An in-depth look at one of K-pop’s most innovative and influential girl groups. Discover f(x), the groundbreaking K-pop girl group known for their experimental music and unique style. Learn about their history, members, and legacy in the K-pop industry.
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| Photo of f(x) – The legendary K-pop girl group debuted on September 5, 2009. |
Who is f(x)?
f(x) is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment in 2009. Known for their experimental approach to music and fashion, f(x) stood out in the competitive world of K-pop. Their name, inspired by the mathematical function, symbolizes adaptability and limitless potential.
Meet the Members
- Victoria (Song Qian / 송치엔): The leader and main dancer, originally from China, admired for her grace and versatility.
- Date of Birth: February 2, 1987
- Position: Leader, Main Dancer, Vocalist
- Nationality: Chinese
- Amber Liu (엠버): The rapper and singer from Los Angeles, known for her tomboyish image and dynamic performances.
- Date of Birth: September 18, 1992
- Position: Main Rapper, Sub-Vocalist
- Nationality: Taiwanese-American
- Luna (Park Sun-young / 박선영): The powerhouse vocalist, celebrated for her emotional and powerful singing style.
- Date of Birth: August 12, 1993
- Position: Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer
- Nationality: South Korean
- Sulli (Choi Jin-ri / 최진리): A visual icon and talented actress, who left the group in 2015 and sadly passed away in 2019.
- Date of Birth: March 29, 1994
- Position: Vocalist, Visual
- Nationality: South Korean
- Krystal Jung (Jung Soo-jung / 정수정): The youngest member, known for her striking visuals and vocal abilities. She is the younger sister of Jessica Jung, formerly of Girls’ Generation.
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1994
- Position: Lead Vocalist, Visual, Maknae
- Nationality: Korean-American
The History of f(x)
A journey through the rise, success, and legacy of one of K-pop’s most innovative girl groups that redefined music and fashion in the K-pop industry.
Formation and Early Days
f(x) was formed by SM Entertainment in 2009. The group was designed to stand out with their experimental approach to music and fashion. Their name, inspired by the mathematical function, symbolizes adaptability and limitless potential.
The original lineup included Victoria, Amber, Luna, Sulli, and Krystal.
On September 5, 2009, they debuted with the single “LA chA TA”, immediately garnering attention for their unique style and charismatic performances.
Rise to Fame
In 2010, f(x) released their first mini-album, “Nu ABO”, featuring the title track of the same name. The song’s bold sound and choreography solidified their place as one of K-pop’s rising stars.
Over the years, they continued to release chart-topping hits, including “Pinocchio (Danger)” and “Hot Summer.”
Their second studio album, “Pink Tape”, released in 2013, is considered one of the greatest K-pop albums of all time. The album showcased their artistic depth and creativity, with tracks like “Rum Pum Pum Pum” gaining critical and commercial success.
International Success
f(x) made history as the first K-pop girl group to perform at SXSW (South by Southwest) in 2013, further establishing their global appeal. Their music video for “Electric Shock” surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, a significant achievement for a K-pop group at the time.
Their final studio album, “4 Walls”, released in 2015, marked a peak in their international success, with fans praising their sophisticated sound and mature concepts.
Challenges and Hiatus
In 2015, Sulli left the group to focus on her acting career, leading f(x) to promote as a four-member group. Despite this change, they continued to release critically acclaimed music and maintain their popularity.
However, following their “4 Walls” album promotions, the group entered an indefinite hiatus in 2016. While members pursued solo activities in acting, music, and other fields, the group never officially disbanded.
f(x) Complete Discography
f(x) is celebrated for their experimental music that blends genres like electropop, EDM, and house. Their songs often feature unconventional melodies and bold concepts, setting them apart from other groups. They consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what it meant to be a K-pop idol group.
Here is a comprehensive list of f(x)‘s albums, singles, and notable tracks that defined their career in the K-pop industry.
Studio Albums
- “Pinocchio (Danger)” (2011): Featuring hits like “Danger” and “Gangsta Boy,” this album marked their first full-length release.
- “Pink Tape” (2013): Critically acclaimed for its artistic depth, including the title track “Rum Pum Pum Pum” and “Airplane.”
- “Red Light” (2014): Known for its bold concept and songs like “Red Light” and “Milk.”
- “4 Walls” (2015): Their final studio album featuring the title track “4 Walls” and fan favorites like “View” and “When I’m Alone.”
Extended Plays (EPs)
- “Nu ABO” (2010): Featuring the edgy title track “Nu ABO” and songs like “Mr. Boogie.”
- “Electric Shock” (2012): A breakthrough EP with the title track “Electric Shock” and other tracks like “Jet” and “Zig Zag.”
Singles
- “LA chA TA” (2009): Their debut single that introduced their quirky and fun vibe.
- “Chocolate Love” (2009): A promotional single for LG with a sultry sound.
- “Hot Summer” (2011): A catchy summer anthem included in the repackaged version of “Pinocchio.”
- “All Mine” (2016): A digital single released as part of SM Station.
Soundtrack Contributions
- “Cinderella’s Sister OST” (2010): Luna’s “And I Love You.”
- “To The Beautiful You OST” (2012): Krystal and Luna’s “Butterfly.”
- “Heirs OST” (2013): Krystal’s “I Love You.”
Notable Tracks
- “LA chA TA” (2009): The debut single that introduced their quirky and fun vibe.
- “Nu ABO” (2010): A bold and edgy anthem that became a fan favorite.
- “Electric Shock” (2012): Their breakout hit that topped charts worldwide.
- “Rum Pum Pum Pum” (2013): A catchy and rhythmic track showcasing their artistic growth.
- “4 Walls” (2015): A sophisticated house track that marked their last album as a group.
Achievements of f(x)
- First K-pop girl group to perform at SXSW (South by Southwest) in the United States.
- Won the Disk Bonsang at the Golden Disc Awards for their album “Pink Tape.”
- “Electric Shock” earned multiple awards, including Best Dance Performance at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA).
- “4 Walls” topped charts in Korea and internationally, solidifying their global impact.
- Included in Billboard’s “Top 10 K-pop Albums of the Decade” for “Pink Tape.”
- Recognized for their artistic influence with awards like the Style Icon Award.
The Legacy of f(x)
f(x) remains one of the most respected and influential groups in K-pop history. Their willingness to experiment with different genres and push boundaries set them apart in an industry often characterized by trends and conventions.
From winning numerous awards to being recognized internationally, f(x) carved out a unique space in the global music scene. Their influence continues to inspire a new generation of artists and fans.
f(x) left an indelible mark on the K-pop industry with their innovative music, bold concepts, and unique style. Despite being on hiatus since 2016, their influence remains strong. Members have pursued solo careers in acting, music, and other fields, continuing to make an impact in the entertainment industry.
Fun Facts About f(x)
Interesting facts about f(x), the groundbreaking K-pop girl group. Discover unique tidbits about their career, music, and members. Discover lesser-known and interesting facts about the trailblazing K-pop girl group f(x).
- f(x)‘s group name symbolizes a mathematical function, representing their ability to adapt to different styles and concepts.
- “Pink Tape,” their second studio album, was the first K-pop album to be featured on Billboard’s “Top 10 K-pop Albums of the Decade.”
- Victoria was discovered in a Beijing dance competition before joining SM Entertainment.
- Amber is fluent in English and Mandarin, making her one of the most internationally connected members.
- Luna was cast by SM Entertainment after showcasing her singing talent on a television program.
- Sulli started as a child actress and appeared in the drama “Ballad of Seodong” before debuting with f(x).
- Krystal was scouted by SM Entertainment when she was just five years old, but she officially joined the company years later.
- f(x) was the first K-pop girl group to perform at the prestigious SXSW festival in the United States.
- The music video for “Electric Shock” surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, a significant milestone for a K-pop group at the time.
- Each member has pursued successful solo careers in various fields, including acting, music, and hosting.
- “4 Walls,” their final album, is regarded as one of the most influential K-pop albums in terms of blending genres like deep house and electropop.
- Amber is known for her tomboyish fashion style, which challenged traditional gender norms in K-pop.
- Sulli’s bold and outspoken personality made her a role model for individuality and self-expression in the industry.
- Krystal is the younger sister of Jessica Jung, a former member of Girls’ Generation.
- “Electric Shock” surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, cementing their global popularity.
- Each member contributed to the group’s diverse image and musical experimentation.
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