The model answer for girl group lies within Girls’ Generation?There is a saying, ‘Pride will have a fall.’ Meaning that metaphorically that once strength or influence flourishes for sure after certain time will decline and this is not much different for the popularity of the celebrities. Then how much more for girl groups that shine at their most beautiful age.
All girl groups cannot help but go through a popularity wave. However that doesn’t mean you should thoughtlessly chase after popularity. Girls’ Generation that were ‘young girls’ when they debuted back in 2007 has now matured into ‘women.’ Even the adherent fans of Girls’ Generation have now without knowing became middle-aged. Yet still Girls’ Generation is still fully blooming. Let’s take a look at their past to find out the model answer for girl groups.
Girls’ Generation first emerged in 2007 through their first single ‘Into the New World’ and caught the public interest by releasing first full album ‘Girls’ Generation’ in November of the same year. Before Girls’ Generation the largest girl group was a trio. The largest was probably a group of five, and introducing a nine-member group at that time was shocking. The nine girls dressed in mini-skirt reminiscent of uniforms drew exclamation of fans and lead the music industry at once.
Afterwards the girls successively attracted popularity with ‘Kissing You,’ ‘Baby Baby’ and many new girl groups appeared that bench marked Girls’ Generation.
Girls’ Generation was suddenly faced with pursuit of younger girls groups. In a way at the time when the popularity of Girls’ Generation should have drawn parallel curve instead started to ride off the ascending current.
With the release of their new single ‘Gee’ in January 2009 broke away from their existing cute and adorable image. Instead flaunting their mature beauty with their attractive legs drew a phenomenal hit with ‘Tell Me Your Wish.’ The girls succeeded to break away from the formula that ‘girl groups should be adorable,’ and taking a step further began to look stages abroad.
Girls Generation was successful ‘as usual’ once again despite the look of concern from some asking if ‘it wasn’t already too late.’
The girls held their 1st Asia tour ‘Into the New World’ on December 2009 and started to gain global popularity in Japan, US, Europe and more.
If you see Girls’ Generation’s activities this year a significant change can be noticed from the previous years. Rather than having all the members on stage singing together the members are all busy with individual schedule of acting, MC, and appearing on shows.
Yoona is currently starring as the female lead Kim Yoonhee of KBS drama ‘Love Rain’ and Yuri is also starring in SBS ‘Fashion King’ as top designer Choi Anna. Before Jessica shortly appeared in ‘Wild Romance’ as Kang Jonghee, Sooyoung has been cast in tvN’s medical drama ‘The Third Hospital.’ Continuing on Taeyeon and Tiffany, Seohyun is hosting MBC ‘Music Core’ showing off their skills, while Sunny and Hyoyeon is part of ‘Invincible Youth 2’ cast.
This is the first time all individual members to be active for their own schedule since their debut. The more surprising point is that this preparation already began last year. The moment they reached the peak as a girl group they have been preparing for a different popularity wave.
Analyzing the popularity of Girls’ Generation as the leading K-Pop girl group shows one common concept. It’s the ‘paradigm shift.’ Rather than following the existing entertainment formula through new initiative the group has opened a new market. Also for that purpose have been preparing long-term precautions.
SM Entertainment’s director of Public Relations revealed, “We plan for Girls’ Generation’s schedule looking at the outlook for a minimum of a year.” And the members accordingly receive training to be strengthened in various fields.
Continuing on, “After a thorough preparation last year Girls’ Generation is now active in various field beginning of this year in musical, drama, show programs. We expect to boost the Girls’ Generation’s image as we appeal with the individual charm of each member. We expect to release a new album at the second half of the year. We expect the new album to be more diverse in color as the experience in the first half of the year will become the foundation.”
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