- For other articles titled 'After School', see After School.
After School (애프터스쿨) is a girl group formed by Pledis Entertainment. Originally as five, they debuted on January 15, 2009 with the single "New Schoolgirl".
The group is known for having an admissions and graduation concept, with their lineup in the number of members being rotational. By the time official members graduate, regular auditions will be held to recruit new members. The future successful candidates start out as trainees and are introduced as official members of After School to replace graduated members.
From 2015 onwards, Pledis halted both After School and Orange Caramel promotions and the members have embarked on individual music, acting and modeling careers. In a May 2019 interview, Lizzy revealed that all members had gradually gone their separate ways. However, the group has not officially disbanded.[1]
History[]
Pre-debut[]
After School was first formed with Kahi as the sole member following the disbandment of Korean-American girl group S.Blush in 2007, as she began planning to produce a new group together with the current CEO of Pledis Entertainment. Aside from Kahi, Bekah was the first member revealed. At the time, she was a trainee while Kahi was still a member of S-Blush. With Kahi's recommendation, Bekah was brought from Hawaii to South Korea. They were then introduced to Jungah, followed by Soyoung and Jooyeon, forming a five-member group.
After School first made an unofficial appearance December 29, 2008, at the year-end SBS Song Festival. Kahi and Jungah performed "Play Girlz" alongside Son Dam Bi whilst the remaining members, Soyoung, Jooyeon and Bekah, served as backup dancers for Son Dam Bi's performance at the event.
2009: Debut with "New Schoolgirl", addition of Uee, "Diva", Soyoung's graduation, addition of Raina and Nana, "Because of You"[]
After School made their official debut as a five-member group with the release of their first single album, "New Schoolgirl", on January 15, 2009. The title track "Ah" was used the main promotional track. They also planned to continue promotions with the b-side "Bad Guy". However, the track was deemed unsuitable and was permanently banned from broadcast due to a featuring a word of profanity in the lyrics.
In April 2009, the group added a new member, UEE, standing them at six members. They made their first-ever comeback on April 9 with their first digital single album, "Diva", and first performed the new song on M Countdown. Then on May 21, After School released "Dream Girl", a cover of Japanese idol girl group Morning Musume's seventh single "LOVE Machine". In July, the group collaborated with Son Dam Bi on the digital single "Amoled". They then became the opening act for The Pussycat Dolls's Doll Domination Tour along with label-mate Son Dam-bi for the Asian dates of the tour.
On October 29, Pledis Entertainment announced that Soyoung would be graduating from After School to pursue her career as an actress. Two new members, Raina and Nana, were introduced to the group, making After School a seven-piece. The group made their comeback with their second single album, "Because of You", on November 25. Promotions for the single lasted between November and December 2009. The title track became extremely popular, which earned After School three Mutizen awards for the group on SBS' Inkigayo.
2010: Addition of Lizzy, "Bang!", first subunit, Happy Pledis 1st Album[]
After School started off 2010 by earning Best Rookie Award at both the Billboard Japan Music Awards and Seoul Music Awards. The group then added an eighth member, after introducing Lizzy. On March 25, After School made their first comeback as an eight-member group with their third single album, "Bang!". The group practiced playing the drums for five months with a trainer for the single.
In June, members Raina, Lizzy and Nana formed After School's first-ever global subunit: Orange Caramel. They are intended to have more lighthearted and sweeter concepts over dark and sensual concepts. Orange Caramel made their debut with their first mini album on June 21, using the title track "Magic Girl" to promote the album.
In December, After School released their first project single album, Happy Pledis 1st Album. Due to Bekah being on a two-month break in Hawaii to visit her parents, she did not participate in recording and promotions.
2011: Virgin, line-up changes, Japanese debut, A.S. Red & Blue[]
On January 27, Pledis Entertainment announced that After School had signed a contract with Japanese record label Avex Trax for them to begin activities in Japan by the end of March. They then began their Japanese activities by collaborating with Japanese R&B singer Amuro Namie, featuring in the song "Make It Happen" for her collaboration album. This marked the first release since adding E-Young to the group on December 31, 2010.[2]
On April 29, After School made their first and only nine-member comeback with their first full-length album, Virgin. The album consists of remastered versions of their previous songs "Because of You", "Bang!" and "When I Fall", in addition to eight brand new songs. The album's title track, "Shampoo" was used during music show promotions.
On June 17, Pledis Entertainment announced that original member Bekah would be graduating from After School after making the decision to return to Hawaii to pursue a new dream. With her graduation, the group is now down to eight members once again.[3]
After Bekah's graduation from After School, Pledis Entertainment announced in July that the group would be splitting up in two subunits for their fourth single album. The names of the two subunits that the members would be divided into were revealed to be A.S. RED, a unit focusing on sexy concepts, and A.S. BLUE, a unit focusing on innocent concepts. Kahi, Jungah, UEE and Nana were placed in A.S. RED, while Juyeon, Raina, Lizzy and E-Young were placed in A.S. BLUE. Both units promoted the title tracks "Into the Night Sky" and "Wonder Boy", respectively. On August 17, After School made their Japanese debut with their first single, "Bang!". Their second Japanese single, "Diva", was released on November 23.
2012: "Rambling Girls / Because of You", Playgirlz, "Lady Luck / Dilly Dally", Kahi's graduation, "Flashback"[]
On January 25, After School released their third Japanese double A-side single, "Rambling Girls / Because of You", featuring a Japanese version of their 2009 hit song "Because of You" and a brand new Japanese song, "Rambling Girls". Then on March 14, they released their first Japanese full-length album, Playgirlz, which consist of all songs from their previously released Japanese singles including six new songs. To promote the release of their first Japanese full-length, After School would embark on a national Japanese tour in late April. They performed at Zepp Tokyo on April 27 in Tokyo, at Zepp Nagoya on April 28 in Nagoya, and in Namba, Okasa on April 30. The April 27 concert saw the debut of a new member, Kaeun, who would continue to make appearances for the other stops on the tour.
On June 13, After School's fourth Japanese double A-side single, "Lady Luck / Dilly Dally" was released. Prior to its release, Pledis Entertainment announced on June 5 that Kahi would graduate from After School to pursue solo activities. On June 17, Kahi officially concluded all activities as a member of After School and graduated from the group. Afterward, Jungah was appointed as the group's new leader. The group made a comeback on June 20 with their fifth maxi single "Flashback". The new release marked Kaeun's first as a member of After School, and their first without Kahi, who had already graduated from the group.
2013-2015: "First Love", continued Japanese activities, indefinite hiatus[]
On March 27, 2013, After School released their first Japanese best album, The Best of Afterschool 2009-2012 -Korea Ver.-. Afterward, the group's agency announced in May that they would be making a comeback sometime in June. On June 13, After School's sixth maxi single, "First Love", was released.
After promotions for their sixth maxi single ended, the group released two consecutive Japanese singles, "Heaven" and "Shh", on October 2, 2013 and January 29, 2014, respectively. All tracks from both singles were later included on their second Japanese full-length album, Dress to Kill which was released on March 19, 2014. From November 21-24, After School embarked on their second Japanese tour, Dress to Shine. On December 31, Jooyeon announced her graduation from After School after deciding not to renew her contract with Pledis Entertainment. However, she would continue to promote with the group in Japan, as her contract with Avex Trax has not yet expired.
On March 18, 2015, After School released their second Japanese best album, Best, consisting of all Japanese original songs. Two days later, Jooyeon officially graduated from the group at a fan-club event at Negishi Tokyo Cinema in Tokyo, held to promote the album, where she received her graduation diploma.
Shortly after Jooyeon's graduation from After School, Pledis Entertainment announced their decision to halt all activities of After School and Orange Caramel so that the members will pursue solo activities.
2016-2024: Members' graduations, reunion[]
On January 28, 2016, Jungah officially graduated from After School after seven years of activities, making her the final original member of After School to graduate from the group.[4]
On May 31, 2017, Pledis Entertainment announced UEE's graduation from the group and departure from the agency after eight years of activities.[5] As a result, After School continued their activities as a five-member group for the first time since their debut.
On May 1, 2018, Lizzy announced her graduation from After School following the expiration of her contract with Pledis Entertainment.[6] Despite this announcement, she would remain a member of Orange Caramel.
On May 15, 2019, Lizzy mentioned that all After School members gradually went their separate ways.[1]
On July 3, Pledis Entertainment announced that Kaeun would be leaving the agency following the expiration of her contract.[7]
On December 27, Pledis Entertainment announced Raina would be leaving the agency after her contract had expired the same day and decided not to renew.[8] Earlier in the month, E-Young also left Pledis Entertainment after deciding not to renew her contract.
On June 3, 2021, members Jungah, Jooyeon, Bekah, Raina and Kahi reunited as After School as part of a guest appearance on SBS' internet program MMTG for its special Hidden Gems segment. After deciding on "Bang!" and "Diva" during the program, the five members performed the two songs as part of MMTG's Hidden Gems concert on June 12.
On September 2, 2024, SUBLIME announced that Nana had signed on with the agency as an actress, thus confirming her departure from Pledis Entertainment after 15 years.[9] With her departure, all members of After School have left Pledis Entertainment.
Members[]
| Name | Position(s) | Years active |
|---|---|---|
| Inactive | ||
| Raina (레이나) | Main Vocalist | Oct. 2009–2019; 2021-present |
| Nana (나나) | Main Dancer, Lead Rapper, Vocalist, Visual, Face of the Group (Maknae 2009–2010) | Oct. 2009-present |
| Lizzy (리지) | Lead Vocalist, Rapper (Maknae 2010–2011) | 2010–present |
| E-Young (이영) | Lead Vocalist (Maknae 2011–2012) | 2011–present |
| Kaeun (가은) | Lead Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper, Maknae (2012–present) | 2012–present |
| Former | ||
| Kahi (가희) | Leader (2009–2012), Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist, Lead Rapper, Center | Jan. 2009–2012; 2021 |
| Jung Ah (정아) | Leader (2012–2016), Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer | Jan. 2009–2016; 2021 |
| Soyoung (소영) | Vocalist | Jan.-Oct. 2009 |
| Jooyeon (주연) | Vocalist, Visual | Jan. 2009–2015; 2021 |
| UEE (유이) | Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper, Visual | Apr. 2009–2017 |
| Bekah (베카) | Main Rapper, Vocalist (Maknae 2008–2009) | Jan. 2009–2011; 2021 |
- Kaeun, Raina and E-Young left the company before they got the chance to graduate from the group.
Sub-units[]
- Orange Caramel (2010–2015)
- A.S. RED (2011)
- A.S. BLUE (2011)
Table[]
| Name | Orange Caramel | A.S. RED | A.S. BLUE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kahi | Former | ||
| Jung Ah | Former | ||
| Soyoung | |||
| Juyeon | Former | ||
| UEE | Former | ||
| Raina | Yes | Former | |
| Bekah | |||
| Nana | Yes | Former | |
| Lizzy | Yes | Former | |
| E-Young | Former | ||
| Kaeun |
Discography[]
Korean[]Studio albums[]
Single albums[]
Digital singles[]Project singles[]
Promotional singles[]
Remix singles[]
Collaborations[]
OSTs[]
|
Japanese[]Studio albums[]
Best albums[]
Video albums[]
Singles[]
|
Gallery[]
_Promotional_Photo.png "After School Bang(JPN) Promotional Photo.png (399 KB)")
_group_promo_photo.webp "After School Diva (Japanese single) group promo photo.webp (61 KB)")
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Soompi: Park Soo Ah (Lizzy) Talks About After School Members’ Ongoing Sisterhood
- ↑ Soompi: Fans Should Expect More Additions to After School
- ↑ Soompi: After School’s Bekah Withdraws To Return To Hawaii
- ↑ Soompi: Jungah “Graduates” From After School, Contract With Agency Ends
- ↑ Soompi: UEE Leaves After School + Shares Handwritten Letter With Fans In Light Of Departure
- ↑ Soompi: Breaking: Lizzy Graduated From After School
- ↑ Soompi: After School's Lee Ga Eun To Leave Pledis After Releasing Farewell Solo Track; Pens Heartfelt Letter To Fans
- ↑ Soompi: After School’s Raina To Part Ways With Pledis Entertainment After Deciding To Not Renew Contract
- ↑ Soompi: Nana Signs With New Agency After 15 Years At PLEDIS
Official links[]
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