Sur el 2 de Septiembre, 1988. El ha cantado aproximadamente desde los 13 años y tocado la guitarra desde los quince años. Tambien toca el bajo, la batería, y el piano. Atendió la preparatoria Walnut High School en Walnut, California y se graduó en el 2007. El fue estudiante del Colegio (universidad) San Antonio en Walnut donde estudio música como su asignatura principal pero se retiro a mediados del 2010 para reunirse con disqueras en Corea. En el pasado Moonchul fue barista (persona que trabaja preparando diferentes tipos de café), a pesar de que no le gusta el café. Sus fobias incluyen arañas, cucarachas, y otros insectos. El se describe como aventurero, sarcástico, y malvado. Ha mencionado que sonríe mas en persona. Uno de sus sueños es cantar en el Estadio Wembley. Moonchul es conocido por ser "bonito", misterioso, su ligereza, y su sentido de moda.
Sooyoon
ENG: Sooyoon (aka SY) is the drummer and maknae of the Royal Pirates. He was born in Seoul, South Korea on December 17, 1989. He has been playing the drums since he was 13 and guitar since he was 14. Sooyoon also plays both bass guitar and six-string guitar. He attended WHS where he was part of the school’s drumline (on snare drum), and he graduated in 2008. He then attended UCI in Irvine, California, but also withdrew around the same time Moonchul withdrew from Mt. SAC for the same reason. He used to work at a sushi bar and has an avid love for Ferrero Rocher. Sooyoon is known for his affection, indolence towards school, wit, shyness, and sweet tooth.
SPN: Sooyoon (SY para mas corto) es el baterista y mas chico de Royal Pirates. El nació en Seúl, Corea del Sur el 17 de Diciembre, 1989. El ha tocado la batería desde los 13 años y la guitarra desde los 14 años. Sooyoon también toca la guitarra baja y la guitarra de seis cuerdas. El atendió la preparatoria Walnut High School donde fue parte del grupo de percusión tocando la caja. se graduó en el 2008. Por algún tiempo fue alumno de la Universidad de California en Irvine, California pero se retiro alrededor del mismo tiempo que Moonchul se retiro del Colegio de San Antonio por la misma razón. El trabajo en un restaurante de sushi y es amante de los chocolates Ferrero Rocher. Sooyoon es conocido por ser cariñoso, indolencia haca la escuela, agudeza, timidez, y su diente dulce.
SPN: Sooyoon (SY para mas corto) es el baterista y mas chico de Royal Pirates. El nació en Seúl, Corea del Sur el 17 de Diciembre, 1989. El ha tocado la batería desde los 13 años y la guitarra desde los 14 años. Sooyoon también toca la guitarra baja y la guitarra de seis cuerdas. El atendió la preparatoria Walnut High School donde fue parte del grupo de percusión tocando la caja. se graduó en el 2008. Por algún tiempo fue alumno de la Universidad de California en Irvine, California pero se retiro alrededor del mismo tiempo que Moonchul se retiro del Colegio de San Antonio por la misma razón. El trabajo en un restaurante de sushi y es amante de los chocolates Ferrero Rocher. Sooyoon es conocido por ser cariñoso, indolencia haca la escuela, agudeza, timidez, y su diente dulce.
James
ENG: James (aka Joohyun) is the bassist and oldest member of the Royal Pirates. He was born in Los Angeles, California on June 9, 1988. He attended LAHS (Los Altos High School) in Hacienda Heights, California. He graduated in 2006 and attended CSUF in Fullerton, California as a communications major and with a minor in music. James was on the dean’s list and graduated cum laude from CSUF in the summer of 2010. James was a model for a short while, as well as the bassist for four bands before joining Royal Pirates, including Azusa- a metal band- and The Clear and Conscious- a pop-rock trio (he was the frontman of this group!) He was a server at Sushi Kamon in the City of Industry, California and an intern at Music Saves Lives. He then worked as a data entry abstracter for a private company in a Los Angeles recording office. James has been playing the bass since sixth grade. He also plays six-string guitar and even played trumpet in fourth grade. He enjoys beer, swimming, water polo, guitar, martial arts, basketball, acting, learning, and is a notorious burrito addict. James is known for his humor, height (6’ 3”), work ethic, intellect, generosity, and voracious appetite.
ESP: James (también conocido por su nombre Coreano Joohyun) es el bajista y el miembro mas grande de edad de Royal Pirates. Nació en Los Angeles, California el 9 de Junio, 1988. Estudio en la preparatoria Los Altos High School en Hacienda Heights, California. Se graduó en el 2006 y atendió la universidad California State (CSUF) en Fullerton, California estudiando comunicaciones como su asignatura principal con una asignatura secundaria en música. James se graduó con honores altos (cum laude) de CSUF el verano del 2010. Por un corto tiempo, James fue modelo al igual que bajista de cuatro otras bandas antes de integrarse a Royal Pirates. Dos de las bandas incluyen; Azusa- una banda de metal, y The Clear and Conscious- un trio de pop-rock donde James estaba al frente de la banda. El fue mesero en Sushi Kamon en la City of Industry, California y un becario en Music Saves Lives. Tiempo después trabajo para una compañía privada en una oficina de grabación de Los Angeles. James a tocado el bajo desde el sexto grado (primer año de secundaria en EEUU). James también toca la guitarra de 6 cuerdas ademas de tocar la trompeta su cuarto año de primaria. James disfruta la cerveza, natación, polo acuático, la guitarra, artes marciales, baloncesto, actuación, aprender, y es un adicto a los burritos. James es conocido por su humor, altura (190.5 cm), ética de trabajo, intelecto, generosidad, y su apetito voraz.
ESP: James (también conocido por su nombre Coreano Joohyun) es el bajista y el miembro mas grande de edad de Royal Pirates. Nació en Los Angeles, California el 9 de Junio, 1988. Estudio en la preparatoria Los Altos High School en Hacienda Heights, California. Se graduó en el 2006 y atendió la universidad California State (CSUF) en Fullerton, California estudiando comunicaciones como su asignatura principal con una asignatura secundaria en música. James se graduó con honores altos (cum laude) de CSUF el verano del 2010. Por un corto tiempo, James fue modelo al igual que bajista de cuatro otras bandas antes de integrarse a Royal Pirates. Dos de las bandas incluyen; Azusa- una banda de metal, y The Clear and Conscious- un trio de pop-rock donde James estaba al frente de la banda. El fue mesero en Sushi Kamon en la City of Industry, California y un becario en Music Saves Lives. Tiempo después trabajo para una compañía privada en una oficina de grabación de Los Angeles. James a tocado el bajo desde el sexto grado (primer año de secundaria en EEUU). James también toca la guitarra de 6 cuerdas ademas de tocar la trompeta su cuarto año de primaria. James disfruta la cerveza, natación, polo acuático, la guitarra, artes marciales, baloncesto, actuación, aprender, y es un adicto a los burritos. James es conocido por su humor, altura (190.5 cm), ética de trabajo, intelecto, generosidad, y su apetito voraz.
ENG: All three attended MI (Musician’s Institute) in Hollywood, California, are full Koreans, are fluent in Korean and English, love In-N-Out, play guitar and bass (SY played bass for his solo demos and MC played bass for the recordings before James joined), sing, write and compose the band’s songs, are the second children in their families, (James: older sister Gina and younger sister Jessica, Moonchul: older brother Moonchan(†) and younger sister Joyce, Sooyoon: older brother Soohwan), own/owned pets (James: Dubu [gray striped tabby] and Benji (his sister’s dog), Moonchul: Hotcho [maltese and corgi mix], Sooyoon: Mini(†) [chihuahua mix], Boomboom, Candy, and Cookie [pomeranians]), and have a zest for food.
SPN: Los tres chicos atendieron el Musician's Institute (colegio de música contemporánea) en Hollywood, California ademas de ser Coreanos, y fluentes en Coreano e Ingles, aman In-N-Out (restaurante de hamburguesas natal a California), tocan guitarra, y el bajo (SY toco el bajo en sus canciones demo y MC toco el bajo para las grabaciones hechas antes de que se uniera James), cantan, escriben y componen las canciones de la banda, son los hijos segundos en sus respectivas familias, (James: hermana mayor Gina y hermana menor Jessica; Moonchul: hermano mayor Moonchan (fallecido), y hermana menor Joyce; Sooyoon: hermano mayor Soohwan), tienen o tenían mascotas, y tienen entusiasmo por la comida.
SPN: Los tres chicos atendieron el Musician's Institute (colegio de música contemporánea) en Hollywood, California ademas de ser Coreanos, y fluentes en Coreano e Ingles, aman In-N-Out (restaurante de hamburguesas natal a California), tocan guitarra, y el bajo (SY toco el bajo en sus canciones demo y MC toco el bajo para las grabaciones hechas antes de que se uniera James), cantan, escriben y componen las canciones de la banda, son los hijos segundos en sus respectivas familias, (James: hermana mayor Gina y hermana menor Jessica; Moonchul: hermano mayor Moonchan (fallecido), y hermana menor Joyce; Sooyoon: hermano mayor Soohwan), tienen o tenían mascotas, y tienen entusiasmo por la comida.
ENG: They list Muse, The Beatles, L’Arc~en~Ciel, Saosin, My Chemical Romance, Siam Shade, Janne Da Arc, Relient K and SID as their musical influences.
The Royal Pirates (as Moonchul and Sooyoon) uploaded their first video on Youtube on September 9, 2008, which was a cover of Muse’s “Time is Running Out.” Moonchul and Sooyoon also released their first original song “Royal Villain” on their Myspace. They then uploaded more rock covers of various kpop songs such as the Wonder Girls’ viral hit song “Nobody,” DBSK’s “Mirotic,” Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry,” etc. They also covered Britney Spears’ “Circus,” which was featured on Britney’s homepage.
On April 3, 2009, the Royal Pirates were invited on Star King, a Korean variety show, due to the popularity of their Sorry Sorry cover. However, Moonchul and Sooyoon declined because of school, scheduling conflicts, and most importantly because they did not want to be known as a cover band or “the Super Junior Band.”
SPN: Ellos han listado a las bandas Muse, Los Beatles, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Saosin, My Chemical Romance, Siam Shade, Janne Da Arc, Relient K, y SID como sus influencias musicales.
Royal Pirates (como Moonchul y Sooyoon) subieron su primer vídeo en Youtube el 9 de Septiembre del 2008 que fue su versión arreglada de la canción "Time is Running Out" originalmente de Muse. Moonchul y Sooyoon también lanzaron su primer canción original "Royal Villain" en su pagina de Myspace. Después subieron mas de sus versiones arregladas al estilo rock de varias canciones kpop como "Nobody" de Wonder Girls, "Mirotic" de DBSK, "Sorry Sorry" de Super Junior, etc. También arreglaron a su estilo la canción "Circus" de Britney Spears, que fue destacado en la pagina principal de Britney.
The Royal Pirates (as Moonchul and Sooyoon) uploaded their first video on Youtube on September 9, 2008, which was a cover of Muse’s “Time is Running Out.” Moonchul and Sooyoon also released their first original song “Royal Villain” on their Myspace. They then uploaded more rock covers of various kpop songs such as the Wonder Girls’ viral hit song “Nobody,” DBSK’s “Mirotic,” Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry,” etc. They also covered Britney Spears’ “Circus,” which was featured on Britney’s homepage.
On April 3, 2009, the Royal Pirates were invited on Star King, a Korean variety show, due to the popularity of their Sorry Sorry cover. However, Moonchul and Sooyoon declined because of school, scheduling conflicts, and most importantly because they did not want to be known as a cover band or “the Super Junior Band.”
SPN: Ellos han listado a las bandas Muse, Los Beatles, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Saosin, My Chemical Romance, Siam Shade, Janne Da Arc, Relient K, y SID como sus influencias musicales.
Royal Pirates (como Moonchul y Sooyoon) subieron su primer vídeo en Youtube el 9 de Septiembre del 2008 que fue su versión arreglada de la canción "Time is Running Out" originalmente de Muse. Moonchul y Sooyoon también lanzaron su primer canción original "Royal Villain" en su pagina de Myspace. Después subieron mas de sus versiones arregladas al estilo rock de varias canciones kpop como "Nobody" de Wonder Girls, "Mirotic" de DBSK, "Sorry Sorry" de Super Junior, etc. También arreglaron a su estilo la canción "Circus" de Britney Spears, que fue destacado en la pagina principal de Britney.
On May 14, 2009, the Royal Pirates were featured on the Korean news channel YTN.
On June 3, 2009, the Royal Pirates were featured on allkpop. They debuted their original song “Crawling Out,” written by Moonchul. In this interview, they mentioned releasing an EP that summer but decided not to follow through with it anymore because they were "making different plans for the best outcome of the band." -RP (via KoME World Interview.
On September 20, 2009, the band was featured in an article on a Korea Daily, a Korean newspaper. James was also confirmed to be the band’s new bassist on this day.
On October 10, 2009, Moonchul and Sooyoon were interviewed by KoME World. A few weeks later on October 23, 2009, they formally introduced James to the public in a KoME shoutout.
Around Christmastime in 2009, the band realeased their version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” as a gift for their fans. This is James’ first appearance in a Royal Pirates performance video.
On June 3, 2009, the Royal Pirates were featured on allkpop. They debuted their original song “Crawling Out,” written by Moonchul. In this interview, they mentioned releasing an EP that summer but decided not to follow through with it anymore because they were "making different plans for the best outcome of the band." -RP (via KoME World Interview.
On September 20, 2009, the band was featured in an article on a Korea Daily, a Korean newspaper. James was also confirmed to be the band’s new bassist on this day.
On October 10, 2009, Moonchul and Sooyoon were interviewed by KoME World. A few weeks later on October 23, 2009, they formally introduced James to the public in a KoME shoutout.
Around Christmastime in 2009, the band realeased their version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” as a gift for their fans. This is James’ first appearance in a Royal Pirates performance video.
On March 7, 2010, the Royal Pirates released their first music video “Disappear.” This video does not confirm their debut. It was independently filmed for the fans and to help promote the band.
That summer, the three of them went to Korea to meet with different music companies, and they officially signed with Apple of the Eye (← confirmed on RP’s FB and officially announced by James at The Roxy showcase).
When all they returned, they attended Musician’s Institute in Hollywood to further enhance their talents.
That summer, the three of them went to Korea to meet with different music companies, and they officially signed with Apple of the Eye (← confirmed on RP’s FB and officially announced by James at The Roxy showcase).
When all they returned, they attended Musician’s Institute in Hollywood to further enhance their talents.
On May 5, 2011, the band played a benefit gig for One Day’s Wages. This was their first known show outside of Musician’s Institute.
More photos available here
More photos available here
cr. Fan photo via RP FB
On June 17, 2011, they performed at the Cat Club in West Hollywood. This is the first show that fans were able to attend. However, “this is not our debut. It’s just preparation.” -Sooyoon
Fan account and setlist available here
Photos available here
Fan account and setlist available here
Photos available here
On July 7, 2011, the band performed at The Mint in Los Angeles. Although they were one of the opening acts, they brought in the most fans (150+); even more than the headliner.
Fan account and setlist available here
Photos available here
Fan account and setlist available here
Photos available here
Nine days after The Mint performance, Royal Pirates performed a small acoustic set at KAH Asian Restaurant & Lounge in Manhattan Beach, CA on July 16, 2011. This show was very last-minute (announced only 19 hours before the actual showcase). It was only 26 minutes long, including their fan-requested encore performance. (info cr: Ann/MaoMao from RT)
Fan account, photos (aside from the on on the right), and setlist unavailable
Fan account, photos (aside from the on on the right), and setlist unavailable
cr. Fan photo via RP FB
The band had their fourth performance at The Roxy on August 5, 2011. They were the last act of the night and played until about 2:30am.
Fan account and setlist available here
Photos available here
Fan account and setlist available here
Photos available here
Due to the popularity of their performance at The Roxy, the trio was contacted by employees at The Viper Room, a neighboring club, and they held their fifth and last public US performance for the year at this venue on August 27, 2011.
Fan account (only what happened outside the venue) available here
Setlist available here
Performance photos unavailable
Bonus! Shoutout videos available here
Fan account (only what happened outside the venue) available here
Setlist available here
Performance photos unavailable
Bonus! Shoutout videos available here
All three are in currently in Korea (as of January 11, 2012).
The Royal Pirates held their first overseas performance in Singapore at Men’s Fashion Week on Saturday, April 21, 2012. They were scheduled to perform at 8:40pm but were moved to the 11:00pm "highlight slot," an opportunity not offered to many artists, especially new ones. By the end of the show, all the staff members and model came out to watch the band's performance, leaving the entire backstage empty- at first at MFW.
On Saturday, June 1, 2012 they served as the opening act at saxophonist Danny Jung’s concert at the AX Korea (other bands such as CNBLUE, 10cm, and The Flaming Lips also performed at this venue). This is their first live showcase in Seoul. However, this does not mark their debut.
RP kept a low profile for the rest of the year and officially debuted on August 25, 2013 on Inkigayo with their self-composed single "Shout Out." In January of 2014, they released their first mini album titled "Drawing the Line." They also crossed over to Japan and released English versions of songs from both the "Shout Out" EP and the DTL mini album.
Info cr: Royal Pirates official Myspace, Facebook, Allkpop, James’ Wordpress, and Formspring accounts (← all accounts have been deleted or are inactive)
Cat Club & Roxy photos: Fan photos (RP’s FB)
Tagged photos: FYRP staff
Other photos: Various RP FB pages (individuals and fanpage)
For more info, please visit FYRP's FAQ.
Written and organized by Roxy @ FYRP.
Spanish translation by Margot @ FYRP.
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE OUT WITHOUT PROPER CREDITS.
Thank you.
For links to their Youtube, Facebook, Myspace etc, please click here.
The Royal Pirates held their first overseas performance in Singapore at Men’s Fashion Week on Saturday, April 21, 2012. They were scheduled to perform at 8:40pm but were moved to the 11:00pm "highlight slot," an opportunity not offered to many artists, especially new ones. By the end of the show, all the staff members and model came out to watch the band's performance, leaving the entire backstage empty- at first at MFW.
On Saturday, June 1, 2012 they served as the opening act at saxophonist Danny Jung’s concert at the AX Korea (other bands such as CNBLUE, 10cm, and The Flaming Lips also performed at this venue). This is their first live showcase in Seoul. However, this does not mark their debut.
RP kept a low profile for the rest of the year and officially debuted on August 25, 2013 on Inkigayo with their self-composed single "Shout Out." In January of 2014, they released their first mini album titled "Drawing the Line." They also crossed over to Japan and released English versions of songs from both the "Shout Out" EP and the DTL mini album.
Info cr: Royal Pirates official Myspace, Facebook, Allkpop, James’ Wordpress, and Formspring accounts (← all accounts have been deleted or are inactive)
Cat Club & Roxy photos: Fan photos (RP’s FB)
Tagged photos: FYRP staff
Other photos: Various RP FB pages (individuals and fanpage)
For more info, please visit FYRP's FAQ.
Written and organized by Roxy @ FYRP.
Spanish translation by Margot @ FYRP.
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE OUT WITHOUT PROPER CREDITS.
Thank you.
For links to their Youtube, Facebook, Myspace etc, please click here.