4minute
Members: Jihyun (19), Gayoon (19), Jiyoon (18), HyunA (17), Sohyun (15)
Bio:: Like with 2NE1, many eyes were on 4minute before they even debuted - a new group with the
return of ex-Wonder Girl HyunA,who wouldn't be curious? Anyway, 4minute hit things off with "HotIssue" and a "candy funky" concept, aka rainbow eyegasm fashion. Thoughtheir first song met mixed reviews due to the "spoiled princess"concept, 4minute redeemed themselves twofold with "Muzik", pinningthemselves onto the girl group map as a formidable threat.
Top Tracks: Hot Issue (
MV |
Live Debut), Muzik (
MV |
Live)
Claims to Fame: HyunA was a previous member of the Wonder Girls & has been featured in
AJ's
"Dancing Shoes", Sohyun was part of group
Orange & was a child actress, Gayoon was featured in
Mario's
"I'm Yours".
Weaknesses: With 4minute's autotuned pop beats, many arequestioning these girls' vocal talents and versatility. Also, manycriticize the overemphasis of HyunA and lack of attention given toother members, especially leader Jihyun.
Fan Forum:
4 Minutes
f(x)
Members: Victoria (22), Amber (17), Luna (16), Sulli (15), Krystal (14)
Bio:: Unlike the other groups on this list, f(x) essentiallydropped out of nowhere - yes, some photos and rumors had beencirculating the net for a few months, but most dismissed such commentsas mere speculation. Dubbed SM's next "international girl group", f(x)features two Korean members (Sulli, Luna), a Korean-American (Krystal),a Taiwanese-American (Amber) and a Chinese leader (Victoria). Thoughthis group hasn't been around for very long, the fact that they'vealready risen above the girl group battle hubbub is a success in itself.
Top Tracks: LA cHA TA (
MV |
Live Debut)
Claims to Fame: Victoria was featured in a number of projects prior to her f(x) debut, ie
SHINee's "Replay" & a
CF with Rain; Krystal starred in
SHINee's "Juliette"
Weaknesses: It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is, but somekpop fans simply aren't interested in "LA cHA TA". Whether it's becauseof the lack of an electronic pop beat or the muted fashion concept,certain guys & gals just aren't feeling it. Better luck nextconcept/song, girls!
Fan Forum:
Aff(x)tion
T-ara
Members: Eun-jeong (20), Hyomin (20), Jiyeon (16), Boram (23), Q-ri (23), Soyeon (22)
Bio:: Because this group had major
line-up changesand was in the wraps for three years, anticipation for T-ara had beenbuilding for a relatively long while. Though the group, which wasinitially a fivesome,
released its first MV in April, it lost two members and came back with three new ones to debut yet again, this time on
Radio Star. Since then, the girls have been hard at work promoting their hit "Lies" and appearing on various shows & shoots.
Top Tracks: Lies (
MV |
Live Debut)
Claims to Fame: Collaborations with
SeeYa &
Davichi with
"Forever Love"; Eun-jeong has also starred in many
FT Island MVs, including
"Lovesick" &
"Thunder + Only One Person"
Weaknesses: Cute & sweet concept? You're a few years late!Not to say that these girls aren't gorgeous, but we've seen theirconcept done many times over... I hope T-ara will bring somethingcompletely new to the table soon!
Fan Forum:
Diadem
