ZE:A launches spinoff group in Japan

Nine-member boy groupZE:A - Children of Empirewill launch a five-member spinoff group calledZE:A - Children of EmpireJ in Japan, according to its agency Star Empire Entertainment.

The new group will include Kevin,Dong Jun, Minwoo, Heechul and Taeheon.

"They already left for Japan on Tuesday", said the entertainment agency in a press release on Wednesday. "And they will debut in Japan with their digital single 'Roulette'."

"Roulette" is an upbeat dance music song.

"Since five of the members were already loved in Japan, we have high expectations for the new unit group", the agency added.

ZE:A - Children of Empirefirst broke into the music industry in 2010. Two of its members, includingHyung SikandSi Wan, are currently working on their careers in acting.

Hyung Sikis starring in the popular TV drama series"This Is Family"and Yim appeared in the popular TV drama series"Incomplete Life".

BY SUNG SO-YOUNG [so@joongang.co.kr