What is the history of Korea’s first girl band and which early groups are highlighted?

Jeogori Sisters is identified as Korea’s first girl band in modern history, debuting in 1935 with four members. The article also highlights Kim Sisters, which became the first Korean girl band to perform in the United States in the 1950s.

Which 1990s K-pop girl bands are described as the most popular?

The article says the first generation of idol girl bands came into the spotlight in the 1990s. Among them, SES and Fin.K.L enjoyed the most popularity.

Which K-pop girl groups are listed as part of the 2010s generation in the chronology?

The 2010s list includes Sistar, Miss A, Girl’s Day, AOA, EXID, TWICE and Produce 101. The article presents them as part of the ongoing chronology of girl bands leading into the present.

History of K-pop girl bands (from 1930s to present)

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Summary

Korea Times traces the history of K-pop girl bands from Jeogori Sisters, believed to be Korea’s first modern girl band in 1935, to current acts such as AOA and TWICE. It says Girls’ Generation is already considered out of season as the scene keeps changing. The article also notes that older groups helped pave the way for today’s international K-pop popularity.

Key Facts

Jeogori Sisters debuted in 1935 as a four-member band made up of Lee Nan-young, Jang Se-jeong, Park Hyang-rim and Lee Hwa-ja.
Kim Sisters became the first Korean girl band to perform in the United States in the 1950s.
The article says the first generation of idol girl bands rose in the 1990s, led by SES and Fin.K.L.
The photo chronology includes groups from the 1960s through the 2010s, including Arirang Sisters, Pearl Sisters, Bonnie Girls, Seoul Family, Baby V.O.X, Wonder Girls, Girls’ Generation, KARA, 2NE1, Sistar, Miss A, Girl’s Day, AOA, EXID and TWICE.

Published Mar 24, 2016 11:40 am KST
Updated Mar 24, 2016 11:40 am KST

By Bahk Eun-ji

Which is your favorite K-pop girl band?

AOA? TWICE? Or MAMAMOO? (Have you ever heard of them?)

Girls’ Generation is already considered “out of season,” with the shine gradually losing its luster.

In this fast-changing K-pop scene, people tend to be interested in “what’s coming,” while putting “what’s gone” into the blind spot of their memory that is unlikely to get cognitive attention again.

Nevertheless it is hard to ignore the importance of looking back on those who once dazzled the K-pop scene ― without them, it would have been impossible for K-pop stars to have the international fame they enjoy today.

The Korea Times explored the history of K-pop girl bands, from the first female band in 1935 to those dazzling at the moment.

Jeogori Sisters is believed to be Korea’s first girl band in modern history. Making its debut in 1935, the four-member band was comprised of Lee Nan-young, Jang Se-jeong, Park Hyang-rim and Lee Hwa-ja. They earned fame with a series of hits, including“Tears of Mokpo,” “The ferryboat leaves,” and “My brother is a Strolling Singer.”

Kim Sisters was the first Korean girl band to make play in the U.S. in the 1950s, on the back of its popularity among U.S. forces here.

In the 1990s, the first generation of “idol” girl bands came into the spotlight. Among them, two bands, SES and Fin.K.L, enjoyed the most popularity.

Check out the photos below showing the history of K-pop girl bands in chronological order.