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

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.

※1990S

※2000s

※2010~