BB Girls
| Company type | Vocal group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2011-04-07 |
| Founder | Brave Brothers |
| Headquarters | South Korea |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
BB Girls (; previously known as Brave Girls) is a South Korean female vocal group consisting of Minyoung, Eunji, and Yuna. Established by Brave Brothers under the management of Brave Entertainment, they made their debut as Brave Girls with the single album The Difference on April 7, 2011.
Following multiple changes in membership, the ensemble gained significant popularity with the lineup of Minyoung, Youjoung, Eunji, and Yuna after their 2017 song "Rollin'" experienced a viral revival in 2021. This renewed attention propelled them to the summit of the Circle Digital Chart and resulted in further top-five charting singles such as "We Ride" (2020) and "Chi Mat Ba Ram" (2021). Their achievements in 2021 garnered them prestigious accolades including a Golden Disc Award, Melon Music Award, and Mnet Asian Music Award.
In February 2023, Brave Entertainment announced the group's disbandment following the departure of members. Nevertheless, two months later, four members re-signed with Warner Music Korea and relaunched the group under the new name BB Girls. After concluding their contract in 2024, Minyoung, Eunji, and Yuna formed their own label called BB Girls Company and collaborated with GLG Entertainment to continue as a trio.
Pre-debut
On September 21, 2010, Brave Brothers revealed plans for a new four-member hip-hop girl group named Brave Girls. Eunyoung was introduced as the leader on March 14, 2011; she is related to actor Shin Ha-kyun as his niece. Hyeran attracted attention for her similarity to singer Son Dambi, while Yejin was recognized for holding the title of 'Miss Seattle' at Miss Korea 2008 and resembling actress Kim Sa-rang. Seo-a was noted for her previous experience in modeling.
2011–2015: Debut, Back to da Future, Re-Issue, and hiatus
On March 31, 2011, teaser images were unveiled by Brave Brothers showcasing the group's dual concepts. Their debut single album The Difference alongside the music video for "Do You Know" was launched on April 7. The video for "So Sexy" was released subsequently on July 10.
Brave Girls dropped "Easily," the lead track from their first mini-album Back to da Future, on July 28; it featured Korean reggae artist Skull. The EP reached number 14 on the Gaon Album Chart with sales totaling 1,606 copies. In December that year, they secured the "Rookie of the Year" award at the 19th Korea Culture Entertainment Awards.
Their second mini-album Re-Issue came out on February 22, 2012, again peaking at number 14 on Gaon. On August 31, 2013, they released the single "For You".
2016–2020: Lineup shifts, High Heels, and Rollin'
After a hiatus lasting over two years, Brave Girls returned as a seven-member group composed of two original members (Yoojin and Hyeran) alongside five newcomers (Minyoung, Youjoung, Eunji, Yuna, Hayun). The digital single "Deepened" was released on February 16 followed by their third mini-album High Heels on June 19.
On January 13, 2017, Yoojin and Hyeran left promotional activities; Yoojin stepped away to complete her education while Hyeran took a health-related break. The group continued as five members—Minyoung, Youjoung, Eunji, Yuna, and Hayun—and released their fourth mini-album Rollin' with its title track on March 7.
In October of that year, Youjoung, Eunji, and Yuna participated in the idol reboot program The Unit. Both Youjoung and Eunji passed initial auditions but were eliminated during later rounds.
On August 11, 2018, they issued "Rollin' (New Version)" as a gift to fans; during this period Hayun took a health hiatus leading to promotions as a quartet.
Nearly three years later on August 14, 2020, Brave Girls returned with four members (Minyoung, Youjoung, Eunji, Yuna) releasing the digital single "We Ride". Later that year they were featured in a webtoon series supported by South Korea's Ministry of Culture under the Hallyu Linked Support Project.
2021–2022: Breakthrough success and subsequent releases
A compilation video showcasing Brave Girls performing "Rollin'" went viral on YouTube in February 2021. This unexpected surge led to rapid chart ascension and significant renewed popularity. Prior to this resurgence, members had already vacated their dormitory.
On March 14 they earned their first-ever music show victory on Inkigayo, setting a record for the longest interval between debut and initial win among girl groups at that time. Their prior single "We Ride" also re-entered charts reaching number four.
On April 29 they unveiled a special edition of "High Heels" in collaboration with footwear brand Elcanto. In July they released "Red Sun," a promotional track for Lotte Department Store. Their fifth EP Summer Queen along with lead single "Chi Mat Ba Ram" were released June 17; both peaked at number three on Gaon charts.
The repackaged EP titled After 'We Ride' was launched on August 23 featuring its title song. In January 2022 member Minyoung paused activities due to health concerns. On March 14 Brave Girls returned with their sixth EP Thank You.
In May they announced plans for a U.S. concert tour scheduled for July and issued a cover version of Brown Eyed Girls' hit "How Come".
2023–2024: Disbandment announcement and transformation into BB Girls
On February 15, 2023 Brave Girls revealed their single "Goodbye," sparking rumors about disbandment following contract expirations. Brave Entertainment confirmed disbandment after all four members opted not to renew contracts; "Goodbye" served as their farewell release.
The next day member Minyoung reassured fans that disbandment was temporary with intentions to reunite.
By April 26 all four members had signed contracts with Warner Music Korea aiming for new music releases during summer; discussions included retaining use of the group's name. On May 3 it was announced they would continue activities under the name BB Girls. Their first single album under this identity titled One More Time was released August 3.
On August 20 Brave Entertainment unexpectedly issued a greatest hits compilation named Brave Girls Best Album, featuring eight reworked tracks spanning from debut material to recent hits like "Rollin'" and "Chi Mat Ba Ram". This collection uniquely includes vocals from all ten former members. A jewel case CD version accompanied by lyric booklet followed on August 24.
2024–present: Reformation as a trio
On April 22, 2024 Warner Music Korea announced contract termination with BB Girls after one year of partnership. Member Youjoung departed; BB Girls continued as a trio operating under their independent label BB Girls Company. On December 11 BB Girls signed an exclusive agreement with GLG Entertainment.
On January 15, 2025 BB Girls released their second single album entitled Love 2.
Members
Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2
Current
- Minyoung (민영)
- Eunji (은지)
- Yuna (유나)
Former members from Brave Girls
- Eunyoung (은영)
- Seo-a (서아)
- Yejin (예진)
- Yoojin (유진)
- Hyeran (혜란)
- Hayun (하윤)
Former member from BB Girls
- Youjoung (유정)
Timeline
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Discography
Extended plays
- Back to da Future (2011)
- Re-Issue (2012)
- High Heels (2016)
- Rollin' (2017)
- Summer Queen (2021)
- Thank You (2022)
Television appearances
| Year | Program | Position | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Queendom 2 | Participant | [1] |
Online shows
| Year | Program | Role | Details | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Saturday Night Live Korea | Host | Season 2, Episode 15 | [2] |
Awards and nominations
| Ceremony | Year | Award Category | Nominee / Work | Outcome | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Artist Awards | 2021 | Best Artist Award – Singer | BB Girls | [3] | ||||||||||||||
| Hot Trend Award | [4] | |||||||||||||||||
| Popularity Award – Idol Group (Female) | [5] | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | Popularity Award – Singer (Female) | [6] | ||||||||||||||||
| Asia Model Awards | 2021 | Popular Star Award | [7] | |||||||||||||||
| Brand of the Year Awards | 2021 | Female Idol | ||||||||||||||||
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Hot Icon |
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| Broadcasting Advertising Festival | 2021 | CF Star of the Year | ||||||||||||||||
| The Fact Music Awards | 2021 | Artist of the Year (Bonsang) | ||||||||||||||||
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Ambassadorship
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