History of Korean girl groups revisited

Jeogori Sisters debuted in 1935 is the "root" of modern K-pop girl groups. The popular project group was comprised of top female singers of the time including Lee Nang-young, known for her song "Tears of Mokpo," and Park Hyang-rim who sang the hit song "My Brother is a Street Musician." They even performed in Japan. / Provided by Choi Kyu-sung

By Park Jin-hai

Many people might mention S.E.S. and Fin.K.L., two K-pop icons from the 1990s, as the "roots" of modern K-pop girl groups. With their music and choreography still vivid in living memory, it makes some sense.

Choi Kyu-sung, a photographer-turned-music critic who recently published his latest book "Ancestors of Girl Groups," says otherwise, based on his lifetime collection of 305 girl groups going back as early as the 1930s.

"Prior to S.E.S. and Fin.K.L, there were so many great girl groups who enjoyed superstar status, only their names have been forgotten," Choi says.

He says Korea's first girl group is the Jeogori Sisters, debuted in 1935. "Jeogori" refers to the upper garment of hanbok, Korea's traditional clothing. The better-known girl group Kim Sisters, a trio formed in 1953 by famous singer Lee Nan-young of her teenage daughters and their cousin, even ventured to the U.S. and served as a forerunner of hallyu, he adds.

"Although people say the nine-member Girls' Generation is the prototypical group group with many members, there existed larger acts way before them," Choi says.

He is currently holding an exhibition titled "Ancestors of Girl Groups," showcasing the history of Korean girl groups through vinyl records, cassette tapes, photos and stage costumes at Lotte Department Store's Gallery in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, until May 27.

"Girl groups reflect the public's desires of the time. We can see from them what people regarded as the fanciest and coolest at the time as they were trendsetters," Choi says.

Gisaengs who received training at the Chosen Dancing Girls School in Pyongyang is seen in this 1930s photo. / Provided by Choi Kyu-sung

1930s: birth of girl groups

Before the emergence of professional vocalists, there were Korean courtesans called gisaeng, who were trained in the art of entertainment, including music. Famous female singers of the 1930s, including Wang Su-bok and Lee Eun-pa, were all from the Chosen Dancing Girls School in Pyongyang that offered gisaeng training.

Those entertainers performed modern music after jazz and Western dance moves were introduced around 1912. One of the most popular forms of entertainment of the time was revues, a type of satirical multi-act theatrical performance that combined music, dance and acting.

It is this time period to which people could trace the very roots of modern K-pop girl groups ― the Jeogori Sisters, who debuted in 1935.

The popular group was comprised of the top female signers of the time, including Lee Nang-young who was known for her song "Tears of Mokpo," and Park Hyang-rim who sang the hit song "My Brother is a Street Musician." They even performed in Japan.

Girl band Lady Bird / Provided by Choi Kyu-sung

1960s: explosive increase

Since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, U.S. military bases began to hire Korean musicians to play American pop music.
Clubs inside military bases saw an explosive number of attractive girl groups who sang pop songs in sexy and revealing costumes for American soldiers, while the same singers would wear elegant hanbok to perform trot (a Korean pop music genre) and minyo (Korean folk song) for Korean audiences.

After the success of the Silver Bell Sisters, a sister duo who sang trot music, similar girl groups mushroomed. Girl groups of the time saw their influence extend past Asia, making forays into Europe.

The Pearl Sisters, a legendary duo that debuted in 1968, signaled a new era characterized by visually pleasing musicians giving flashy performances, a transition from previous stationary and music-centered performances.

Hee Sisters / Provided by Choi Kyu-sung

1980s: girl groups in decline

The 1980s saw a slump for Korean girl groups. As university music festivals and singing competitions enjoyed huge popularity, those contest winners and student acts found instant stardom. Yet those newcomer girl groups tended to be one-off acts and didn't lead to professional careers.

That said, after color TV sets first appeared in Korea, the cute-looking Gukbo Sisters enjoyed popularity. Audiences were exposed to a number of unique girl groups, ranging from former drum-and-fife band members to former aerobics instructors and models.

Also, rough versions of idol girl groups such as Trio began to emerge.

Fin.K.L / Korea Time file

1990s: new generation emerges

The 1990s girl groups were mostly the product of major talent agencies. The new generation of girl groups underwent systemized training in vocals and dancing, before debuting with superstar status. They provided a turning point in K-pop history, where male performers had previously overshadowed girl groups.

S.E.S was a Korean girl group trio formed by S.M. Entertainment in 1997, and their rival, DSP Media's four-member girl group Fin.K.L, debuted in 1998. Beginning with the two groups, a more organized and systematic fandom appeared.

Girls' Generation / Korea Times file

2000s: triumphant hallyu force

Girl groups in the new century are in full bloom. Wonder Girls, formed by JYP, released multiple hit songs including "Tell Me," "So Hot" and "Nobody" to name a few. SM's Girls Generation saw its 2009 hit song "Gee" topping the local music charts for nine straight weeks. Both acts rose as culture icons, their makeup and fashion setting trends.

So many other girl groups including After School, 2NE1 and 4Minute created today's K-pop craze, enjoying unprecedented popularity.