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On the 20th of June, fourteen years ago, After School released their fifth single album, Flashback.
Flashback marked the debut of Kaeun and After School's first release following Kahi's graduation, featuring a sleek, electronic sound led by the title track and showcasing both group and member-focused songs.
Which Is Your Favourite "Flashback" Track?
Rip Off
Flashback
Eyeline (透視) [Nana solo]
손목시계 (Wristwatch)
Timeless (Jung-A and Raina solo)
On the 13th of June, thirteen years ago, After School released their sixth single album, First Love.
First Love combines emotional dance-pop and R&B influences with mature vocals and sleek production, and became especially notable for After School's acclaimed pole-dancing performance concept, which showcased their dedication to innovative and demanding stage performances.
Which Is Your Favourite "First Love" Track?
8 Hot Girl
첫사랑 (First Love)
Dressing Room
Time's Up
Love Beat
화장을 하다 울었어 (Crying While Putting Makeup on) [Jung-A & Raina]
Happy 17th anniversary to After School!
After School was a South Korean girl group formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2009, known for its bold, performance-focused concept and a unique “graduation” system in which members could join or leave the group over time, inspired by Japanese idol models, which made the lineup more fluid than most K-pop groups and allowed the group to constantly reinvent itself while keeping the brand name active. Their image was notably more mature, chic, and sometimes provocative compared to many contemporaries, and they were often marketed as strong, charismatic performers rather than cute or bubbly idols, which helped them stand out during the late second-generation K-pop era.
Musically, After School explored a wide range of styles, starting with electro-pop and dance tracks like “Ah!” and “Because of You,” then moving into more dramatic and theatrical concepts with songs such as “Bang!” which featured marching-band influences and large-scale choreography, and later embracing bold, club-oriented sounds with tracks like “Flashback.” Their songs often emphasized intensity, rhythm, and performance impact, with strong beats designed to match demanding choreography, and the group earned a reputation for syncing music and concept into a cohesive stage experience rather than relying only on catchy hooks.
One of After School’s defining traits was their commitment to concept-specific, physically demanding performances that went beyond standard dance routines, most famously their pole-dancing stages during the “First Love” era, which required months of professional training and was presented as both athletic and artistic rather than purely sensual, as well as tap dancing and drumming elements in earlier eras, reinforcing the idea that each comeback was built around mastering a new performance skill. This dedication to challenging stage concepts earned them respect within the industry and among fans, and it also shaped their image as a group willing to take risks and push boundaries in mainstream K-pop.
The group’s graduation system led to several lineup changes over the years, with members such as Kahi, Bekah, and Jungah leaving after “graduating,” while new members like Nana, Raina, E-Young, and Lizzy joined at different times, creating multiple generations of After School that each brought slightly different vocal colors, visuals, and personalities to the group. While this system allowed flexibility and fresh energy, it also made it harder for the general public to form long-term attachments to a fixed lineup, which some fans feel contributed to instability in the group’s popularity compared to more consistent groups of the same era.
After School also expanded into sub-units, most notably Orange Caramel, which became extremely popular for its quirky, bright, and comedic concept that contrasted sharply with After School’s mature image, featuring catchy, playful songs like “Magic Girl,” “Aing,” and “Catallena,” as well as After School Blue and After School Red, which explored softer and more powerful concepts respectively, showing the versatility of the members and giving them more targeted musical identities. These sub-units increased individual member recognition and kept the brand visible even when full-group promotions were limited.
Over time, full-group comebacks became less frequent, and the group gradually went on an unofficial hiatus, with members focusing on acting, solo music, modeling, and variety work, especially Nana, who achieved significant success as an actress and visual icon, and Raina, who pursued solo singing and collaborations. Despite the lack of formal disbandment announcements for many years, After School is generally considered inactive as a group, though reunions and anniversary appearances have kept nostalgia alive among fans who remember them as one of the most distinctive performance-driven girl groups of their generation.
In the broader context of K-pop history, After School is often remembered as a group that prioritized stage ambition and concept execution over safe commercial formulas, influencing later acts that embraced athletic or skill-based performance concepts, and they are frequently cited as an example of how experimental ideas can earn critical respect even if they do not always translate into long-term mainstream dominance. Their legacy lies in their willingness to evolve, their strong visual identity, and their reputation for turning each comeback into a spectacle built around discipline, reinvention, and theatrical impact.
On the 13th of June, twelve years ago, After School released their sixth single album, First Love.
The title track is a moody, R&B-inspired pop song about yearning for a past love, and the comeback is especially notable for its pole-dancing choreography, which gained widespread attention. The album includes six tracks that explore a range of styles, from electronic pop to emotional ballads, and it marked After School’s final Korean release before their indefinite hiatus.
Which Is Your Favourite "First Love" Track?
8 Hot Girl
첫사랑 (First Love)
Dressing Room
Time's Up
Love Beat
화장을 하다 울었어 (Crying While Putting Makeup On) [Jung-A & Raina]
On the 2nd of October, twelve years ago, AFTERSCHOOL released their fifth Japanese single album, Heaven.
“Heaven” showcases a sleek dance-disco sound with sultry vocals, funky basslines, and a club-ready groove. Lyrically, it expresses leaving behind regrets and rumors while inviting a partner to dance, whisper secrets, and escape into an intimate, euphoric “heaven” together.
Which Is Your Favourite "Heaven" Track?
Heaven
Crazy Driver
First Love
Happy 16th anniversary to After School!
After School is recognized for their unique "graduation" system where members could join and leave the group over time. This dynamic lineup allowed for constant evolution and freshness in their music and performances. The group debuted with five members: Kahi, Jungah, Jooyeon, Bekah, and Soyoung, and over the years, new members like Uee, Nana, Lizzy, E-Young, and Raina were added, each bringing distinct talents and charisma to the group.
Musically, After School is known for their versatility, covering a wide range of genres from pop and R&B to electronic and dance. Their discography includes emotional ballads like "Because of You," which became a major hit, and high-energy tracks like "Bang!" which featured the members performing with marching band drums, showcasing their dedication to unique performance concepts. Other significant songs include "Diva," "Flashback," and "First Love," the latter incorporating pole dancing into their stage act, a bold and unprecedented move in K-pop.
The group also explored different musical directions through sub-units. Orange Caramel, featuring Nana, Raina, and Lizzy, became especially popular for their quirky, catchy songs such as "Magic Girl" and "Catallena," known for their whimsical and playful style. Members also pursued individual careers in acting, modeling, and solo music. Nana, in particular, gained prominence as a model and actress, while Raina focused on her solo singing career.
After School's innovative performances and bold concepts have left a significant mark on the K-pop industry. They were pioneers in integrating complex performance elements like drumming, pole dancing, and tap dancing, pushing the boundaries of traditional K-pop girl group performances. Though the group entered an indefinite hiatus around 2015, their influence endures, inspiring newer K-pop acts with their risk-taking and creativity.
Even in hiatus, After School’s legacy persists. Their constant reinvention and willingness to experiment set a new standard for performance and creativity in K-pop, making them a memorable and influential part of the industry’s history.
Happy 30th birthday to Kaeun!
Kaeun joined After School in 2012 as the youngest member and is known for her powerful dance skills and strong vocals. Kaeun trained for several years under Pledis Entertainment before debuting. She gained additional recognition when she participated in the survival show *Produce 48* in 2018, where she showcased her talents and earned a large following. Kaeun has since pursued solo activities and acting.
On the 13th of June, eleven years ago, After School released their sixth single album, "First Love".
The title track is notable for its incorporation of pole dancing, showcasing the group's athleticism and skill. The song blends elements of pop and R&B, featuring smooth melodies and expressive choreography. The music video emphasizes the theme of first love through evocative visuals and a sophisticated, mature aesthetic.
Which Is Your Favourite "First Love" Track?
8 Hot Girl
첫사랑 (First Love)
Dressing Room
Time's Up
Love Beat
화장을 하다 울었어 (Makeup & Tears) [Jung-A & Raina]
