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Sistar

From Alfawiki
SISTAR
Company typeGirl group
IndustryMusic
Founded2010
FounderStarship Entertainment
Headquarters
South Korea
ProductsMusic albums and singles

SISTAR (; stylized in all caps) was a South Korean girl group established in 2010 under the management of Starship Entertainment. The lineup included Hyolyn, Bora, Soyou, and Dasom. Their debut single, "Push Push," was released on 3 June 2010.[1] They followed up with their first full-length album, So Cool, on 9 August 2011,[2] and later their sophomore album, Give It to Me, which came out on 11 June 2013.[3]

Among their most notable tracks are "So Cool," "Alone," "Touch My Body," "Loving U," and "Give It to Me." The song "So Cool" achieved the number one position on both the Gaon Digital Chart and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100, initiating a sequence of nine consecutive chart-topping singles that continued until the group disbanded in 2017.

SISTAR recorded remarkable digital sales, becoming one of only five artists in South Korea to have nine or more number-one singles. In polls conducted by The Dong-a Ilbo in 2016 and by Gallup Korea in 2024, they ranked ninth and eleventh respectively among top South Korean girl groups. Their accolades include nine Golden Disc Awards, five Melon Music Awards, four MAMA Awards, and seven Seoul Music Awards.

Pre–debut

In March 2010, Starship Entertainment revealed plans to debut a new four-member female ensemble named "Sistar," aiming for an April launch. The agency marketed SISTAR as a dynamic girl group combining talent with fashion-forward appeal, targeting audiences in their teens and twenties through distinctive music, choreography, and style. Prior to their official debut, SISTAR attracted attention for their powerful vocal abilities and were introduced via a fashion photoshoot for casual brand FUBU, an unusual promotional strategy for newcomers.

By March, Starship confirmed the completion of recording for their debut single album. Having undergone two years of rigorous training with producers such as Jo Young-soo, Shinsadong Tiger, and E-Tribe, SISTAR was often compared by industry insiders to Korea’s own version of "Destiny's Child."

2010–2012: Debut, breakthrough with So Cool, Alone, and Loving U

SISTAR began promotional activities early in 2010 with endorsements and photo sessions. Their official debut occurred on 3 June 2010 with "Push Push," followed by their inaugural television performance on Music Bank the next day.

Their follow-up single, "Shady Girl," released on 25 August, featured a cameo by Kim Hee-chul from Super Junior in its music video. A fan-recorded clip showing member Bora sustaining a thumb injury during a live performance yet continuing to perform gained international media coverage.

In September, SISTAR represented Korean girl groups exclusively at Japan’s "Hallyu Music Festival," then performed in Thailand in October. November saw the release of their third single, "How Dare You." The group earned the "Newcomer Award" at the Golden Disc Awards held in December and secured their first music show trophy for "How Dare You" on Music Bank later that month.

On 27 April 2011, SISTAR introduced a sub-unit named Sistar19, comprising Hyolyn and Bora. The main group returned on 9 August with their debut studio album, So Cool, whose lead track became the first number one on the newly launched Billboard K-pop Hot 100 chart that month. They also received their initial "Mutizen Award" on Inkigayo in September.

In early April 2012, SISTAR held a global comeback showcase for "So Cool," broadcast live across 41 countries. Their first extended play, Alone, was released on 12 April featuring seven tracks including the title song produced by Brave Brothers. This was followed by their second mini album, Loving U, which debuted on 28 June featuring the title track produced by Duble Sidekick, alongside new compositions and remixed versions of previous hits.[4]

2013–2015: Give It to Me, summer chart-toppers, and solo/duo projects

On 31 January 2013, Sistar19 introduced their inaugural mini album, Gone Not Around Any Longer, along with its lead single. Starship Entertainment later revealed plans for a comeback in mid-June with a second full-length album. Subsequently, on 11 June, Sistar unveiled their sophomore studio album, Give It to Me, which embraced a Moulin Rouge-inspired concept. This album entered the Gaon Music Chart at position four. On 26 October, Sistar proudly represented South Korea at the ABU TV Song Festival 2013 held in Hanoi, Vietnam, performing the track "Give It to Me". Additional singles extracted from this album included "The Way You Make Me Melt", "Crying", and "Bad Boy". Later that year, on 26 November, Hyolyn released her first solo studio album, Love & Hate, which peaked at number five on the Gaon chart.

Starship Entertainment confirmed on 5 June 2014 that Sistar would release new music in early July. True to the announcement, on 21 July the group launched their third mini album, Touch N Move, featuring the title song "Touch My Body". This EP achieved number two on Gaon and reached number eight on Billboard's US World Albums chart. The single "Naughty Hands" followed later that month. On 26 August, Sistar presented their fourth mini album and second summer special, Sweet & Sour, which included two fresh tracks alongside remixes of prior hits. Their success was further recognized in December when they secured the Best Female Group award at the 2014 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

Sistar’s fifth mini-album, Shake It, was released on 22 June 2015 and debuted at number three on Gaon. The singles "Shake It" and "Don't Be Such a Baby" were launched later in June. In August of the same year, Hyolyn took part in the second season of Unpretty Rapstar. On 1 August, Sistar performed at 2015 KCON in Los Angeles, followed by a performance on 14 August commemorating The 70th Independence Day of the Republic of Korea. Hyolyn released the single "The Wall Destroyer" featuring Eluphant's Keebee on 7 September. Meanwhile, on 22 September, Soyou collaborated with Kwon Jeong Yeol from 10cm for the track "Lean on Me."

2016–2017: Insane Love, "Lonely", and group disbandment

Sistar’s fourth extended play, Insane Love, was released on 21 June 2016 with the lead track "I Like That". This single debuted atop the Gaon Digital Chart, reaffirming their status as summer hitmakers. Moreover, "I Like That" dominated K-pop music video charts across China, including QQ Music, iQIYI, and YinYueTai. At the 2016 Gaon Chart Music Awards, Sistar was honored with the Singer of the Year award for June in the Digital Music category.

On 22 May 2017, Starship Entertainment announced that Sistar would disband after completing promotions for their final single, "Lonely", which was released on 31 May. The members penned farewell messages to fans confirming this decision. Prior to their disbandment, they performed their signature summer hits—"Touch My Body", "Shake It", "Loving U", and "I Swear"—alongside "Lonely" across four major music programs. Their concluding stage took place on Inkigayo on 4 June. Following its release, "Lonely" debuted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart dated 8 June.

2022: Reunion Appearance

On July 22, 2022, Sistar came together once again to deliver a performance of several of their popular tracks during the concluding episode of You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook, in celebration of Hyolyn's recent solo return.

Ambassador Roles

In June 2010, Sistar was designated as promotional ambassadors for the 2010 Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival. Later that year, they took on ambassadorial duties for Thailand's 'Teen Superstar TV Show' auditions as well as the Korea Youth Federation, supporting both domestic and international initiatives.

By November 2011, the group had been appointed public relations ambassadors by the Korea Energy Foundation, focusing on 'Energy Sharing' and welfare campaigns. During 2012, they acted as promotional ambassadors and adjudicators for the ‘K-Pop Cover Dance Festival’, representing Korean pop culture to over 700 participating teams from 50 different countries. In December of that same year, MBC+U-stream Studio selected them as ambassadors for the inaugural ‘Tokyo Kimchi Festival’ held in Tokyo, Japan.

March 2013 saw Sistar named public relations ambassadors for Wonju, Gangwon-do, where they promoted the '2013 K-Pop Concert' and 'K-POP Cover Dance Festival', attending various local events. The following year in March 2014, they appeared in television commercials endorsing the Osong International Bio Industry Expo.

In August 2014, Sistar was appointed public relations ambassadors for the Mariana Tourism Office. They filmed the music video for their track 'I Swear' on location in Saipan, highlighting key tourist attractions and local points of interest to boost awareness of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Endorsements

In April 2010, prior to their official debut, Sistar broke new ground in the cosmetics sector by becoming brand models and starring in beauty editorials for Shu Uemura as pre-summer campaign faces. Their debut pictorial was featured in Ceci magazine’s May edition. According to Asian Economy reports, within just three weeks of debuting, Sistar rapidly established themselves as premier advertising talents, securing contracts with major domestic and international brands such as FUBU and Shu Uemura.

By October 2010, Sistar was selected as representatives for Korea’s leading boardwear label ‘STL’ for its 2010 fall/winter collection. In December, they collaborated with Yuna Kim and Electroboyz on "Super Girl," a promotional project for Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Tab. From February 2012 until 2014, they endorsed fashion brand AIOLI’s "Plastic Islands" line.

In December 2014, Sistar promoted the training wear brand 'BCUZ,' which was modeled after them by a Korean SME. This campaign generated sales exceeding 3 billion won within its first month across domestic and overseas markets including China and Southeast Asia. Additionally, they represented sportswear lines such as Nepa’s ‘Izenbuck’ collection and LS Network’s Skechers pants, which were also featured prominently in their 2015 single "Shake It" music video.

Expanding into gaming endorsements, Sistar modeled for EA Mobile Korea’s action RPG 'Chronos Sword' followed by Neowiz Games’ shooter title 'Dizzel' in 2011. They also took part in promotional launches for LNK Logic Korea’s 'Mirror Wars: Resurrection,' Nexon GT’s 'Sudden Attack,' Kakao Games’ 'Heroes for Kakao,' and The New Times’ Naval Battle 1942 in 2016.

The group secured advertising agreements with various companies including SolarC and Pelicana Chicken, as well as clothing brands Clyde & Plastic Island and automotive manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company for the Veloster Turbo model. Their widespread endorsements spanned industries such as apparel, automobiles, beverages, cosmetics, food products, confectionery bars, online marketplaces, and waterparks—highlighting their prominent market position. Prominent campaigns included Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE launch, Emprani’s "Holika," Longevity Apparel’s Clyde brand, Ssangyong Motor’s Korando C model, Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s Let's Be Cafe Time series, Coca-Cola’s Mate Tea of the Sun product, Samyang Genex’s About Me collection, Ottogi’s Rice Set offerings, Mars Korea’s Sneakers line, SK Planet’s 11th Street Open Market platform, and Daemyung Resort’s Ocean World waterpark attractions.

Impact

Between 2011 and 2013, Sistar consistently appeared among the most preferred female vocalists, securing the 10th position overall and achieving third and fourth places in the 2012 and 2013 rankings, respectively. In 2012, they were recognized as the top "Most Favorite Group" by college students in their twenties, also leading preferences among male university attendees.

In October 2013, Dispatch placed Sistar second among girl groups based on criteria including digital sales, album performance, YouTube views, iTunes rankings, music show appearances, advertising engagements, and fan club size. A 2014 poll conducted by men's fashion brand Cheil Industries Galaxy identified Sistar as the favored idol group among men aged 40 to 59. Later that year, an idol member survey ranked them second overall and first within girl groups for Best Idols of the Year.

By December 2014, a survey involving solo artists and group members named Sistar the second Best Singer of the Year alongside Seo Taiji, Apink, and Beast. In 2015, Asia Today awarded them second place as the Best Female Group of the decade based on votes from industry experts. A 2016 survey by The Dong-a Ilbo ranked Sistar ninth among top girl groups over the past two decades according to both public opinion and specialist assessments. In 2024, Gallup Korea placed Sistar at number 11 among the most popular girl groups of the 21st century, tied with Apink and Mamamoo.

Sub-units

Sistar19, a sub-unit of Sistar formed in 2011, featured members Hyolyn and Bora. They debuted with the single "Ma Boy" in May 2011 and later released "Gone Not Around Any Longer" in January 2013 along with an EP sharing the same title.

Discography

Television

Year Show Details Episode(s)
2011 Sistar & Leeteuk's Hello Baby Caring for toddler Kim Kyu-min
2014 Midnight in Hong Kong with Sistar Special broadcast on Y-STAR
2015 Sistar Showtime Reality series Episodes 1–8

Sistar's First Live Concert '[Femme Fatale]'

Date City Country Venue Attendance Ref.
15 September 2012 Seoul South Korea Olympic Hall 3,000

Sistar's Second Live Concert '[S]'

Date City Country Venue Attendance Ref.
12 October 2013 Seoul South Korea Olympic Hall 4,000
2 April 2014 Hong Kong Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre 3,000

Related Topics

Additional Resources

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Push Push
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :0
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :1
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named release
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