Gugudan, also known as gu9udan or gx9, was a South Korean girl group that captured the hearts of many K-pop fans during their active years from 2016 to 2020. While they may no longer be together, there are still many fascinating things to learn about this talented group. Let’s dive into 10 interesting facts you might not have known about Gugudan!
1. The Meaning Behind Their Name
Gugudan is an interesting name for a K-pop group, isn’t it? Well, there’s a clever reason behind it! In Korean, “gugudan” actually means “multiplication table.” The group’s name was chosen to represent the idea that each member had nine different charms or talents, just like the numbers in a multiplication table. This unique concept set them apart from other K-pop groups right from the start.
2. A Group Born from a TV Show
Before Gugudan was formed, three of its members – Nayoung, Sejeong, and Mina – took part in a popular TV show called “Produce 101.” This show brought together 101 female trainees from various entertainment companies to compete for a chance to debut in a new girl group. Although not all of them made it to the final group from the show, their participation helped them gain popularity even before Gugudan’s official debut.
3. Sejeong: The First Solo Star
Kim Sejeong, one of Gugudan’s main vocalists, made history as the first member of the group to release a solo song. Her single “Flower Road” came out in November 2016, just a few months after Gugudan’s debut. This early solo success showed just how talented the members of Gugudan were, even as individuals.
4. A Group with Subunits
Gugudan was not just one group, but it also had smaller groups within it called subunits. One of these subunits was called “Gugudan 5959” (pronounced as “Ogu-ogu”), which was made up of the two youngest members at the time, Mina and Hyeyeon. Another subunit was “Gugudan SeMiNa,” which included Sejeong, Mina, and Nayoung. These subunits allowed fans to enjoy different combinations of the members’ talents.
5. International Flavor
While most of the members were Korean, Gugudan had an international touch with their Chinese member, Sally. Sally, whose real name is Liu Xiening, brought a unique flavor to the group with her ability to speak both Chinese and Korean. This helped Gugudan connect with fans not just in Korea, but in China as well.
6. Talented Actresses in the Group
Several members of Gugudan showed their skills beyond singing and dancing by acting in TV dramas. Sejeong, for example, starred in the popular drama “School 2017,” while Mimi appeared in “I Picked Up a Celebrity on the Street.” This versatility demonstrated that the Gugudan members were true all-round entertainers.
7. A Leader with Language Skills
Hana, the leader of Gugudan, was known for her impressive language abilities. Not only could she speak Korean, but she was also fluent in English and Japanese. This skill was particularly useful when the group interacted with international fans or promoted their music abroad.
8. Unique Symbols for Each Member
In keeping with their multiplication table theme, each member of Gugudan was assigned a unique symbol and number. For example, Hana was represented by the number 1 and a flower symbol, while Mimi was number 7 with an arrow symbol. This creative approach helped fans easily identify and remember each member.
9. A Group with Changing Numbers
When Gugudan first debuted, they had nine members, matching perfectly with their multiplication table concept. However, in October 2018, one member named Hyeyeon left the group due to health issues. This changed the group’s dynamic, but the remaining eight members continued to work hard and create great music for their fans.
10. A Short but Impactful Career
Although Gugudan was only active for about four years, they left a lasting impression on the K-pop world. They released several mini-albums and singles, each showcasing their growth as artists. Their music covered various styles, from the fairy tale-inspired “The Little Mermaid” to the more mature sound of “Not That Type.”
The group officially disbanded on December 31, 2020, but their impact continues. Many of the members have gone on to pursue solo careers in music and acting, carrying forward the skills and experiences they gained as part of Gugudan.
