GWSN, also known as Girls in the Park, was a K-pop girl group that captured the hearts of many fans with their unique sound and concept. Although they are no longer active, their impact on the K-pop world remains. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about this talented group that you might not have known before.
1. The Meaning Behind Their Name
GWSN stands for “Gongwon Sonyeo,” which means “Girls in the Park” in Korean. The group chose this name because they wanted to create a space where everyone, regardless of age or gender, could come together, heal, and dream. It’s like a park where people from all walks of life can gather and enjoy themselves.
But there’s more to their name! In English, GWSN has another meaning:
- G stands for “Ground”
- W stands for “West”
- S stands for “South”
- N stands for “North”
This shows that the group wanted to reach out to people from every direction, just like a park that welcomes visitors from all around.
2. A Truly International Group
GWSN was not just a Korean group. They had members from different countries, making them a multinational team. Here’s a breakdown of their members and their nationalities:
- Miya: From Japan
- Seokyoung: From South Korea
- Seoryoung: From South Korea
- Anne: From South Korea
- Minju: From South Korea
- Soso: From Taiwan
- Lena: From South Korea
This mix of nationalities brought a unique flavor to their music and performances, allowing them to connect with fans from various countries.
3. Their Debut Journey
GWSN’s journey to debut was quite interesting. Before they officially launched as a group, they did many things to get people excited about them:
- They held busking events all over South Korea. Busking means performing music on the street for the public.
- They performed in middle schools and high schools.
- They did live video events on Facebook.
- They made dance covers of popular songs and put them on YouTube.
All these activities helped them build a fanbase even before their official debut. It’s a smart way to get people interested in a new group!
4. A Reality Show Before Debut
To help fans get to know them better, GWSN starred in their own reality TV show called “Got Ya! GWSN.” This show aired before they officially debuted as a group. It gave fans a chance to see the members’ personalities and how they worked together. Reality shows are a popular way for K-pop groups to connect with their audience and show a more personal side of themselves.
5. Their Unique Music Concept
GWSN’s music had a special feel to it. Many of their songs had a dreamy and mystical vibe. Their debut song, “Puzzle Moon,” set the tone for their musical style. It was filled with enchanting sounds and a magical atmosphere. This unique style helped them stand out in the crowded K-pop world.
Some of their other popular songs that showcased this dreamy concept include:
- “Pinky Star (Run)”
- “Red-Sun”
- “Bazooka!”
Each of these songs continued to build on their magical and ethereal sound, creating a distinct identity for the group.
6. Fan-Funded Album
In the K-pop world, fans often play a big role in supporting their favorite groups. GWSN experienced this firsthand with their album “The Park in the Night Part Three.” This album was special because it was funded through fan contributions on a platform called Makestar. Fans raised an impressive $27,491.03 to help make this album happen. This shows how dedicated GWSN’s fans were and how much they believed in the group’s music.
7. The Group’s Fandom Name
Every K-pop group has a special name for their fanbase, and GWSN was no exception. Their fans are called “Groo.” This name comes from the Korean word “그루터기” (geuruteogi), which means “stump” in English. Just like a tree stump that remains strong and supports new growth, Groo represents the solid foundation of support for GWSN.
8. Members with Multiple Talents
The members of GWSN weren’t just singers and dancers. They had many other talents and interests:
- Seoryoung can play the piano and even wanted to do a piano cover of their song “Red Sun.”
- Seokyoung enjoys solving math problems as a hobby.
- Anne acted in a web drama called “Half Fifty” in 2020.
- Minju is known for her beauty styling skills.
These diverse talents show how multifaceted the members were, each bringing something unique to the group.
9. Their Music Videos Tell a Story
GWSN’s music videos weren’t just random scenes put together. They often told a story or had hidden meanings. For example, in the “Pinky Star” music video, member Soso was seen reading a map. This wasn’t just a random action – she was looking for places to meet their fans (Groo) in other countries. This kind of detail shows how much thought went into their concepts and how they always tried to connect with their fans.
10. The Group’s Unfortunate End
Sadly, GWSN’s journey as a group came to an end sooner than many fans hoped. In January 2023, news came out that the members had won a legal case to end their contracts with their company, The Wave Music. The members said they had been neglected since 2021 and couldn’t continue their activities properly.
Some of the difficulties they faced included:
- Having to leave their dorms because the company stopped paying rent
- Not having a place to practice
- Problems with visas for the foreign members
Despite these challenges, the members fought to take control of their careers. In June 2023, Miya, one of the members, announced that the group had disbanded around the time they filed to end their contracts in January.