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.

Jeogori Sisters / Korea Times

Kim Sisters / Korea Times

Arirang Sisters (1962) / Korea Times

Pearl Sisters (1969) / Korea Times


Bonnie Girls (1971) / Korea Times

Seoul Family (1984) / Korea Times

Sook Sisters (1982) / Korea Times



※1990S

SES / Korea Times

SES / Korea Times

Fin.K.L / Korea Times


Fin.K.L / Korea Times


Baby V.O.X / Korea Times

Diva / Korea Times


※2000s

Chakra / Korea Times


Chakra / Korea Times

Lee Hyo-ri from Fin.K.L / Korea Times

Lee Hyo-ri from Fin.K.L / Korea Times

Wonder Girls / Korea Times

Wonder Girls / Korea Times

Girls' Generation / Korea Times

Girls' Generation / Korea Times

KARA / Korea Times

KARA / Korea Times

After School / Korea Times

After School / Korea Times

Brown Eyed Girls / Korea Times

Brown Eyed Girls / Korea Times

2NE1 / Korea Times

2NE1 / Korea Times

Secret / Korea Times

4Minute / Korea Times


※2010~

Sistar / Korea Times

Miss A / Korea Times


Girl's Day / Korea Times

AOA / Korea Times

EXID / Korea Times

TWICE / Korea Times



Produce 101 / Korea Times

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