Hourglass

Hourglass, is a South Korean pop girl group formed in 2004 under SM Entertainment. Hourglass refers to the hourglass body shape and as a symbol of infinity, defining the members’ infinite talents.

Hourglass consists of five members; Sehee, Soomi, Mai, Eunsung and Yumi

History

1998-2004: Pre-debut, Debut and Girls on Top

In 1998, Soomi was discovered and scouted on the street after failing the final audition at JYP Entertainment followed by leader Sehee who was scouted while performing at Beijing Dance Academy. In 2001, Yumi was recruited after passing the audition while Mai was recruited in 2002 and Eunsung in 2003.

Hourglass was supposed to be a nine-member girl group but the original line-up was cut off because of the low budget. Before their debut, the group’s name was suggested as “Shining Stars”, “Athena”, “A.Yeosin” and “Phoenix.” Hourglass name was suggested by member Soomi.

Hourglass made their debut on April 16, 2004 on KBS Music Bank. During their debut performance, Soomi tripped and fell while singing her part. Despite this, Hourglass’s Girls on Top peaked at #2 on the monthly charts and sold over 242, 545 copies, making it the year’s ninth best-selling record.

Hourglass ventured into Chinese market with the release of “Girls on Top” and sold over 30, 000 copies on its first month. Hourglass released Korean single, Dancer in the Rain on June 10, 2004 and it peaked on #5 and sold over 120, 000 copies. On September, Hourglass released their second Chinese single, Believe and it sold over 65, 000 copies.

Hourglass collaborated with DBSK on their single, Wishing selling over 50, 000 copies. Hourglass received “Best New Artist”, “Best New Female Group”, “Popularity Award”, “Newcomer Award” and “Bonsang at the end of the year.

2005: Like This or Like That and Diva

On February, 2005 Hourglass released their second album, Like This or Like That and it was a huge success. By the first month, it sold over 150, 000 copies and debuted #1 for five consecutive weeks. They released an EP, “Your Words” before going to Japan. At the end of the year, Hourglass second album sold over 325, 000+ copies.

Hourglass released two Japanese singles, Loving You Secretly and Sakura’s Story. The albums sold 14, 035 copies and 22, 010 copies respectively. On September 5, they released their first full length Japanese album, “Diva” and it debuted atop chart at #10 and sold over 40, 000 copies after three months of its released. Hourglass once again collaborated with TVXQ for a Japanese single, “My Destiny”.

Hourglass won Disk Daesang Award in Golden Disk Award, making them the first rookie to win the award in less than two years after debut. 

2006: 

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LOL, I have wanted to do this for so long! A Wikipedia page of Hourglass! I’ll be updating it once a year end. I’m not sure if I should do a Wikipedia page for the member or make it less formal, like just a profile and fun fact.