A Walk Down Memory Lane: SISTAR

If someone were to ask you to name a female group that held the title “Queens of Summer,” what would your answer be? Most likely, the first group that’ll come to mind is the second-generation girl group known as SISTAR. Known for their gorgeous visuals and refreshing vocals, the ladies of SISTAR brought a stage presence and energy that is unforgettable in the K-Pop industry. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and remember the timeline of SISTAR. 

THEIR BACKGROUND & DEBUT 

Before the formation of SISTAR, half of the members had been aiming to become an idol. 

Hyolyn had originally auditioned and later joined JYP Entertainment, where there were plans to put her in a unit with SECRET’s Jieun, EXID’s Hani, and BESTie’s Uji. However, the plans fell through and were cancelled, leading to Hyolyn’s departure from the company. She later auditioned with Starship Entertainment while the company was in the process of forming a new girl group, which led to Hyolyn signing and becoming the leader for their upcoming group. 

Soyou, on the other hand, started as a Cube Entertainment trainee and was supposed to join the lineup for 4Minute. However, she did not make the cut and made the decision to audition for Starship Entertainment. She was also a licensed hairdresser before officially joining the group lineup. 

While there’s no other known information about Dasom and Bora's pre-debut life, all four girls were seen in commercials and magazine photoshoots before their official debut. 

On June 3, 2010, SISTAR officially released their debut single, “Push Push,” with a music video released later. On June 4, 2010, SISTAR had their debut performance of “Push Push” on Music Bank and marked the beginning of their legacy. SISTAR’s lineup featured Hyolyn as leader and main vocalist, Bora as the main rapper and dancer, Soyou as the lead vocalist, and Dasom as a sub vocalist, visual, and maknae of the group. 

THEIR MUSIC 

On August 24, 2010, SISTAR’s second single and music video “Shady Girl” was released and featured a cameo from Super Junior’s Heechul. The track was produced and composed by Brave Brothers as heard in the beginning of the song. This sweet and bubbly track expresses having feelings for someone special, but hiding them out of nervousness. The soft feelings expressed in this song make it a very timeless throwback.  

On April 27, 2011, Starship Entertainment announced a sub-unit would be created with the members Hyolyn and Bora called SISTAR19. Then on May 3, the sub-unit’s debut single “Ma Boy”—a classic and nostalgic track for early K-Pop fans—was released and promoted throughout the remainder of the month. It’s easily one of the most recognizable K-Pop tracks from the second generation and will make you want to learn how to body roll!  

A few months later, SISTAR made a comeback with their first studio album and title track “So Cool” on August 9, 2011. The track gained so much popularity that it became the inaugural number one song on the Billboard Korea K-Pop Top 100 after the chart launched on August 25. One unexpected issue came about after its release involving the “tail dance” featured in the choreography as many claimed it was “sexually suggestive.” The discussion led to the decision to change the choreography to prevent any controversy towards the group.  

One song that gives SISTAR the “Queens of Summer'' title is “Touch my body.” The dance-pop track was released on July 20, 2014, which is part of SISTAR’s second mini-album TOUCH N MOVE, and was composed and produced by Black Eyed Pilseung. With over 100 million views on YouTube, many fans have commented about how this song gives them summer vibes and continues to represent the hot season. The video reached global popularity and was featured on an episode of Family Guy titled “Candy, Quahog Marshmallow.”  

WHAT HAPPENED? 

While there isn’t a confirmed reason for not renewing their contract or continuing as a group, it appears as if the members were planning to focus on their own respective careers. There were discussions by industry insiders that claimed that Hyolyn and Soyou would continue as solo artists while Dasom and Bora would pursue acting. 

With a mutual agreement on disbandment, SISTAR went on to perform their final single, “Lonely” on Inkigayo for their Goodbye Stage, right on the group’s seventh anniversary. However, their final aired performance as a group was on Show Champion on June 7, where a pre-recorded performance of “Lonely” aired as well as a goodbye message to their fans, STAR1. On June 4, 2017, SISTAR officially disbanded and went their separate ways.  

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 

Outside of group activities and prior to her solo career, Soyou had a long list of tracks she’s attached her name to. Since 2010, she’s been involved in more than 13 original soundtracks for various Korean dramas, and she’s also done over 12 collaborations with multiple solo artists, a promotional single for Pepsi with IZ*ONE, and featured in tracks by SHINee’s Key and Primary. On December 13, 2017, Soyou made her solo debut with part one of her first album RE:BORN. Since her solo debut, she’s released tracks like “All Night,” “GOTTA GO,” and “Good Night MY LOVE.” Outside of idol activities, she was a trainer for the reality programs Produce X 101 and Produce 48, and a judge for CAP-TEEN.  

In 2015, before leaving SISTAR, Bora graduated from Myongji University, where she majored in musical theater. In the same year, she also participated in a collaboration with Kisum, Lil Cham, Jace, and Adoonga called “Feedback.” In 2016, she went on to compete on Mnet’s competition show Hit The Stage. Shortly after leaving Starship Entertainment in 2017, she signed an exclusive contract with Hook Entertainment where she would be “...embark[ing] on her second journey in the entertainment industry.” As an actress, Bora has been in four television dramas, one web drama, and one movie. She was also an MC on the reality program Produce 48. On August 31, 2020, it was announced that she had signed on with a new agency called KEYEAST Entertainment. 

Dasom remained signed with King Kong by Starship until 2021, when she decided not to renew her contract. Since SISTAR’s disbandment, she’s been in six television dramas and had one movie cameo. On August 3, 2021, Dasom posted a video teaser on Instagram of an upcoming collaboration titled “Summer or Summer” with former SISTAR member, Hyolyn, that will be released on August 10. On August 6, 2021, she officially signed an exclusive contract with her new company, Story J Company. 

Last, but certainly not least, Hyolyn focused on her career as a soloist since her solo debut on November 26, 2013 with her first album LOVE & HATE. On December 31, 2013, the Korean version of Frozen’s “Let It Go” was uploaded online, and it was revealed that Hyolyn was given the opportunity to perform this track. In 2015, she participated on the music competition program Unpretty Rapstar 2 alongside rappers like HEIZE and Yubin. Since 2011, she’s been in over 15 original soundtracks for Korean dramas. Additionally, she’s done over eight collaborations with solo artists and was featured in GOT7’s “One And Only You.” As a soloist, she’s released a collection of energetic tracks like “SEE SEA,” “Dally,” and “SAY MY NAME.” In 2020, Hyolyn made a guest appearance on Mnet’s reality show Good Girl. Hyolyn shared the news about her upcoming unit project with Dasom on August 1, 2021 in an Instagram post, which has fans old and new excited for their single.  

Even though STAR1 and several admirers still miss the girls as SISTAR, it’s nice to see each member is successful on their separate career paths. The ladies of SISTAR have left a joyous collection of tracks and continue to leave a legacy for female groups in K-Pop. Maybe one day we’ll see them reunite again, but until then, let’s continue to give each member our love and support in their solo careers!