Spotlight on the Brown Eyed Girls: Confident Women Behind Psy's Gentleman 'Arrogant' Dance

PSY's "Gentleman" music video was released to a world waiting on the edge of its seat for the Korean musician's next move, and the song (and video) didn't disappoint. PSY highlights childhood pranks that Koreans in particular can relate to, but delivers the comedy in a way that has a mass appeal. Plus, the song is ah-mazing.

In the video, PSY plays a prankster that terrorizes beautiful women until he meets someone who can meet him head on - none other than Brown Eyed Girls singer Ga In.

In addition to her signature sex appeal and charisma, Ga In brings something else to the "Gentleman" table: the infamous 'arrogant dance.'

Although the hip-shaking dance will be known by new K-Pop fans as the "Gentleman Dance," long-term K-Pop fans will always think fondly of Brown Eyed Girls' "Abracadabra" whenever anyone crosses their arms and confidently shakes their hips.

2009's "Abracadabra" was a nationwide craze upon its debut, and is considered one of the most iconic dance moves in K-Pop, catapulting Brown Eyed Girls into the spotlight as one of the sexiest girl groups in South Korea. After the success of their third full-length album due to "Abracadabra" and successfully following it up in Japan, the members began to concentrate on solo activities.

Narsha released her single "I'm In Love" on album "NARSHA." The single is a soft acoustic ballad with a jazzy feel. Narsha's other single from the album, "Bbi Ri Bba Bba" is an eclectic song with an even more outlandish video. Still, the song is catchy and was a success at its release in 2010.

JeA collaborated with Thai singer Rattpoom for his song Face to Face", and soon after came out with popular ballad "Because You Sting" featuring MBLAQ G.O. The song likens a broken heart to the pain of a 'sting,' and in the music video JeA delivered a previously promised shift to a more mature image.

Gain also started pursuing individual activities with her album "Step 2/4," and dropped her single "Irreversible" as the title track. Her tango-inspired "Irreversible" put her at the top of the charts, and she won an Inkigayo award that October.

The Brown Eyed Girls, although they pursued their own musical goals, remained in the public eye through popular variety shows and sitcoms. Who could forget Ga In's memorable 'relationship' with 2AM's Jo Kwon on We Got Married? The fake couple remains one of the all time favorites on the virtual marriage TV show.

In 2011, The Brown Eyed Girls came back together after their two-year hiatus with a full-length album titled "Hot Shot." The first single off the album was titled "Sixth Sense." The song and music video topped all major music charts in Korea. "Sixth Sense" didn't just focus on singing and dancing, as many other K-Pop songs do. The concept for the song and album were impressive, giving off dark feelings of resistance and 'fighting the system,' once again setting Brown Eyed Girls apart.

The girls followed up this success with "Cleansing Cream." The sound of the song is much softer and more refined than "Sixth Sense," but the lyrics are just as unique. "Cleansing Cream" talks about heartbreak, and uses the lyrics and video to represent the idea that makeup can hide blemishes (like unhappiness or a broken heart), but can't heal them.

After their final stage performance of "Cleansing Cream" in 2011, the Brown Eyed Girls once again dispersed to pursue solo activities. Miryo came out with an album she produced herself entitled "MIRYO a.k.a. JOHONEY." Unfortunately, her album faced difficulties, since it was banned from broadcasting stations. Her song "Revenger" had lyrics depicting violence, and "Dirty" was criticized for containing language considered offensive to the disabled. Miryo had to change lyrics to appear on music shows, and the controversy held her back.

In October of 2012, Ga In released her second solo mini-album called "Talk About S" with title track "Bloom." The song hit Number 1 almost immediately, winning the top spot in M! Countdown. The single is revolutionary in that it explores female sexuality in a way that's unheard of in K-Pop. Check out the music video if you want more details about that.

After Ga In's sexually liberating "Bloom," JeA released her solo track "Let's Hug" - she couldn't let her younger band mate have all the solo fun. "Let's Hug" hit the No. 1 spot on the real-time music charts. The release from her solo album "Just JeA" early in 2013 showcased her producing skills - the singer produced her entire album herself.

Ga In surprised her fans by releasing a duet album just this month with former 'Birth Of A Great Star' (MBC) contestant Jo Hyung Woo, titled "Romantic Spring." The album perfectly fits the spring season with beautiful, warm love songs. LOEN Entertainment said of the album, "Ga In's new album is packed with warm emotional songs just in time for spring. We ask for your love and support for Ga In who will show new charms through this album."

Ga In does show a softer side with this new spring album, but showed her versatility by jumping right back into the charismatic persona we know her for in PSY's "Gentleman" MV, released on April 12.

The Brown Eyed Girls haven't been afraid to tackle more mature themes than are found elsewhere in the K-Pop scene, and portray female sexuality in a way that is less traditional and girly, and instead powerful and mature.

Out of all the extremely talented girls in the group, the singer who has had the widespread solo success has been Ga In. Her fearlessness in addressing mature themes publicly, as we saw in "Bloom," and her prowess as a solo artist prove that she is the ideal choice for PSY's leading lady in "Gentleman."

It's no wonder that PSY opted to introduce Ga In to the world stage.

All of the members of Brown Eyed Girls are mature, sexy, and talented, but Ga In's tough charisma, strong attitude and beloved status in the K-Pop world make her the perfect counterpart to the comedic giant that is PSY.

Hopefully, Ga In can use her charisma to win over international audiences and pave the way for a female K-Pop singer or group to conquer the international music scene, much like PSY has done...or at least bring back the Brown Eyed Girls for another awesome album!

Tags
Psy
Gentleman
Brown Eyed Girls
Gain
Narsha
Miryo
JeA
abracadabra
mblaq g.o
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