January 13, 2015

2015's Rookie girl groups: Sonamoo VS G-Friend, The A - Z


In 2015 the music industry has brought forth rookie girl groups that have garnered mass interest since the presentation of their debut stages. Last December 29th, TS Entertainment's Sonamoo had a successful and elaborate debut stage. They continued on with music activities, among other things. G-Friend (Yeoja Chingu) will also be debut on the 15th. They are proceeding enthusiastically towards their debut, which will be full of flair, which is sure to increase interest in them. Their debut times are near each other. These two teams will likely be seen as rivals. An in-depth look will be given to each.

Sonamoo is made up of Sumin, Minjae, D.ana, Nahyun, Euijin, High.D, and New Sun. This group of 7 considers itself as one that "brings the breath of life into music." They are strong-willed and ambitious, and aim to spread righteous and empowering messages through their music. Of note is Sonamoo's average height, which is 168 cm, and their average age of 17.7 (18.7 in Korea). They possess powerful visuals, along with their hip-hop tinged debut song Deja Vu. Sonamoo is the girl group whose main point of interest is hip-hop.

G-Friend is a girl group of six that includes Sowon, Eunha, Yuju, Yerin, Umji, and Sinbi.  Their average age is 16.1 (17.1 Korean), and are the youngest girl group in the country based on their birth dates. The team's name 'G-Friend' (girlfriend) presents them as both "sweethearts to men and good friends to women." Everything about them is based on being pleasant girlfriends, exactly as the term is defined. Their aim is "to become close friends with the public by giving them good music that captures their hearts."

◆ "Protector of the Group" - Leaders Sumin VS Sowon



They are both the leader and oldest member in each team. Sonamoo's Sumin was born in 1994 and currently attends Sungshin Women's University, at the Department of Media and Acting. She trained rigorously for four years to improve her skills. Last year she appeared on OCN's drama 'Ghost Seeing Detective, Cheo Yong', where she exhibited her acting talents.

G-Friend's Sowon was born in 1995 and graduated from Hanlim Arts and Entertainment High School, where she also modeled.  She has a voluptuous figure and an exotic appearance, of which were subject of great interest long before her debut. She's a natural born attractive model, who has an excellent fashion walk. Sowon also has great rap skills. Her hobbies include food and movies, something that Sumin has in common with her.

◆ "The youngest ones that you can't resist" - Maknaes New Sun VS Sinbi


Sonamoo's New Sun, born in 1997, is responsible for being the maknae of her team. She is presently enrolled in Hanlim Arts and Entertainment High School. She is also tasked with being the team's star rapper. New Sun writes her own rap lyrics; being one of the youngest among her peers to possess these talents to a high degree.

Sinbi of G-Friend was born in 1998, and is likewise the youngest in her team. Sinbi's resemblance to ex-Girls' Generation member Jessica has garnered her lot of interest. She has an innocent appearance and is recognized for her exceptional dancing skill.

◆ "The talented main vocalists" - Minjae & High.D VS Yuju


Sonamoo's main vocalist is Minjae. She was born in 1994, and like leader Sumin, they have the same age. She attends Myongji University, at the Department of Music. Of all members, her skills specifically include both singing and acting. On the debut album, the song "Everlasting Love" has Minjae bringing forth her bright vocal color successfully. High.D is also one of Sonamoo's main vocalists. She is distinguished for her singing and her outstanding ability to compose her own music. On Secret's "I Would Do Well", she was featured among the talented members in Untouchable's chorus.

G-Friend's Yuju was born in 1997. Her role is being her team's main vocalist. Prior to her debut she was considered as the one with the most vocal training. Her impressive vocal talents are well recognized. Her appearance is very delicate yet her vocals possess a powerful style. She is also a lyricist, composer, and guitar player, among other talents. Their debut song is wrapped under a veil of friendship and female longing, but underneath you should discover talent of a high caliber.

◆ "Schoolmates of the same age" - Euijin VS Yerin


Sonamoo's Euijin and G-Friend's Yerin are both born in 1996. They also attend the same school, Seoul High School of Arts. Of special interest is that Yerin is a best friend of APink's Oh Hayoung, which made headlines when both were seen together. Euijin attracts attention from her supple movements and flexibility that combine together in her impressive dancing talents. Euijin and Yerin, both being of the same age, will have an ongoing competition with each other.

◆  "Versatile entertainers" - Nahyun & D.ana VS Eunha & Umji



Nahyun of Sonamoo was born in 1995 and is presently attending Konkuk University of Arts and Motion Pictures. Nahyun previously debuted in a drama and music video, being proficient enough to be casted on them. D.ana attends Dongduk Women's University, where she takes broadcasting courses along with her regular studies. Her deep voice is charming and its bass gives her rap greater power. Combined with their intense dancing skills, they are both highly versatile entertainers.

G-Friend's Eunha, born in 1997, started out as a child actress, adding another element to her varied talents.  Within the team she serves as a skilled vocalist who is a remarkable jack-of-all-trades. Umji is part of the maknae line and was born in 1998 like Sinbi. She has a cute appearance and is naturally gifted; she is distinguished for her foreign language skills.

In like manner, the members of Sonamoo and G-Friend have positions and specialties that match each other, setting them as natural rivals. Right after the start of 2015, we will witness these ambitious and versatile talents from both teams taking on the music industry as rising stars. As to what will be the result, it is yet to be seen. Due to both of them debuting around the same time and sharing similar concepts, they will unfortunately be regarded as rivals, no matter how well-intention the competition will be. We hope to see both grow and bloom as time goes on.


[fn★기획] 2015년 신인 걸그룹 ‘소나무 VS 여자친구’ A to Z
FN News - Naver News