Brown Eyed Girls

Juli 11, 2011

Brown Eyed Girls

Background information
Origin :South Korea
Genres :Pop, R&B
Years active :2006–present
Labels :NegaNetwork (South Korea)Sony Music Japan International (Japan)[1]
Website :browneyedgirls.co.kr
Members :Jea,Miryo,Narsha,Ga-in

The Brown Eyed Girls (Korean: 브라운 아이드 걸스), often abbreviated as B.E.G., are a South Korean girl group managed by Nega Network. The group consists of four members: Jea, Miryo, Narsha, and Ga-in. Since debuting in 2006, the group has risen to popularity through a number of hit singles, beginning with 2008's "Love".
•

History

Debut

According to leader Jea, Jea herself went around and searched for the other members of BEG. The first member Jea picked out was Miryo, who was known as a great female rapper from the hip-hop community. Miryo previously worked with other fellow rappers, such as Gil Seong-joon from Leessang, and the main female rapper in well-known hip-hop group Honey Family. Narsha was chosen when Jea remembered her as "talented singer" from her high school days. Ga-in was selected by the three members after she was eliminated from "Battle Shin Hwa". According to Ga-in, she was crying in the bathroom after failing the audition, was found by composer Ahn Jung Hoon, and then was chosen through the audition in Brown Eyed Girls' company. The four members held several small size concerts, and was actually known as "Crescendo" before officially debuting as "Brown Eyed Girls".[citation needed]

After more than 3 years of training in singing and holding several small size concerts, the Brown Eyed Girls released their debut album Your Story in South Korea in February 2006. The album was well-received critically but did not do as well as expected commercially.[citation needed] However, it did spawn their hit debut single "Come Closer" (다가와서), which became a minor hit throughout Korea. The album was later re-released to include "Hold The Line" (which samples "Push The Button" by British girl band Sugababes and "Technologic" by Daft Punk). This song also became a hit, further boosting the band's popularity. "Hold the Line" was disclosed across the world because it was included in the list of songs from the game Pump it Up.

After a short break, the group went back into the studio to work on their second album Leave Ms. Kim (떠나라 미스김), which included the single "You Got Me Fooled" (너에게 속았다). Subsequent singles were "Oasis" (오아시스) featuring Lee Jae Hoon and "It's Mine" (내꺼야), a collaboration with fellow group SeeYa.

During the break between their debut and second albums, the Brown Eyed Girls released their first digital single entitled "I Am a Summer" (내가 여름이다), which was later included in their second LP.

The first two albums contained typical R&B ballads which had been very popular in the K-pop scene.[citation needed] However, the commercial success was relatively higher in two singles between the first and second albums.[citation needed] "Hold the Line" and "Oasis" can be categorized as dance and retropop, respectively. Moreover, the second album containing "You Got Me Fooled" (너에게 속았다) was released at nearly the same time as Wonder Girls' "Tell Me" which received a nationwide success in Korea. Therefore, their second album was once again a commercial disappointment.[citation needed] At the same time, the general K-pop scene was changing from R&B ballads to dance music.[citation needed]

2008: With Love and My Style mini albums

In January 2008, the group released their first mini album With Love. The first single taken from the mini-album was "Love", which became an instant hit in South Korea, making the girls a household name.[citation needed] "Love Action" was the second single taken from the mini album. With Love also marked the group's second digital album (after "I Am a Summer"), though it was released in conventional CD format as well. After the release of their first mini-album, they could achieve the commercial success.[citation needed] "Love" was composed by Saint-Binary and Min-Soo Lee.

In September 2008, the "Brown Eyed Girls released their second mini-album in My Style. Their new single "How Come" (어쩌다) became their biggest hit of 2008, topping many music charts. After promotion for "How Come" ended, they released the 3-track follow-up My Hidden Style, which included the single "My Style", a remake of their hit "Love". Both "My Style" and "How Come" were successful singles. Their second mini album, My Style contained "How Come". It also contained "You", which was composed by Saint-Binary and Min-Soo Lee.

2009–present: Sound G

On July 20, 2009, the Brown Eyed Girls released their third full-length album, the double-disc Sound G . Even though "Candy Man" was the first song unveiled from the album, the first heavily promoted single was "Abracadabra"- The release of this album also saw a shift in the image of the group, as the members redefined themselves as independent and mature city girls, which is a trend with many K-Pop groups.

The release of the "Abracadabra" music video sparked controversy. As the group is sporting a substantially more provocative visual style, criticism has arisen for the suggestive and erotic themes that the video presents. They later released a "stage version" of the video, which focuses only on the choreography. "Abracadabra" was composed by Ji-nu and Min-Soo Lee. Ji-nu was a famous bassist in the legendary acid-jazz band in Korea, Roller Coaster. After the disband of Roller Coaster, Jinu became a famous DJ regarding electronic music. He composed the first part of "Abracadabra", and tried to compose the refrain part. However, he could not think of a good idea to make the refrain part. Therefore, Min-Soo Lee, who worked with BEG previously, helped and composed the refrain part of "Abracadabra".

The Brown Eyed Girls revealed a repackaged version of the album titled Sign that included a new single, "Sign", along with "Drunk On Sleep" and a remix of their previous hit "Abracadabra". The repackaged album was released along with the music video for "Sign". The music video caused controversy because of its content, it featured scenes of violence and death, including Ga-In drowning in a tank of water. "Sign" has reached certain success, but it has not matched the success of the band's previous single "Abracadabra".

In August 2010, the group re-released Sound G in Japanese to promote them in the country . Also, a new music video was filmed for the Japanese version of "Sign". Its content is completely different from the original Korean version of the song, since the new version focuses on choreography while the original version did not feature any.

After the success of the album, the members concentrated more on their individual activities. Narsha and Gain released their solo album while Jea participated with extra promotions in Thailand and later on she also released a ballad single. Aside from that they also became part of popular variety shows. Ga-in has appeared on We Got Married with 2AM's Jo Kwon since September 2009. The couple is very popular in Korea and is one of the most recognized virtual couples in the country. Narsha has appeared on Invincible Youth (also known as G7) since October 2009. She is known on the show as "Sung In Dol" (Adult idol) due to her age difference with other members and her funny, but naughty reactions on the show.

2011

On January 17, the Japanese music video for "Sign" was released. [2] The group is planning to begin promotions in Japan in early 2011. [3]

Meanwhile, the group is planning a Korean comeback, and their fourth studio album was rumored to be released on March 2011 however the stated release date of the album is found to be untrue but the group is actually in the midst on their preparaton for their comeback.[4]

On June 21st, a representative for Nega Network stated, “The Brown Eyed Girls are currently preoccupied with recording for their new album. It’s been a while since their last album was released, so they’re investing a lot of effort into [their new album], and thus the preparation keeps getting longer.”

He added, “However, they will be able to greet their fans with a new song by mid-July. They plan to release a digital single and a mini-album right after.” As said on 'All kpop.

Other musical efforts

The girls have also been featured on several South Korean Drama soundtracks. Including The Vineyard Man (Loving You), Queen of Games (독한 사랑), Dae Jo Yeong (대조영), The Kingdom of The Winds (다애), My Fair Lady (I Love You), and Chuno (Me-Ah).
JeA also participated in OST songs even before Brown Eyed Girls' debut.
Also, Miryo and JeA collaborated for the single "Love Is..." which was released in May of 2010.

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album information
2006 Your Story
• Released: March 9, 2006
• Format: CD
• Label: CJ Music
2007 Leave Ms. Kim ("떠나라 미스김")
• Released: September 6, 2007
• Format: CD
• Label: Seoul Records
2009 Sound G.
• Released: July 20, 2009
• Format: CD
• Label: Mnet

Mini albums

Year Album information
2008 With Love
• Released: January 17, 2008
• Format: CD, digital
• Label: Seoul Records
My Style
• Released: September 18, 2008
• Format: CD, digital
• Label: Mnet
Singles
2009: "Abracadabra"
2009: "Sign"

Members

• JeA (제아) (b. September 18, 1981 (age 29)), birth name Kim Hyo Jin (김효진), who is preparing for her solo debut in the later half of 2011. (Leader, Lead Vocalist)

• Miryo (미료) (b. November 2, 1981 (age 29)), birth name Jo Mi Hye (조미혜), who is occasionally featured as a rapper in other singer's songs, and preparing for solo debut in the later half of 2011. (Main Rapper, Sub Vocalist)

• Narsha (나르샤) (b. December 28, 1981 (age 29)), birth name Park Hyo Jin (박효진), also debuted as a solo artist with her mini-album Narsha released on July 7 and her follow up song "Mamma Mia".[citation needed] (Main Vocalist, Sub Rapper)

• Ga In (가인) (b. September 20, 1987 (age 23)), birth name Son Ga In (손가인), also debuted as a solo artist with her mini-album step 2/4 released on October 8, 2010. She was a couple in "We Got Married" with Jo Kwon of 2AM. (Vocalist, Sub Rapper, Lead Dancer)

Awards

Year Awards

2006 • Cyworld Digital Music Awards: Song Of The Month (July) 'Hold the Line" [5]
• 16th Seoul Music Awards: New Artist Award[citation needed]

2008 • 23rd Golden Disk Awards: Digital Music Award[6]

2009 • 18th Seoul Music Awards: Bonsang Award[citation needed]
• Cyworld Digital Music Awards: Song Of The Month (August) "Abracadabra"[7]
• Mnet Asian Music Awards: Best House & Electronic Song "Abracadabra"[citation needed]
• Mnet Asian Music Awards: Best Female Group[citation needed]

2010 • 2009 Cyworld Digital Music Awards:Bonsang Award
• 19th Seoul Music Awards: Bonsang Award[citation needed]
• 7th Korean Music Awards: Best Dance & Electronic Album "Sound-G"[citation needed]
• 7th Korean Music Awards: Best Dance & Electronic Song "Abracadabra"[citation needed]

Music Programs

These are a collection of Brown Eyed Girls wins on Korea's televised music shows. Inkigayo is aired on SBS, M! Countdown on Korea cable channel Mnet and Music Bank on KBS.
Music Bank
Year Date Song
2008 February 22 L.O.V.E
2009 August 21 Abracadabra

Inkigayo

Year Date Song
2008 March 2 L.O.V.E
March 9
2009 August 16 Abracadabra
August 23

M! Countdown

Year Date Song
2009 August 20 Abracadabra
September 3

MEMBER PROFILE

Real Name: Kim Hyo Jin
Position: Leader
Born: September 18, 1981
Blood Type: O
Hobbies: Piano
Ideal Guy: one who is manly with comprehension
Favorite Musicians: Eric Benet

Real Name: Jo Mi Hae
Position: Rapper
Born: November 2, 1981
Blood Type: A
Hobbies: Guitar, Listening to music
Ideal Guy: one who is refined & has a great sense of humor
Favorite Musicians: Seotaiji & Kids, Michael Jackson

Real Name: Park Hyo Jin
Position: Vocal
Born: December 28, 1981
Blood Type: A
Hobbies: Piano, Collecting CDs
Ideal Guy: one with sense
Favorite Musicians: T (Tasha), Beyonce, Insooni

Real Name: Son Ga In
Position: Vocal
Born: September 20, 1987
Blood Type: B
Hobbies: Interior designing, Dancing, Watching movies
Ideal Guy: one that attracts you with one look
Favorite Musician: D-Sound

DISCOGRAPHY

Vol. 1: Your Story
Release Date: March 2, 2006

01 세컨드 (Second)
02 다가와서
03 Far Away (Feat. MC 몽)
04 끈
05 Every Body (Feat. Big Tone)
06 잊어가잖아
07 오늘은 그대와 하늘 위로 (Feat. Bobby Kim)
08 넌 누굴 사랑하니?
09 1.2.3.4
10 혼잣말
11 네가 오는 날
12 Watch Out
13 묻지 못한 이야기
14 이제야 비로소 사랑을 말할 수 있다
15 Timing

Vol. 1: Your Story Repackaged Album
Release Date: August 29, 2006
Disc 2
01 Hold the Line feat. Jo PD
02 Second (Rock Remix Version)
03 Second (Hip-Hop Version)
04 Hold the Line (Instrumental)
05 Second (Instrumental)

Volume 2: Leave Ms. Kim
Release Date: September 6, 2007

01 There is No Man feat. Young Ji
02 I'm Laughing (Ga In)
03 Leave Ms. Kim
04 Tagger
05 I Got Fooled By You
06 Why of All Things
07 Oasis feat. Lee Jae Hoon
08 Dazzlingly Good Day
09 Triangle
10 Hypnosis
11 Mine
12 How Could I Love You
13 Tagger (Background Music)
14 Leave Ms. Kim (Background Music)

Third Album - Sound G
Release Date: July 20th, 2009

DISC01.
01. Glam Girl
02. Abracadabra
03. 중독
04. Candy Man
05. Moody Night
06. 이상한 일
07. 못 가
08. 여자가 있어도
09. 잘할게요
10. Abracadabra [Instrumental]
11. Candy Man [Instrumental]
12. 잘할게요 [Instrumental]

DISC02.
01. DJ Cloud Translates L.O.V.E - (Cloud Remix)
02. Haihm Translates SECOND - (Haihm Rebuild)
03. East4a Translates YOU - (East4a Soulsome Mix)
04. Hitchhiker Translates 어쩌다 - (Hitchhiker(Jinu) Dynamic Mix)
05. Saintbinary Translates HOLD THE LINE - (Saintbinary Sweet Purple Remix)
06. Junjaman Translates MY STYLE - (Junjaman Wet Dream Remix)
07. Fraktal Translates OASIS - (Fraktal Desert Is Land Mix)

Mini Albums

With L.O.V.E Brown Eyed Girls (January 08)
01 Love Action (Feat. Jo PD)
02 L.O.V.E
03 이별편지 (Farewell Letter)
04 Love Action (Rap by Miryo)
05 Love Action (inst)
06 L.O.V.E (inst)
07 이별편지 (Farewell Letter) (inst)

Festa On Ice (April 2010)
01. Magic (Festa On Ice 2010 Theme)
02. Jump
03. Abracadabra (Festa On Ice 2010 RE-EDIT)
04. Magic (Inst.)
05. Jump (Guitar ver.)

Singles

To My Lover Single - Brown Eyed Girls (Je-A) & Seeya (Yeon Ji)
Release Date: September 2006
01 The Day
02 情
03 The Day (Version 2)
04 情 (Hiphop Version)
05 The Day (Instrumental)
06 情 (Instrumental)

Must Have Love Single - SG Wannabe (Yong Jun) & Brown Eyed Girls (Ga In)
Release Date: November 2006
01 Must Have Love
02 Must Have Friends
03 Must Have Love (Melody Version)
04 Must Have Friends (Rhythm Cut)
05 Must Have Love (Instrumental)
06 Must Have Friends (Instrumental)

My Style
Released: 2008-09-19

01. You
02. How Come
03. 겨우
04. 다시는 사랑 안할래
05. How Come (Inst.)
06. 다시는 사랑 안할래
07. My Style (Hidden Track)

Sound G
Released: 2009-07-20

01. Candy Man

Digital Singles

Hold the Line (feat. Jo PD)
Release Date: July 2006
01 Hold the Line

I Am Summer
Release Date: June 21, 2007
01 Oasis feat. Lee Jae Hoon
02 Mine
03 Oasis Instrumental
04 Mine Instrumental