| “ |
Ace Of Angels! Hello, we are AOA. |
” |
| —AOA | ||
AOA (에이오에이; an acronym for Ace of Angels) is a girl group formed by FNC Entertainment. They debuted on August 9, 2012 with the single album "Angels' Story".
The group originally consisted of eight members; Cho A, Ji Min, Yu Na, You Kyung, Min A, Hye Jeong, Seol Hyun and Chan Mi, who promote alternately as a group and as a band. Until 2013, when the band debuted as the first official sub-unit, AOA Black, consisting of Cho A, Ji Min, Yu Na, You Kyung and Min A, with the digital single "Moya" and they started to promote only as group.
In 2016, their second official sub-unit called AOA Cream, consisting of Yu Na, Hye Jeong and Chan Mi, debuted with the digital single "I'm Jelly Baby".
The group has been on indefinite hiatus since 2020 following a series of scandals within the group's lineup and the members' departures from FNC. As of June 2024, there has been no official announcement of disbandment.
History
2012: Formation, debut with "Angels' Story", "Wanna Be"
From July 16-23, 2012, the eight members of AOA were introduced individually through teaser photos. The members introduced in order were: Seol Hyun, Cho A, Hye Jeong, Chan Mi, Yu Na, Min A, Ji Nin and You Kyung. They released their debut single album, "Angels' Story", on July 30 and later on held their debut stage on M Countdown on August 9.
All members were given different angel names during their debut concept. FNC Entertainment explained that seven members are full angels: Seolhyunari (Seol Hyun), Choaya (Cho A), Hyejeonglinus (Hye Jeong), Chanmi T.T (Chan Mi), Yunaria (Yu Na), Minaring (Min A) and leader Jiminel (Ji Min). As for You Kyung (Y), she is considered a "half-angel" as she is a member only when the group promotes as a band. Therefore, AOA were known as a "7+1" group.
Two months after their debut, FNC Entertainment announced that the group would be making their first-ever comeback with a second single album "Wanna Be" on October 10. Each member cosplayed different fictional characters for the album's concept. Hye Jeong, Ji Min, Cho A, Yu Na, Chan Mi, Min A, Seol Hyun and You Kyung dressed as characters from Kill Bill, Léon, Legally Blonde, Tomb Raider, Harry Potter, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Romeo and Juliet and The Fifth Element, respectively. The group's band unit, AOA Black, performed the band version of the title track "Get Out" during the first week of promotions on music shows.
2013: "Moya", "Red Motion"
On July 11, 2013, AOA Black announced their debut with the song "Moya". The single album of the same name and the title track's accompanying music video were released on July 26. Then in September, the group announced the release of their next single album, "Red Motion", set for release on October 15. On the same day, the single album was released to moderate success.
2014: "Miniskirt", Short Hair, Like a Cat, Japanese debut with "Miniskirt"
In December 2013, the group announced that they would be releasing their fifth single album, "Miniskirt", on January 16. Shortly afterward, FNC Entertainment announced that member Seol Hyun suffered from an injury, and that she would be absent from promotions for the time being.
AOA's first mini album, Short Hair was released on June 19 along with the title track's accompanying music video. The album was then promoted between June and July 2014. Later the same year, FNC announced that the group would be making their Japanese debut with the single "Miniskirt" on October 1.
2015: "Like a Cat", Heart Attack, "Heart Attack", Ace of Angels
During the second half of 2014, AOA announced their second Japanese single, "Like a Cat", would be released on February 25, 2015.
On June 2, 2015, FNC announced AOA's comeback scheduled for later in the month. Then on June 22, their second mini album, Heart Attack, was released. The eponymous song of the same name was selected as the title track, while the music video was released on the day of the album's release. The following month, their third Japanese single, "Heart Attack", was released on July 29.
In August 2015, it was confirmed that AOA would be returning in Japan with a full-length album in October. The first Japanese full length, Ace of Angels, was released on October 14. The album consistis of 11 tracks: eight songs from their three previously released singles in addition to three new Japanese original songs, including the title track "Oh Boy".
2016: AOA Cream, "Give Me the Love", Good Luck, "Good Luck", You Kyung's departure, Runway
On February 12, 2016, AOA's second official promotional subunit, AOA Cream (Yu Na, Hye Jeong, Chan Mi), made their debut with the single "I'm Jelly Baby".
On March 3, 2016, AOA announced that their fourth Japanese single, "Give Me the Love", would be released on April 20. In April, FNC announced that AOA would be making a comeback with their fourth mini album, Good Luck, on May 16.
On October 15, 2016, FNC Entertainment announced through the AOA fan cafe that their drummer You Kyoung had left the group and terminated her contract with the agency. However, she would still continue activities as a guest member for any future AOA Black projects.[1]
On November 30, AOA released their second Japanese full-length, Runway.
2017-2018: Angel's Knock, Cho A's departure, Bingle Bangle
On January 2, 2017, the group's first Korean full-length album, Angel's Knock, was released. The album consists of 10 tracks, including the double title tracks "Excuse Me" and "Bing Bing", as well as a Korean version of their Japanese original song "Oh Boy".
On June 22, member Cho A announced through an Instagram post that she had decided to leave AOA to recover from ongoing health concerns.[2] Then on June 30, FNC Entertainment confirmed the news and stated that Cho A had left the group, although her contract with the agency still remained valid at the time.[3]
2019: Min A's departure, Queendom, New Moon
On May 13, 2019, FNC announced that Min A had left the group and the agency after her contract expired and decided not to renew.[4] Later the same year, AOA were announced as participants for the reality show Queendom.[5]
During the finale of Queendom, AOA ended up coming in fourth place.[6] Then on November 13, the group announced that they would be releasing their sixth mini album, New Moon, on November 26.[7]
2020-2024: Bullying allegations, members' departure from FNC Entertainment
On July 3, 2020, Min A made multiple posts on Instagram, alleging that AOA member Ji Min had bullied her for 10 years and was the reason she left the group in 2019, despite not wanting to. She also revealed that she attempted suicide multiple times due to the bullying. Jimin responded to the allegations with a black image with the word "소설" (novel/fiction) on her Instagram story which was later deleted. Min A criticized the post and shared an image of self-harmed scars on her wrist. Min A later apologized for worrying her fans and explained the AOA members and managers came to visit her home to talk.[8]
On July 4, Ji Min posted a personal apology, however Min A responded with another allegation stating that Jimin had sex with a man in their dorms.[9] Later that same day, FNC Entertainment announced Ji Min's departure from AOA and that she would be halting all activities in the entertainment industry.[10]
On January 1, 2021, FNC announced Yu Na's departure from the agency after deciding not to renew her contract.[11]
On October 20, 2022, FNC announced Seol Hyun's departure from the agency after 10 years, and that she was in discussions to sign with IEUM Hashtag.[12]
On April 27, 2023, Hye Jeong moved to TH Company, therefore confirming her departure from FNC Entertainment.[13]
On May 21, 2024, Do Hwa announced through her Instagram that she left FNC Entertainment. With this, all members of AOA have left FNC Entertainment.[14]
Members
| Name | Angel Name[15] | Position(s)[16] | Years active | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Band | |||
| Inactive | ||||
| Hye Jeong (혜정) |
Hyejeonglinus (혜정리너스) |
Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Visual (Sub Vocalist 2012-2017) | N/A | 2012–present[17] |
| Seol Hyun (설현) |
Seolhyunari (설현아리) |
Lead Dancer, Vocalist, Center, Face of the Group | N/A | 2012-present[18] |
| Do Hwa (도화)[n 2] |
Chanmi T.T (찬미티티) |
Main Dancer, Lead Rapper, Vocalist, Maknae | N/A | 2012–present |
| Former | ||||
| Cho A (초아) |
Choaya (초아야) |
Main Vocalist | Main Vocalist, Guitarist | 2012-2017[19] |
| Ji Min (지민) |
Jiminel (지미넬) |
Leader, Main Rapper, Vocalist | Leader, Main Rapper, Vocalist, Guitarist | 2012–2020[20] |
| Yu Na (유나) |
Yunaria (유나리아) |
Main Vocalist (Lead Vocalist 2012-2017) | Lead Vocalist, Keyboardist | 2012-2021[21] |
| Min A (민아) |
Minaring (민아링) |
Vocalist, Rapper | Lead Rapper, Vocalist, Bassist, Maknae | 2012–2019[22] |
| You Kyung (유경) |
Half Angel Y (하프엔젤 Y) |
N/A | Drummer | 2012–2016[23] |
Sub-units
Units
Listed is a non-promotional unit who hasn't officially debuted.
- AOA White
Table
| Name | AOA Black | AOA Cream | AOA White |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cho A | Former | ||
| Ji Min | Former | ||
| Yu Na | Former | Former | |
| You Kyung | Former | ||
| Min A | Former | ||
| Hye Jeong | Yes | Yes | |
| Seol Hyun | Yes | ||
| Do Hwa | Yes | Yes |
Discography
Korean
Studio albums
- Angel's Knock (2017)
Mini albums
- Short Hair (2014)
- Like a Cat (2014)
- Heart Attack (2015)
- Good Luck (2016)
- Bingle Bangle (2018)
- New Moon (2019)
Single albums
- "Angels' Story" (2012)
- "Wanna Be" (2012)
- "Moya" (as AOA Black) (2013)
- "Red Motion" (2013)
- "Miniskirt" (2014)
Other releases
- "Queendom <Cover Contest> Part. 1" ("Egotistic") (2019)
- Queendom <Final Comeback> ("Sorry") (2019)
Japanese
Studio albums
- Ace of Angels (2015)
- Runway (2016)
Singles
- "Miniskirt" (2014)
- "Like a Cat" (2015)
- "Heart Attack" (2015)
- "Give Me the Love" (2016)
- "Good Luck" (2016)
Digital singles
- "Wow War Tonight" (2016)
Chinese
Digital singles
- "Heart Attack" (2015)
Taiwanese
Best albums
- Best Songs for Asia (2014)
Filmography
Reality shows
Awards and nominations
- Main article: List of awards and nominations received by AOA
Gallery
- Main article: AOA/Gallery
Notes
References
- ↑ Soompi: AOA's Youkyung Leaves FNC Entertainment, Agency Explains
- ↑ Soompi: Breaking: Choa Officially Leaves AOA
- ↑ Soompi: Choa Confirmed To Be Leaving AOA
- ↑ Soompi: AOA Announces Mina's Departure From Group And FNC
- ↑ Soompi: MAMAMOO, AOA, Lovelyz, And More Confirmed To Join Girl Group Competition Show "Queendom"
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: "Queendom" Crowns Winner + Contestants Stage Final Performances
- ↑ Soompi: AOA Stuns In 1st Teasers For November Comeback
- ↑ Soompi: Update: Former AOA Member Mina Posts Allegations Detailing Years Of Harassment From Jimin
- ↑ Soompi: AOA’s Jimin Posts Apology Following Mina’s Allegations About Bullying + Mina Responds
- ↑ Soompi: Breaking: Jimin Leaves AOA
- ↑ Soompi: AOA's Yuna Leaves FNC Entertainment After 8 Years
- ↑ Soompi: AOA’s Seolhyun Leaves FNC + In Talks To Sign With Jun Ji Hyun’s Agency
- ↑ Sports Donga (KR): AOA 출신 혜정 전속계약, 강하늘과 한솥밥
- ↑ Soompi: AOA's Dohwa (Formerly Chanmi) Parts Ways With FNC After 15 Years
- ↑ (KR) Internet Joeun News: 걸 그룹 AOA, 모든 멤버 공개 단체 사진 선보여
- ↑ AOA's profile in FNC Entertainment Website
- ↑ Sports Donga (KR): AOA 출신 혜정 전속계약, 강하늘과 한솥밥
- ↑ Soompi: AOA's Seolhyun Parts Ways With FNC Entertainment After 10 Years
- ↑ Soompi: Breaking: Choa Officially Leaves AOA
- ↑ Soompi: Breaking: Jimin Leaves AOA
- ↑ FNC Entertainment: 소속 아티스트 서유나와의 전속 계약 종료 안내 (Notice)
- ↑ Soompi: AOA Announces Mina’s Departure From Group And FNC
- ↑ Soompi: AOA’s Youkyung Leaves FNC Entertainment, Agency Explains
- ↑ Soompi: MAMAMOO, AOA, Lovelyz, And More Confirmed To Join Girl Group Competition Show "Queendom"
Official links
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