Big Bang Profile

Big Bang (Korean: 빅뱅, Japanese: ビッグバン), commonly stylized as BIGBANG , is a South Korean hip-hop boy band. The group's formation was chronicled on the television series Big Bang Documentary, from July to August 2006. The show was also aired online on GomTV and on MTV Korea. Initially a six-member group, one member dropped out during the airing of the show before the official debut, leading to their current line-up of G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung and Seungri.

Signed to YG Entertainment, Big Bang went on to release successful singles and EPs. Their first release, the EP Always (2007), spawned the number-one single "Lies" (Korean: 거짓말; Revised Romanization: Geojinmal). Their follow-up EPs Hot Issue and Stand Up were similarly successful. After they received the "Artist of the Year" award from the M.net KM Music Festival and the Seoul Gayo Daesang Award, the group expanded their activities into Japan, releasing mini-albums and airplay singles. Their material would not receive major promotion until the following year with the release of their first physical Japanese single, "My Heaven".

By the end of 2009, Big Bang became the most searched artist in South Korea. They also became the first foreign group in Japan to receive the Japan Cable Broadcasting Award for "Best Newcomer", and the first from Korea to receive the Japan Records award. In recent years, the members have branched out to do solo activities: Taeyang and G-Dragon have released solo material while T.O.P, Daesung and Seungri have started acting.


Members:

 

History:

2005–2006: Formation and early works

Before the group's debut, several members already had exposure in the entertainment industry. Leader G-Dragon and lead vocalist Taeyang, signed with YG Entertainment since they were both twelve years old, were known as GD and YB. T.O.P was an underground rapper under the stage name T.E.M.P.O. Big Bang made their debut on August 19, 2006 at the Gymnastics Arena in Seoul Olympic Park during the YG Family concert.

Following the performance, the group's first single, "Bigbang", was released. It contained the songs "We Belong Together," "A Fool's Only Tears" (Korean: 눈물뿐인 바보; Revised Romanization: Nunmulppunin Babo), and "This Love", a cover of the American rock band Maroon 5 song. The single debuted with over 17,000 copies sold in the month of August and later went on to sell nearly 40,000 copies. The second single, "BigBang Is V.I.P", was released in September, selling 21,000 copies that month, and eventually topping 32,000 copies sold. The last single, "Bigbang 03", followed, with final sales nearing 40,000 copies. At the end of December 2006, Big Bang held their first concert, The Real. The following month, their debut album, Since 2007, was released, selling 48,009 copies by the end of February 2007.

2007–2008: Breakthrough success

On February 8, 2007, Big Bang released their live concert album, The First / Real Live Concert, which sold 30,000 copies by the end of the year. The group also began their Want You tour, visiting five cities: Incheon, Daegu, Changwon, Jeonju and Busan.

Their first mini-album, Always, was also released in 2007, and marked several changes for the group. Taking more control over their music, G-Dragon began writing lyrics and creating compositions. The mini-album also saw the introduction of electronic music for Big Bang. Receptions were fairly positive, most notably in regards to the song "Lies" (Korean: 거짓말; Revised Romanization: Geojinmal). Released as the lead single, it became their first #1 hit. Their second mini album, Hot Issue, released that same year, was also fairly successful: the lead-single, "Last Farewell", (Korean: 마지막 인사; Revised Romanization: Majimak Insa) topped various charts, including the Juke-On's chart for eight consecutive weeks. It also won the "Song of the Month Digital Music Award" from Cyworld. Tickets for their Big Bang Is Great concert were also reportedly sold out in 10 minutes.

Near the end of 2007, it was reported that members of the band were hospitalized from over-performing and exhaustion, halting their promotional activities. Reports were later released that Big Bang's albums and singles were in high demand, causing the record company to reprint and repackage them for re-release. Riding on the success of their mini-album, the group collected numerous awards towards the end of the year, including "Best Male Group" and "Song Of The Year" from the 2007 M.NET/KM Music Festival. They later received the "Artist of the Year" award from the 17th Seoul Music Awards.

As 2007 came to a close, Big Bang ventured overseas to Japan. Their first Japanese EP, For the World, released in early 2008, charted at #10 on the Oricon chart with little promotion. The group also held a concert at the JCB Hall in Tokyo Dome City. Their second Japanese mini album, With U, drew criticism for the group when its lead single of the same name was compared to singer Joe's song, "Ride Wit U", from his album, And Then....

Big Bang returned to Korea after promotions in Japan ended. Although group activities were delayed due to solo projects, their third mini-album of 2008, Stand Up, was released. Featuring Daishi Dance and the Korean rock-band No Brain for several songs, Stand Up exceeded the 100,000 mark in sales. "Day By Day" (Korean: 하루하루; Revised Romanization: Haru Haru), the lead single, topped several online charts and held the #1 position for six consecutive weeks. Following the lead single's success, other songs also charted within the Top 20, with "Heaven" reaching #2, "Oh My Friend" hitting #9, "A Good Man" at #12, and "Lady" peaking at #16 — a total of five songs in the Top 20 for the group.

During the release of their Korean materials, Big Bang released the Japanese song, "Number 1", from their album of the same name, performing the song on Japanese radio programs and TV shows; the album peaked at No.3 on the Japan's Oricon daily album chart. Their Korean follow-up album, Remember, also released in 2008, yielded the #1 single, "Sunset Glow" (Korean: 붉은노을; Revised Romanization: Byulkeun Noeul). Its second single, "Strong Baby", Seungri's solo track, did not perform as well. Shortly after, Big Bang received their second "Artist of the Year" award from the 2008 M.NET KM Music Festival award ceremony. At the end of 2008, it was reported that Big Bang earned a total of ₩36 billion (USD$ 24.5 million).

2009–present : Branching out

With the group on break in early 2009, the members pursued solo activities. They later reunited to collaborate with their label's new girl group 2NE1, who had been dubbed "The Female Big Bang", for the song "Lollipop". A music video was also filmed for promotion. Initially used to promote a cell phone, "Lollipop" reached the #1 spot on various online charts.

Their self-titled first full-length Japanese album was released under Universal Music in August 2009, and was promoted with two singles: "My Heaven" and "Gara Gara Go!!" (ガラガラ GO!!?). "My Heaven", a Japanese translation of their Korean single, "Heaven", (Korean: 천국; Revised Romanization: Cheonguk) from Stand Up, was composed by Japanese composer Daishi Dance, and debuted at #3 on the Oricon Chart. "Gara Gara Go!" charted at #5. The album itself peaked at #3.

After their return to Korea, the members went back to their solo activities. On August 18, G-Dragon released his debut album, Heartbreaker, alongside several singles, including its title track. Taeyang released two digital singles, "Where U At?" and "Wedding Dress", to promote his second album, which is planned for release in 2010. T.O.P joined the cast of the Korean thriller drama Iris. They later reunited to record the song "Koe o Kikasete" (声をきかせて, Let Me Hear Your Voice?) for the Japanese drama Ohitorisama (おひとりさま, One Person?). The song was later released as a single, peaking at #4.

For several days in January of 2010, Big Bang performed their 2010 Big Bang Concert Big Show in the Seoul Olympic Stadium. The following month, they embarked on their Electric Love tour in Japan. The group returned in February, with the release of "Lollipop Pt.2", the follow-up to their single, "Lollipop", with 2NE1. The song was used to coincide with promotions for LG Cyon's Lollipop phone. and also reached number one on digital charts. Following on, they received the 'Best 5 New Artists' award from the 24th Japan Gold Disc Awards.

A new album is scheduled for release this summer. While the group is on hiatus, T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri will be working on solo projects, while Taeyang will be continuing promotions for his album.

Girls’ Generation (SNSD)

 

Profile:

Also known as: So Nyuh Shi Dae (Korean), ShōJo JiDai (Japanese), Shao Nü Shi Dai (Chinese), SoShi
Debut Date: August 5, 2007 (On SBS Inkigayo)
Members: Taeyeon, Jessica, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, Seohyun
Label: SM Entertainment (South Korea), Universal Music Japan: Nayutawave Records (Japan)
Official Fanclub: S♥NE (소원) ; Pronounced “so-one”; means ‘wish’ in Korean; So (So Nyuh Shi Dae) + their fans = ONE); “소원 (Perfect for You)” is also a song on their first single, which was later retitled “Honey.”
Official Balloon Color: Pearl Light Pink/Pastel Rose
Official Website: http://girlsgeneration.smtown.com/
Official Youtube Channel : SMTOWN

Members:

Kim Tae Yeon (김태연) - The Tiny Leader

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: TaeYeon (태연)
Birth Name: Kim Tae Yeon (김태연)
Group Position: Leader & Main Vocalist
Motto: Don't do something that you'll regret later.
Nicknames: Umma, Ajumma, Kid Leader, Tete, MungTaeng (Dumb Taeyeon), Taeng, Byeon Taeng, Jelly
Languages: Korean (Fluent) , English, Chinese (Basic) , Japanese (Basic)
DOB: March 9, 1989
Homeplace: Jeonrado Jeonju
Height: 160cm
Weight: 44kg
Blood Type: O
School: Jeonju Art High School
Hobbies: Swimming
Interests: Makeup, Perfume, Music
Casted: 2004 8th Annual Best Contest (Best Singer 1st Place & Grand Award) Attended SM Academy

Experience:
2004 Featured in The One's song "You Bring Me Joy"
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/KTY612
Duration of Training: 4 years and 3 months

Extra Information:
Favorite Song from Girls' Generation: Merry-Go-Round
Favorite Pajamas type: Long Sleeved
Hairstyle for Future Partner: Clean-Cut
Qualities for Future Partner: Positive & Humorous Guy
Special Habits: Needs to take down what to do, loves to talk incessantly, sleeps with eyes open & in a yoga position
Favorite Fruits: Orange, Apple, Strawberry, Tomato
Favorite Male Artists: Kim Dong Wan , Kang Dong Won, Yoon Kye Sang
Favorite Female Artists: Han Ga In , Kim Tae Hee
Future Hopes: To be a very good live performer
Favorite Numbers: 22 (on the GG Jumper), 3, 6, 9
Favorite Drink: Black Soya
Best Dish (that she can make): Omelet Rice
Favorite Snack: Kancho Black Sesame Flavor & Yanggeng
Favorite Animal: Puppies, Cat, Tiger
Favorite Plant: Cactus
Favorite Season: Winter
Favorite Subjects: Science, English, Hangul
Sports Countries She wants to most visit: Japan, England, and America
Favorite Flower: Any flower that is purple
Happiest Time of the Day: At night sleeping
Weak Point: Can't remember very well, poor memory
Motto: Never Do Things You Will Regret
Favorite Color: Light Blue, Purple-Blue
Most Interesting Movie: National Treasure
Most Interesting Drama: Japanese Dramas
Favorite Manga: Dragon Ball Z (Favorite Character is Vegeta)
Trainee Day Roommate/s : Tiffany & Jang Ri In

Sunny (써니) - The Energy Pill

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: Sunny (써니)
Birth Name: Lee Sun Kyu (이순규)
Group Position: Supporting Vocalist
Nickname: DJ Soon, Sunny Bunny
Motto: Everyday Sunny Day
Blood Type: B
Languages: Korean (Fluent) , English , Chinese (Basic) , Japanese (Basic)
DOB: May 15, 1989
Height: 158cm
Weight: 43kg
Hobbies: Swimming, Video Games, Sports
Interests: Music, Fashion, reading magazines, dancing, singing & shopping.
School: Baehwa All-Girls High School
Casted: 2007 SM Casting System
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/sunnydaisy [Daisy]

Extra Information:
Favorite Number: 26
Ideal Man: Jo In Sung
Favorite Song from Girls' Generation: Ooh! La-La.

Tiffany (티파니) - The Brighter than Gem's

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: Tiffany (티파니)
Birth Name: Stephanie Hwang (스테파니황)
Korean Name: Hwang Mi Young (황미영)
Group Position: Supporting Vocalist
Nicknames: Spongebob Hwang, Fany Fany Tiffany, Mushroom, Tiffiana, JumFany, AjumNy, Ddilfany, Bam Fany
Motto: Just work hard (Practice makes Perfect)
Languages: Korean , English (Fluent) , Chinese (Basic) , Japanese (Basic), Spanish (Basic)
DOB: August 1, 1989
Height: 160cm
Weight: 50kg
Language: English
Hobbies: Flute
School: Korea Kent Foreign School, Graduated, Middle School - South Pointe (US), High School - Diamond Bar (US)
Casted: 2004 SM Casting System; 2004 CJ/KMTV (USA-LA) Contest 1st Place
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/01evergreen [Evergreen]
Siblings: Older Brother (Leo) & Older Sister (Michelle)
Duration of Training: 3 years and 7 months

Extra Information:
Favorite Number: 07
Ideal Man: Dennis Oh
Favorite Song from Girls' Generation: Baby Baby
Hobbies: Flute
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Jewelry Brand: Tiffany & Co.
Blood Type: O
Favorite Smiling Eyes: Lee Hyori, Kim Tae Hee
Song Repitoire: Over 50 songs
Special Habits: Cutting her food before eating
Her Charm: Smiling Eyes, Liveliness, but also this is her weakness.
Closest to : Taeyeon
Trainee Day Roommate/s : Taeyeon & Jang Ri In

Kim Hyo Yeon (김효연) - The Dancing Queen

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: HyoYeon (효연)
Birth Name: Kim Hyo Yeon (김효연)
Group Position: Supporting Vocalist & Main Dancer
Nicknames: Princess Fiona, Dancing Queen, Hyorengi (Tiger)
Motto: Everyone that works hard will succeed.
Languages: Korean (Fluent) , English (Basic) , Chinese (Fluent) , Japanese (Basic)
DOB: September 22, 1989
Height: 158cm
Weight: 48kg
Blood Type: AB
School: 2004.3~8 Studied Mandarin Chinese in Beijing, China
Casted: 2000 SM Casting System

Experience/Acknowledgements:
-Best SM Town Dancing Trainee
-2005 M.Net/KM Music Festival - BoA's 'Over the Top' silhouette dancer
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/hy0922 [Venus Hyoyeon]
Duration of Training: 6 years and 1 month

Extra Information:
Favorite Number: 85
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Brand: Marc Jacobs
Ideal Man: Brian Joo
Hobbies: Dancing
Well Known For: Dancing, humor, talking on the phone and cooking

Kwon Yu Ri (권유리) - The Black Pearl

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: YuRi (권유리)
Birth Name: Kwon Yu Ri (권유리)
Group Position: Supporting Vocalist & Lead Dancer
Nicknames: Black Pearl & Kkamyool & Kkamchi & Ggab-Yul
Languages: Korean (Fluent), English, Chinese (Fluent), Japanese
DOB: December 5, 1989
Height: 167cm
Weight: 45kg
Blood Type: AB
School: NeungGok High School, Graduated (2008)
Casted: 2001 SM 1st Annual Youth Best Contest <Best Dancer, 2nd Place>

Experience:
-2005 KM Super Junior Show 'The King's Boyfriend'
-2006 DBSK's Beautiful Life MV
-2006 Orion Chocopie Chinese CF w/ Jang Donggun
-2006 Dongil Highvill CF
-2007 DBSK's Second Concert guest appearance
-Hot Choco Mite CF
-2007 Attack on the Flower Boys Movie
-2007/2008 MBC Sitcom : Unstoppable Marriage
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/rnjsdbfl [Yuri Princess]
Duration of Training: 5 years and 11 months

Extra Information:
Favorite Number: 19
Favorite Song from Girls' Generation: Baby, Baby
Hobbies: Dancing, Ballet, Piano, Swimming, Violin
Morning Delight: Likes to grind "Ma" [Korean Yam] and "Arrowfoot" for healthy drinks in the morning

Choi Soo Young (최수영) - The Happy Princess

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: SooYoung (수영)
Birth Name: Choi Soo Young (최수영)
English Name: 썸머 Summer
Group Position: Supporting Vocalist
Nickname: ShikShin (Food God), NaSoo (Interrupter)
Motto: Let's not procrastinate
Languages: Korean (Fluent) , English, Chinese (Basic) , Japanese (Fluent)
DOB: February 10, 1990
Height: 170cm
Weight: 48kg
Blood Type: O
School: Jungshin All-Girls High School
Casted: 2000 SM Open Audition, 2002 Korea-Japan Ultra Idol Duo Audition

Experience:
-2002 Debuted in Japan in the duo Route-0
-2003 Samsung AnyCall CF w/ Park Jungah
-2003 Japan Chubbygang Clothing Model
-2004 Skoolooks Uniform Model
-2005 M.Net Hello Chat VJ
-2007 DMB ChunBangJiChuk Radio DJ (with Super Junior's Sungmin)
-2007/2008 MBC Sitcom : Unstoppable Marriage
-2008 Movie: Pure Manwha/ Comic Strip - Happily Ever After (co - star)
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/pureYoung [Remember]
Siblings: Older Sister (Soojin)
Duration of Training: 6 years and 3 months

Extra Information:
Favorite Number: 08
Favorite Song from Girls' Generation: Complete
Trainee Day Roommate/s (In Japan): BoA & Sunday (CSJH)

Im Yoon A (임윤아) - The Prettier than Flowers

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: YoonA (윤아)
Birth Name: Im Yoon Ah (임윤아)
Nick names: Deer Yoona, Him Yoona (Strength Yoona), Goddess Yoong, Yoong
Motto: Be confident in everything
Group Position: Supporting Vocalist
Languages: Korean (Fluent) , English, Chinese (Basic) , Japanese (Basic)
DOB: May 30, 1990
Height: 166cm (168cm or so she states herself)
Weight: 47kg
Blood Type: B
School: Daeyoung High School, 2nd Year
Casted: 2002 SM Saturday Open Casting Audition

Experience:
-2004 TVXQ's Magic Castle MV
-2006 Sanyo Eneloop CF
-2006 Teun Teun English 'Follow Me' CF
-2006 TVXQ First Concert guest appearance
-2006 Super Junior's U MV
-2006 TZSX's ¾óÁ¤ (My Everything) MV
-2007 Elite CF with SS501
-2007 Sunkist Lemonade CF w/ Super Junior's Kangin, Heechul | Version 2
-2007 Clean and Clear CF
-2007 MBC drama - 9 Hits, 2 Outs
-2007 Super Junior's Marry U mv
-2008 Lee Seung Chul's 'Propose' MV
-2008 Sola VitaminC CF
-2008 YeJiMiIn wise beauty CF
-2008 Clean and Clear CF
-2008 MBC - Park Jung Geum
-2008 KBS drama - You are my Destiny
-2008 Korea Drama Festival - Best New Actress Award
-2008 Korea Drama Festival - Netizens popularity award
-2009 Baeksang Awards - Best New Actress Award
-2009 Baeksang Awards - Heiwon Popularity Award
-2009 24/7's Thats guy's girl MV
-2009 MBC Drama - Cinderella Man
-2009 Clean and Clear CF with Kim So Eun
-Cindy the Perky, eCole, Dasoo magazines
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/imyoona [Luxury Brand]
Duration of Training: 7 years and 2 months

Extra Information:
Favorite Number: 93
Ideal Man: Daniel Henney (She's Cry after seeing Henney Role in X-Man Origins)
Favorite Song from Girls' Generation: Complete

Jessica Jung (제시카) - The Ice Princess

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: Jessica (제시카)
Birth Name: Jessica Jung Soo Yeon (제시카정)
Korean Name: Jung Soo Yeon (정수연)
Group Position: Main Vocalist
Nicknames: Ice Princess, Sica, Sicachu, Ajumma
Motto: Follow my heart...
Languages: Korean (Fluent) , English (Fluent) , Chinese (Basic) , Japanese (Basic)
DOB: April 18, 1989
Height: 163cm
Weight: 45kg
Blood Type: B
Sibling: Younger Sister (Krystal)
School: Korea Kent Foreign School, Graduated
Casted: 2000 SM Casting System
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/980418 [Sweet Jessica]
Duration of Training: 7 years and 6 months

Extra Information:
Favorite Number: 52
Ideal Man: Lee Sunho
Favorite Song from Girls' Generation: Complete
Hobbies: Boxing & Soccer
Interests: Reading books & magazines, watching movies, listening to music, sleeping & singing

Seo Hyun (서현) - SNSD Maknae (Youngest)

Basic Profile:
Stage Name: Seo Hyun (서현)
Birth Name: Seo Joo Hyun (서주현)
Nickname: Maknae, Seororo
Motto: If your dream is alive, then one day it will come true.
Group Position: Lead Vocalist
Languages: Korean (Fluent) , English, Chinese (Fluent) , Japanese (Basic)
DOB: June 28, 1991
Height: 168cm
Weight: 48kg
Blood Type: A
School: Daeyoung High School
Casted: 2003 SM Casting System

Experience:
-2004 SMART Uniform Model
Fancafe: http://cafe.daum.net/cutejuhyun [Star]
Duration of Training: 6 years and 6 months

Extra Information:
Favorite Number: 64
Ideal Man: Johnny Depp
Favorite Song from Girls' Generation: Kissing You
Hobbies: Piano
Favorite Anime: Keroro
Favorite Fruit: Watermelon
Favorite Drama: Nodame Cantabile
Favorite Movie: Pirate of the Caribbean

History: 

So Nyuh Shi Dae (SNSD)/ 소녀시대 , also known as Girls’ Generation, is a large girl group made up of 9 members who are no strangers to the entertainment business.
Although the new group made their formal debut in early August, members Yoon-A, Tiffany, Tae-yeon, Yu-ri, Hyo-yeon, Soo-young and Seo-hyun have already appeared in various advertisements and TV and radio shows.

The multi-lingual group boasts members who can speak Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Jessica and Tiffany were raised in the US and Soo-young was in a Japanese girl group called Route-O.

On early 2009 they release the Mini Album called "Gee", that Booming all around the South Korean that inflict the "Gee-Syndrome" even through all over the world... the "Gee" song itself has remade to many version by fan. And SNSD also Break The Record to be TOP 1st for 9 Week-in-a-row.

On June 29 they release the 2nd Mini Album called "Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)", wich booming even bigger than "Gee".
At this time, they are indeed reach position as The Number 1 Female Group Idol in South Korea.

The Making of So Nyuh Shi Dae

You guys might have heard how some celebrities said that they were supposed to be in SNSD. The most notable ones are prolly actress Lee Yeon-hee and girl-group member Park So-yeon of T-ara. Well, for Yeonhee and Soyeon’s case, apparently they really were a part of SNSD, sort of. I read this post about SNSD’s roster history at SSF awhile ago, and I think today would be a nice time to look back at how SM Ent came up with the final line up of nine girls.

SM Girl Group Project – Showcase 1

Members: Lee Yeon-hee, Hwang Bo-ra, Bae Seok-bin, Zhang Liyin, Jessica Jung, Kim Hyo-yeon, Kwon Yu-ri, Choi Soo-young, Im Yoon-a, Seo Ju-hyun, Kim Ye-jin

Leader: Lee Yeon-hee (1988) | Maknae: Kim Ye-jin (1993)

In 2005, SM Entertainment debuted a large boy group Super Junior, and then proceeded to plan a similar large girl group counterpart. SM put together a showcase comprised of internal trainees; most were veteran trainees and the total number of girls featured was 11. Eleven! A lot more than nine, you guys!

However, this project group’s line-up didn’t last long. The line-up went through its first major revision. Out of 11 girls, only 6 of them stay in the group.

IN: Seo Hyun-jin, Park So-yeon, Stella Kim, Jang Ha-jin, Lee Hwan-hee

OUT: Lee Yeon-hee, Hwang Bo-ra, Bae Seok-bin, Zhang Liyin, Kim Ye-jin

Interestingly enough, the six girls who stay in the group are Jessica Jung, Kim Hyoyeon, Kwon Yuri, Choi Sooyoung, Im Yoona, and Seo Juhyun. There were more line-up revisions coming, but we all know that those six made it to the final line-up. They pretty much had secured their place in the project group even from the get go.


SM Girl Group Project – Revision 1

Members: Seo Hyun-jin, Park So-yeon, Jessica Jung, Kim Hyo-yeon, Kwon Yu-ri, Choi Soo-young, Stella Kim, Im Yoon-a, Jang Ha-jin, Seo Ju-hyun, Lee Hwan-hee

Leader: Seo Hyun-jin (1985) | Maknae: Kim Ye-jin (1991)

There was five new addition to the group; Seo Hyunjin, Park Soyeon, Stella Kim, Jang Hajin, Lee Hwanhee. Prior to the project group, Seo Hyunjin was a main vocalist and maknae of disbanded SM girl group, M.I.L.K. Trainee Park Soyeon was plotted to be one of the main-vocalists of the group. While Korean-American trainee, Stella Kim, was not only part of main vocalists; but she also plotted to be the ‘face’ of the group (along with Im Yoona, that is).

Due to various reasons, SM decided to replaced the oldest (Seo Hyunjin) and the youngest (Lee Hwanhee) members with two relatively new trainees, Kim Taeyeon and Korean-American Stephanie Hwang. At that time, both Taeyeon and Stephanie Tiffany had ‘only’ trained for about two years.

IN: Kim Tae-yeon, Stephanie Hwang

OUT: Seo Hyun-jin, Lee Hwan-hee



SM Girl Group Project – Revision 2

Members: Park So-yeon, Kim Tae-yeon, Jessica Jung, Stephanie Hwang, Kim Hyo-yeon, Kwon Yu-ri, Choi Soo-young, Stella Kim, Im Yoon-a, Jang Ha-jin, Seo Ju-hyun

Leader: Park So-yeon (1987) | Maknae: Seo Ju-hyun (1991)

This line-up is probably the most well-known line-up for the so-called female counterpart of Super Junior. At this point, netizens started calling this project group as Super Girls. In fact, SM Entertainment initially planned to debut this 11-member girl group.

The roster’s line-up had Soyeon as leader (as she’s the oldest among the eleven girls) and Juhyun as the maknae (the youngest). The main vocalists were Soyeon, Taeyeon, Jessica, Stephanie, Stella, and Juhyun. The main dancers were Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, and Yoona. While the ‘visual line’ (a.k.a the pin-up girls) of the group were Jessica, Stella, Yoona, and Hajin.

The new addition, Kim Taeyeon and Stephanie Hwang both scouted by SM in 2004. Taeyeon won the Best Singer Grand Award on 2004 SM 8th Annual Best Contest. Park Soyeon, too, scouted after won the same contest in 2005.

Despite the plan to debut this project group, SM decided to add more people to the line-up. In the other hand, Stella Kim and Jang Ha-jin ended-up being cut from the group. There was a rumor that it was because of their lack of dancing skills. As for Stella, some also said that her parents refused to let her debut before she get a degree. I think the later is more plausible as Stella Kim is supposedly one of most prominent and famous SM trainee, along with Jessica, Yoona, and Hyoyeon (yes, the current ‘least popular member’ Hyoyeon was known as one of the prominent one thanks to her dancing skills, nice vocals, and long time of training — I really hope this year is her turn to be heavily promoted shine!)

IN: Lee Soon-Kyu, Lee Hwan-hee, Heo Chan-mi

OUT: Stella Kim, Jang Ha-jin


SM Girl Group Project – Revision 3

Members: Park So-yeon, Kim Tae-yeon, Jessica Jung, Lee Soon-kyu, Stephanie Hwang, Kim Hyo-yeon, Kwon Yu-ri, Choi Soo-young, Im Yoon-a, Seo Ju-hyun, Lee Hwan-hee, Heo Chan-mi

Leader: Park So-yeon (1987) | Maknae: Heo Chan-mi (1992)

The third roster revision had Lee Soonkyu, Lee Hwanhee, and Heo Chanmi as the newest addition. Soonkyu was recruited thanks to the rave recommendation from SM Towner Ahyoomi. Prior to her audition to SM Entertainment, Soon-kyu trained in Wheesung’s company. Unfortunately the company went bankrupt. Lee Hwanhee was re-recruited to the group. Heo Chanmi joined the group as the youngest one.

This line-up has 12 members, unlike the initial plan of 11 members. At this point (somewhere around mid 2006), the group went a lot of trials to decide who got cut out from the group. Sites like Naver and Daum had posted this >>line-up prediction<<, with Lee Soon-kyu being the “mysterious trainee”.

The 12 members /1st Row L-R/ Chanmi, Soonkyu, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Soyeon, Hwanhee, Stephanie /2nd Row L-R/ Taeyeon, Juhyun, Yoona, Jessica, Sooyoung

 

/First Row L-R/ Hwanhee, Hyoyeon, Taeyeon, Jessica, Soyeon, Chanmi /Second Row L-R/ Juhyun, Soonkyu, Yoona, Yuri, Sooyoung 

 

/First Row L-R/ Yuri, Soonkyu (Sunny), Hyoyeon, Sooyoung /Second Row L-R/ Chanmi, Jessica, Yoona, Juhyun (Seohyun), Taeyeon

 

/First Row L-R/ Stephanie (Tiffany), Taeyeon, Jessica, Hyoyeon, Sooyoung  /Second Row L-R/ Soyeon, Yuri, Yoona, Soonkyu (Sunny), Juhyun (Seohyun)

As you can see, the last picture is the closest one to final line-up. Both Lee Hwanhee and Heo Chanmi were being cut from the group. Some people said that SM actually planned to debut the group with this 10 members line-up. Unfortunately, one of the main vocalists and ‘leader’ Park Soyeon decided to quit due to ‘harsh’ training. She wasn’t the only one who felt that way. You may have heard about how Kim Taeyeon, too, had thought about quitting. She even had runaway for one day before coming back to the training process.

(NB : "Unfortunately, one of the main vocalists and ‘leader’ Park Soyeon decided to quit due to ‘harsh’ training. She wasn’t the only one who felt that way. You may have heard about how Kim Taeyeon, too, had thought about quitting." )

As we have known, this project group debuted under the name So Nyuh Shi Dae (SNSD) in 2007, shortly after Soyeon, Chanmi, and Hwanhee left. However, two years later in 2009, Soyeon finally debuted under MNet’s girl group, T-ara.

(NB : Soyeon or Park Soyeon , debut with T-ara )

IN: —

OUT: Park So-yeon, Lee Hwan-hee, Heo Chan-mi



SM Girl Group Project – Final Roster

Members: Kim Tae-yeon, Jessica Jung, Lee Soon-kyu (Sunny), Stephanie Hwang (Tiffany), Kim Hyo-yeon, Kwon Yu-ri, Choi Soo-young, Im Yoon-a, Seo Ju-hyun (Seohyun),

Leader: Kim Tae-yeon (1989) | Maknae: Seo Ju-hyun (1991)

Well, we are all know very well who made it to the final line-up. The group of nine girls then named as ‘소녀시대 (So-nyuh Shi-dae)‘ which literally means ‘The Era of Maidens’. No joke. Even the girls themselves were taken aback by their old-fashioned, grandeur name. When the group name was announced, Koreans bewildered and amused at the odd choice of name. Thankfully, they have ‘Girls’ Generation’ as their english name instead of the literal meaning. The name itself was taken from Lee Seung-chul’s 1989 hits… ‘So Nyuh Shi Dae’. I found it interesting how the song was a hit in year 1989, the very year where most of SNSD members were born. And who would have thought that they managed to live it up to their name, leading the pack of girl-group domination, two years after they debuted.

Interestingly enough, the six girls who stay in the group are Jessica Jung, Kim Hyoyeon, Kwon Yuri, Choi Sooyoung, Im Yoona, and Seo Juhyun. There were more line-up revisions coming, but we all know that those six made it to the final line-up. They pretty much had secured their place in the project group even from the get go.

Funny how half of the above mention names have now become the "underrated" members as they are among the "first" to be added in SNSD.