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Girls' Generation

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Girls' Generation is a highly influential South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment.

SNSDfans
SNSDfans

In South Korea, they are known by the honorific nickname "The Nation's Girl Group." Their Korean name is So-Nyeo Si-Dae, which translates to "Generation of Girls." Because the name uses Sino-Korean roots, it is similar in other languages. In Japan, the name is pronounced as Shōjo Jidai. In Mandarin Chinese, it is called Shàonǚ Shídài. They are also commonly known by the abbreviations SNSD or SoShi.

The group's musical identity is built on several distinct genres. Their signature styles are characterized as electropop and bubblegum pop. However, their discography shows great variety and technical range. They have incorporated hip hop, R&B, and EDM (electronic dance music) into their performances. This ability to shift between styles helped them maintain popularity across different musical eras.

Girls' Generation at the 2008 beach volleyball competition in Jamsil 2
Girls' Generation at the 2008 beach volleyball competition in Jamsil 2

Becoming a member of Girls' Generation requires an intensive training system. Many members joined SM Entertainment through various auditions and scouting methods. Jessica was the first to join the training system in 2000 after being scouted at a mall. Hyoyeon and Sooyoung were cast through the 2000 S.M. Open Audition. Yuri joined after placing second in a 2001 dance competition. Yoona was cast through a 2002 audition where she performed songs by BoA and Britney Spears. Seohyun, the youngest member, was scouted in a subway station and auditioned in 2003. Taeyeon joined in 2004 after winning a singing competition. Tiffany was cast through the Starlight Casting System in Los Angeles. Sunny had been a trainee since 1998 and even trained with another company called Starworld before returning to SM in 2007.

The group officially debuted on August 5, 2007, on the program Inkigayo. They performed their first single, "Into the New World," from their self-titled debut album. This first album sold over 120,000 copies in South Korea by 2009. Their massive breakthrough occurred in 2009 with the single "Gee." This song held the number-one spot on KBS's Music Bank for nine consecutive weeks. This was a record that stood until 2012. "Gee" also became Melon's most popular song of the 2000s decade.

Girls' Generation achieved historic milestones in the Japanese music market. In 2011, they released their eponymous Japanese album. This became the first album by a non-Japanese girl group to be certified million by the RIAJ.

Girls' Generation in 2010 Golden Disk Awards
Girls' Generation in 2010 Golden Disk Awards

They were also the first non-Japanese girl group to have three number-one albums on the Oricon Albums Chart. Their three Japanese concert tours were massive successes. These tours attracted a record-breaking 550,000 spectators.

SNSDfans
SNSDfans

Their impact is reflected in numerous global statistics and awards. They are the first Asian girl group to achieve five music videos with over 100 million views on YouTube. These videos are "Gee," "I Got a Boy," "The Boys," "Mr. Taxi," and "Oh!". In 2013, the title track "I Got a Boy" won Video of the Year at the first YouTube Music Awards. Their second Korean studio album, Oh!, won the Golden Disc award for Album of the Year. This made them the first and only female act to win the Album Daesang.

Girls' Generation at DMC Festival 2015 MBC Radio DJ Concert 02
Girls' Generation at DMC Festival 2015 MBC Radio DJ Concert 02

Throughout their career, the group has experienced both growth and change. Originally a nine-piece ensemble, member Jessica departed from the group in September 2014. The group currently consists of eight members: Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun.

After a five-year hiatus to focus on individual careers, they returned in 2022. They released their seventh Korean studio album, Forever 1.

SNSD at LG Cinema 3D World Festival (4)
SNSD at LG Cinema 3D World Festival (4)

This return solidified their lasting connection to the global K-pop industry.

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🖼️ Images & Media (9)
File:Girls' Generation at the 2008 beach volleyball competition in Jamsil 2.jpg
Girls' Generation at the 2008 beach...
File:Girls' Generation in 2010 Golden Disk Awards.jpg
Girls' Generation in 2010 Golden Disk Awards.jpg
File:SNSD at LG Cinema 3D World Festival (4).jpg
SNSD at LG Cinema 3D World Festival (4).jpg
File:KOCIS Korea Mnet Girls Generation 14 (12986855965).jpg
KOCIS Korea Mnet Girls Generation 14...
File:Girls' Generation at DMC Festival 2015 MBC Radio DJ Concert 02.jpg
Girls' Generation at DMC Festival 2015...
File:Girls' Generation performing at MBC 2017 DMZ Peace Concert 03.png
Girls' Generation performing at MBC 2017...
File:KOCIS First lady Kim Yoon-ok and SNSD, Girls' Generation (6068662692).jpg
KOCIS First lady Kim Yoon-ok and SNSD,...
File:SNSDfans.jpg
SNSDfans.jpg
File:LG 시네마 3D TV 새 모델 ‘소녀시대’ 영입.jpg
LG 시네마 3D TV 새 모델 ‘소녀시대’ 영입.jpg
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