SeeYa
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | South Korea |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
SeeYa (Hangul: 씨야) was a South Korean female vocal trio initially consisting of Kim Yeon-ji, Lee Bo-ram, and Nam Gyu-ri. Making their debut in 2006, they were positioned as the female equivalent to SG Wannabe. The group rose to fame with their 2007 hit "Love's Greetings," which secured them the Best Female Group award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards that year. In 2009, Nam Gyu-ri departed to pursue a solo career and was temporarily replaced by Lee Soo-mi. Following this, SeeYa continued as a duo with Kim Yeon-ji and Lee Bo-ram until their disbandment in 2011.
2006–2007: The First Mind, Lovely Sweet Heart and early activities
On February 24, 2006, SeeYa launched their debut album The First Mind, which included singles such as "A Woman's Scent" and "Shoes." They also contributed tracks to the soundtrack of the drama The Invisible Man. The album quickly gained traction within the Korean music industry. Their sophomore release, Lovely Sweet Heart, arrived on May 25, 2007, selling over 81,000 copies and ranking as the fifth-best-selling album in Korea that year. The lead track "Love's Greeting" earned accolades at both the 2007 Golden Disk Awards and MKMF Awards.
2008: California Dream release and joint projects
In January 2008, SeeYa issued California Dream, an album combining previously released side-project songs with three fresh tracks, including the number-one hit "Sad Footsteps." On January 31, they received the "Main Award" at the 2008 Seoul Music Awards. By May, SeeYa teamed up with labelmates Davichi and Black Pearl to form the project unit Color Pink, releasing the single "Blue Moon." Their third studio album arrived in September 2008, featuring an electronica-inspired lead single that marked a departure from their usual ballad style. During promotional activities, the group addressed criticisms suggesting their role was primarily to elevate Nam Gyu-ri’s individual profile.
2009: Departure of Nam Gyu-ri, Lee Soo-mi’s entry, and Rebloom
In April 2009, Core Contents Media announced that Nam Gyu-ri had stopped participating in SeeYa’s promotions amid contract disagreements; Nam claimed her contract had already expired. The following month, SeeYa collaborated with Davichi and T-ara in a project group releasing the single "Women's Generation", which dominated Korean mobile charts for four consecutive weeks and ranked fourth in mobile downloads for the year. Members Kim Yeon-ji and Lee Bo-ram expressed regret over Nam’s exit, emphasizing her prior contractual obligations. On August 13, Core Contents Media confirmed Nam’s permanent departure as she shifted her focus toward acting. Lee Soo-mi was introduced as her replacement and debuted with the EP "Rebloom" on October 28, 2009.
2010–2011: Lee Soo-mi leaves, Nam Gyu-ri returns, final album See You Again, and disbandment
In January 2010, SeeYa reunited with Davichi and T-ara for another collaboration titled "Wonder Woman". Later that year, they contributed "Touch My Heart" to the soundtrack of the drama Personal Taste. In July, Core Contents Media announced Lee Soo-mi’s departure to join the newly formed group Coed School. Subsequently, SeeYa carried on briefly as a duo comprising original members Kim Yeon-ji and Lee Bo-ram. By December 2010, Core Contents Media declared that SeeYa would disband following the release of their next album due to members wishing to explore individual career paths. Label executive Kim Kwang Soo publicly encouraged Kim Yeon-ji to renew her contract; however, some reports suggested this was intended to limit her future professional options.
Their final release was a compilation album titled "See You Again," launched on January 10, 2011, which included two new tracks. Nam Gyu-ri rejoined for these concluding promotions. The trio officially disbanded after their last stage performance on January 30, 2011, at Inkigayo.
In November 2012, Core Contents Media introduced a new girl group named The SeeYa, inspired by the original ensemble.
2020: Short-Lived Reunion
On February 21, 2020, the original lineup consisting of Nam Gyu-ri, Kim Yeon-ji, and Lee Bo-ram reunited on JTBC's Two Yoo Project Sugar Man Season 3. Shortly after this appearance, Lee Bo-ram's agency revealed intentions for a comeback within the same year, hinting at a possible group resurgence.
Studio albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Position |
Sales Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| The First Mind |
|
5 |
|
| Lovely Sweet Heart |
|
3 |
|
| California Dream |
|
3 |
|
| Brilliant Change |
|
23 |
|
| See You Again |
|
7 |
|
Extended plays
| EP Title | Release Details | Peak Chart Position | Sales Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| Rebloom |
|
88* | — |
| *Peak position recorded in December 2009. | |||
Awards
| Award Title | Year Received | Award Category | Work Nominated | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Song Festival | 2006 | Best New Asian Artist | SeeYa | Template:Won |
| Golden Disc Awards | New Artist Award | "Scent of a Woman" | Template:Won | |
| 2007 | Digital Song Bonsang (Main Prize) | "Love's Greeting" | Template:Won | |
| Korea Entertainment Art Awards | 2006 | Female Group Singer Award | SeeYa | Template:Won |
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2006 | Best OST | "Crazy Love Song" | Template:Won |
| 2007 | Best Female Group | SeeYa | Template:Won | |
| SBS Music Awards | 2006 | New Female Artist Award | Template:Won | |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2006 | New Artist Award | Template:Won | |
| 2008 | Bonsang (Main Prize) | Template:Won |