In the annals of K-pop history, the names S.E.S and FIN.KL shine bright as the pioneers of the genre, but there was once another group that rivaled their fame - Baby V.O.X.
Comprising Lee Heejin, Kan Miyoun, Kim E-Z, Yoon Eun Hye, and Shim Eun Jin, this all-girl ensemble stormed the late 90s and early 2000s with unparalleled success.
Respect to Baby V.O.X for being so resilient over the years despite getting mistreated NUMEROUS times π«‘π
— Aeternum (@MasterFlexx5) June 30, 2024
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Their rise was meteoric, propelled by hits like "Get Up" and "Killer" that remain cherished by fans even today.
However, fame in the tumultuous world of K-Pop often comes with its share of controversies and setbacks.
The beginning of Baby V.O.X's downfall can be traced back to a daring move by their CEO, Yoon Deung Ryong, who sought to infuse hip-hop into the group's repertoire.
In a bold and controversial move, he secured the rights to use a sample of the late Tupac Shakur's vocals in their song "Xcstasy," along with his likeness in the music video.
While legally cleared, this collaboration sparked outrage within Korea's hip-hop community.
Yoon Deung Ryong defended the decision vehemently, but the damage was done.
The group was branded "Miari V.O.X," a reference to a notorious red-light district, which stuck and irreversibly tarnished their image.
Despite efforts to reboot with new members as Baby Vox Re.V, the magic of the original lineup couldn't be recaptured.
By 2006, the group disbanded, leaving behind a legacy marred by controversy but also marked by individual successes.
Yoon Eun Hye emerged as a leading actress in the Korean wave (Hallyu) with iconic roles in dramas like "Princess Hours" and "Coffee Prince," solidifying her status as a cultural phenomenon.
Princess Hours
— πππππ πππππππ ππ β§βΛ βΉ (@laura_kkim) March 24, 2022
Imagine if you , as a high school student kena kahwin dengan crown prince π§ Thatβs what happen to Chae Kyung (Yoon Eun Hye) . Dia kena kahwin dengan crown prince Lee Shin (Ju Ji Hoon) . In this drama, ada Song Ji Hyo as ex-girlfriend Lee Shin π pic.twitter.com/UgG0BCxe3C
Kan Miyoun found success in radio and television, while Kim E-Z transitioned to a quieter life away from the spotlight after starting a family.
#Bada and #ChaeRina will be guests on Kan Miyoun's Love Night Radio today π
— closed (@sesimyourgirl) January 13, 2022
13th January - 8.05pm to 10pm KST
Chae Rina and Bada readily accepted the special invitation from DJ #KanMiyoun, whom they are close friends withhttps://t.co/oxmKKimhyt#FCTopGirl #κ°λ―Έμ°μλ¬λΈλμ pic.twitter.com/5kYXpTCe9D
Shim Eun Jin and Lee Heejin carved out careers in acting, continuing to thrive in the entertainment industry.
μ¬μμ§ Shim Eun Jin pic.twitter.com/XH1hsw1EzY
— strawberrymilk (@strawbe73896549) February 13, 2024
Reflecting on their journey, Baby V.O.X remains a poignant chapter in K-Pop's history-a tale of triumph, controversy, and resilience.
As newer generations of K-Pop fans immerse themselves in the genre's rich tapestry, the story of Baby V.O.X serves as a reminder of the industry's evolution and the indelible mark left by its pioneers.
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KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.