After School (band)
Encyclopedia
After School is a South Korea
n girl group
formed by Pledis Entertainment
in 2009. They are the first group to debut with a unique admissions and graduation concept in Korea, where members are added or withdrawn in a “natural” manner. The band currently consists of 8 members: Park Kahi, Jung Ah, Joo Yeon, Uee
, Raina, Nana, Lizzy and E-Young. Former member Soyoung withdrew from the group in fall 2009 and Bekah officially graduated from the group in July 2011.
After School had their first performance alongside label mate Son Dam Bi
in 2008 and their official debut occurred on January 2009 with the song "AH!". The group became popular with the release of their hit single, "Because of You
", which attained No. 1 and a triple crown on SBS's Inkigayo. After School went on to win various awards at the Billboard Japan Music Awards
and the Seoul Music Awards
.
Other hits by After School include "Diva
", "Bang!
" and "Shampoo
". Three members of After School have also formed a sub-group with a different concept known as Orange Caramel
.
The group began a foray into the Japanese music scene in 2011 under Avex Trax
with a remake of their Korean hits "Bang!
" and "Diva
". Their debut in Japan was quite a success, as the group managed to enter the Oricon Weekly Chart at 7th.
. In the beginning on 2009, a few days before After School's debut, Pledis Entertainment officially announced that the group's music concept is heavily influenced by the Pussycat Dolls
. On January 15, 2009, Pledis Entertainment released a 30-second teaser video on Gom TV, reaching 100,000 views on the first day. Consequently, the group released their debut single, "AH!" alongside their EP
, New Schoolgirl
on 15 January'. On 17 January, After School made their live debut on MBC
's, Music Core
During the month of April, the group announced a new member joining the group, Uee
. Alongside the announcement, the group released the second single, "Diva
" on April 9, 2009. The group performance on 9 April 2009 on M!Countdown.
On May 21, the group released their third single, a cover of Morning Musume
's "Love Machine
", entitled "Dream Girl". In July, it was announced that the group would collaborate with popular artist, Son Dam Bi
, for digital single, "Amoled
", which was released on the 16th, which was also part of promotions for Amoled, Samsung
's phone.
", with teasers being released a day before. Marking a change for the group to a more mature and sophisticated concept, the song became popular, winning three Mutizen awards and topping various online music charts. A remixed version was released later on.
On 17 March 2010, details surrounding new member, Lizzy, were announced, following the release of the group's concept photos for the single album, Bang!
. Pledis Entertainment simultaneously announced that the album would be released on 25 March 2010.
On 6 December 2010, Pledis Entertainment released After School's comeback album Happy Pledis 1st Album that consisted of 4 tracks, "Love Love Love" as their album single, "Someone Is You" and 2 instrumentals of the two songs. Pledis had planned a series of "Happy Pledis" albums with their artists After School
, Son Dambi and Orange Caramel as a surprise gift for the fans. A portion of the profits from the "Happy Pledis" albums would be donated to the “Save the Children” organization. Bekah did not take part nor participated in the promotions for this album due to her two month break in Hawaii visiting her parents.
; featuring in the song 'Make It Happen' for her collaboration album.
Pledis Entertainment announced on 13 April that After School would be making a comeback later that month with a full-length album; the title track being composed by Japanese producer Daishi Dance
. Teaser photos for the comeback album were subsequently released on the 18th; the first of the photos were of newcomer to the group E-Young. Pledis Entertainment also said the release date of the album would be on the 29th. A second photo was released a day after, featuring Lizzy, Raina and Nana (who were dubbed the 3rd generation), and a third featuring Uee (second generation). On the 20th, the album's full tracklist was released along with the title track titled 'Shampoo' and the final teaser photo of the remaining original members. An music video teaser was uploaded onto the Pledis Entertainment Official YouTube channel on the 25th, and the full audio track for 'Shampoo' was uploaded to the internet two days later. After School's first album Virgin was released on the 29th, with the full music video for 'Shampoo' being released later that day. The music video for 'Let's Step Up', the intro track for the Virgin album was released with After School performing a tap-dance routine, which was praised internationally by tap dancers such as Joseph Wiggan. After School began promotions for the song 'Shampoo' starting with KBS's Music Bank
.
It has been recently revealed that After School will officially debut in Japan on 17 August, with a Japanese version of 'Bang!'. They will also perform a solo concert on 17 July at Akasaka BLITZ in Tokyo. However, Bekah left the group prior to the Japanese debut to become a designer, and has since released her graduation work, a solo track titled Take Me To The Place.
In July, Pledis announced that After School will be separated into two sub-units, AS Red and Blue as part of the group's second comeback project for the year.
The group made their spectacular debut in Japan on 17 August 2011, with the release of their first Japanese album, Bang!, which peaked at 7th on the Oricon Weekly Chart. After School participated in the prestigious 'a-nation' concert tour as part of their Japanese promotions.
After School's second Japanese single, Diva
was released on November 23, 2011. The single is accompanied with a new Japanese song called "Ready to Love".
Happy Pledis 2012, a charity single, is the follow-up of the first Happy Pledis album
and was released on December 1, 2011. It is a family album that features all Pledis artists, including Son Dambi and the upcoming boy band that has yet to debut. A portion of the ‘Happy Pledis’ earnings will be donated to UNICEF to help look after those in need, and the album is also a gift to the fans who have shown the artists so much love and interest.. The group will team-up with SHIBUYA109
for a “Christmas Campaign”, which includes an upcoming concert.
After School will headline the upcoming MTV EXIT
free concert along with American band The Click Five
on December 17, 2011 in Phnom Penh
, Cambodia
.
was the first sub-unit of After School to debut and it consisted of Raina, Nana, and Lizzy. The group released their first mini-album, on June 2010 with the title track, Magic Girl. Orange Caramel subsequent hit songs include A~ing! and Bangkok City.
Orange Caramel to make a comeback in October.
A representative for Orange Caramel claimed, “Just like how we showed off different concepts with every promotion,
we will differentiate ourselves from After School’s powerful and sexy image.
”Orange Caramel will promote their new album for one month before rejoining their sisters in Japan, just in time for their second Japanese single,
“Diva“. It’s being said that After School will kick-start their overseas promotions into high gear following
Orange Caramel’s wrap-up of their Korean promotions.Orange Caramel has just announced they will be releasing their new single on October 13th, entitled “Shanghai Romance“!
A continuation of their ‘One Asia Project‘, which they kick-started earlier this year with their sleeper hit, “Bangkok City“. This time, they’ll be showcasing one of China’s most vibrant cities as their next destination.
AS Red and Blue released their 4th mini-album on 21 July 2011, with title tracks In The Night Sky and Wonder Boy respectively. The music videos for the two songs were released soon after.
Single albums
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
n girl group
Girl group
A girl group is a popular music act featuring several young female singers who generally harmonise together.Girl groups emerged in the late 1950s as groups of young singers teamed up with behind-the-scenes songwriters and music producers to create hit singles, often featuring glossy production...
formed by Pledis Entertainment
Pledis Entertainment
Pledis Entertainment is a South Korean music label, home to artists like Son Dam Bi, After School, and After School subunit Orange Caramel....
in 2009. They are the first group to debut with a unique admissions and graduation concept in Korea, where members are added or withdrawn in a “natural” manner. The band currently consists of 8 members: Park Kahi, Jung Ah, Joo Yeon, Uee
Uee
Kim Yu Jin, better known by her stage name Uee or known as U-ie is a South Korean idol singer and actress who is a member of girl group, After School...
, Raina, Nana, Lizzy and E-Young. Former member Soyoung withdrew from the group in fall 2009 and Bekah officially graduated from the group in July 2011.
After School had their first performance alongside label mate Son Dam Bi
Son Dam Bi
Son Dam Bi is a South Korean singer, dancer, model and actress.-Biography:Son Dam Bi is one of the most hyped names to debut in Korea. She had appeared in music videos for Paran and MYV, along with many advertisements. She first came to fame when she appeared in a commercial for an MP3 player...
in 2008 and their official debut occurred on January 2009 with the song "AH!". The group became popular with the release of their hit single, "Because of You
Neo Ddaemunae
"Neo ttaemun-e" is the second single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The group also released an official Remix version of 너 때문에 on 21 January 2010.-Track listing:...
", which attained No. 1 and a triple crown on SBS's Inkigayo. After School went on to win various awards at the Billboard Japan Music Awards
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
and the Seoul Music Awards
Seoul Music Awards
The Seoul Music Awards is an awards show founded in 1990 that is presented annually by the Sports Seoul for outstanding achievements in the music industry in South Korea.- Categories :...
.
Other hits by After School include "Diva
Diva (After School song)
"Diva" is a electro dance song by South Korean girl group After School. The song was released on April 9, 2009 as a digital single and later added on the group's second single album "Because of You". The song is the first release including Uee and last release including So Young, which withdrew...
", "Bang!
Bang! (After School EP)
Bang! is the third single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The EP marked the first appearance of the group's eighth member, Lizzy....
" and "Shampoo
Virgin (After School album)
Virgin is the first full-length album by South Korean girl group After School. They firstly promoted the album by performing their lead track "Shampoo" along with a tap dance performance to "Let's Step Up". It was released on April 29, 2011 and contains 13 songs...
". Three members of After School have also formed a sub-group with a different concept known as Orange Caramel
Orange caramel
Orange Caramel is a South Korean girl group under the label of Pledis Entertainment. Orange Caramel is a sub-unit from After School....
.
The group began a foray into the Japanese music scene in 2011 under Avex Trax
Avex Trax
, listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange as 7860 and abbreviated as AGHD, is the holding company for a group of entertainment-related subsidiaries based in Japan...
with a remake of their Korean hits "Bang!
Bang! (After School EP)
Bang! is the third single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The EP marked the first appearance of the group's eighth member, Lizzy....
" and "Diva
Diva (After School song)
"Diva" is a electro dance song by South Korean girl group After School. The song was released on April 9, 2009 as a digital single and later added on the group's second single album "Because of You". The song is the first release including Uee and last release including So Young, which withdrew...
". Their debut in Japan was quite a success, as the group managed to enter the Oricon Weekly Chart at 7th.
2009: Debut and Diva
After School, as a group, made an unofficial first appearance on December 29, 2008 at the SBS Song Festival, performing "Play Girlz" with Son Dam BiSon Dam Bi
Son Dam Bi is a South Korean singer, dancer, model and actress.-Biography:Son Dam Bi is one of the most hyped names to debut in Korea. She had appeared in music videos for Paran and MYV, along with many advertisements. She first came to fame when she appeared in a commercial for an MP3 player...
. In the beginning on 2009, a few days before After School's debut, Pledis Entertainment officially announced that the group's music concept is heavily influenced by the Pussycat Dolls
Pussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble based in Los Angeles; currently consisting of Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Kristal "Lyndriette" Smith, Tiffany "Taz" Zavala, Kia Hampton and Paula Van Oppen. The Pussycat Dolls were founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995...
. On January 15, 2009, Pledis Entertainment released a 30-second teaser video on Gom TV, reaching 100,000 views on the first day. Consequently, the group released their debut single, "AH!" alongside their EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, New Schoolgirl
New Schoolgirl
"New Schoolgirl" is the debut single album by South Korean girl group, After School.-Track listing:# "Play Girlz" - 1:30# "AH!" - 3:09# "나쁜놈" - 2:53# "AH!" - 3:09-External links:*...
on 15 January'. On 17 January, After School made their live debut on MBC
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC (Hangul : 문화방송주식회사, Munhwa Bangsong Jushikoesa) is one of four major national South Korean television and radio networks. Munhwa is the Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television...
's, Music Core
During the month of April, the group announced a new member joining the group, Uee
Uee
Kim Yu Jin, better known by her stage name Uee or known as U-ie is a South Korean idol singer and actress who is a member of girl group, After School...
. Alongside the announcement, the group released the second single, "Diva
Diva (After School song)
"Diva" is a electro dance song by South Korean girl group After School. The song was released on April 9, 2009 as a digital single and later added on the group's second single album "Because of You". The song is the first release including Uee and last release including So Young, which withdrew...
" on April 9, 2009. The group performance on 9 April 2009 on M!Countdown.
On May 21, the group released their third single, a cover of Morning Musume
Morning Musume
, sometimes referred to as is a Japanese idol girl group, whose act generally revolves around singing and dancing to upbeat melodies. They are the lead group of Hello! Project, which is managed and produced by Tsunku, who composes nearly all the lyrics and melodies of their songs...
's "Love Machine
Love Machine (Morning Musume song)
is the seventh single of the J-pop idol group Morning Musume, released on September 9, 1999 as an 8 cm CD. It sold a total of 1,760,000 copies, making it a massive hit and their highest selling single. In 2004, it was re-released as part of the Early Single Box and again in 2005 as a 12 cm CD...
", entitled "Dream Girl". In July, it was announced that the group would collaborate with popular artist, Son Dam Bi
Son Dam Bi
Son Dam Bi is a South Korean singer, dancer, model and actress.-Biography:Son Dam Bi is one of the most hyped names to debut in Korea. She had appeared in music videos for Paran and MYV, along with many advertisements. She first came to fame when she appeared in a commercial for an MP3 player...
, for digital single, "Amoled
Amoled (song)
"Amoled" is a digital single by South Korean girl group After School and Son Dam Bi as promotion for Samsung's Amoled phone. It was released on 22 July 2009, and the CF was released on 23 July 2009.-External links:*...
", which was released on the 16th, which was also part of promotions for Amoled, Samsung
Samsung
The Samsung Group is a South Korean multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea...
's phone.
2010–2011: Because of You and Bang!
On 29 October 2009, Yoo Soyoung officially withdrew from the group to become an actress. Two new members were added to the group, Raina and Nana. After School made their comeback on 25 November 2009 with their single, "Because of YouNeo Ddaemunae
"Neo ttaemun-e" is the second single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The group also released an official Remix version of 너 때문에 on 21 January 2010.-Track listing:...
", with teasers being released a day before. Marking a change for the group to a more mature and sophisticated concept, the song became popular, winning three Mutizen awards and topping various online music charts. A remixed version was released later on.
On 17 March 2010, details surrounding new member, Lizzy, were announced, following the release of the group's concept photos for the single album, Bang!
Bang! (After School EP)
Bang! is the third single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The EP marked the first appearance of the group's eighth member, Lizzy....
. Pledis Entertainment simultaneously announced that the album would be released on 25 March 2010.
On 6 December 2010, Pledis Entertainment released After School's comeback album Happy Pledis 1st Album that consisted of 4 tracks, "Love Love Love" as their album single, "Someone Is You" and 2 instrumentals of the two songs. Pledis had planned a series of "Happy Pledis" albums with their artists After School
After School
After School may refer to:* After-school activity, special activities that are done at the school after the day is over* After school special, a type of television program-Films:* After School , a 2003 Singaporean film...
, Son Dambi and Orange Caramel as a surprise gift for the fans. A portion of the profits from the "Happy Pledis" albums would be donated to the “Save the Children” organization. Bekah did not take part nor participated in the promotions for this album due to her two month break in Hawaii visiting her parents.
2011: Virgin, Japanese debut, and line-up changes
On the 27 January, Pledis Entertainment stated that they had signed a contract with a Japanese record label in order to begin activities in Japan by the end of March. After School then kicked off their Japanese activities by collaborating with Japanese singer Namie AmuroNamie Amuro
is a Japanese R&B and pop singer, entertainer, and former actress who at the height of her popularity was referred to as the "Teen Queen" and the title "Queen of Japanese Pop Music". Born in Naha, Okinawa, Amuro debuted at the age of 14 as an idol in the girl group Super Monkey's...
; featuring in the song 'Make It Happen' for her collaboration album.
Pledis Entertainment announced on 13 April that After School would be making a comeback later that month with a full-length album; the title track being composed by Japanese producer Daishi Dance
Daishi Dance
-Summary:Daishi Dance performs in the heart of Sapporo, creating melodious house mixes that feature vocals conveying grief and discontent, and using three turn tables in a hybrid DJ style....
. Teaser photos for the comeback album were subsequently released on the 18th; the first of the photos were of newcomer to the group E-Young. Pledis Entertainment also said the release date of the album would be on the 29th. A second photo was released a day after, featuring Lizzy, Raina and Nana (who were dubbed the 3rd generation), and a third featuring Uee (second generation). On the 20th, the album's full tracklist was released along with the title track titled 'Shampoo' and the final teaser photo of the remaining original members. An music video teaser was uploaded onto the Pledis Entertainment Official YouTube channel on the 25th, and the full audio track for 'Shampoo' was uploaded to the internet two days later. After School's first album Virgin was released on the 29th, with the full music video for 'Shampoo' being released later that day. The music video for 'Let's Step Up', the intro track for the Virgin album was released with After School performing a tap-dance routine, which was praised internationally by tap dancers such as Joseph Wiggan. After School began promotions for the song 'Shampoo' starting with KBS's Music Bank
Music Bank (TV series)
Music Bank is a South Korean music television program broadcast by Korean Broadcasting System, KBS. It airs live every Friday at 6:10 PM KST. It is currently hosted by guest MCs...
.
It has been recently revealed that After School will officially debut in Japan on 17 August, with a Japanese version of 'Bang!'. They will also perform a solo concert on 17 July at Akasaka BLITZ in Tokyo. However, Bekah left the group prior to the Japanese debut to become a designer, and has since released her graduation work, a solo track titled Take Me To The Place.
In July, Pledis announced that After School will be separated into two sub-units, AS Red and Blue as part of the group's second comeback project for the year.
The group made their spectacular debut in Japan on 17 August 2011, with the release of their first Japanese album, Bang!, which peaked at 7th on the Oricon Weekly Chart. After School participated in the prestigious 'a-nation' concert tour as part of their Japanese promotions.
After School's second Japanese single, Diva
Diva (After School song)
"Diva" is a electro dance song by South Korean girl group After School. The song was released on April 9, 2009 as a digital single and later added on the group's second single album "Because of You". The song is the first release including Uee and last release including So Young, which withdrew...
was released on November 23, 2011. The single is accompanied with a new Japanese song called "Ready to Love".
Happy Pledis 2012, a charity single, is the follow-up of the first Happy Pledis album
Happy Pledis 1st Album
"Happy Pledis 1st Album" is a charity single by the South Korean girl group After School. The album was released under the name "Happy Pledis" and is a charity release. The album didn't include rapper Bekah, as she was on holiday during promotions...
and was released on December 1, 2011. It is a family album that features all Pledis artists, including Son Dambi and the upcoming boy band that has yet to debut. A portion of the ‘Happy Pledis’ earnings will be donated to UNICEF to help look after those in need, and the album is also a gift to the fans who have shown the artists so much love and interest.. The group will team-up with SHIBUYA109
109 (department store)
is a department store in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan The store is operated by the Tokyu Malls Development , a company under the Tokyu Group.-History and description:...
for a “Christmas Campaign”, which includes an upcoming concert.
After School will headline the upcoming MTV EXIT
MTV EXIT
The ' campaign is a multimedia initiative produced by MTV EXIT Foundation to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking...
free concert along with American band The Click Five
The Click Five
The Click Five is an American power pop band from Boston, Massachusetts. The original members, most of them students at Berklee College of Music, started on January 1, 2003 and played in various local venues. They then quickly got the attention of talent scout Wayne Sharp...
on December 17, 2011 in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonized Cambodia, and has grown to become the nation's center of economic and industrial activities, as well as the center of security,...
, Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
.
Members
After School have a admission-graduation system, where members are added or withdrawn in a “natural” manner.- Park Ji Young, better known by her stage name Kahi, was born on 25 December 1980 (age 31), and is the leader of After School. She is the Lead Vocalist, Main Rapper and Main Dancer of the group. Prior to her debut in After School, she started her career in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer for artists under SM EntertainmentSM EntertainmentS.M. Entertainment is an independent Korean record label, talent agency, producer, and publisher of pop music, founded by Lee Soo-man in South Korea...
, YG EntertainmentYG EntertainmentYG Entertainment is a record label and talent agency founded by Korean band Seo Taiji & Boys member Yang Hyun Suk and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in producing R&B and hip hop music. YG stands for Yang Goon and are also the initials of the chief executive officer, Yang Hyun Suk...
and JYP EntertainmentJYP EntertainmentJYP Entertainment is a Korean music record label, founded in South Korea in 1997 by Park Jin-young.- History :Park Jin-young founded the company in 1997 as "Tae-Hong Planning Corporation", which eventually became "JYP Entertainment" in 2001....
, most notably for BoABoABoa Kwon , commonly stylized and known by her stage name BoA, which is a backronym for Beat of Angel, is a Korean singer, active in South Korea, Japan, and the United States and sometimes referred to as the "Queen of Korean Pop Music"....
. Park was also part of a Korean AmericanKorean AmericanKorean Americans are Americans of Korean descent, mostly from South Korea, with a small minority from North Korea...
girl group called S.Blush. Since her debut, Kahi has released a solo album, and was cast in the reality-variety series Yeongunghogeol .
- Kim Jung Ah was born on 2 August 1983 (age 28). She is the Main Vocalist of the group. Jung Ah was a member of former girl group Kiss Five. She has participated in the soundtrack for SBS's PastaPasta (TV series)Pasta is a South Korean TV series broadcast by MBC from January 2010 to March 2010.-Synopsis:Pasta covers the dreams and success of a young woman who aspires to become an elite chef at La Sfera restaurant....
, titled You're Cute.
- Lee Jooyeon was born on 19 March 1987 (age 24). She is a Vocalist in the group. Jooyeon is an ulzzang and was featured in Tony Ahn's Yutzpracachia and TaegoonTaegoonTaegoon is a Korean pop singer and dancer. His first television appearance was on the talent search program Battle Shinhwa in 2005. He reached the final round of the competition and was the last one to leave the group...
's Betrayed music videos as well as various commercials. She made her acting debut with the drama, Smile, Donghae and was a member of G7 in the variety show Invincible YouthInvincible YouthInvincible Youth is a South Korean variety show which aired its first season on KBS2 from October 23, 2009 to December 24, 2010. Season 1 featured seven girls from K-pop idol groups wherein they experience how it is to live and survive in the rural Korea outdoors. It has started its second season...
. She is the leader of the Blue sub-unit.
- Kim Yu JinUeeKim Yu Jin, better known by her stage name Uee or known as U-ie is a South Korean idol singer and actress who is a member of girl group, After School...
, better known by her stage name UEE (or also spelled U-ie), was born on 9 April 1988 (age 23). She is a Vocalist and Rapper of the group. Uee was a member of girl group Five Girls, along with G.NAG.NAGina Choi , better known by her stage name G.NA, is a Korean Canadian singer under Cube Entertainment, born on September 13, 1987. She released her first mini-album, Draw G's First Breath, on July 14, 2010...
, Wonder GirlsWonder GirlsWonder Girls is a South Korean girl group. Its producer and manager is singer-songwriter Park Jin-Young and the Wonder Girls is signed to his talent agency, JYP Entertainment. Each of the five original members were selected through auditions...
’s Kim Yubin, SecretSecret (Korean band)Secret is a four-member South Korean girl group formed in 2009. The group consists of Jeon Hyosung, Jung Hana, Song Jieun and Han Sunhwa. The group is signed under TS Entertainment and released their debut single, "I Want You Back", in 2009...
’s Hyosung and former T-araT-araT-ara is a South Korean girl group formed by Core Contents Media in 2009. Before their debut, there was a high level of interest in the group as they were called "Super Rookies" and had been training for three years prior to debut....
member and actress Yang Jiwon, but the group disbanded right before their scheduled debut in 2007 due to financial troubles. Uee joined the group in April 2009 with the release of the single, "Diva". She has since been cast in various dramas, including the historical drama Queen Seon DukQueen Seondeok (TV series)Queen Seondeok is a South Korean historical drama aired on MBC. It chronicles the life of Queen Seondeok of Silla.-MBC official synopsis:...
, You're Beautiful (TV series)You're Beautiful (TV series)He's Beautiful is a South Korean drama about a fictional boy band A.N.Jell and the relationship between its members when a female, posing as her twin brother, joins the group...
and Birdie Buddy. Uee also joined the reality show, We Got MarriedWe Got MarriedWe Got Married is a popular reality South Korean variety show, one segment of the Sunday Sunday Night program. First broadcast in 2008, the show pairs up Korean celebrities to show what life would be like if they were married...
and was paired with Park Jae Jung. Uee made her debut as a solo artist with the release of her solo track, Sok Sok Sok.
- Oh Hye Rin, better known by her stage name Raina, was born on 7 May 1989 (age 22). She is the Main Vocalist of the group. Raina joined After School in November 2009 with the release of the single, "Because of YouNeo Ddaemunae"Neo ttaemun-e" is the second single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The group also released an official Remix version of 너 때문에 on 21 January 2010.-Track listing:...
". Raina is one of the three members in After School's sub-group, Orange Caramel. She is also a lyricist, having written the lyrics for 이곳에 서서 (Standing Here), Not Yet in Orange Caramel's second mini-album and the Happy Pledis single, Love Love Love.
- Im Jin Ah, better known by her stage name Nana, was born on 14 September 1991 (age 20). She is a Vocalist and Rapper of the group. Nana joined After School in November 2009 with the release of the single, "Because of YouNeo Ddaemunae"Neo ttaemun-e" is the second single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The group also released an official Remix version of 너 때문에 on 21 January 2010.-Track listing:...
". Nana is one of the three members in After School's sub-group, Orange Caramel. Prior to her debut in After School, Nana was a contestant in the 2009 Asia Pacific Super Model Contest. While in Japan promoting 'Bang!', Nana was also chosen as a main model for 'Tokyo Girls Collection'. She has her first solo song for Orange Caramel Shanghai Romance single album called 눈을 감아 (Close Your Eyes).
- Park Soo Young, better known by her stage name Lizzy, was born on 31 July 1992 (age 19). She is a Vocalist and Rapper of the group. She joined After School in March 2010 with the release of the single, "Bang!Bang! (After School EP)Bang! is the third single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The EP marked the first appearance of the group's eighth member, Lizzy....
" and is one of the three members in After School's sub-group, Orange Caramel. Lizzy was a former long-term guest of the popular variety show, Running ManRunning Man (TV series)Running Man is a South Korean variety show; a part of SBS's Good Sunday lineup, along with K-pop Star . It was first aired on July 11, 2010. This show is classified as an "urban action variety"; a never-before-seen new genre of variety shows. The MCs and guests complete missions in a landmark to...
and is currently a regular in the MBC sitcom, All My LoveMBC-Broadcasting:* Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, Public broadcasting company located in Seoul, South Korea* Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, a state-run radio company in Malawi, Africa* Manila Broadcasting Company, Inc., in the Philippines...
. She participated in the soundtrack for the sitcom itself, titled Beautiful Girl.
- Noh Yi Young, better known by her stage name E-Young, a multi-instrumentalist, was born on 16 August 1992 (age 19) and is a Vocalist and Maknae of the group. E-Young first performed with After School on 31 December 2010 at the MBCMBC-Broadcasting:* Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, Public broadcasting company located in Seoul, South Korea* Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, a state-run radio company in Malawi, Africa* Manila Broadcasting Company, Inc., in the Philippines...
Song Festival.
Former members
- Joo So Young, better known by her stage name Soyoung, was born on 29 March 1986 (age 25), and was a vocalist for the group. Soyoung joined After School in its' debut with the release of the single, "AH!" and also participated in the group's subsequent single, "Diva". Soyoung "dropped out" from After School on 29 October 2009. She is currently an actress and has been cast in KBS's daily drama Women Of Our Home.
- Rebecca Kim, better known by her stage name Bekah, was born on 11 August 1989 (age 22) and was the main rapper and vocalist for the group. Bekah is a Korean AmericanKorean AmericanKorean Americans are Americans of Korean descent, mostly from South Korea, with a small minority from North Korea...
born and raised in Hawaii. She debuted with After School with the release of the single, "AH!". She was featured in Seo In Guk's song, At First Sight, Lee Hyori's Bring It Back, along with 4minute's Jiyoon, and Tei's Mr Lonely. On 16 June 2011, Bekah announced that she will be departing from the group in order to fulfil her dreams of being a designer and officially graduated from After School on 1 July 2011. However, she hopes to design an album for After School in the future.
Sub-units
Pledis Entertainment announced on June 2010 that After School will be forming sub-groups for future promotions.Orange Caramel
Orange CaramelOrange caramel
Orange Caramel is a South Korean girl group under the label of Pledis Entertainment. Orange Caramel is a sub-unit from After School....
was the first sub-unit of After School to debut and it consisted of Raina, Nana, and Lizzy. The group released their first mini-album, on June 2010 with the title track, Magic Girl. Orange Caramel subsequent hit songs include A~ing! and Bangkok City.
Orange Caramel to make a comeback in October.
A representative for Orange Caramel claimed, “Just like how we showed off different concepts with every promotion,
we will differentiate ourselves from After School’s powerful and sexy image.
”Orange Caramel will promote their new album for one month before rejoining their sisters in Japan, just in time for their second Japanese single,
“Diva“. It’s being said that After School will kick-start their overseas promotions into high gear following
Orange Caramel’s wrap-up of their Korean promotions.Orange Caramel has just announced they will be releasing their new single on October 13th, entitled “Shanghai Romance“!
A continuation of their ‘One Asia Project‘, which they kick-started earlier this year with their sleeper hit, “Bangkok City“. This time, they’ll be showcasing one of China’s most vibrant cities as their next destination.
AS Red & Blue
On 4 July 2011, it was announced that After School will be splitting into 'red' and 'blue' units as a part of their comeback project. They also revealed that fans who will attend After School's next showcase will get a chance to vote on which members they want to be on each unit. The 'red' sub-unit will feature a firm, powerful sexy concept, while the 'blue' sub-unit will have a cute and bright concept. The unit line-ups were finalized on 11 July 2011. The members of the Red unit are Kahi, Jung Ah, Uee and Nana. The blue unit are Jooyeon, Raina, Lizzy and E-Young. Kahi is the leader of AS Red and Jooyeon is the leader of AS Blue.AS Red and Blue released their 4th mini-album on 21 July 2011, with title tracks In The Night Sky and Wonder Boy respectively. The music videos for the two songs were released soon after.
Korean discography
Studio albums- VirginVirgin (After School album)Virgin is the first full-length album by South Korean girl group After School. They firstly promoted the album by performing their lead track "Shampoo" along with a tap dance performance to "Let's Step Up". It was released on April 29, 2011 and contains 13 songs...
(2011)
Single albums
- New SchoolgirlNew Schoolgirl"New Schoolgirl" is the debut single album by South Korean girl group, After School.-Track listing:# "Play Girlz" - 1:30# "AH!" - 3:09# "나쁜놈" - 2:53# "AH!" - 3:09-External links:*...
(2009) - DivaDiva (After School song)"Diva" is a electro dance song by South Korean girl group After School. The song was released on April 9, 2009 as a digital single and later added on the group's second single album "Because of You". The song is the first release including Uee and last release including So Young, which withdrew...
(2009) - Because of You (2009)
- Bang!Bang! (After School EP)Bang! is the third single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The EP marked the first appearance of the group's eighth member, Lizzy....
(2010) - Happy PledisHappy Pledis 1st Album"Happy Pledis 1st Album" is a charity single by the South Korean girl group After School. The album was released under the name "Happy Pledis" and is a charity release. The album didn't include rapper Bekah, as she was on holiday during promotions...
(2010) - RED (A.S. Red) (2011)
- BLUE (A.S. Blue) (2011)
- Happy Pledis 2012 : Love Letter (2011)
Japanese discography
Single albums- Bang!Bang! (After School EP)Bang! is the third single released by South Korean girl group, After School. The EP marked the first appearance of the group's eighth member, Lizzy....
(2011) - DivaDiva (After School song)"Diva" is a electro dance song by South Korean girl group After School. The song was released on April 9, 2009 as a digital single and later added on the group's second single album "Because of You". The song is the first release including Uee and last release including So Young, which withdrew...
(2011) - Rambling Girl/Because of You (2012)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Event | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Cyworld Digital Music Awards Cyworld Digital Music Awards Cyworld Digital Awards Which is a Cyworld BGM Blog is a South Korea community site in Korea, "Cyworld" is based on the BGM chart that started in 2006 the first Republic of Korea, No.1 representative of the Digital Music Awards... |
Rookie of the month (April) | "Diva Diva (After School song) "Diva" is a electro dance song by South Korean girl group After School. The song was released on April 9, 2009 as a digital single and later added on the group's second single album "Because of You". The song is the first release including Uee and last release including So Young, which withdrew... " |
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| Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best New Female Artist | ||||
| Korea Lifestyle Awards | Best Style Icon | ||||
| 2010 | Billboard Japan Billboard (magazine) Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... Music Awards |
K-Pop New Artist of the Year 2009 | |||
| 19th Seoul Music Awards Seoul Music Awards The Seoul Music Awards is an awards show founded in 1990 that is presented annually by the Sports Seoul for outstanding achievements in the music industry in South Korea.- Categories :... |
Best Newcomer Award | ||||
| 11th Korean Visual Arts Festival | Photogenic Award (Orange Caramel Orange caramel Orange Caramel is a South Korean girl group under the label of Pledis Entertainment. Orange Caramel is a sub-unit from After School.... ) |
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| 2011 | Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award | Cultural Minister of Finance Award | |||
| Golden Disk Awards Golden Disk Awards The Golden Disk Awards is an awards show founded in 1986 that is presented annually by the Music Industry Association of Korea for outstanding achievements in the music industry in South Korea... |
Best Album | Virgin Virgin (After School album) Virgin is the first full-length album by South Korean girl group After School. They firstly promoted the album by performing their lead track "Shampoo" along with a tap dance performance to "Let's Step Up". It was released on April 29, 2011 and contains 13 songs... |
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| Most Popular Artist | Virgin Virgin (After School album) Virgin is the first full-length album by South Korean girl group After School. They firstly promoted the album by performing their lead track "Shampoo" along with a tap dance performance to "Let's Step Up". It was released on April 29, 2011 and contains 13 songs... |
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