The phenomenon of overnight fame for unknown groups due to a hit song is nothing new to
fans of Kpop.
However, there are certain songs that unexpectedly become popular again after several months
or even years after their initial release, causing less popular groups to rise to fame.
Have you heard of any of these groups?
Join us as we take a look at this list of nugu groups rising all of a sudden!
Fifty Fifty became famous for the sweet song Cupid
Fifty Fifty is a rookie music group that debuted in November 2022, but they were completely
unknown and even with extensive promotion on digital music platforms, they did not receive
much attention.
It wasn't until the catchy chorus and sweet love message of their song "Cupid" became
a popular sound on TikTok that fans started to pay more attention to
Fifty Fifty.
Not only did the name of Fifty Fifty spread throughout Korea, but they also penetrated
into the Asian market and even the North American market, becoming one of the most talked-about
music groups today.
Fifty Fifty didn't come from one of the major entertainment companies in Korea.
Instead of immediately making waves with record-breaking achievements or a debut music video with hundreds
of millions of views, they were even "ignored" in the domestic market.
However, Fifty Fifty knew how to use the power of social media to take small steps and create
a big impact.
When "Cupid" was first released, Fifty Fifty didn't even make the top 1000 on MelOn's daily
chart.
Their rankings on other digital platforms were also not very promising (Genie #150,
Bugs #10, Vibe #74).
Their album sales were also not impressive, selling only over 10,000 copies in more than
a month.
However, thanks to the power of TikTok, everyone was surprised by the viral success of "Cupid,"
which brought the new female rookie group to a shining debut on the notoriously competitive
US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Even the Korean music industry professionals had to acknowledge "Cupid" as a miracle of
the small music group.
At the end of March 2023, Fifty Fifty made their debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at #100,
becoming the sixth Kpop group to achieve this prestigious ranking in just 130 days since
their debut.
Although they have already become one of the top entertainment forces in Asia, Kpop only
recognizes five groups that have had songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 the fastest,
including Wonder Girls, BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and NEWJEANS.
What's noteworthy is that Fifty Fifty with "Cupid" not only surpassed Kpop's formidable
newcomer, NEWJEANS, but also outperformed their famous seniors like Jimin and Jisoo.
While both global stars dropped in the Billboard rankings, Fifty Fifty was the only Kpop group
to move up the chart.
After three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, "Cupid" climbed from #100 to #85, surprising
fans who are now expecting big things from Fifty Fifty's future.
INFINITE avoided disbandment thanks to 'Be Mine'
In June 2010, INFINITE debuted with seven members under the management of Woolim Entertainment.
Their first debut MV, "Come Come Again", had a catchy tune and impressive dance moves,
but it did not leave a lasting impression on fans.
Struggling in the Kpop industry for nearly a year, INFINITE faced the risk of disbandment
due to their company's potential bankruptcy.
At that time, CEO Woolim decided to take a gamble on the group's upcoming album.
If it received a good response, it could save the company; otherwise, it would be INFINITE's
final musical release.
To finance the production and promotion of "Over The Top," the CEO even had to sell his
own house.
Not disappointing the CEO's expectations and care, the album's lead single "Be Mine" became
a hit.
The unique melody, synchronized dance moves, and excellent vocals of the members created
a perfect song that helped the group win their first music show trophy on M!
Countdown.
Moreover, "Be Mine" also contributed to INFINITE's career breakthrough and their first revenue.
Following the success of "Be Mine," INFINITE continued to achieve success with other songs,
held successful concerts and tours both domestically and internationally, gradually becoming a
talented 2nd idol group in the Korean entertainment industry.
After more than a decade, Infinite still can't help but feel emotional when talking about
the hardships in the past.
The group once went to a CD store in Gangnam district, but it was not easy to convince
the owner to play their music as at that time, they were just an unknown small group.
Or when they were trainees, Infinite lived together with the company's CEO in a small
house without a gate, where anyone outside could see everything inside just by opening
the door.
Fortunately, now, not only have they escaped from the danger of disbandment thanks to "Be
Mine," but each member of Infinite has also achieved certain success in the harsh Kpop
market.
Billlie rose to fame with Gingamingayo
Billlie debuted in November 2021 under Mystic Story (a subsidiary of SM Entertainment) with
six original members and one member who joined later.
Notably, Billlie brought together talented members of the Korean entertainment industry,
including a music competition runner-up and a previous solo artist.
All members had their own fan bases prior to debuting as Billlie members.
However, despite high expectations, Billlie didn't make much of a splash on the music
charts in Korea before the release of "Gingamingayo."
With its cheerful melody and playful lyrics about the wonders of life, "Gingamingayo"
received positive responses upon its release.
The group's music video quickly reached 1 million views within a few days and has continued
to climb, currently with over 30 million views.
Additionally, "Gingamingayo"made it to the top 5 songs of the first half of 2022 as voted
by Time magazine and the top 11 K-pop songs of 2022 as announced by Billboard.
These notable achievements are not easily attained by most rookie groups in just their
first year.
"Gingamingayo" went viral on music charts and helped bring Billlie's name closer to
music lovers.
Tsuki's fancam during the performance of "Gingamingayo" also spread like wildfire, propelling the
female idol's popularity worldwide.
Thanks to the success of Gingamingayo, Billie's next mini-album was also well-received by
many fans.
The group also has plans to expand into the Japanese market now that they have gained
such a strong reputation.
In May, the group will release a Japanese version of "Gingamingayo," which is seen as
the first step for the seven Billie members to break into the Japanese music industry
and advance further in their singing career.
Brave Girls resurrected thanks to 'Rollin’
In early June 2021, Melon - Korea's leading music streaming platform, announced the chart
of the most-listened-to songs in May.
It was a surprise that the song "Rollin'" by Brave Girls once again topped the chart,
extending the group's unbeaten record on Melon for three consecutive months.
With this achievement, Brave Girls set a new record in Kpop at that time.
It was known that even the national girl groups Wonder Girls and Girls' Generation (SNSD)
only held first place for two consecutive months on Melon.
Therefore, from an unknown group on the brink of disbandment, Brave Girls excellently surpassed
the two most famous groups in the Korean entertainment industry to become the most talked-about and
most-listened-to group for three consecutive months.
What made fans go wild was that Rollin' was released in 2017, but it wasn't until four
years later in February that it gained widespread popularity and swept the music charts in Korea.
This late-blooming success was beyond unexpected, and both fans and Brave Girls' management
were thrilled and shocked.
It's not an overstatement to say that Rollin' was the "savior" of Brave Girls when the group
was on the verge of disbandment due to ineffective activities for many years.
Brave Girls debuted in 2011 and underwent several member changes.
Despite their hard work over nearly a decade, the group had not left a significant impression
on music fans.
It wasn't until Rollin' became a hit that Brave Girls finally received a warm welcome
after ten years of anonymity.
In the program The Demonstration Museum, member Yujeong couldn't help but be emotional when
talking about the difficulties the group faced before becoming known through Rollin'.
"Before we became famous, I always felt guilty towards our company.
Everyone had to help the group release new albums even though we didn't bring any financial
benefits.
I felt guilty because the company didn't make any financial profit from Brave Girls, but
still had to invest in us."
Yujeong also expressed her gratitude and apology towards Brave Brothers, the CEO of the company.
"There were days when we didn't have any money to pay for our living expenses, so we went
to see the CEO.
He asked us how much money we needed, and since then, he always gave us his own pocket
money."
To pay for their daily expenses, the members of the group had to take part-time jobs.
Yuna, for example, learned to be a bartender to earn extra income.
They also performed at any event they could, such as at military bases or on the streets.
With their current popularity, Brave Girls has received dozens of advertising contracts
in various fields.
Yujeong said the group has paid off all their debts from the past five years in just a few
months of advertising and performing.
Brave Girls will continue to work hard, and the group is preparing for a comeback in June
and is determined to meet everyone's expectations.
From nugu Kpop groups, even those thought to be on the brink of disbandment, Brave Girls,
Infinite, Fifty Fifty, and Billlie have all had remarkable "resurrections" with viral
songs on the internet, gradually conquering the fiercely competitive Kpop market.
Which group's revival impressed you the most?
Leave a comment for us to know!