Diva (South Korean band)

Diva (디바) was a popular three-member Hip-Hop girl group in South Korea that debuted in 1997 and disbanded in 2005. They were primarily created and produced by Roo'ra member Chae Ri-na but left the group in 1999. Their debut album Funky Diva was popular in South Korea due to its newly created style for girl groups debuting in Korea.

Debut

Diva debuted with their first album titled Funky Diva in 1997 and their singles there was Yeah and Drama of December. Their single Yeah was popular in Korea peaking at number 5 at music charts. Their album sold about 270,000 copies.

Second album success

Diva released their second album titled Snappy Diva in the summer of 1998 with singles titled Why are you calling and Joy. Their single Why are you calling was also popular peaking at number 1 at music charts. Their single Joy was also popular. Their second album sold over 240,000 copies.

Third album, English album and line-up changes

Diva released their third album titled Millenium with singles Yo Yo and Feel It in 1999. Their single Yo Yo peaked at number 3 in music charts and was also popular. Their third album sold over 100,000 copies. After the promotions, they released their English Album titled Dream in Taiwan with the single I'll Get Your Love and was popular in Taiwan selling over 30,000 copies. However, after their promotions in Taiwan, leader Chae Rina left and Lee Min Kyoung was added.

Fourth album

Diva released their fourth album titled Naughty Diva in 2000, with the singles Up & Down and In This Winter. Diva still remained popular even though popular member and leader Chae Rina left the group. Their album sold 112,788 copies.^[1]

Fifth album

Diva released their fifth album titled Perfect! in 2001 with singles Perfect! and DVD. Perfect! peaked at #6 in music charts. The album sold 69,069+ copies in 2001.^[2]

Sixth album

Diva released their sixth album, a feat achieved by few girl groups in Korea, titled Luxury Diva which saw Diva change their styles with luxurious and dark concepts. Their singles where Lust in the Wind and Action. Their album was less popular than their last 5 albums with Action peaking only at number 14 in music charts. The album sold about 46,840^[3] copies.

Best album

Diva released their 6.5 album in 2003 titled Best compiling their popular singles during their active times in Korea from 1997 to 2002. The album sold about 20,000 copies.

Seventh album

Diva released their seventh album titled Renaissance with singles Hey Boy and Amoremio. Their single Hey Boy peaked at number 11 and their seventh album sold about 17,797 copies.^[4]

Eighth and last album, disbandment

Diva released their eight and last album before disbandment titled Only Diva with singles Smile and My Style. Their music video for Smile was filmed in China. This album sold 20,000 copies in Korea. After their promotions, Diva announced their disbandment to focus on solo activities.

Post Disbandment

All of the members are focusing on their solo activities right now. The members are still in touch and good friends. Member Ji Ni joined the Season 3 Project Runway Korea under her real name due to her dream to become a designer and placed 4th, member Vicky was already married and has children and member Lee Min Kyoung has acted in some musicals such as Singin' in the Rain and On Air 2.

Artistry

Diva's artistry and genre was different from the other girl groups out there at their active time. S.E.S & Fin.K.L have both a poppy genre, Baby V.O.X have a dance genre. But Diva have a hip-hop genre that loved by many people in South Korea. Diva was also popular in some Asian Countries like China and Taiwan. Diva was known for having energetic and groovy music and videos that was peculiar at the height of their career.

Discography

Awards

References