The Dawn of an Era

Formed by JYP Entertainment, the Wonder Girls debuted in February 2007 with the single "Irony." The original five-member lineup consisted of Sunye, Sohee, Hyuna, Sunmi, and Yeeun. Their early work, showcased in the TV show "MTV Wonder Girls," quickly established them as a prominent new act in the South Korean music scene.

Lineup Changes and Rise to Fame

The group's composition saw its first change in July 2007, when Hyuna departed due to health concerns and was replaced by Yubin. Yubin's first performance with the group was for their hit single "Tell Me," a track that catapulted them to national stardom and became one of the first viral successes in K-pop. This success was followed by a string of chart-topping hits in 2008, including "So Hot" and "Nobody," solidifying their status as one of South Korea's top girl groups.

American Venture and Global Recognition

In 2009, the Wonder Girls embarked on an ambitious entry into the American market. They joined the Jonas Brothers' World Tour as an opening act, performing English versions of their songs. Their English rendition of "Nobody" made history by entering the Billboard Hot 100 at number 76, making them the first South Korean group to achieve this milestone. This groundbreaking achievement was a pivotal moment for K-pop's global expansion.

The focus on international activities led to another lineup change in January 2010, when Sunmi left to pursue her education and was replaced by trainee Hyerim. The group continued to release music, including the single "2 Different Tears" and the 2011 album "Wonder World." They also starred in a TeenNick movie, "The Wonder Girls," in 2012.

Hiatus and Final Comeback

Following Sunye's marriage in early 2013, the group went on a hiatus. During this period, Sohee's contract with JYP Entertainment expired at the end of 2013, and she chose to focus on her acting career. Sunye officially announced her departure in July 2015. In a surprising turn, JYP Entertainment announced the group's comeback in June 2015, with Sunmi rejoining the lineup. The revitalized four-member group, consisting of Yeeun, Yubin, Hyerim, and Sunmi, adopted a band concept for their acclaimed 2015 album, "Reboot."

Disbandment and Legacy

On January 26, 2017, JYP Entertainment officially announced the disbandment of the Wonder Girls after unsuccessful contract renewal negotiations with some members. Yeeun and Sunmi decided to leave the company, while Yubin and Hyerim renewed their contracts to pursue solo careers in music and acting. The group released a final single, "Draw Me," on February 10, 2017, to commemorate their 10th anniversary.

Known as "South Korea's Retro Queens," the Wonder Girls were celebrated for their musical concepts that drew inspiration from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. Their influence on the K-pop industry is widely acknowledged, with many current groups citing them as an inspiration. Their pioneering efforts in the U.S. market paved the way for future K-pop acts to achieve international success.

Life After Wonder Girls

Following the disbandment, the former members have embarked on successful solo careers. Sunmi has become a prominent solo artist with hits like "Gashina." Yeeun, also known as Ha:tfelt, has pursued a solo career as a singer-songwriter. Yubin debuted as a solo artist and later founded her own entertainment agency, rrr Entertainment, where she was joined by Hyerim. Sohee has continued to build her career as an actress. Sunye returned to the entertainment industry in 2018 after a hiatus. Hyuna, an original member, went on to have a successful career with the group 4Minute and as a solo artist after leaving Wonder Girls.