How GFRIEND Revitalized The Innocent Concept And Clawed Their Way To The Top ‖ History of GFRIEND

[@yooyoyoyoyo243]

Hoping gfriend can continue with their concept now that they have the trademark rights! Source music did a terrible mistake disbanding them. Anyways I love curling up and watching your videos, keep it up!

[@jiminlovesux]

trademark concept lmaooo kpoppers lack brain cells

[@reyses1x2]

I don't think Source music did though. Lesserafim, on their debut, is selling 5 times the amount of Gfriend's most sold album

[@gyawn]

@@reyses1x2 yeah because 2 of their members were ex members of a popular group from a popular survival show. plus, they got hype for being "hybe's new girl group", not to mention they got bad publicity with garam's scandal. GFriend built their names from nothing. They were the first 3rd gen GG to get PAK. They were one of the best selling group in 2016. And they held the record of having the most music trophy wins in a year with 29 wins. They did this LONG before they merged with Hybe. And only a few years after debut. None of the members were popular before debuting, they didn't come from a big company, and this was all before TikTok and social media become a place for Kpop groups to gain more popularity. Yes, LeSserafim is successful. But that doesn't mean GF isn't. THEY👏BUILT👏SOUMU👏PERIODT. If LS doesn't have Chaewon and Kkura, and are from an unknown company, they wouldn't be as successful as they are now. Added with Garam's scandal, they might have disbanded only months after debut.

[@reyses1x2]

@@gyawn My point still stands. I don't think Source Music made a terrible choice of choosing Le sserafim over Gfriend since the rookies are far more profitable.

[@gyawn]

@@reyses1x2 they could've kept both. have you never thought of that? just say you hate gfriend and leave❤️

[@dgds24]

WE NEED GFRIEND BACK TO SAVE THE INDUSTRY! PERIODT. [EDIT] Grfriend build source music. I still feel betrayed and sad whenever I heard mago. Can't believed a colorful song can turn fans memories to nightmare😭💔 I feel so sorry for them. What a waste of talent😣 they deserve better😔

[@Pelztheo]

Whatdo you mean nightmare

[@dgds24]

@@Pelztheo nightmare for us buddies what source x hybe did to this girls.

[@HectorH-M]

It's ok. There's Viviz

[@dgds24]

@@HectorH-M TRUE. still supporting each of the members. Sowons movie with chanwoo was good tho.

[@cinnamontea8545]

csr just debuted a while ago and have similar music

[@sardiniapiedmont]

MAGO was their biggest song internationally, they got so many new stans in that era but it underperformed in Korea so maybe HYBE was biased. It’s clear they wanted to divert all their focus onto Le Seraffim’s debut

[@legalizemarinara]

Yes, what’s funny is that if they disbanded them on the pretense of not being profitable, it’s HYBE’s own fault bc they were doing exceptionally well before being acquired. I guess after the acquisition they didn’t do as well domestically but they still were very popular. Seems like they were set up to fail by HYBE.

[@yvsfrbs_19]

GFRIEND is definitely one of my favorite 3rd gen girl groups and they're also one of the groups that I stanned since their debut. I can still vividly remember when I first heard about them and their debut song and instantly falling in love with them the moment they debuted and since then, I have been following them and anticipating every comeback. Of course, when the group disbanded last year, I'm one of the fans who felt heartbroken after hearing this news, but nevertheless, they left a mark and legacy in the K-pop industry, they will never be forgotten and will be solely missed.

[@ReapTheWhirlwind]

I'm not a Buddy, as I was waiting for the next comeback to decide to stan or not, but the absence of GFriend is so sad. Like, they have never missed and raised the bar in terms of performance for less powerful concepts. I discovered them when they did a show with Mamamoo and really fell in love with their personalities. I love VIVIZ and am so proud of Eunha, SinB, and Umji for having the courage to start over and I wish Sowon, Yerin, and Yuju all the best. If Sowon were to join BPM they should just start calling themselves GFriend again. HYBE be damned.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Tbh it’s sad most people have no idea Yerin made her solo debut

[@ReapTheWhirlwind]

@@gwenmloveskpopandmore I know that she did. It was my least favorite solo though. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

@@ReapTheWhirlwind yeah but I liked it. Lots of people either disliked it or had no idea she even made a solo debut

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

@@ReapTheWhirlwind I dont like YuJu’s debut though

[@francinev3971]

@@gwenmloveskpopandmore i dont think it was her original plan though. i think yerin was leaning more towards acting and variety since she barely promoted her solo. i do wonder though what happened to her acting gig which was announced way before sowon's and has no other information yet as of today

[@Serra_Sarah]

im still salty about hybe , and the disbanded , well today sowon have decides not to renew her contract with IOK Company so it is now waiting for were she goes now , i really miss them so mush ;-;

[@legalizemarinara]

I hope one day people can remember GFRIEND as an amazing success story. I’m still so heartbroken that they disbanded and hope they can comeback together, but regardless of what happens, I sincerely hope that people fondly remember this group

[@remyghteight4927]

i miss gfriend so much! but viviz will keep slaying

[@oliviafrommars]

The disbandment of GFRIEND was heartbreaking!! I miss these beautiful and talented beagles together sm!!

[@nyanbare3138]

was going to write a whole speech on how much i love this group but instead i will put: hybe... source music... your judgement will come one day.... rough and navillera are still two of my all time fav songs and i almost cried while watching this GREAT VIDEO FROM MIDNIGHT THEORIES, PhD.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Yeah after what they did to their GGs that’s for sure

[@salomeannm.trocino6461]

Hello there! I think the one we should address is not HYBE but Source Music. Bang Si Hyuk is not the one handling the whole HYBE, although he is still the Chairman, but he chose to be still handling Big Hit Ent. So the management of the companies that they acquired were still handled by the same management. They are just there for additional financial support. There is still a gap on what really happened between them.

[@justinegan2090]

I never thought MAGO was going to be their last song

[@monib111]

GFRIEND were not only the 1st group I ever stanned but were the group that got me into Kpop as a whole (thanks to a lyric video for Me Gusta Tu). As a BUDDY who has followed GFRIEND since before TFTMN Era (April 2018), they have a special place in my heart. I hope that they can reunite someday, especially since Source Music failed at acquiring the trademark rights to the group.

[@luneseishin11]

I love gfriend so much and I cried many times after they disbanded but I still have hope that they'll promote together again soon

[@dt8602]

thank you so much for this video! most people honestly overlook the impact gfriend had on industry during their peak days. literally everyone and their mothers were doing innocent concept in 2016 because of gfriend's success, plus they not only put themselves on the map but the composers and choreographers that worked with them were suddenly highly on demand too. they were also the pioneer of 2x dance and one of the first 3rd gen ggs to be known for their knife-like choreos the most amazing thing about it is that they did this all through hard work without a big company to back them up, literally built up their company from the basement by themselves. which is why i will never not be angry at their company's betrayal

[@glennzagelasius643]

Gfriend literally invented cute and powerful concept with a hard choreograph. They set a new standard for cute concept

[@annie_xo]

I like every single one of their songs, which is something very rare for me. I hope they’ll all be happy and successful going forward.

[@RK-co5ys]

Will always be my favorite group :,( we miss you gfriend

[@tuesdaywithjisoo8395]

I feel so bad for not being a Buddy earlier. It's just this year that I started listening to their bsides.

[@gwenmloveskpopandmore]

Better late than never u can support ViviZ as a Na•V and Yuju and Yerin’s solo careers

[@marshmallowalgae4995]

I used to count the months until a new gfriend comeback, because they were always so consistent. My heart honestly dropped when I saw the letters instead of a comeback announcement.I followed them pretty much since debut, first kpop group I got into by getting their dance practice reccomended to me. I was honestly more attached to them than I realized. I really thought them being under hybe was going to make things go higher and higher and it seemed like it was after the reception of mago. It's so crazy that it's been a year since then. I've gotten used to the way things are now but I'm still hoping one day I'll get to use my glass bead at a Gfriend concert.

[@joelreyes4237]

It's such a shame that Gfriend disbanded and I was surprise that they disbanded after the Mago promotion. I became a fan of them when I saw Rough music video back in February of 2016

[@lemonjennie]

Finally, my girls have their video 😭 Soumu and Hybe will forever be on my to hate list. GFRIEND literally were the one who built Soumu but they just betrayed them like that?

[@anemomelyn6297]

Thank you for this,GFRIEND deserved recognition for their hard work and success

[@diveintolove4927]

I'm still sad for their disbandment even though it's been more than a year already. I can't help but cry while watching this video. I miss them so much.

[@kyokoro_p]

I cried a lot through the video Their story is just so powerful, it had no reason to end as suddenly as it did. Whether they perform as 6 again or not, I still love them a lot and wish the very best for them~

[@pikablu9375]

As a hardcore buddy, I enjoyed watch this video, it’s essentially a history lesson on my favorite group. The sad thing about Mago, is that the girls were really beginning to pull in international attention; I remember many non-stan’s discovering the song and liking it. It makes me really sad because they were going to shine more and more. I hope that in the near future, the girls can meet again and give a small concert of some sort. I miss them so much, even if they all debuted under different agencies.

[@byronrobbins8834]

Mago was a simplistic song as well, of course we have several songs to consider.

[@The_Super_NOVA]

I have a theory that girl groups who start with natural, youthful concepts and slowly move towards mature concepts as they get older are generally more successful. Why? Because people love a story, they love to see these idols grow up, explore new concepts, and hone their talents. Years later, you can look back at their debut and see how much they've changed. Plus, that "girl next door" vibe is relatable to a younger audience. Just look at Girls' Generation (Into the New World to The Boys) or Lovelyz (Candy Jelly Love to Obliviate) or Oh My Girl (Cupid to Dun Dun Dance). Of course, there are exceptions, like Blackpink and ITZY for example. Sometimes it makes me sad when these groups made up of teenagers try to jump ahead to mature girlcrush concepts right at debut and you just don't get that exciting sense of BEGINNING from that. They're out there as rookies with their flashy outfits and wild hair colors, and it somehow doesn't feel earned. Everglow is an example of this. Though I like the group, I don't look back at their debut with the same heartwarming nostalgia as I do SNSD because they jumped right into girlcrush.

[@myfantasyisnct]

G friend was(no is)one of the best girl groups that hit the kpop world they are talented, beautiful, intelligence and all of them have the "IT" factor I prey that we get to see them preform as GFRIEND again on the stage or even a song I wish the girls nothing but success and good health 🙏 on they solo journeys

[@voteyinghao]

Glass bead was my girlfriend's fave song!! Even tough she's not a kpop fan she always listen to it.

[@autisticriddler]

i found gfriend through crossroads and i’ve been streaming their music like crazy since then, even now they released absolute bangers, my favorites being rainbow, memoria, room of mirrors, fingertip, and sunrise, which i’ve been streaming a lot for a year bc it’s just SO good! the day that a group tops those songs with this genre will be a great day bc man is their music good. i was so upset when they disbanded bc they are the standard for great music like i can’t tell you a bad release from them.

[@BabyBat14]

I was already a sone at the time and I remember the comparison issue. Ngl, they were very clearly inspired by SNSD, but SNSD was also inspired by 90s girl groups. I think most grew out of that toxicity and realized the girls were legends by the time Rough came out.

[@evecf5156]

It's funny how many SONEs criticized GFriend for "looking like" SNSD in their debut but that's the reason why I started watching them. I will never understand toxic fandom´s culture. When they debuted I loved that Glass Bead reminded me of ITNW and from that moment on I became a fan of them.

[@sookie2764]

i’m tearing up i miss gfriend they deserve so much more

[@wendyz8365]

Thanks for this video. I'm not a kpop fan, i just like some songs and this helped me understand Gfriends success better

[@m_nyozz]

whenever i listen to time for moonlight i get teary eyed…

[@edvaedan9161]

Thank you for this video. I became a fan right at the end but it has still been an amazing journey going back through their beautiful discography. Here is to seeing a GFriend reunion for their 10th anniversary.

[@yujinmyahjjang8822]

Power purity concept, I like that. You don’t have to be girl crush to show powerful dancing

[@honkhonk1712]

The worst thing being they were not able to perform their last songs in front of Buddy's. Even one performance would have been better but nope. It's so heart breaking

[@zandrothorn225]

Gfriend will always and forever be my favorite Girl Group

[@RosePhantoma]

gfriend, please come back to us!

[@Mashka14]

Fascinating and interesting Video on the History and career of Gfriend who had incredible success

[@LainCelestine]

I'm a Buddy forever, I'm supporting all the members and hoping that they will return as GFRIEND one day in the future.

[@sabrinaleedance]

How Sowon said Gfriend jsnt disbanded and shes still apart of Gfriend. It really has me hopeful, but all the members seem to be happy w their individual enevours. Still it doesnt mean its out of the question for Gfriend to have a reunion comeback one day. They arent the only group that have their members also being soloist and having a sub unit (Viviz)

[@butitsonlythe-3853]

These beautiful talented women had to go through so much in their career. I've been following them since debut and the amount of hate and disrespect they had gotten before they had their big break was awful. They had built their company from the ground up from their hard work, sweat and tears, only for them to be forced out of their company with no warning or heads up (they literally found out they were disbanding from an article online when they all woke up in their apartments). Gfriend had literally set records during their time together in Korea, Japan, the U.S and even Indonesia, they were going up against the top girl groups from the top agencies, they were all around respected and admired by so many people in Korea. I'm not sure if we will ever get the real truth as to why source music decided to disband them but hopefully with this trademark rights win, we can get some answers from them or a reunion.

[@waiting4t-araot624]

Thank you Buddy. A truthful and honest look at Gfriend's legendary history. The best introduction to Gfriend for new fans. Good work Buddy.

[@amanduuuh_7117]

I had heard of Gfriend but I didn't start listening until Apple. Wow what a song. One of my top tracks of the year. I always saw people saying Hybe completely changed their image and I only knew me gustas tu so I agreed. But looking at their full discography, it's very obvious they had a super organic evolution to that mature concept. They just had a lot more budget for Apple lol The disbandment will never make sense to me, I don't agree with the majority that the company did this on purpose to sabotage them. That just doesn't make sense. They definitely were still making money with numbers rising. Le sserafim didn't need gfriend to go away for their success to happen, no other group did. Maybe a member made a last minute decision that caught everybody off-guard. Not all members commented who knows. I think about BTS speech at MAMA and Jin thanking the other members for gathering strength to continue. We never know the internal battles idols face. Loving music and performance doesn't equal loving the pressure and pace of the industry. It's a tough decision for everyone but I'm glad everyone is doing well! I hope one day we hear the full story.

[@xsomili5501]

I use to enjoy Mago with only a happy and nostalgic feeling. Now a sadness accompanies it

[@TKillDomLuizCataleya]

i will never forgive what they did to them

[@jeffw.4205]

Gfriend Forever. Buddy Fighting. Trust in Gfriend.

[@gem2148]

I'm still in disbelief about their disbandement!!!

[@강예나-c8j]

5:34 that other “unknown trainee” is actually Luda from 우주소녀

[@bedazzledblu]

GFRIEND

[@michime7860]

The disbandment news still hurts

[@ari4446]

Son únicas no hay ningún grupo como ellas ♡

[@kazuhasgloves]

I miss them so much??

[@stephp3455]

I want Gfriend to come back with this concept again. If they don’t I’m ok because I just want them to come back.

[@fairy5728]

19:02 summer rain by gfriend is the reason why I love kpop!! Gfriend was such a classical timeless group , if u wanted all pure vocals listen to them!

[@Kappiccino]

I was waiting for a video on GFriend from this channel and the wait is finally over. What a great video! (And I am going to watch the extended version right after this one 👍🏾) I've been (and still is) a fan of Gfriend since their debut so I had a front row seat to witness the up and down in the girls' career. I was (and still am) disgusted by the amount of hatred they've got during their debut days and the amount they are still getting to this day: - Comments on their looks (poor Umji received the worst of them; I am so happy she became such a confident woman and did not let the haters drag her down) - Comments on their vocals ability ('Yuju and friends') - Comments on their outfits (when they were from a small company with little budget) - Comments on their attitudes (I am still pissed at the way some people went after Yerin when Gfriend got their 1st win with Rough. Some people really criticized her on the way she was crying). - Comments on their dance skills (when these girls were giving top synchronisation and beautiful choreos. 'Sunrise' and 'Rough' choreos remain my favorite Kpop choreos). The hypocrisy from some Kpop fans when it comes to Gfriend is sky level. First, their songs were too cute. Then, it was too repetitive ('their songs sound the same'), then Fingertip happened and it was 'it is their only good song'. Then the critics went back to how their songs are too cute, ''Fever' was too generic' and finally it was ''Apple' and 'Mago' were their best songs'.... The way some Kpop fans also liked/like to downplay Gfriend's achievements and keep saying that the reason why the girls became successful was because of the video where they kept falling during 'Me Gustas Tu' era... The way they also seem to forget that Gfriend was Twice's direct competitor in 2016 ('Rough' and 'Navillera' were huge hits in South Korea. Gfriend should have won SOTY that year because 'Rough' was as much an anthem as MGT). Honestly, the way that some Kpop fans like to cry about how groups from small companies are not supported enough by fans but if a group from a small company do rise and they don't like this group then it is free estate to criticize that group (especially when a member of the group slips up. Then they really foam at the mouth and bring back that mistake during every conversation about the group). The way Gfriend's disbandment was done by Source Music and Hybe was so disrespectful. They really did not care about Gfriend's fans. I vividly remember seeing the random announcement about Gfriend's disbandment on Weverse and then a few days after, Gfriend was not part of Source Music anymore. After literally building Source Music up, bringing all the trophies and money for 6 years, the girls got thrown out like garbage. The only thing Source Music gave was a few photos. I am happy that the girls are doing their thing now and are happy doing so. I am also happy that Hybe/Source Music did not get Gfriend's name and I hope the girls will be able to have a Gfriend's reunion/mini concert/single release in the future. As for Hybe and Source Music, I won't be sad if they crumble in the future.

[@xsomili5501]

20:10 hands down my FAVOURITE Gfriend title track

[@cherryblossom7120]

I feel like hybe should had never bought out source music.

[@kalrbeato11]

This video made me cry 😭 I miss them so much 😭

[@miaemblem8072]

The intro like a Netflix series is cute!

[@karenbarrientos9828]

I miss these girls so much, I got into them around the time they disbanded I’m sad I didn’t stan sooner 😭

[@traceylee5674]

Forget Netflix…I’m watching Midnight Theories!

[@frankievang8830]

Their agency did them dirty by disbanding them 😑

[@xsomili5501]

27:24 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Mago is my second favourite Gfriend title track... I'm so sad they disbanded

[@menucafe]

ALSO GFRIEND FOREVER T_T

[@WorldbreakerHulk0326]

This made me tear up...

[@togf7290]

Todavía extraño GFRIEND como grupo, pero hasta que se vuelvan a juntar las apoyaré en sus nuevas carreras.

[@syuhadahamid6410]

my babyyyyyy gfriend

[@sk.m.subhani7888]

I hope one day all these members unite and give us new album they are very hardworking and unique

[@alexillest]

Apple and Mago are two of my fav songs 💖 Thanks for this video

[@pierrethibodeaux4408]

great, information dense video! i feel like this perfectly weaved fact with narrative and was extremely compelling!

[@ItsDavidN]

i miss them so much…

[@OhNahBruh]

I can't wait for you to give us an Everglow video. I need to know.

[@margaretrojas3002]

WHY AM I ONLY JUST FINDING OUT GFRIEND DISBANDED!?!?? 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@kit9877]

Please support VIVIZ, Yuju and Yerin’s solo releases while we wait for a reunion

[@lisakayokay]

@@kit9877 And watch "My Chilling Roommate" starring Sowon (:

[@alexandramonet]

yay! another long video to watch!

[@Ximisimi]

I would love to hear a history of LOONA. I honestly believe the way they debuted literally backwards(solos, subunits, then group) is so interesting and would love to hear your narration of their story. ☺️

[@eunhaberry]

I want my yeojachingu back 😫

[@byronrobbins8834]

We want them back into their correct ships, since Yuju ought to stick with Umji, like Princess Yerin sticks with Sinbi.

[@miaemblem8072]

When they went under Hype i started to kinda dislike their music, i mean, i like it but it was sooo much better before hybe for me (except for mago)

[@아미버디-p3b]

사실 : 하이브 주식상장용으로 희생되고 방시혁과 소성진의 르세라핌 지원 전략에 강제해체된것임.

[@menucafe]

EEEEEE YAY THE VIDEO IS HERE c:

[@michime7860]

Please comeback Gfriend😭

[@byronrobbins8834]

True, since life without our 6 babies, would be awful.

[@yunning7462]

thank you for this video 🥹

[@kiraniv125]

GFriend loves trilogy's

[@alejandroaguilar9038]

HOW MANY HERE THINIK THEY WILL RETURN ?

[@w_aleed0]

Hey girl this is no hate but sometimes I feel like I can hear the bg music more than your voice in certain segments of the video! 😭 Maybe increase the volume of your mic audio or I just need to get my headphones checked idk 😭

[@ADDICTb2st]

Please do apink. Thanks!! Great histography compilation.

[@melinaweber3689]

Naaah I miss gfriend so much holy shit

[@cereza2504]

JENNY

[@SkogenWhisper]

Awesome video

[@muniray3912]

23:00

[@michime7860]

VIVIZ :3

[@choroporgfriend]

the debut is wrong actually is in the day 16 not 15

[@miaemblem8072]

So...the CEO decided some of their names? Wtf

[@yolialways]

Weird how there was no mention about one of the members making nazi jokes

[@honkhonk1712]

Yaa cause it was a stupid mistake and half was made up by twt user. Maybe go check again

[@yolialways]

@@honkhonk1712 It was ignorant and I hope she was held accountable.

[@honkhonk1712]

@@yolialways Very true. She was held accountable. Idk where the idea that we trying to protect her came from. Cause I remember Buddys being first one to contact Soumu for atleast 24 hours continuously. Only after that they realised a statement. But calling them N is noo good. Cause it was stupid mistake but some take it way too far. While half of it being lies from twt

[@cherryblossom7120]

We've all said dumbshit in front of other people.

[@midnightfairycase2145]

@@yolialways accountable…. Girl… some buddies even think that if she hadn’t posted that picture gfriend would still exist. Accountable… as in cancelled ? You guys are really scary.