K-pop girl groups from small labels on the rise

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Sun, December 3, 2023 | 20:04

K-pop

K-pop girl groups from small labels on the rise

Posted : 2023-04-05 15:42

Updated : 2023-04-13 22:08

K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY / Courtesy of Attrakt

By Dong Sun-hwa

Surviving in the K-pop industry is a daunting mission, especially for groups represented by small and mid-sized management companies. The success of these acts is often called a "miracle" that rarely happens. But these days, quite a few girl groups are beating the odds.

FIFTY FIFTY, a four-piece act consisting of Saena, Aran, Keena and Sio, is one such example. The quartet is the first group created by K-pop company Attrakt, established in 2021. It recently became the fastest K-pop group to enter Billboard's main singles chart with its February release, "Cupid," securing the No. 100 spot. It took only four months for FIFTY FIFTY to achieve the feat since its debut last November. It is the fifth K-pop girl group to hit the chart following Wonder Girls, BLACKPINK, TWICE and NewJeans.

"Cupid" even climbed up to the No. 94 position this week, showing its growing popularity. The tune also debuted at No. 96 on the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart last week.

"We are so glad that we can deliver good news," FIFTY FIFTY said. "We still cannot believe all these … We will be more responsible and try our best to showcase a better version of us."

"Cupid" is the lead single off FIFTY FIFTY's first EP, "The Beginning: Cupid." According to Attrakt, this retro-tinged song signals the beginning of the four members' growth journey. After becoming a viral hit on TikTok, it has found chart success thanks to its easy-to-listen melodies and the members' vocal prowess.

K-pop girl group H1-KEY / Courtesy of Grandline Group (GLG)

Rookie girl group H1-KEY has captured people's attention for a similar reason. Its latest release, "Rose Blossom" made waves on multiple album charts in Korea including Hanteo and its lead track of the same name also secured the top spots on different streaming charts such as Melon. It even reigned atop Bugs' real-time chart on March 10.

H1-KEY, comprising Seoi, Riina, Yel and Hwiseo, burst onto the music scene with the single, "Athletic Girl" in 2022. It was launched by Grandline Group (GLG), a company established in 2021 that currently houses H1-KEY and singer-songwriter Stella Jang only.

Penned by Young K of boy band DAY6, the lyrics of "Rose Blossom" highlight the members' determination to bloom against all odds, just like roses that grow between towering buildings in a grey city. Numerous listeners say the lyrics seem to speak for the members, who have undergone a tough time making a debut and pursuing their dream.

"We hope our song continues to bring comfort and hope to many people," H1-KEY said.

sunhwadong@koreatimes.co.kr

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