The Korean wave or Hallyu refers to the increase in the popularity of South Korean entertainment and culture beginning in the 1990s in Asia, and more recently, in other parts of the world. The wave represents a surge in the international visibility of Korean culture. The term Hallyu was coined in mid-1999 by Beijing journalists surprised at the fast growing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture in China.
Originally driven by the popularity of Korean dramas in its initial stage, the Korean wave grew into a global phenomenon due to the widespread proliferation of Korean movies and K-pop music videos on YouTube. Hallyu is not only about entertainment industry but also about Korean fashion being the trendsetter in the youth-dominated market.
If you are new to Hallyu then this is where you should start. Hallyu Top 10 is an app friendly guide to the Top 10 Korean Actors, Actresses and Korean Pop (KPOP) Bands who have made Hallyu what it is today.
If you are already a Hallyu Fan then you can download this app to understand your Korean Celebs better or check out on things that you may have missed out.
Or you can just download this app to browse through the pictures of these good looking Korean Stars. But make sure to rate my app on Google Play and give your suggestions on improvement. I value them the most.
What is this app about?
This is fun app for all Korean Drama and KPOP lovers. It lists the top 10 Korean Actors, Actresses and KPOP bands so if you are new you know where to start or which one to follow.
What can the readers find in this app?
Readers can find a short bio on their favorite Hallyu Stars and info on what makes them popular. Most of the info is from popular websites like DramaWiki, AsianWiki and Wikipedia, but I have shortened it for quick read.
So who are these Top 10 Hallyu Actors, Actresses and KPOP bands?
I have listed all the content of the app below for you to read it but downloading the app will give you offline access to the contents of this page in a more reader-friendly format.
Top 10 Actresses
Song Hye Gyo
Song Hye-kyo (송혜교, born November 22, 1981) is a South Korean actress, who has been considered Korea’s most beautiful woman. She gained popularity through television dramas such as That Winter the Wind Blows, Autumn in My Heart, All in, Full House and Korean Movies such as My Girl and I, A Reason To Live and Camelia.
Song Hye-Kyo made her debut as a model, becoming the winner of a school uniform model competition at the age of 14. She then played the character of a cute and clumsy student in the SBS hit sitcom “Sunpong Sanbuingwa” (1998), but failed to make a lasting impression among fans.
Song finally made it big starring in KBS2′ “Autumn in my Heart” with Song Seung-Heon in 2000 and “All In” with Lee Byung-Hun in 2003. The dramas’ popularity soared not only in Korea, but also abroad including Japan, Taiwan and Europe, and Song finally became one of “Korea’s sweethearts.”
Song Hye-Kyo published book “Hye-Kyo’s Time” (“Hye Kyo-ui Shigan”) on August 30th, 2012. The book contains essays and photos revealing things about her daily life: what she likes, eats, and spends her time. The book also reveals Song Hye-Ko thoughts and her past.
Moon Chae Won
Moon Chae-won (born November 13, 1986) is a popular South Korean actress. Her historical war movie War of the Arrows was the highest grossing Korean film in 2011. Moreover, her historical drama Princess’ Man got 24.9% ratings, a rare high for a period drama in 2011. She won Best Newcomer in both the Grand Bell Awards and the Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2011. She also won the Top Excellence Actress Award (Best Actress Award) in 2011 KBS Drama Awards. Moon Chae Won also received Best Dressed of The Year from Korea’s Lifestyle Awards 2011. In December 2012, Moon Chae-won once again won Top Excellence Actress Awards for her role in The Innocent Man.
She has mostly worked in Korean dramas such as Innocent Man, The Princess Man, Painter of the Wind, Shining Inheritance and My Fair Lady.
Han Hyo Joo
Han Hyo-joo (한효주; born February 22, 1987) is a popular South Korean actress. She is best known for acting in Brilliant Legacy and Dong Yi.
According to Han Hyo-Ju, her personality fits her blood type-A classification: calm, doesn’t get angry easily and able to endure without a lot of expression. Han Hyo-Joo is also a fan of Japanese movies and learned Japanese language because of Japanese movies. She has also appeared in the joint Korean-Japanese production – Postman to Heaven and the 2006 independent film – Ad Lib Night – which is based on a Japanese short story.
Some of Han Hyo-Joo’s hobbies include watching movies, reading books, and children’s storytelling. She gained her popularity in Korean dramas such as Dong Yi, Brilliant Legacy, Il Ji Mae.
Ha Ji Won
Ha Ji-won (하지원) was born Jeon Hae-rim on 28 June 1978. She is also the Grand Prize winner of 2006 KBS Acting Awards for her performance in TV drama Hwang Jin-i. Recently she has been known for her role as Gil Ra Im in Secret Garden and as North Korean Special forces officer instructor Kim Hang Ah in The King 2 Hearts.
Ha Ji-won had her breakthrough role as the lead in the horror film Phone, earning her a best actress nomination at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Since then she has gone on to make films like the Sex Is Zero, Reversal of Fortune, 100 Days with Mr. Arrogant and more recently Sector 7. She has also starred in the movie Haeundae.
She has worked in Korean Dramas such as King 2 Hearts, Secret Garden, Hwang Jin Yi, Damo and Korean Movies such as Truth Game, Phone, Sex is Zero, 100 days with Mr. Arrogant, Haeundae and many others.
Jeon Ji Hyun
Jun Ji-hyun (전지현, born October 30, 1981) is best known for her role as “The Girl” in the romantic comedy My Sassy Girl, one of the highest grossing Korean comedies of all time. Other notable films include Il Mare (remade as The Lake House), Windstruck and The Thieves. She is considered one of Korea’s most beautiful women.
Her childhood dream was to become a flight attendant, but at the age of 16, she was discovered on the street by a fashion editor. She began her career as a model for Ecole Magazine in 1997.
Yoon Eun Hye
Yoon Eun-hye (윤은혜, born October 3, 1984) is a South Korean actress, singer, entertainer and model. She debuted as a member of girl group Baby V.O.X, staying with the group from 1999 to 2005. Yoon has since moved on to acting and is best known for starring in the television dramas Princess Hours and The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince.
She was worked in Korean Dramas and Movies such as Missing You, Lie To Me, My Black Mini Dress, Personal Taste, My Fair Lady, The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince and Princess Hours.
Park Ha Seon
Park Ha-sun debuted in 2005 with the TV series Love Needs a Miracle and rose to stardom with her role as Queen Inhyeon in MBC’s 2010 historical drama Dong Yi, followed by a comedic turn as a teacher in the popular sitcom High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged that aired in 2011-2012.
She has since appeared in the films The Last Blossom, Champ, Tone-deaf Clinic and dramas such as High Kick 3, Ad Genius Lee Tae Baek, Dong Yi, The Accidental Couple and Miracle of Love.
Kim Tae Hee
Kim Tae-hee (김태희, born 29 March 1980) is a South Korean actress and model. She is best known for her roles in Korean dramas such as Iris, Love Story in Harvard, My Princess and Stairway to Heaven. She is considered one of Korea’s most beautiful women.
Kim is one of the most popular and in-demand product endorsers in Korea. She has been a spokesperson for popular brands including Cyon, Paris Baguette, LG, Hera, Ohui, Vivian, Daewoo Matiz, Klasse, Samsung, Beans Avenue, Olympus, Crencia, Calli, ZEC, BC Card, Maxwell House, S-Oil, Corn Silk Tae, Toyota and Prugio.
Ku Hye Sun
Ku Hye-sun (구혜선, born November 9, 1984) is a South Korean actress. An admirer of Leonardo Da Vinci, Ku also dabbles in directing, writing, illustrating, singing and composing. Ku entered the entertainment industry after gaining popularity on the internet as an eoljjang (cute face beauty). She is best known for her role as Geum Jan-di in the hit TV show Boys Over Flowers.
Ku wrote Tango, a semi-autobiographical novel about a twenty-something woman’s experience with love and relationships. The book was a bestseller, selling 30,000 copies within a week. Its release coincided with her first solo art exhibition, also titled Tango, in July 2009 at La Mer Gallery, which attracted 10,000 visitors. The exhibition featured around 40 of Ku’s illustrations, some from her novel.
Son Ye Jin
Son Ye-jin (손예진; born January 11, 1982) is best known for starring in romance films – The Clssic and A Moment to Remember and has also starred in television series such as Summer Scent, Alone in Love, Personal Taste and movies such as Lover’s Concerto, A Moment to Remember, April Snow, My Wife Got Married and others. She is considered one of Korea’s most beautiful women
Top 10 Actors
Lee Min Ho
Lee Min-ho (이민호, born June 22, 1987) is best known for his leading roles in Boys Over Flowers as Gu Jun-pyo, the leader of a group of students known as F4, period drama Faith and action drama City Hunter.
Min-ho hoped to become a football (soccer) player, but an injury in the 5th grade of elementary school put an end to his dream. Min-ho, however, still keeps up with football and has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is his favorite player.
His breakthrough came in 2009 with the lead role of Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers (KBS2), the Korean adaptation of the popular Japanese television drama Hana Yori Dango, which was based on the popular manga, Boys Over Flowers.
Lee Min-Ho plans to release a special album for his fans in May, 2013. He will then begin a world tour that will take place in South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines from late May, 2013 through July, 2013.
Ji Jin Hee
Ji Jin-hee (born June 24, 1971) is best known for his leading roles in various TV series that include Miss Kim’s Million Dollar Quest, Love Letter, Spring Days, and historical dramas Dae Jang Geum, Dong Yi and Take Care of Us Captain.
Park Si Hoo
Park Si-hoo (박시후, born April 3, 1976) is best known for his television series Prosecutor Princess and The Princess’ Man. Park began his acting career in theater in 1997, putting up posters, handing out flyers, and appearing as an extra or in bit parts on stage, leading to his acting debut in the play The Twelve Nyang Life. During this time, he also worked as an underwear model, before being cast in a bit part television series Delightful Girl.
But Park’s breakthrough was in 2010. As the mysterious lawyer Seo In-woo in Prosecutor Princess, he rose to fame and the term “Seo Byun syndrome” was coined for his growing fanbase. Such was his popularity with audiences in Queen of Reversals that when the series was extended, the writer rewrote the script so that his character, chaebol businessman Gu Yong-shik, would end up with the heroine. He later won an Excellence Award at the MBC Drama Awards for Queen of Reversals.
He gained his popularity in Korean Dramas such as Iljimae, Queen of Reversals, Princess Man, Prosecutor Princess and Cheongdam Dong Alice.
Lee Seung gi
Lee Seung Gi (이승기), born 13 January 1987, is a South Korean singer, actor and MC. Lee is well known as a member of the first season of weekend variety show 1 Night 2 Days from November 2007 to February 2012, and the MC of talk show Strong Heart from October 2009 to April 2012.
Scouted by singer Lee Sun Hee, Lee Seung Gi trained for 2 years before debuting on 5 June 2004 at the age of 17. Because You’re My Girl, his debut song from his first album The Dream Of A Moth, was a popular ballad which created a “liking older women” syndrome in South Korea.
Being a popular and versatile entertainer with a clean and positive image, Lee Seung Gi is one of the most likable commercial models and celebrity endorsers in South Korea. He currently endorses KB Group, Heritory, Pizza Hut, Samsung Zipel.
He gained popularity in Korean Dramas such as My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, King 2 Hearts, Brilliant Legacy and Gu Family Book.
Song Joong Ki
Song Joong-ki (송중기, born September 19, 1985) rose to fame with period drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal and variety show Running Man. Song played his first TV leading role in the melodrama The Innocent Man in 2012. The actor has also starred in feature films, most notably as the titular character in the box office hit A Werewolf Boy.
Song has also published the book Beautiful Skin Project, a bestselling health and beauty guide for men, which was re-released in Japan in 2013.
Jang Geun Seok
Jang Keun-suk (장근석, born August 4, 1987) is a South Korean actor, singer and model. He is best known for playing the role of band leader Hwang Tae Kyung in the 2009 drama You’re Beautiful. As well as the role of Kang Mu Gyul in the 2010 romantic comedy series Mary Stayed out All Night. He’s been called the Prince of Asia due to his acting, singing and dancing abilities. Keun Seok can speak Japanese and English as well.
Keun Suk started working as a child model at the age of five after he was discovered by a talent agent. Seeing his potential, the agent advised Keun-Suk’s parents to allow him to try a career in modelling.
Keun Suk is popular for his dramas Lovers in Prague, You’re Beautiful, Mary stayed out All Night and Love Rain.
Bae Yong Joon
Bae Yong-joon (born August 29, 1972), is best known for his roles in numerous television dramas and one of the first kkot-mi-nam (flower boy) icons. He is known as Yon-sama to his Japanese fans.
His drama Winter Sonata has been really popular in Japan and a major contributor to the Hallyu Wave phenomenon.
Rain
Jung Ji-Hoon (born June 25, 1982), better known by his stage name Rain, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, model and designer.
Rain’s musical career includes seven albums (six Korean, one Japanese), 19 singles and numerous concert tours around the world. His acting career began in 2003, when he won the KBS Best New Actor award for his role in the drama Sang Doo! Let’s Go To School. In 2004, Rain won the KBS Excellence in Acting award for his role in the drama Full House. Rain has acted in the American films Speed Racer and Ninja Assassin. Rain acted in another Korean film, R2B: Return to Base, which was released in August 2012.
Hyun Bin
Hyun Bin (현빈, born September 25, 1982) is best known for his leading roles in the TV dramas My Name is Kim Sam-soon and Secret Garden.
His drama – My Name Is Kim Sam-soon, was a mega hit and it received ratings in excess of 50% (one of the highest ratings for a Korean drama series). Hyun-Bin’s character Hyun Jin-Hun was scripted as something of a perfect man and because of this Hyun-Bin became even more popular with female viewers of the series.
Kim Hyun Joong
Kim Hyun-joong (김현중, born June 6, 1986) is a South Korean entertainer and the leader, main rapper and face of boyband SS501. Kim is well known for his role as Yoon Ji-hoo in Boys Over Flowers, for which he received the “Best Actor Award” at the Seoul International Drama Awards 2009 and the “Popularity Award” at the 45th PaekSang Arts Awards. In 2011, Kim debuted as a solo artist with his Korean mini albums Break Down and Lucky. He is a style icon in Korea, having won several icon awards. Kim is also a member of the charity football team FC MEN.
Korean Drama lovers find Kim’s look to be similar to that of Bae Yong Joon (Winter Sonata fame).
Top 10 KPOP Band
SNSD / Girls Generation
SNSD, also popularly known as Girls’ Generation (소녀시대, So Nyeo Shi Dae) is a South Korean girl group formed by S.M. Entertainment in 2007. The nine member group consists of Taeyeon, Jessica, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona and Seohyun. In Japan, they are known as Shoujo Jidai.
The group gained attention at the beginning of their career with songs such as “Into the New World” and “Kissing You” but it was not until 2009 when they gained significant popularity with their hit single “Gee”, which would be named as South Korea’s “Song of the Decade”. The group solidified their place in the Korean music industry with follow-up singles “Tell Me Your Wish”, “Run Devil Run”, and “Oh!” from late 2009 to early 2010. In 2011, after a series of activities in Japan, the group returned to the Korean music scene with “The Boys”, which was released in three languages: Korean, Japanese, and for the first time, English. In 2010 alone, the group sold more than 11,730,000 albums and singles collectively.
The group’s immense popularity in their native South Korea has earned them titles “The Nation’s Singers” and “The Nation’s Girl Group”. They have been listed as #1 on the Top Female Singer’s list for 4 consecutive years in a row on the Leespiar Popularity Survey in Korea. Asia Today placed the group at forty-four on the 50 Korean Power Leaders list in 2011. Forbes also revealed the group were most powerful entertainers in South Korea for the year of 2011.
The group’s debut Japanese album, Girls’ Generation, released in June 2011, is currently the highest selling album in Japan by a Korean group in Oricon history. The group followed up their success in Japan with their second album, Girls’ Generation II ~Girls & Peace~.
Big Bang
Big Bang ( 빅뱅) is a South Korean male group under the management of YG Entertainment. Formed in 2006, the group consists of G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri. Big Bang is known for their unique urban-originated music and fashion style. The members’ involvement in composing and producing their own music, most notably leader G-Dragon, has earned the group respect and praise from music industry experts.
The group’s turning point came with their hit song Lies, which stayed at number one on Korean charts for a record-breaking seven consecutive weeks. Their follow up releases, Hot Issue and Stand Up, furthered their success, spawning hits such as Last Farewell and Haru Haru. From 2007 to 2008, Big Bang received many awards, including “Best Male Group”, “Song of the Year”, “Artist of the Year”, and the Grand Award at the Seoul Music Awards.
From 2009 to 2010, Big Bang expanded their endeavors to Japan, and were voted “the Korean group that Japanese fans wish to see the most”. They became the first foreign group awarded “Best Newcomer” from the Japan Cable Broadcasting Station and “Best New Artist” at MTV Japan.
Super Junior
Super Junior (슈퍼주니어) is a South Korean boy band. Formed in 2005 by producer Lee Soo-man of S.M. Entertainment, the group comprised a total of thirteen members at its peak. Super Junior originally debuted with twelve members, consisting of leader Leeteuk, Heechul, Hankyung, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook and Kibum. Kyuhyun joined the group in 2006.
Known as the “Kings of the Hallyu Wave”, Super Junior launched into international recognition following the release of their best-selling single “Sorry, Sorry” in 2009, the title song of their most critically successful album Sorry, Sorry and were the best-selling K-pop artist for three years in a row.
In addition to their commercial success, Super Junior has earned fourteen music awards from the Mnet Asian Music Awards, sixteen from the Golden Disk Awards, and is the second singing group to win Favorite Artist Korea at the 2008 MTV Asia Awards after JTL in 2003. In 2012 they were nominated for “Best Asian Act” in MTV Europe Music Awards showing one more time their popularity around world.
2NE1
2NE1 (투애니원; pronounced To Anyone or Twenty One) is a four-member South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment in 2009. The band consists of CL, Minzy, Dara, and Bom. The name 2NE1 combines the phrases “21st century” and “new evolution” (NE).
First appearing in “Lollipop”, a commercial campaign with Big Bang for LG Electronics, 2NE1′s debut single “Fire” was released on May 6, 2009. Since then, the group has released two extended plays, 2NE1 and 2NE1 2nd Mini Album, and one studio album, To Anyone. Their first EP, 2NE1 spawned the number-one single “I Don’t Care”, which won them the “Song of the Year” award at the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards. Their follow-up singles, such as “Go Away”, “Lonely” and “I Am The Best” were similarly successful, with “I Am the Best” winning 2NE1 their second “Song of the Year” award in 2011.
2NE1 officially debuted in Japan in September 2011 with a mini album titled NOLZA, which contained re-made versions of the Korean songs featured on the group’s 2nd Mini Album. Since then, the group has released one studio album, Collection, and two physical singles in Japan. 2NE1 are set to debut in the United States in 2013, with work on the group’s debut English studio album beginning in 2010 with producer will.i.am. In 2012, The New York Times named 2NE1′s performance at the Prudential Center in New Jersey as one of the “Best Concerts of 2012″. As of 2013, the band has 400 million video views on YouTube as well as 27 million digital singles sold.
TVXQ / DBSK
TVXQ, initials of Tong Vfang Xien Qi, sometimes stylized as TVXQ!, is a South Korean pop group formed in 2003 under SM Entertainment. In South Korea they are known as Dong Bang Shin Ki (동방신기), often abbreviated as DBSK. In Japan they are known as Tohoshinki. Their name translates to “The Rising Gods of the East”. The group debuted in 2003 as a five member boy band consisting of leader U-Know Yunho, Max Changmin, Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun, and Xiah Junsu.
TVXQ is one of Asia’s most successful acts and have been labelled as “King of K-pop”, “Asia’s Stars”, and “Kings of the Hallyu Wave”, for their immense success and contributions to Korean pop as certified by their Tone Tour in Japan. TVXQ is the best-selling K-Pop group in the world with over 12 million copies sold, triple the amount of second. Billboard described the group as “K-pop royalty”. Since their debut, TVXQ has released six Korean albums, six Japanese albums, over 20 Korean singles and over 30 Japanese singles. According to Gaon Chart and Oricon, till October 2012, TVXQ has sold over 12 million copies of albums alone throughout their career in Korea and Japan alone, excluding sales from other Asian and international countries, and 20 million copies worldwide.
They have two official fanclubs in Korea and Japan, known respectively as Cassiopeia and BigEast, the former which notably earned a Guinness World Record in 2008 and 2011 for its size and is said to be one of the largest fan clubs in the world, boasting 800,000 fans in Korea alone. They also hold a Guinness World Record for being the Most Photographed Celebrities in the World. It is approximated that they have been photographed more than 500 million times.
2PM
2PM (투피엠) is a South Korean boy band managed by JYP Entertainment. The current members are Jun. K (formerly known as Junsu), Nichkhun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho and Chansung. Former leader, Jay Park, officially left the group in early 2010.
The members of 2PM found their start under Korean musician Park Jin Young, who formed an eleven-member band known as One Day. Eventually the band was split into 2PM, and a similar but independent group known as 2AM. 2PM debuted with the song “10 Jeom Manjeome 10 Jeom” which showcased their acrobatic dance styles. They achieved their first Number 1 single with “Again & Again”. Both singles featured on their first studio album, The First Album 1:59PM, released in 2009. The band went on to release another Korean album, known as Hands Up, in 2011. They made their Japanese debut later that year with Republic of 2PM.
After School
After School (애프터스쿨) is a South Korean girl group formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2009. They were known as the first group to debut with a unique admissions and graduation concept in Korea, where members are added or withdrawn in a natural manner. The band consists of eight members: Jungah, Jooyeon, Uee, Raina, Nana, Lizzy, E-Young and Kaeun. Graduate member Soyoung graduated from the group in fall 2009, Bekah officially graduated from the group in July 2011, and Kahi graduated in September 2012.
Kahi and Jungah first performed alongside labelmate Son Dam Bi in 2008. After School officially debuted in January 2009 with the song “AH!” with the five original members being Kahi, Jungah, Soyoung, Juyeon, and Bekah. After concluding their debut song promotions in mid-March they made a comeback with a new member UEE in early April with “Diva”. Once Soyoung graduated after “Diva” promotions, two new members, Nana and Raina were added for the popular hit single “Because of You”, which attained No. 1 and a triple crown on SBS’s Inkigayo. Afterwards, After School released “Bang!” with the addition of Lizzy and “Shampoo” where E-Young was added. Shortly after, Bekah graduated After School and After School made their debut in Japan.
The group began a foray into the Japanese music scene in 2011 under Avex Trax with a remake of their Korean hits “Bang!”, “Diva” and “Because of You”. The group also released an original Japanese song titled “Rambling Girls” in January 2012. Their debut in Japan was quite a success, as the group managed to enter the Oricon Weekly Chart at number seven. The group’s debut Japanese album, Playgirlz, debuted at number eight on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart.
In April 2012, Pledis confirmed the addition of Kaeun for the fifth maxi single in June. On 5 June 2012, it was reported that Kahi would graduate from the group in September 2012 to conclude promotions in Japan but not participate in group activities in Korea.
Wonder Girls
Wonder Girls (원더걸스) is a South Korean girl group, whose current line-up is Yubin, Yeeun, Sunye, Sohee and Hyelim. They are managed by their producer, the singer-songwriter Park Jin-Young under his talent agency, JYP Entertainment. The group’s name, ‘Wonder Girls’, comes from the idea that they are “the girls who can amaze the world”. The group began their entry into the American market in 2009 as an opening act for The Jonas Brothers’ World Tour, performing the English version of their hit single “Nobody”. In late 2009, their song charted at number seventy-six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making the Wonder Girls the first South Korean group to enter the chart.
In 2010, Wonder Girls entered the Chinese market with the compilation album Wonder Girls that included Chinese language versions of “Tell Me”, “Nobody” and “So Hot”. In 2012, Wonder Girls signed with DefStar Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Japan, for their Japanese debut.
SHINee
SHINee (샤이니) is a South Korean contemporary R&B boy group under the management of SM Entertainment.Formed in 2008, the group consists of Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho, and Taemin. They made their debut on May 25, 2008 on SBS’s The Music Trend with their single, “Replay”.
Since their debut, Shinee has released four full-length albums, four mini-albums, one live album and various singles. They have also won many awards, held three concert tours and starred in their own reality shows. Shinee is considered to be a fashion icon having started the “Shinee Trend” and are known for their highly synchronized and complicated dancing.
They made their Japanese debut on June 22, 2011 by releasing a Japanese version of their single, Replay, and gained the title “The artist who managed to get in top 3 for 3 continuous releases since debut” for the foreign artist category. Such an achievement had never been gained by anyone else ever since the single ranking chart was established 44 years ago in January 1968, followed by their first Japanese studio album, The First on December 7, 2011.
KARA
KARA (카라) is a South Korean pop girl group formed by DSP Media in 2007. The group is composed of Park Gyuri, Han Seungyeon, Nicole Jung, Goo Hara, and Kang Jiyoung. The group’s name comes from the Greek word “chara” , which they interpreted to mean “sweet melody”.
The group originally started off as a quartet and made their debut with “Break It” while displaying a strong female image and a mature R&B sound. Expectations for the group were extremely high. They released their first studio album titled The First Blooming in March 2007. However, their debut was not well received by the public and was a commercial failure.
They achieved their first number one song with “Honey”. In July 2009, the group released their second studio album entitled Revolution. The album spawned the hit single “Mister”, whose choreography featured the “butt-dance”, that helped increase the group’s popularity within East Asia. Their follow-up singles including “Lupin” (2010), “Jumping” (2010), “Step” (2011), and “Pandora” (2012) were also successful and helped further establish the group within the Korean music industry.
The group’s debut in Japan was a success as they were dubbed as “Japan’s No. 1 Rookie Artist of 2010″ by Oricon and also receiving the “New Artist of the Year Award (International)” from the Japan Gold Disc Awards. In April 2011, the group achieved their first number one single in Japan with “Jet Coaster Love”, making them the first foreign female group since the creation of the Oricon to rank number one in the first week of release and also the first foreign female group in thirty years to do so. Overall, the group managed to sell over one million physical singles within two years, making them one of the fastest-selling South Korean acts in Japan.
App Designed, Developed and Conceptualized by – Brijesh Bolar for the website – TheKoreaGuide.com
Disclaimer: I have created this app for fun and to share my love for Korea and Hallyu. The images that I have used for this app is from the web by searching for actors on Google Search for Images. I have used the images to make the app more interesting and fun. The content used is from wikipedia, dramawiki and asianwiki to make the app more informative.