My love for Korean girl groups started out with SM Entertainment’s pop-electro dance group f(x) back in high school. Their charms and their amazing discography had me hooked, not just to their group but with K-pop as a whole.
One member stood out to me over the others, especially now that f(x) is more of a fond memory than an actively promoting girl group. Krystal, the group’s lead vocalist, was the picture of an “It Girl” before K-pop even grasped the concept of one. She was on demand for variety show guestings, magazine shoots, endorsements and dramas. She was an all-around cool girl who had a great sense of casual fashion, the incredible talent of a Korean idol and the striking face of a model.
Earlier today, Soompi reported that Krystal will be leaving SM Entertainment, her company of 10 years, to explore different management companies that would allow her to explore more acting opportunities and her plans to finally go solo as a musical artist. The same report also said that her contract with SM will be expiring towards the end of August but they are currently having negotiations with her over the contract.
The news of her departure did not come as a surprise to fans and instead became a celebration of her independence and hopefully a sign for more opportunities ahead.
Last year, f(x) celebrated their 10th anniversary with three of the four members announcing their departure from the company—although they’re still very much part of the group. This did not come as a shock to many of the group’s fans as the group had been inactive since 2016, with their last comeback being the dreamy house track, “4 Walls.”
Since then, the other members, Victoria, Amber and Luna, have pursued their solo careers as musicians, with Victoria promoting in China, Amber in the United States and Luna in Korea. Since last year, Krystal has been promoting exclusively as an actress and model but there have been hints that a solo album is in the works.
I, meanwhile, will be perusing my old f(x) albums and hoping for that elusive comeback while streaming the songs of my all-time favorite Korean girl group.
Header photo from “Rum Pum Pum Pum” official music video
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