After School (애프터스쿨; stylized as AFTERSCHOOL in Japan) is a South Korean girl group formed by Pledis Entertainment in January 2009. They were originally a five-member group modeled after the Pussycat Dolls, however in February 2009 Pledis announced After School would become a rotational group.
History[]
Debut[]
After School trained for two years and was unveiled in December 2008 at the SBS Gayo Daejeon. They performed the song, "Play girlz" which was later included on their debut single with Son Dam-bi. Son Dam-bi was speculated to have joined the group, however it was later confirmed that Dam-bi would not be a part of After School.
Initially a 5 member girl group modeled after the Pussycat Dolls, After School officially debuted at Music Core on January 17, 2009 with the performances of "AH!" and "Play Girlz". Their debut sparked controversy due to their sexy image, and they received a call from Music Bank asking them not to perform "AH!" due to the program not having enough time to fit them in the schedule. However, on February 4, 2009, After School was chosen to endorse the Adidas' "Me, Myself" global campaign. During this month, it was also announced by Pledis Entertainment that along with their Pussycat Dolls concept, After School would model their group after Morning Musume; the members would "graduate" or leave at a certain stage of the group.
In March 2009, After School acquired a behind the scenes reality show on MTV titled Diary of After School. The first episode was aired on March 1, 2009 and spanned for a total of 4 episodes. Following promotional activities for "AH!", After School planned to continue to promote New Schoolgirl with "Bad Guy", the third track from their single. However, the track was deemed unsuitable and was banned to broadcast because a single word of profanity was in the lyrics.
2009[]
On April 6, 2009, Pledis Entertainment revealed After School's 6th member UEE, and sequentially released the MV teaser for Diva, their first digital single. Diva was released digitally on April 9, 2009 and After School debuted the track on "M.net M!Countdown" the same day. With Son Dam-bi opening, they were invited to perform as guest performers for the Pussycat Dolls premier concert in Seoul for 6 consecutive nights.
They released their 2nd digital single "Dream Girl", a remake of Morning Musume's "Love Machine" on May 21, 2009; the song was used as the theme song for the Hello! Project Korea auditions show titled "Great Tokyo Girls".
The MV for "Dream Girl" was released on May 22, 2009. They participated along with Bi, Lee Hyori, and Son Dam-bi at a concert held at Kyung Hee University on May 22, 2009 where they performed "AH!" and "Diva". In July 2009, it was announced that UEE would make her acting debut in the MBC drama Queen Seon Duk as the young version of Go Hyun Jung's character "Misil". UEE's popularity spiked to stardom with her appearances in Queen Seon Duk, the SBS drama You're Beautiful, and the MBC We Got Married variety show.
In the same month, After School formed a project group with Son Dam-bi and they released "Amoled" for the Samsung HP model. The song was released on July 22, 2009 and the MV was released on July 23, 2009.
On October 29, 2009, it was announced So Young left the group in order to pursue an acting career. On November 12, 2009, Pledis announced they would return with a new member who was a trainee with the company. However, on November 17, 2009 teaser photos were released that revealed two new members, Raina and Nana. They released three sets of teaser photos from November 17, 2009, to November 21, 2009.
The MV teaser for "Neo Ttaemune", their 2nd physical single, was released on November 23, 2009. Coincidentally, the song was leaked by Girls' Generation Tae Yeon's MBC Chin Chin Radio program. Towards the incident, Pledis Entertainment stated "It is true that the songs can be aired once it is approved, however, songs are usually aired after the official release date of the album. Considering the varying amounts of time each broadcasting company takes to review, we normally send the songs in early. Wouldn't the pattern be broken if the broadcasting companies aired them beforehand?" Nevertheless, "Neo Ttaemune" was released on November 25, 2009 and the single reached #1 on the online charts. After School debuted "Neo Ttaemune" on MBC Music Bank on November 27, 2009.
In response to Pledis Entertainment's statement, Chin Chin Radio demanded an apology from the company; the radio program stated "The song had completed its review procedures so we didn't pre-release it. It was already approved. People said Chin Chin has done this before. That is not true. They (other companies) apologized for their previous incidents and released corrections on false reports." Following MBC's demand for an apology, Pledis Entertainment apologized on November 30, 2009 saying that the examination schedule had not been followed on their part and that they are very sorry for questioning the integrity of MBC.
The "Neo Ttaemune" MV was released on November 30, 2009 and the song dominated online charts in less than 10 days. They won their first "Mutizen" on SBS Inkigayo on December 20, 2009.
They won the "Best Style Icon" at the "2009 Korean Lifestyle Awards" on December 22, 2009.
2010[]
In March 15, 2010, After School's official website published a new picture of the group as a teaser for their upcoming comeback. In the photo, an unknown eighth member appeared. This new member had her head down and no information about her identity was reveled. One day later the identity of the new member was revealed, a 19-year-old newcomer named Lizzy. Also on the same date, After School official website stated the date for their comeback as for March 25, 2010.
On May 31, 2010, it was announced that After School would split into subgroups. UEE will not be participating due to her drama activities, leaving 7 members. It was revealed on June 1, 2010, that Kahi would be a solo artist during the solo activities.
In June 6, 2010, the first group was announced, Orange Caramel. The first member was announced on the same day, and this member was Nana. The second member, revealed the next day was Raina. The final member, announced on June 8, was Lizzy. The group's debut mini-album, The First Mini Album, was released on June 17, 2010. Orange Caramel's concept is 'Candy Culture' which means they are cute and bright, but can be innocent and lovely at the same time.
In December 2010, After School released their fourth single "Hazel Eyes". The single, the first on a charity project singles by Pledis Entertainment was released under the stage name "Happy Pledis". Bekah did not take part on the release and Pledis only stated that she was taking a two-month vacation in Hawaii.
On December 31, 2010, After School participated on the annual MBC Gayo Daejun. The group performed the song "Bang!" and making an interlude, a new member was introduced. The new member, E-Young, appeared dressed with the same outfit as the group playing an electronic guitar solo.
2011[]
In February 2011, Kahi's solo debut mini-album's title and cover art were revealed. The mini-album, Dorawa Nappeun Neo, was released on Valentine's Day.
After several months of absence, the group returned in April 2011 with their first album titled "Virgin", which would have the lead single "Shampoo". This is the first album with new member E-Young, the only member of the fourth generation. The album also featured an unknown singer credited as "Pre-School Girl Yun Jo", who is presumably a Pledis Entertainment trainee.
On January 27th, Pledis Entertainment stated that they had signed a contract with a Japanese record label Avex Trax, in order to start activities in Japan in late March. After School's Japanese website was open. Known as AFTERSCHOOL in Japan, they began operations through their collaboration with Japanese R&B singer Namie Amuro on the song "Make It Happen" for Amuro's collaborative album Checkmate!. This release was E-Young's first official activity as a member of the group. In March 2012, the song was nominated for Best Collaboration at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2012.
In June 2011, it was announced that Bekah would graduate from the group to pursue her original dream of becoming a designer in Hawaii, after ending the promotions for VIRGIN. In July 11, Bekah released her graduation digital single "Take Me To The Place", and officially left the group. Bekah did not participate on Amuro's collaboration, as at that time she was probably still in Hawaii.
On 11 July 2011, the group would split into two sub-units for promotions, A.S. BLUE and A.S. RED. A.S. Red would have a fierce and strong concept, while A.S. Blue would have a more cute concept. Fans would vote for the members of each of sub-unit. A.S. Red would consist of Kahi, Jung-A, Nana, and UEE, while A.S. Blue would consist of Juyeon, Raina, Lizzy and E-Young. A.S. Red would promote "In the night sky" while A.S. Blue would promote "Wonder Boy". These sub-units would have considerable controversy with accusations of plagiarism and criticism for having the most popular members in one group and less popular in another.
In August, 2011 After School began their official expansion into Japan by releasing their first Japanese single "Bang!", a Japanese version of their third Korean single of the same name. On November 23 they released their second Japanese single which would be the Japanese version of "Diva". This album would include "Tap Slap" which is the new version of "Let's Step Up".
2012[]
The girls started the year with their third Japanese single "Rambling Girls" on January 25th. This would be their first original Japanese song, and the single also included a Japanese cover of their famous track "Because Of You".
On February 29, After School released a digital coupon for the single, "Just in time", to promote the new album, Playgirlz which was released on March 14, 2012. The album contains all their singles in Japanese, and six original Japanese songs. The regular edition of the album also includes a Japanese version of Orange Caramel single, "Shanghai Romance" as a bonus track. The album debuted at number six on the Oricon album chart, with sales estimated at around 11 000 copies in the first day, and number nine on iTunes Japan. The album debuted at number eight on the list weekly Oricon album with some 16 000 sales. After the release of the album, the group began their promotional tour entitled Playgirlz in late April. With a total of four dates, the tour began at Zepp Tokyo on April 27, followed by the Zepp Nagoya on April 28, and Namba in Osaka on April 30. The tour ended on 17 June at the Tokyo Dome City Hall, which was also the last time the former leader Kahi was presented with the group.
After one year of activities in Japan, in June 2012, it was announced that a new member, Ka Eun, would join the group. It was also announced that Kahi officially graduated from After School on June 17th when the Japanese tour ended. She intends to to pursue a solo career and study acting, but will stay with Pledis Entertainment. She stayed with the group until September, at which time she officially departed the group.
2013[]
On February 2013, After School and their label-mate Son Dam-bi became the new faces of the women's Specialty Private Apparel (SPA) brand ‘Mixxo‘! They would be endorsement models for Mixxo in Korea, China, and Japan markets.
Finally after many failed-attempt announcements for a comeback, After School returned on the 12th of June with "First Love" from their 6th Maxi Single. With a sexy concept in which pole dancing was the main element of the choreography, they drew attention and praise from critics. After School held a showcase for the comeback on 13 June at the Lotte Card Art Center. Lizzy had to stop doing promotions due to an ankle injury, and because of an incident on Show Champion, Nana also had to stop doing promotions due to a hip injury.
During the promotions of Cheot Sarang their Japanese comeback was announced with their 5th Japanese single "Heaven", which also includes the track "Crazy Driver". The single was released on October 2, 2013, ranking 6th on the Oricon charts.
After an agreement with Yuehua Entertainment the girls began to promote in China on various music programs, presenting "Let's Do It" and "Bang!". The group did not even have time to make an official debut.
On December 19th, the group released their sixth Japanese single "Shh", which ranked 7th on the Oricon charts.
2014[]
On January 9th the group announced they will release their 2nd Full Length Japanese Album Dress to Kill on March 19th, 2014. Their 2nd full length Japanese album Dress To Kill includes 12 tracks, having "Ms. Independent" as their title track, and released in three versions.
On February 20th the group announced their 6th digital Korean single Week, and on February 22nd it was announced that it had scored #1 on various music charts.
In an interview with Ilgan Sports on April 1, UEE hinted that she may be graduating from After School fairly soon in order to focus on her acting. She talked about her plans after graduation: "I want to focus on acting. That's why I find every performance at events precious now. It's more poignant now that I think there isn't much time left for me on stage."
On August 20, 2014 the group announced their second Japanese concert tour, "Dress to SHINE" that ran for three days.
On December 22, it was announced that Juyeon would leave the group, her contract with Pledis Entertainment is expiring on the 31st, and she's planning not to renew the contract. She'll be leaving both the group and the label, and her last activities as After School will be the Chinese concert she has on the 31st. However, her contract with Avex Trax had not expired so she continued to do promotions with AFTERSCHOOL in Japan.
2015[]
After School released their music video for "SHINE" on February 9th to promote their Japanese compilation album AFTERSCHOOL BEST which was released on March 18th. Jooyeon officially graduated from the group on March 20th, at a fan-club event at Negishi Tokyo Cinema in Tokyo, held to promote the album, where she received her graduation diploma.
2016[]
Jung-A graduated from the group after seven years of activity on January 28, 2016. After School would continue to promote as six members.
2017[]
On May 31, 2017, Pledis announced that Uee had graduated from the group after eight years of activity due to the expiration of her contract. After School would continue as five members for the first since the group debuted. In June Uee signed with new management agency Yuleum Entertainment.
2018[]
On May 1, 2018, Pledis announced that Lizzy had graduated from the group after eight years of activity due to the expiration of her contract. Pledis Entertainment later stated that despite this, Lizzy would still continue to be a member of After School's subgroup, Orange Caramel.
2019[]
On May 15, 2019, Lizzy mentioned that After School members gradually went their separate ways. Kaeun and Raina left the group in July and December 2019, respectively, following their contract expirations. In December 2019, E-Young announced on Instagram that she also left the group and company following her contract expiration and is working on her solo career. This leaves Nana as the final member of After School.
Members[]
Their Pledis Entertainment color is Yellow.
Current Members[]
- Nana (나나; Red)(Joined: November 17, 2009)
Former Members[]
Founding members (January 15, 2009)[]
- So Young (유소영; Aqua)(Graduated: October 29, 2009)
- Bekah (베카; Light Blue)(Graduated: June 18, 2011)
- Kahi (가희; Gold)(Graduated: June 17, 2012)
- Juyeon (주연; Blue)(Graduated: March 20, 2015)
- Jung-A (정아; Green)(Graduated: January 28, 2016)
Joined Members[]
- UEE (유이; Purple)(Joined: April 6, 2009; Graduated: May 31, 2017)
- Lizzy (리지; Orange)(Joined: March 15, 2010; Graduated: May 1, 2018)
- Raina (레이나; Yellow)(Joined: November 17, 2009; Graduated: December, 2019)
- E-Young (이영; Pink)(Joined: December 31, 2010; Graduated: December, 2019)
- Ka Eun (가은; Brown)(Joined: June, 2012; Graduated: July, 2019)
| Year/Month | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | 1 | 4 | 10 | 11 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 12 | ||||||
| So Young | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Bekah | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Kahi | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Juyeon | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Jung-A | ||||||||||||||||||||
| UEE | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Lizzy | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ka Eun | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Raina | ||||||||||||||||||||
| E-Young | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Nana | ||||||||||||||||||||
Korean Discography[]
Albums[]
- [2011.04.27] Virgin
Singles[]
- [2009.01.15] New Schoolgirl
- [2009.11.25] Neo Ttaemune (너 때문에; Because of You)
- [2010.03.25] Bang!
- [2010.12.07] Hazel Eyes (Happy Pledis)
- [2011.07.20] In the night sky (A.S. RED)
- [2011.07.20] Wonder Boy (A.S. BLUE)
- [2012.06.20] Flashback
- [2013.06.13] Cheot Sarang (첫 사랑; First Love)
Digital Singles[]
- [2009.04.09] Diva
- [2009.05.22] Dream Girl
- [2009.07.23] Amoled (Son Dam-bi & After School)
- [2009.12.22] Nun Naerineun Maeul (눈 내리는 마을)
- [2010.01.22] Neo Ttaemune (Remix) (너 때문에; Because of You)
- [2014.02.20] Week (일주일)
Collaborations/ Other[]
- [2009.07.13] Olympic Duet Song Festival #6 Jung Joon Ha feat. After School
- [2009.08.06] Sunny Side - Neoege (feat. After School)
- [2009.08.31] Tempted Again OST (#5 After School feat. Sunny Side - Banjjog)
- [2010.05.18] The Shouts of Reds. United Korea
- [2011.12.01] LOVE LETTER
- [2011.12.13] Lights And Shadows OST Part.1 (#1 Ijeonna)
Japanese Discography[]
Albums[]
- [2012.03.14] Playgirlz
- [2014.03.19] Dress to Kill
Best Albums[]
- [2013.03.27] The Best of AFTERSCHOOL 2009-2012 -Korea Ver.
- [2015.03.18] AFTERSCHOOL BEST
Singles[]
- [2011.08.17] Bang!
- [2011.11.23] Diva
- [2012.01.25] Rambling Girls /Because of you
- [2012.06.13] Lady Luck / Dilly Dally
- [2013.10.02] Heaven
- [2014.01.29] Shh
Digital Singles[]
- [2011.08.10] Bang! (Reckochoku Digital Single)
- [2011.11.14] Diva (Reckochoku Digital Single)
- [2012.02.29] Just in Time (Reckochoku Digital Single)
- [2012.05.23 - 06.13] Lady Luck (Reckochoku Digital Single)
- [2013.09.18] Heaven (Reckochoku Digital Single)
Collaborations/ Other[]
- [2011.04.27] Make It Happen - Namie Amuro (feat. AFTERSCHOOL)
Works[]
Magazines[]
- [2009.03] InStyle
- [2010.11.25] Elle
- [2010.12] Elle
- [2011.11.04] CECI
- [2011.02] Coupang
- [2011.05] Elle
- [2012.01.15] Pick up Artist 02
- [2012.02.19] GLAMOUROUS
- [2012.09.25] Cosmopolitan
- [2013.12.21] Rayli
- [2014.01.08] SoCool Magazine
- [2014.01.26] MIXXO
Video Releases[]
- [2013.03.27] AFTERSCHOOL First Japan Tour 2012 -Playgirlz-
Tour[]
Main article: After School Concert & Events
- 2012 – 2013: AFTERSCHOOL with PLAYGIRLZ Fanmeeting tour
- 2012: Playgirlz (concert)
- 2014: After School 2014 Japan Tour
Filmography[]
Movies[]
- [2011] White as Pure
Television[]
- [2009.03.01 - 2009.3.22] MTV Diary of After School
- [2010] Play Girls School
- [2013 - 2014] After School's Beauty Bible
- [2014–2015] After School's Beauty Bible 2014 F/W
Gallery[]
Awards[]
- [2009.04.01] Cyworld Rookie of the Month of April
- [2009.12.20] SBS Inkigayo #1 - "Neo Ttaemune"
- [2009.12.22] 2009 Korean Lifestyle Awards - Best Style Icon
- [2009.12.27] SBS Inkigayo #1 - "Neo Ttaemune"
- [2010.01.24] SBS Inkigayo #1 - "Neo Ttaemune"
- [2010] Billboard Japan Music Awards - K-Pop New Artist of the Year 2009
- [2010] Seoul Music Awards - Best Newcomer
- [2011] Korea International Awards - Top 5 International Artists
- [2011] Korea International Awards - Top 5 Female Groups
- [2011] Korean Culture Entertainment Awards - Korea Entertainment News
- [2011] Korean Popular Culture and Arts
- [2012] MTV Video Music Awards Japan: Best Collaboration Video - "make it happen" w/ Amuro Namie
- [2013] Billboard #1 - "10 Most Sexy videos kpop 2013"
- [2013] The 4th Annual KPOP and Music Awards 2013: "Best Concept Award" First Love
- [2014] 2014 Asian Model Awards: "Popular Singer Award"
Trivia[]
- They are all fans of Morning Musume, they even covered their song "Love Machine" ("Dream Girl").
- Their official fanclub name is Playgirlz.
- Their official balloon color is Yellow.
- They had a dance battle with Girls' Generation, with their song "Neo Ttaemune", which they won. They performed the song again, but this time a dance battle against SHINee, which they won again.
- To date, After School has never lost in a Dance Battle against other idol groups. It is said that After School is one of the best k-pop female groups.
Total Sales Count[]
| Year | Group Sales | Collaboration Sales | Total Sales |
| 2009 | 30,000 | 0+ | 30,000 |
| 2010 | 26,194 | 0 | 56,194 |
| 2011 | 127,939 | 0 | 184,133 |
| 2012 | 79,975 | 0+ | 264,108 |
| 2013 | 38,877 | 0 | 302,985 |
| 2014 | 21,296+ | 0+ | TBA |
External Links[]
| After School | |
|---|---|
| Members | Nana |
| Former Members | So Young, Bekah, Kahi, Juyeon, Jung-A, UEE, Lizzy, Raina, E-Young, Ka Eun |
| Albums | 01 ,02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Korean Singles | 01 ,02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 |
| Japanese Singles | 01 ,02, 03, 04, 05, 06 |
| Related Units | Orange Caramel, A.S. RED, A.S. BLUE, Unit ver. 2 |