Loona

Loona, a South Korean girl group, has been recognized for its innovative pre-debut project and critically acclaimed music, leading to a Global Female Group award nomination. After an innovative and extensive pre-debut project commencing on October 5, 2016, Loona, officially stylized as LOO??, garnered significant attention through 18 months of monthly solo promotional singles for each of its twelve members. Following the successful formation of three sub-units—Loona 1/3, Odd Eye Circle, and Loona yyxy—the complete twelve-member ensemble officially debuted on August 19, 2018, with the extended play ‘[+ +]’. This debut EP achieved immediate commercial success, entering the South Korean Gaon Album Chart at number two.

The group further expanded its global footprint with its first United States appearance at KCON in Los Angeles on August 17, 2019, and later released the fan appreciation song ‘365’ in December 2019. Loona continued its ascent in 2020 with the release of their second EP, ‘[#]’, which secured a number one position on the daily Gaon Retail Album Chart and earned the group its first music show trophy on Mnet’s ‘M Countdown’ on March 12, 2020. Their third EP, ‘[12:00]’, released on October 19, 2020, became their first album to chart on the Billboard 200, reaching number 112. The track ‘Star’ from this EP made history as Loona’s first entry on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 in January 2021, making them the second K-pop girl group to achieve this feat.

Underscoring their broader cultural impact, Loona was appointed as honorary ambassadors for Korean culture abroad by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in May 2021.