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Right now, it's Girls' Generation! Tomorrow, it's Girls' Generation! Forever, it's Girls' Generation!
(지금 바로, 소녀시내! 앞으로, 소녀시대! 영원히, 소녀시대!)

—Girls' Generation

Girls' Generation (Hangul: 소녀시대; Kanji: 少女時代; also known as SNSD or SoShi) is an eight-member girl group under SM Entertainment. Originally as nine, they debuted on August 5, 2007 with their first single "Into the New World".

They are often referred to as "The Nation's Girl Group".

History[]

Pre-debut[]

Girls' Generation Into the New World promotional photo

Promo photo for "Into the New World"

Prior to their official debut, Girls' Generation was known as "Super Girls", a fan-made name that reflected how SM Entertainment touted the group as the female version of Super Junior. The group was announced to include members with diverse talents and language skills for future expansion into international markets.

Throughout its pre-debut period, the group saw many lineup changes. However, perhaps its best known pre-debut lineup consisted of 12 members: Soyeon, Taeyeon, Jessica, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, Hajin, Seohyun, Hwanhee and Chanmi. However, Soyeon, Hajin, Hwanhee and Chanmi all left or were cut from the group. A final trainee, Sunny, was added to the group shortly before its debut.

2007: Debut with "Into the New World", first music show win, Girls' Generation[]

From July 7, 2007, through July 14, the debuting lineup of Girls' Generation was revealed, starting with Yoona, followed by Tiffany, Yuri, Hyoyeon, Sooyoung, Seohyun, Taeyeon, Jessica, and finally Sunny. On July 18, the group had their first public performance on Mnet's School of Rock. A week later, on July 27, a documentary titled Girls' Generation Goes To School captured the members as they prepared for their official debut.

Girls' Generation's debut single, "Into the New World", was released on August 2, 2007. Three days later, the group held their debut stage at SBS' Inkigayo.

Girls' Generation Girls' Generation promo photo 1

Promo photo for Girls' Generation

On October 11, Girls' Generation achieved their first-ever music show win with "Into the New World" on Mnet's M! Countdown.[1]

Girls' Generation made their first-ever comeback with the release of their first full-length album, Girls' Generation, on November 1, 2007. Its title track of the same name is a remake of Lee Seung-chul's 1989 hit song.

2008: "Kissing You", Baby Baby[]

Following the success of "Girls' Generation", in January 2008, the group began promoting "Kissing You" as their first studio album's second single. The music video for the song, released on January 14, featured a cameo from Super Junior's Donghae.

On March 17, 2008, a repackage of Girls' Generation, titled Baby Baby, was released. Afterwards, the members began solo promotional activities, thus sending the group into an indefinite hiatus period.

After 9 months of hiatus, in December 2008, SM Entertainment announced the group would make their comeback in January 2009.

2009: Major breakthrough with Gee, Tell Me Your Wish (Genie) ,and first concert tour[]

Girls' Generation Gee promotional photo

Promo photo for Gee

On January 7, 2009, Girls' Generation released their first mini album, titled Gee, and its title track of the same name. The album's title track went on to become a cultural phenomenon; it claimed the number one position on Music Bank for a then-recording-breaking nine consecutive weeks. Furthermore, the song's "crab dance" choreography and skinny-jean styling set trends all over South Korea.[2] In 2011, "Gee" was crowned 'Song of the Decade' by MelOn.

Girls' Generation's second mini album, Tell Me Your Wish (Genie), along with its title track of the same name, was released in June 2009. The physical album's release was delayed from June 25 to June 29 after controversy arose on the original artwork, which was then re-edited. Coincidentally, American pop star and global icon Michael Jackson died on the album's original intended release date while in the midst of rehearsals for the This Is It tour. Girls' Generation later paid tribute to him.

In October, Girls' Generation collaborated with labelmate f(x) for "Chocolate Love", which served as a promotional single for LG's Chocolate cell phone.

On November 11, SM Entertainment announced that Girls' Generation would embark on their first-ever concert tour the following month.[3] Tickets for the tour went on sale on November 19 and sold out within three minutes.[4] The tour, titled Girls' Generation Asia Tour: Into The New World, initially consisted of two Seoul dates: December 19 and December 20. However, in order to meet fans' requests for additional concerts, two "encore" dates were announced in January 2010.[5]

2010: Oh!, Run Devil Run, Japanese debut, and Hoot[]

Girls' Generation Oh! promotional photo

Promo photo for Oh!

On January 21, 2010, SM Entertainment announced that Girls' Generation would be making a comeback with their second full-length album, Oh!.[6] The album, along with its title track of the same name, was released on January 28. A repackage of the album, Run Devil Run, was released on March 11.

In mid-2010, Girls' Generation signed a record deal with Natyutawave Records (now EMI Records Japan) to venture out into the Japanese music market.[7] Their debut Japanese DVD, New Beginning of Girls' Generation, was released on August 11 and later became certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).

Girls' Generation's debut Japanese single, "Genie", was released on September 8. Their second Japanese single, "Gee", was released on October 20. Five days later, on October 25, the group released their third Korean mini album, titled Hoot.

2011: 2nd concert tour, "Mr. Taxi", first Japanese album, and The Boys[]

Girls' Generation The Boys promotional photo

Promo photo for The Boys

On March 7, 2011, it was announced that Girls' Generation would be embarking on their first nationwide tour in Japan, covering spots in Tokyo, Osaka, Saitama, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima.[8] Simply titled The First Japan Arena Tour, the concert tour was slated to begin on May 18, but was postponed to May 31 in light of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.[9] Later, a new version of the tour, titled 2011 Girls' Generation Asia Tour, made stops in South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand.

On April 23, Girls' Generation released their first original Japanese single "Mr. Taxi". "Mr. Taxi" acted as the lead single for the group's self-titled debut Japanese album, released on June 1. The album remains the highest-selling album by a Korean group in Japan.

The group's third full-length Korean album, The Boys, was released on October 19. A repackage of the album, titled Mr. Taxi, was released on December 9. On New Year's Eve, the group participated in the 62nd edition of the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen as part of the "Akagumi" (Red Team), performing "Genie".

2012: International expansion, TaeTiSeo, "Paparazzi", Girls & Peace, and "Dancing Queen"[]

Girls' Generation Paparazzi promotional photo

Promo photo for "Paparazzi"

On January 17, 2012, the group released an international version of The Boys, which included an English version of the title track of the same name. To promote the single, Girls' Generation appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman and Live! with Kelly, becoming the first-ever Kpop act to perform on a U.S.-network television show.

In April 2012, SM Entertainment announced that three members of Girls' Generation - Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun, would form a sub-unit called Girls' Generation-TTS.[10] The unit's debut mini album, Twinkle, was released on April 29.

Girls' Generation's fourth Japanese single, "Paparazzi" was released on June 20. The single, along with subsequently releases "All My Love is for You", "Oh!", and "Flower Power", were included on the group's second Japanese album Girls & Peace - released on November 28. To support the album, the group embarked on their second Japanese tour, Girls' Generation ~Girls & Peace~ Japan 2nd Tour, from February through April 2013.

On December 21, the group released "Dancing Queen", the lead-single for their then-upcoming fourth Korean album.

2013: I Got A Boy, 3rd concert tour, Love & Peace[]

Girls' Generation I Got a Boy promotional photo

Promo photo for I Got a Boy

On January 1, 2013, Girls' Generation released their fourth Korean album, titled I Got a Boy. To support the album, the group embarked on their third Asian concert tour, titled Girls' Generation World Tour ~Girls & Peace~, from June 2013 through February 2014. Although marketed as a "world" tour, the group only visited seven cities across Asia.

On June 19, 2013, the group released "Love & Girls", the lead single for their then-upcoming third Japanese album. Two more singles, "Galaxy Supernova" and "My Oh My", were released on September 11 and November 5 respectively. Girls' Generation's third Japanese studio album, Love & Peace, was released on December 10.

2014: Mr. Mr., Japan concert tour, The Best, Jessica's departure, and Tokyo Dome concert[]

On February 24, 2014, Girls' Generation released their fourth Korean mini album, titled Mr. Mr., and its title track of the same name.

From April 26 through July 13, the group embarked on their third Japanese concert tour, titled Girls' Generation ~Love & Peace~ Japan 3rd Tour. The concert tour grossed over $31.6 million in revenue, thus becoming one of the highest-grossing tours by a girl group in history.[11]

On July 23, Girls' Generation released their first Japanese compilation album The Best, consisting of the group's previous Japanese singles and one new song: "Indestructible".

Girls' Generation The Best promotional photo

Promo photo for The Best

Coinciding with the group's fifth Japanese debut anniversary, on August 25, 2014, SM Entertainment announced the group would hold a concert performance at the Tokyo Dome in December.[12] All 50,000 available tickets sold-out, making Girls' Generation the first foreign girl group to sell-out the venue.[13]

On September 30, SM Entertainment released an official statement announcing that member Jessica would no longer be part of the group due to reoccurring scheduling conflicts.[14] Girls' Generation's final released with nine-members, "Divine" was included on the reissue of The Best, which was released on October 15.

Girls' Generation's first major activity as an eight-member group occurred on December 9 with their "The Best Live" at Tokyo Dome performance.

2015: "Catch Me If You Can", "Party", Lion Heart, 100th music show win, and 4th concert tour[]

Girls' Generation Catch Me If You Can promotional photo

Promo photo for "Catch Me If You Can"

On April 10, 2015, Girls' Generation released "Catch Me If You Can", which was simultaneously released in Korean and Japanese versions. The song marked Girls' Generation's first musical release as an eight-member group.

On July 7, the group released "Party", which acted as the pre-release single for their fifth Korean full-length album Lion Heart. The album was later released on August 19 with its double title tracks "Lion Heart" and "You Think".

Ten days after the release of "Party", on July 17, Girls' Generation became the first-ever Korean act to achieve 100 music show wins.[15]

To support the release of Lion Heart, the group embarked on their fourth Asian concert tour, titled Phantasia. From November 21, 2015 through May 8, 2016, the concert tour visited cities in South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan.

2016–2017: "Sailing (0805)", 10th anniversary with Holiday Night[]

Girls' Generation Lion Heart promotional photo

Promo photo for Lion Heart

The year 2016 proved quiet for Girls' Generation's activites as a group; instead, the members focused on their individual activites. However, in celebration of their ninth-debut anniversary, on August 5, 2016, the group released the digital single "Sailing (0805)" as part of SM Entertainment's SM Station project.

On July 27, 2017, SM Entertainment confirmed that Girls' Generation would be making a comeback to celebrate their 10th-anniversary as a group.[16] On August 6, the group held a special fan-meeting, "A Decade to Remember", to celebrate the milestone.[17] The next day, on August 7, their sixth full-length album, titled Holiday Night, along with its double title tracks "Holiday" and "All Night", were released.

On October 10, SM Entertainment announced that members Tiffany, Sooyoung and Seohyun had decided not to renew their contracts with the agency.[18] However, despite the departure of the members' from the agency, Girls' Generation would not be disbanding and future activities were still to be discussed.

2018–2021: Hiatus, Oh!GG[]

Girls' Generation Holiday Night concept photo (2)

Promo photo for Holiday Night

Following the departures of Tiffany, Sooyoung and Seohyun from SM Entertainment, Girls' Generation entered an indefinite hiatus period in which the members would focus on their solo activities.[19][20]

On August 27, 2018, it was announced that the five remaining members under SM - Taeyeon, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri and Yoona - would be debuting as a sub-unit called Girls' Generation-Oh!GG. The sub unit's debut single, "Lil' Touch", was released on September 5.

2022–2023: Return for 15th anniversary with Forever 1, Sunny's departure from SM[]

On May 17, 2022, SM Entertainment announced that Girls' Generation will be making a full-group comeback in August to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary. This marks the group's first comeback in five years since the release of Holiday Night.[21] On June 10, it was revealed that Girls' Generation will be starring in their own variety show, Soshi TamTam, which is set to premiere on July 5.[22][23]

Girls' Generation Forever 1 group concept photo 3

Promo photo for Forever 1

On July 4, Sooyoung revealed that the group was in the final stage of preparations in releasing their seventh full-length album for their upcoming August comeback.[24] Over a week later, on July 12, it was revealed that Girls' Generation will perform at SMTOWN Live 2022: SMCU Express@Human City Suwon as a full group - the first time since 2017.[25]

On July 25, 2022, it was announced that the group would be coming back on August 8 with their seventh full length album, Forever 1, and its title track of the same name.[26] The album was later certified Platinum by Circle Chart for selling over 250,000 units.[27]

To conclude Forever 1's promotional cycle, the group held a special fanmeeting, titled 2022 Girls' Generation Special Event "Long Lasting Love", at the KSPO Dome in Seoul on September 3.

Following Girls' Generation's 16th debut anniversary, on August 7, 2023, member Sunny announced via her personal Instagram that she had decided not to renew her contract with SM Entertainment.[28] Therefore, only four members of the group remain under SM: Taeyeon, Hyoyeon, Yuri and Yoona.

Members[]

Name Position(s) Years active
English Korean Japanese
Taeyeon 태연 テヨン Leader, Main Vocalist 2007–present
Sunny 써니 サニー Lead Vocalist, Sub Rapper 2007–present
Tiffany 티파니 ティファニー Lead Vocalist, Sub Rapper 2007–present
Hyoyeon 효연 ヒョヨン Main Dancer, Main Rapper, Sub Vocalist 2007–present
Yuri 유리 ユリ Main Dancer, Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist 2007–present
Sooyoung 수영 スヨン Lead Dancer, Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist 2007–present
Yoona 윤아 ユナ Lead Dancer, Lead Rapper, Sub Vocalist, Visual, Center 2007–present
Seohyun 서현 ソヒョン Lead Vocalist, Maknae 2007–present
Former
Jessica 제시카 ジェシカ Main Vocalist 2007–2014
Pre-debut
Soyeon 소연 ソヨン Leader N/A
Jessi[29][30] 제시 ジェシー N/A
Hajin 하진 ハジン
Hwanhee 환희 ファンヒ
Chanmi 찬미 チャンミ

Sub-units[]

Table[]

Name Girls' Generation-TTS Girls' Generation-Oh!GG
Taeyeon Yes Yes
Sunny Yes
Jessica
Tiffany Yes
Hyoyeon Yes
Yuri Yes
Sooyoung
Yoona Yes
Seohyun Yes

Discography[]

Korean[]

Studio albums[]

Mini albums[]

Live albums[]

Special albums[]

Single albums[]

Digital singles[]

Remix singles[]

Promotional singles[]

OSTs[]

  • "Thirty Thousand Miles in Search of My Son OST" ("Touch the Sky") (2007)
  • "Hong Gil Dong OST" ("Litte Boat") (2008)
  • "Beethoven Virus OST" ("Day By Day") (2008)
  • "Heading to the Ground OST" ("Motion") (2009)
  • "Pasta OST Part 4" ("I Want to Dream With You Forever") (2010)
  • "My Friend Haechi OST" (2010)
  • "Make Your Move OST" ("Cheap Creeper") (2014)

Japanese[]

Studio albums[]

Best albums[]

Video albums[]

  • New Beginning of Girls' Generation (2010)
  • The 1st Asia Tour: Into the New World (2011)
  • First Japan Tour (2011)
  • Girls' Generation Complete Video Collection (2012)
  • Girls' Generation ~Girls & Peace~ Japan 2nd Tour (2013)
  • Girls' Generation in Las Vegas (2014)
  • Girls' Generation ~Love & Peace~ Japan 3rd Tour (2014)
  • Girls' Generation The Best Live at Tokyo Dome (2015)
  • Girls' Generation –Phantasia-in Japan (2016)

Singles[]

Digital singles[]

Filmography[]

Films[]

  • I Am (2012)
  • SMTown: The Stage (2015)

Television dramas[]

  • Kimcheed Radish Cubes (MBC, 2007) - cameo
  • Sazae-san 3 (Fuji TV, 2011) - cameo

Reality shows[]

  • Girls' Generation Goes to School (2007)
  • MTV Girls' Generation (2007)
  • Factory Girl (Mnet, 2008)
  • Girls' Generation's Horror Movie Factory (MBC, 2009)
  • Himnaera Him! (MBC, 2009)
  • Girls' Generation's Hello Baby (KBS Joy, 2009)
  • Girls' Generation Star Life Theater (2011)
  • Girls' Generation and the Dangerous Boys (JTBC, 2011–2012)
  • Channel Soshi (OnStyle, 2015)
  • Soshi TamTam (JTBC, 2022)

Videography[]

DVDs/Blu-Rays[]

  • Girls in Tokyo (2010)
  • New Beginning of Girls' Generation (2010)
  • The First Asia Tour: Into the New World (2011)
  • First Japan Tour (2011)
  • Girls' Generation Complete Video Collection (2012)
  • 2011 Girls' Generation Tour (2012)
  • Girls & Peace: 2nd Japan Tour (2013)
  • Love & Peace: 3rd Japan Tour (2014)
  • Girls' Generation – World Tour: Girls & Peace in Seoul (2015)
  • "The Best Live" at Tokyo Dome (2015)
  • Girls' Generation–Phantasia-in Japan (2016)
  • Girls' Generation 4th Tour 'Phantasia' in Seoul (2017)

Concerts[]

Asia tours[]

Japan tours[]

Solo concerts[]

Fanmeetings[]

Concert participation[]

  • SMTOWN Live '08 (2008)
  • SMTOWN Live '10 World Tour (2010–11)
  • SMTOWN Live World Tour III (2012–13)
  • SMTOWN Live World Tour IV (2014–15)
  • KCON 2014 LA (2014)[31]
  • KCON 2015 NY (2015)[32]
  • SMTOWN Live Tour V in Japan (2016)
  • SMTOWN Live World Tour VI (2017)
  • SMTOWN Live 2022 : SMCU Express@Human City Suwon (2022)

Photobooks[]

  • Girl in Tokyo (2010)
  • All About Girls' Generation: Paradise in Phuket (2011)
  • Holiday (2011)
  • Girls' Generation in Las Vegas (2014)

Endorsements[]

  • Elite Tuning Style Uniform (2007-2008)
  • Ellesse (2008)
  • Viliv PMP X5 (2008)
  • Samsung AnyCall "Haptic" (2008)
  • MapleStory (2008)
  • Bubble Fighter (2008)
  • Goobne Chicken (2008-2010)
  • Miero Beauty N (2009)
  • Banana Milk (Taeyeon, Sunny, Yuri, Sooyoung & Seohyun only) (2009)
  • Post Granola Cereal (Sunny, Sooyoung & Seohyun only) (2009)
  • Samyang Ramyun (2009)
  • SPAO (2009-2010)
  • Viliv P-Book S5 | Viliv Hand Top S7 (2009)
  • LG CYON New Chocolate (2009)
  • Dungeon Fighter Online (2009)
  • Phone Widget T-store (2009)
  • Shinhan Card (2009)
  • Domino's Pizza (2010)
  • LG Cyon (2010)
  • iPopcorn (2010)
  • Nintendo DSi (2010)
  • Samsung China (2010)
  • Everland's Caribbean Bay (Yuri, Yoona & Seohyun only) (2010)
  • Biotherm (Yuri, Tiffany & Sooyoung only) (2010-2012)
  • vita500 (2011)
  • E-ma Nodoame (2011)
  • Christian Dior Cosmetics (2011)
  • Lipton (2011)
  • 7-Eleven (2011)

Gallery[]

Main article: Girls' Generation/Gallery

References[]

  1. YouTube: SNSD's 1st Music Show Win (October 11, 2007)
  2. Billboard: The Legacy of Girls’ Generation’s ‘Gee,’ 10 Years Later
  3. Asiae: Girls' Generation to embark on Asia tour next month
  4. Chosun Ilbo: Girls' Generation Gig Sells Out In 3 Minutes
  5. Daily Sports (Korean, Archived): 소녀시대, 팬 기대에 보답… “단독 콘서트 한번 더”
  6. Korean Herald: Girls' Generation to release 2nd album
  7. Chosun Media: Girls' Generation Poised for Big Time in Japan
  8. Shoujo Jidai Announce Japan Arena Tour + original Japanese single
  9. Girls' Generation Japan Tour dates changed, Hiroshima and Saitama performances added
  10. Soompi: Girls’ Generation Unit Group "TaeTiSeo" to Release "Twinkle" Online on April 29
  11. Sports DongA (KOR): 소녀시대, 전 세계 걸그룹 투어 매출 4위…357억원!
  12. Soshified: Girls' Generation Announce 'The Best Live at Tokyo Dome' concert
  13. Weekly Today: Girls' Generation sold out all seats for Tokyo Dome performances
  14. Soompi: SM Releases Official Statement Regarding Jessica, Girls' Generation to Continue as 8
  15. YouTube: Girls' Generation's 100th Music Show Win (July 17, 2015)
  16. Soompi: Girls’ Generation Reveals More Details About Comeback And Shares Another Gorgeous Teaser For YoonA
  17. Soompi: Girls’ Generation Talks About How 10 Years Flew By During Their 10th Anniversary Fan Meeting
  18. Yonhap: Girls' Generation's Tiffany, Sooyoung and Seohyun to leave S.M. Entertainment
  19. Elite Daily: Girls' Generation's Reaction To Tiffany Young's Solo Album Highlights Their Tight Bond
  20. South China Morning Post: Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon on her new career as a DJ and collaborating with 3LAU and Ummet Ozcan
  21. Soompi: Girls’ Generation Confirmed To Make Comeback As Full Group For 15th Anniversary
  22. Soompi: Girls’ Generation To Star In Their Own Variety Show For 15th Anniversary Ahead Of Full-Group Comeback
  23. Allkpop: 'Soshi TamTam' PD describes each member of Girls' Generation
  24. Soompi: Sooyoung Reveals Girls’ Generation Will Release Studio Album For Upcoming Comeback + Talks About Boyfriend Jung Kyung Ho And Advice For Juniors
  25. @SMTOWNGLOBAL on Twitter (July 12, 2022)
  26. @GirlsGeneration on Twitter (July 25, 2022)
  27. Soompi: TXT, TWICE, And IVE Earn Circle Million Certifications + NewJeans, Girls’ Generation, THE BOYZ, And BTS Go Platinum
  28. Soompi: Girls' Generation's Sunny Announces Departure From SM Entertainment In Heartfelt Letter
  29. Koreaboo: Jessi Reveals She Could Have Debuted In Girls’ Generation
  30. KpopStarz: Jessi Reveals She Almost Debuted in SNSD — But THIS Was Why She Didn't
  31. KpopStarz: Girls' Generation Performed A Heartwarming Stage For Their U.S. Return At KCON
  32. KCON USA: KCON 2015 NY

Official links[]

Korean
Japanese

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