Carissa Moore featured in Los Angeles Times as Photo of The Day
5 years ago
Korea EXID, a prominent South Korean girl group, has transitioned from initial challenges to global recognition, influencing music trends and securing partnerships across Asia.
EXID signed with China's entertainment company Banana Project to expand its popularity outside Korea. The company invested in EXID's albums which would be released simultaneously in China and South Korea.
EXID, an initialism for “Exceed in Dreaming,” is a South Korean girl group established in 2012. The group initially debuted with six members, managed by AB Entertainment and producer Shinsadong Tiger. Their debut single, “Whoz That Girl,” was released in February 2012, achieving a peak position of 36 on the Gaon Singles Chart and selling 840,000 digital copies. This early period saw line-up changes, with Yuji, Dami, and Haeryeong departing in April 2012 to pursue studies and acting careers. Solji and Hyelin subsequently joined, forming the five-member configuration known today: Solji, Elly, Hani, Hyelin, and Jeonghwa. In August 2012, the revitalized group released their first EP, “Hippity Hop,” which reached number 13 on the Gaon Albums Chart, selling 1,500 copies.
The group experienced a significant turning point in 2014 with their single “Up & Down.” Initially, the song had limited commercial success. However, a fan-recorded video of member Hani performing the choreography went viral in October 2014, leading to an unexpected surge in popularity. This viral success propelled “Up & Down” to the top of the Gaon Chart and resulted in EXID’s return to music programs, earning their first music show win since their debut. This breakthrough was followed by further commercial success, including their second EP, “Ah Yeah,” in April 2015, and the release of “Hot Pink” in November 2015. Their first studio album, “Street,” was released in June 2016, with the title track “L.I.E,” peaking at number two in Korea.
EXID expanded their international presence, signing with China’s Banana Project in January 2016 and holding their first Chinese fan meeting in March 2016. Despite facing challenges, including Solji’s hiatus due to hyperthyroidism in late 2016, the group continued to achieve milestones. They released Chinese singles and performed as a four-member unit. Solji returned, participating in recordings, and formally rejoined for promotions in 2018, coinciding with EXID’s Japanese debut and the release of their single “I Love You,” which reached number 5 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. After an indefinite hiatus for Korean group activities starting in 2019, they continued with Japanese releases such as the albums “Trouble” (2019) and “B.L.E.S.S.E.D” (2020), and reunited in 2022 for their tenth anniversary album, “X,” and tours.
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