Where Is Sugar Now? Current Status of First Generation K-pop Idols
Loved for their innocent and cute image, Sugar rose as one of the most popular girl groups from first-generation K-pop. 16 years after their disbandment, what are the members up to now?
In 2001, Sugar debuted under Starworld, an affiliated label with SM Entertainment and introduced the original four members: Ayumi, Park Soojin, Hwang Jung Eum and Yook Hyeseung.
Initially, the group didn't immediately gain popularity, not until Japanese member Ayumi attracted the attention of the K-pop industry.
With the member's influence, Sugar's second album featuring the title track, "Shine" became their biggest hit throughout their career and gradually became known for their innocent and cute image.
As they continue to rise in the music scene, Sugar also tried to widen its musical spectrum. Unfortunately, their drifting away from their cute concept was not taken well by fans.
When Jung Eum end up leaving the team, the agency tried to save the group by adding new member Lee Harin in 2005, but it didn't change the situation at all.
Eventually, the team disbanded in 2006 without much buzz aside from leaving their bop songs including, "Shine."
Sugar Status 2022: Where Are Members of First Generation Girl Group?
1. Ayumi
Ayumi, who debuted as the leader of Sugar is the most popular member of the group. When the team disbanded, the K-pop star focused on her solo career and signed under SM Entertainment in 2007. Despite this, she didn't release a solo album under the company but worked on station songs only.
Due to this, she opened her career in Japan and signed with AVEX in 2008. Ayumi also changed her stage name to Iconiq. The singer continued her career under the label until she left in 2020.
Prior to this, she signed a contract with BONBOO Entertainment, which marked her return to South Korea.
2. Hwang Jung Eum
Initially the center of the group, Jung Eum is also one of the most popular members not until she left in 2004.
When she parted ways with Sugar, she initially decided to pursue a solo music career but her appearance in the variety show, "Love Letter," opened the opportunity for her to debut as an actress in 2007.
From being a K-pop icon, she cemented her status as an actress after winning "Best Actress," for her excellent performance in the KBS drama, "Secret Love" starring opposite actor Ji Sung.
Since then, she continues to rise as an outstanding actress notable for her works, "Kill Me, Heal Me," "She Was Pretty," "Mystic Pop Up Bar," and more.
3. Park Soojin
After leaving the team in 2006, Park Soojin pursue her new career as an actress and model in 2007.
Since then, she played small roles in various dramas including, "Boys Over Flowers," "My Girlfriend is a Gumiho," etc. Since 2010 till date, she's also been a host for O'live TV's "Tasty Road."
In regards to her personal life, Soojin married KeyEast Chairman Bae Yong Joon. She is also now a happy mother of two: a son (2016) and a daughter (2018).
4. Yook Hyeseung
After disbandment in 2006, Hyeseung changed her stage name to Han Hye Won and also became an actress.
She's known for her appearance in dramas such as, "Hot Blood" and "The Noblesse."
5. Lee Harin
Harin who is the additional member in 2005 debuted as an actress in 2009 as well before becoming a soloist in 2012.
Later on, she focused on her career in China and received decent popularity not until she was involved in a prostitution scandal in 2016.
Since then, she didn't have any significant activity in South Korea.
READ MORE: These Female Stars are Actually First-Gen K-Pop Idols + Know Which Groups They Were Part of
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Written by Eunice Dawson
