Kpop Groups 1980-2014

Before I even begin this post I will beg and plead that you PLEASE do not steal these charts and claim them as your own. It has literally taken me years to collect and find all of this information. If you must post them on a website please credit me as the creator and provide a link to my blog that is all I ask.

So i'm back again with an even larger list then last year. I'll admit that some of the older groups like from 2005 back my not be as up to date as I would like but the more current groups are as up to date  as I could manage with the crazy year i've had.

You might have noticed that the list has changed a bit from last year. That's because I found a few bands I had put on there by mistake and had to remove them and I found a few new sources which had a large number of groups I didn't have on the list.

How To Read The Chart

[The year they debut is in the left black bar as well as along the top and bottom of the chart. The name of the group is in a colored square and a corresponding square with the same color shows the length of time that group has been active. On the right are color letters, BG, GG, M, and D.

BG stands for Boy Group, this is for groups of all genres that have all male members.

GG stands for Girl Group, this is for groups of all genres that have all female members.

M stands for Mixed Group, this is for groups that have both male and female members.

*Side note, if a group debut as a mixed group but later became a BG or GG I gave then the label of Mixed group if that is how they debut.*

D stand for Duo, a group that only has two members. The neon blue D is for duos with two males, the red D is for duos with two females, and the lime green D is for duos with one female and one male.

If a group started out as a group and then became a duo they were given a group status since that was what they debut as.

Most of the older groups are presumed to be disbanded, but if I could not find a website to confirm it I did not put it.]

(Sorry I had to take screenshots of my excel spread sheet, blogspot does not allow you to upload PDF's.)

(Sorry I had to plaster my watermark all over it, but I knew people will steal it and not credit me and this took a long time to make so I want my credit.)

DISCLAIMER: Allow me to state right now that all the information is not 100% accurate. I also had multiple sources contradicting others on such things as when a group debut or when they disbanded. In those cases if two sites had different dates I went with the year the group released their first album/single. If there is an error in the information I am more then willing to correct it, however you must provide me with a link of some kind that will show me proof of the date you are claiming the group debut in (or some type of proof). Also activity is dictated by albums/singles/mini album releases. If the group last released an album in 2004, but have released songs for OST in 2005, I did not count that as active on the chart, because often OST's will credit an entire group when only two members participated in the OST.

I hope international fans find this useful for discovering old school kpop groups. Also I hope this will make fans stop complaining about the large number of rookies that debut each year. As you can clearly see from the chart, as each year has pasted more and more groups have debut and this will continue to happen (unless Korea's economy takes a dive and smaller companies are unable to stay afloat and put out more groups) but more then likely more groups will continue to debut each year.

PLEASE let me know if I left anyone off the list especially groups from the 1980's. (please remember that this list is for groups only, not solo artist or bands) 

This is an ongoing project I hope to continue for as many years as I can. 

The Best Songs You've Never Heard By: f(x)

People are often familiar with the songs that are featured in music videos for groups. However there are a number of really good songs that people miss because they never check out the groups full track list on their albums.

(The songs listed are of course based off of nothing more then my personal preference. However they might be worth checking out if you want to hear another side of a certain artist you never knew existed.)

[These songs may not be songs of musical genius, but they are different from the normal songs presented by the groups main tracks and worth listening to. Also please note my descriptive skills of the song aren't the greatest but hopefully they are enough to intrigue you into checking them out.]

f(x)

Beautiful Stranger: Has a different feel sounds a little more like a SNSD type song so it's an interesting change.

Mr Boogie: Just a really great song I don't know how else to put it.

Sorry (Dear. Daddy): Such a heartfelt song, you can feel the emotion in their voice.

Lollipop: I love the drum line in this song. It also features SHINee so that's always a plus.

Dangerous: This has a very edgy "stay out of our way" feel.

Gangsta Boy: Such a cute song.

Love: When it starts out it has almost a latin sound.

Snapshot: This song has a feel of a girls anthem. Like they are calling out their haters.

Goodbye Summer: This is very different from their normal songs. It also features D.O from EXO. I think they really captured the feeling of saying goodbye to summer if that makes sense.

Airplane: This song has a rave feel to it, so if you like rave music you will like this song.

Signal: Has a disco vibe to it. I also really like the harmonies in it.

Butterfly: This song has a hypnotic feel to it. Very chill and laid back.

Boom Bang Boom: The beat in this is awesome. The song does jump around music wise a bit but it just makes it more interesting. 

Dracula: This would have made for such an amazing MV. The song as has a dark and haunted feel and the chorus is great.

Paper Heart: This song isn't really a slow song but the vibe is slower then their normal songs. No electronic feel or crazy beat.

The Best Songs You've Never Heard By: Rainbow

People are often familiar with the songs that are featured in music videos for groups. However there are a number of really good songs that people miss because they never check out the groups full track list on their albums.

(The songs listed are of course based off of nothing more then my personal preference. However they might be worth checking out if you want to hear another side of a certain artist you never knew existed.)

[These songs may not be songs of musical genius, but they are different from the normal songs presented by the groups main tracks and worth listening to. Also please note my descriptive skills of the song aren't the greatest but hopefully they are enough to intrigue you into checking them out.]

RAINBOW 

Kiss: A very sweet and innocent song.

I Said You're The One: It's nice to hear slow song from them. It's not quite a ballad but it's a softer.

In Love: This song is full of aegyo.

Don't Touch:This is just a fun upbeat song.

Let's Dance: This is a really nice dancing song just like the title indicates.

I'll Wait for You: Another upbeat song, I really like the little rap inserts.

RAINBOW (Japanese songs)

Alright: This song is so different from the rest of their songs. It has a great build up.

Energy: Just a fierce little song. 

Hello: This song changes it's pace throughout making for an interesting song.

Kiss! Kiss! Disco!: A lot of filters used but it's a fun little song.

(Most of these songs can be found on itunes.)

The Best Songs You've Never Heard By: MissA

People are often familiar with the songs that are featured in music videos for groups. However there are a number of really good songs that people miss because they never check out the groups full track list on their albums.

(The songs listed are of course based off of nothing more then my personal preference. However they might be worth checking out if you want to hear another side of a certain artist you never knew existed.)

[These songs may not be songs of musical genius, but they are different from the normal songs presented by the groups main tracks and worth listening to. Also please note my descriptive skills of the song aren't the greatest but hopefully they are enough to intrigue you into checking them out.]

MissA

[This whole mini album is a win in my opinion. These songs all break the stereotypical kpop sound. If I were to put out a kpop album I would want who ever made these songs to produce it for me.]

Lips: This song is so different from anything i've heard any kpop artist put out. The mixing is crazy and awesome.

No Mercy: Again another amazing sounding song. It's really repeative but great for it.

Over U: This song is also repetitive but it's not a determent to the song.

Love Alone: While this song sort of has an MV this wasn't a major promotion it was made for Yuna Kim's ice show. The songs in English if your interested to hear how they sound in English.

Lived Like A Fool (Bachelor's Vegetable Store OST): This song only features Min but it's a beautiful ballad and their albums really lack ballads.

Step Up: This song is little like Breathe it has an island feel to it.

Are You Dazed: This is a nice slow song that really shows of their vocals.

From 1 to 10: This song has a similar feel of Bad Girl Good Girl but with a piano. 

Mr. Johnny: There's a lot going on this song but it's a good dance song.

Time's Up: Nice dance song.

(Mama) I'm Good: This has a big band type sound.

Come Tonight: This has a R&B feel which is rare to find in a kpop group.

(Most of these songs are on itunes)

The Time It Took Kpop Groups To Reach #1 On Korean Music Shows

Fans in the kpop world often eqaute a groups success with how many times they win #1 on various music shows. However people don't really realize that success in those terms can some time take a while to achive. When I hear people say things like "SPICA just doesn't have what it takes to be a top tier group like f(x) and Girls Day" I just sort of laugh because those people clearly don't realize just how long it took f(x) and Girls Day to even reach #1. Often it takes tons of single releases and years for a group to gain popularity and it often takes just one "good" or unquie song that helps propel them to fame.

[I know Show Champion and Show! Music Core are also music shows but the big ones that people often point to are Inkigayo, M! Countdown, and Music Bank]

{Also note that the line that reads Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1, is referring to reaching #1 on one of the music programs not the music charts.}



GIRL'S DAY: Year of Debut=2010
Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1=11
KBS Music Bank: 0
SBS Inkigayo: 2013
Mnet M! Countdown: 2014

AFTER SCHOOL: Year of Debut=2009
Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 3

KBS Music Bank: 0

SBS Inkigayo: 2009

Mnet M! Countdown: 0

TEEN TOP: Year of Debut=2010

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 4

KBS Music Bank: 2012

SBS Inkigayo: 2012

Mnet M! Countdown: 0

MBLAQ: Year of Debut=2009

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 2

KBS Music Bank: 0

SBS Inkigayo: 0

Mnet M! Countdown: 2010

A PINK: Year of Debut=2011

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 3

KBS Music Bank: 2013

SBS Inkigayo: 2014

Mnet M! Countdown: 2012

SECRET: Year of Debut=2009

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 4

KBS Music Bank: 2011

SBS Inkigayo: 2011

Mnet M! Countdown: 2011

f(x): Year of Debut=2009

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 5

KBS Music Bank: 2011

SBS Inkigayo: 2011

Mnet M! Countdown: 2011

T-ARA: Year of Debut=2007

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 4

KBS Music Bank: 2010

SBS Inkigayo: 2010

Mnet M! Countdown: 2010

Brown Eyed Girls: Year of Debut=2006

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 4

KBS Music Bank: 2008

SBS Inkigayo: 2008

Mnet M! Countdown: 2009

Big Bang: Year of Debut=2006

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 5

KBS Music Bank: 2007

SBS Inkigayo: 2007

Mnet M! Countdown: 2007

KARA: Year of Debut=2007

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 6

KBS Music Bank: 2010

SBS Inkigayo: 2009

Mnet M! Countdown: 2009

2AM: Year of Debut=2008

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 2

KBS Music Bank: 2012

SBS Inkigayo: 2010

Mnet M! Countdown: 2010

BLOCK B: Year of Debut=2008

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 7

KBS Music Bank: 0

SBS Inkigayo: 2013

Mnet M! Countdown: 0

B1A4: Year of Debut=2011

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 7

KBS Music Bank: 2014

SBS Inkigayo: 2014

Mnet M! Countdown: 2014

Jewelry: Year of Debut=2001

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 8

KBS Music Bank: 2008

SBS Inkigayo: 2005

Mnet M! Countdown: 2005

Dynamic Duo: Year of Debut=2004

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 8 (around 8 i'm having a hard time finding their exact stats)

KBS Music Bank: 2013

SBS Inkigayo: 0

Mnet M! Countdown: 2013

Fly to the Sky: Year of Debut=1999

Promotions(singles) Before Reaching #1= 4

KBS Music Bank: 2014

SBS Inkigayo: 2002

Mnet M! Countdown: 2006

As you can see there are a number of groups who had to promote a lot before they won #1. Some groups have never won #1 on some of these show and yet are really well known. (I still can't believe that After School has only won on Inkigayo and none of the other shows.)

{I think it would be mean to post the groups who have never won on any of the programs and there is no point in posting the few groups who managed to win on one of the shows right when they debut because of course there will be groups who had success from the start but fans need to realize that most do not.}

Gaining Traction In Kpop: Rookies (Only The Strong Survive)

As someone who has been following kpop for some time now. I can claim to have seen many kpop groups come and go over the years. If the stats from my Yearly Kpop Debut Chart doesn't shock you with just how many groups debut and are never heard from again then I don't know what will.

It should come as no surprise to my regular readers that I really can't stand kpop fans who whine every time a new group debuts. Because frankly speaking, groups have very little hope of success to begin with, so you should give them a break. Very few groups have what it takes to become successful. I mean really sit and think about it. For every no-name group who gets to debuts and is never heard from again. There are hundreds of hopefuls who train under companies and never debut or enter academies to train in the hopes of becoming a trainee and never make it that far. There are even people who hoped to enter an academy and couldn't even accomplish that. So for all the nugu groups who get their fifteen minutes of fame there are thousands who don't even make it that far.

I thought it might be interesting to look at what it takes to break through the pack and make a name for yourself as a group in the kpop world.


For my lazy readers here's a short list:

1. Money
2. Music
3. Gimmick
4. Talent
5. Timing
6. Luck

For those who care to look more in depth on these topics keep reading.

MONEY: I think it goes without saying that money is the number one thing that can help guarantee that a rookie group stands out. It buys better music production, music video quality, costumes, advertising, etc. I think it is also important to note that influence and money go hand and hand. Have you ever wondered why rookie groups from SM and YG seem to get a lot more attention then a group from a no-name company? It's not necessarily because those groups are better but those groups have the backing of a big company who have personal and financial ties with television stations and various entertainment companies.

Now granted often this influence is earned from years of producing groups that have done well leaving music goers looking forward to what the big name companies will put out next. What it all boils down to in the end is that groups from no-name companies (and by no-name I mean unknown companies or companies with no established artist) have more to prove. There are no set exceptions like with the big name companies. For example when SM releases a new group it is excepted that they will have beautiful or handsome members, as well as at least one or two very strong vocalist, and lets not forget amazing dance skills. If a group comes out of YG expect them to have their own innovative flare, there will likely be someone who writes their own songs or produces their own songs.

MUSIC: This may be the most understated thing on the list. A song doesn't have to be an act of musical genius to shoot you to stardom. Honestly all it takes it one song with a good hook to put a group on peoples radars. (Crayon Pop would be a great example of this)

While fans love to complain that many of the songs that top the charts are mindless pop songs that only seem to repeat the same lyrics over and over again and lack any true vocal ability. I think you could look at a group like SPICA who has major vocal talent and really good songs yet haven't topped the charts yet. People complain they hate sounds that are repetitive and simple, but SPICA is often criticized by netizens for lacking that one defining song that will push them into the realm of relevant groups in Korea.

GIMMICK: Continuing from my last point having a certain defining style or image and promoting it well is integral for gaining a fan base and maintaining it. I'm willing to bet that if SNSD came out with a song and dance like RaNia's Dr. Feel Good right after they released Gee many of their fans would have jumped ship. The same can be said if RaNia promoted a song like Gee right after they released Pop Pop Pop i'm sure the reaction from fans would not be a favorable one. Why you may ask? The answer is simple really. It's not that SNSD couldn't pull off a RaNia song or RaNia couldn't pull off a SNSD song. It's that fans come to expect a certain image and appeal from a group and when groups deviate from that they are seen as tryhards. Honestly speaking very few groups out there are capable of promoting drastically different concepts each time and meeting with success. When a group has a certain image label that isn't necessarily a bad thing as long as they are considered the top group in whatever category they are labeled as.

On the other hand a drastic shift in image can help a group rise to the top. I think it's fair to argue that while Girl's Day had some success with Twinkle Twinkle. It wasn't until they changed to a very sexy concept with Exceptions that they shot to the top tier of girl groups.

TALNET: I think it can be debated that talent could be at the bottom of the list considering some of the groups that debut. I think it's important to realize with idol groups that even though their main focus is music that isn't their only focus so it can be argued that while many groups may not have amazing vocalist they make up for it by having members who are talented and help the group gain recognition through acting roles, variety show appearances, and CF's, and hosting gigs.

I think Super Junior is a good example of a group that doesn't have enough time in each song to let all the members shine, yet the members are all well known thanks to their various jobs in acting and variety gigs. Ever hear of Tiny-G? I bet you have recently thanks to Dohee who was on Reply 1994. Her group has gained a lot of exposure thanks to her praise as an actress in a popular show.

TIMING: Timing and luck could go hand and hand. There are a number of groups that had great potential but simply debut with a concept that was overused or out of fashion. Or they debut at a time when some of the big name groups were having comebacks and they simply fell under the radar.

LUCK: I think kpop fans forget that a lot of things happen by chance and on a whim. Something that initially was never really given much attention before becomes a fad and suddenly everyone's into. I remember when Crayon Pop first came out with Bar Bar Bar. Most of the comments were from people that thought they looked ridiculous. This changed however once it became cool for being something different from the normal mainstream pop music.

Conclusion: When it comes down to it the most important thing a rookie group must do is find who they are as a group, stick with that image and sound, and persevere. Or if nothings working change everything and hope for the best.

The Best Songs You've Never Heard By: GP BASIC

People are often familiar with the songs that are featured in music videos for groups. However there are a number of really good songs that people miss because they never check out the groups full track list on their albums.

(The songs listed are of course based off of nothing more then my personal preference. However they might be worth checking out if you want to hear another side of a certain artist you never knew existed.)

[These songs may not be songs of musical genius, but they are different from the normal songs presented by the groups main tracks and worth listening to. Also please note my descriptive skills of the song aren't the greatest but hopefully they are enough to intrigue you into checking them out.]

GP BASIC

LA LA LA : While there's a lot of auto-tune the hook is addictive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdFREhEGpaU

I'll Be There : I debated should I add this one since it's one of their weaker song but maybe someone will like it. If nothing else though they did not have a MV for this they did preform it live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B7QX8ryz7E

V : This song is one of my favorite songs from them its fun and cute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhXNIOF81LM

Here's a video of their dance for the song

Christmas Carol : This is a Christmas song with a GP Basic flare to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Ki8JTN_9M

Black Bounce : My favorite song of theirs even though it's just an intro for their album. It's hiphop but still feminine and fierce.

If that MV is to seizure inducing here's a live version of the song. They start singing at 0:51.

Here's a dance practice of sorts.

(P.S. Most of these songs are on itunes)