Soyoung withdrew from the group in fall 2009, Bekah officially graduated from the group in July 2011, former leader Kahi graduated in September 2012, Jooyeon graduated in January 2015 and Jungah graduated in January 2016. Additionally, Uee graduated in May 2017 and Lizzy graduated in May 2018 due to the expiration of their contracts. Three members of After School also formed a sub-group with a different concept known as Orange Caramel.
After School had their first performance alongside label mate Son Dambi in 2008 and their official debut occurred in January of 2009 with the song AH. The group became popular with the release of their hit single, "너 때문에 (Because of You)", which attained #1 and a triple crown on SBS's Inkigayo. After School went on to win various awards at the Billboard Japan Music Awards and the Seoul Music Awards. Other hits by After School include Diva, Bang! and Shampoo.
The group began a foray into the Japanese music scene in 2011 under Avex Trax with a remake of their Korean hits "Bang!" and "Diva". Their debut in Japan was quite a success, as the group managed to enter the Oricon Weekly Chart at #7.
Kahi, After School's leader, had been as a back-up dancer for artists under both SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment, most notably for BoA. She has also been a trainee under JYP Entertainment. Kahi was part of a Korean-American girl group called S. Blush, whose first digital single peaked at #2 at the Billboard Hot Dance Chart. In 2008, Kahi was featured in Son Dambi's "Bad Boy" music video as a rapper, and Jungah took part in Son Dambi's performances as a back-up dancer as part of her training.
Days before After School's debut, Pledis Entertainment officially announced that the group's music concept is heavily influenced by the Pussycat Dolls, and that they "will be a type of group that Korea has never seen before". On January 15, 2009, Pledis Entertainment released a 30-second teaser music video for Ah to the web, which reached 10,000 views on the first day. The girls, as a group, made an unofficial first appearance on December 29, 2008 at the SBS Song Festival 'S', performing Play Girlz with Son Dambi.
After School's debut single "AH" was released with their first extended play New Schoolgirl on January 15, 2009. They made their debut performance on January 17, 2009 on MBC's music program Show! Music Core.
In April 2009, it was announced by Pledis Entertainment that Uee would be joining After School as a sixth member. She was first introduced to the public as a friend of Wonder Girls member Kim Yoobin on the television program "Introducing a Star's Friend," where they revealed that they were initially part of a five member girl group with Good Entertainment that was eventually disbanded due to financial reasons.
Their second single "Diva" is an upbeat dance song. The track was released as their first digital single. Promotional activities began April 9, 2009, with their comeback performance on MNet's M! Countdown.
On May 21, 2009, After School released a cover of Morning Musume's "Love Machine", titled "Dream Girl".
Later on, it was announced that After School would collaborate with the popular Pledis artist Son Dambi. The digital single "Amoled" was released on July 23, 2009 as part of promotions for Samsung's phone, "Amoled".
On October 29, 2009, Soyoung announced her withdrawal from the group due to health reasons and the desire to further her education. Subsequently, two new members, Raina and Nana were added, making After School a seven-member group,
After School released their second extended play on November 25, 2009 titled 너 때문에 (Because of You). They made their comeback on the 27th on KBS's Music Bank with their title song 너 때문에. The song proved to be very popular, hitting #1 on various online charts as well as winning three Mutizen awards. A remix version of the single was released on January 22, 2010.
On March 25th, 2010, After School, with their new member Lizzy released their third extended play Bang!. They had their comeback the next day, performing "Let's Do It!" and " 뱅 (Bang)!" on KBS's Music Bank. On December 31, 2010, After School revealed that they were going to debut their ninth member E-young, who specialized on electric guitar and vocals, on KBS' Gayo Daejun. During Bang!'s performance, she had a special guitar solo, officially becoming After School's ninth member, and announced their comeback as a nine-member group with their first full-length album Virgin, to be released on April 29, 2011.
On July 25th, 2011 After School was divided into two sub-groups, After School Red (애프터스쿨 레드) and After School Blue (애프터스쿨 블루). Both groups released a single and promoted their own songs at the same time. While A.S. BLUE (Jooyeon, Raina, Lizzy, and E-Young) features an innocent concept, A.S. RED (Kahi, Jungah, Uee and Nana) features a sexy and powerful concept. Both groups' debut singles were released as After School 4th single.
The group made their debut in Japan on August 17, 2011, with the release of their first Japanese single, "Bang! (Japan Ver.)", which peaked at number seven on the Oricon Weekly Chart. After School participated in the prestigious 'a-nation' concert tour as part of their Japanese promotions. After School's second Japanese single, "Diva", was released on November 23, 2011. The single was accompanied with a new Japanese song called "Ready to Love".
Happy Pledis 2012, a follow-up of the "Happy Pledis" charity single, was released on December 1, 2011. It is a family album that features all Pledis artists, including Son Dambi and an yet-to-debut band named Pledis Boys. A portion of the ‘Happy Pledis’ earnings will be donated to UNICEF to help look after those in need, and the album is also a gift to the fans who have shown the artists so much love and interest. The group will team-up with SHIBUYA109 for a “Christmas Campaign”, which includes an upcoming concert.
After School ended the year by headlining the MTV EXIT Live concert along with American band The Click Five on 17 December 2011 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
After School's third Japanese single was a double A-side single consisting of two songs, "Rambling Girls" and a "" Japanese remake of their 2009 hit. The single was released on January 25, 2012, and debuted at number six on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart.
After School's first Japanese album Playgirlz was released on 14 March 2012. The album contains all their Japanese singles plus a Japanese version of their latest Korean single, "Shampoo", and 6 original Japanese songs. The regular edition of the album also includes a Japanese version of Orange Caramel's, a sub-unit of After School, "Shanghai Romance" as a bonus track. On February 29, 2012, After School digitally released a promotional single, "Just in time", to promote the new album which was released the following month. "Just in time" is also used in a Samantha Thavasa commercial featuring After School themselves. After School are also models for Samantha Thavasa.
After School will be starting their first Japanese tour titled Playgirlz in April. With a total of four dates, the tour is scheduled to kick off at the Zepp Tokyo on April 27, followed by the Zepp Nagoya on April 28 and Namba, Osaka on April 30. The tour will then finish on June 17 at Tokyo Dome City Hall.
On April 9, 2012, Pledis revealed a brand new member would be added to the group. The following day, the member was officially revealed to be Kaeun, who would join them for their fifth single, released on June 21, 2012. It was also confirmed that After School would release their sixth Korean single, in the Autumn.
Avex Trax announced through After School's official Japanese website on April 23, 2012, that they will release their fourth Japanese single Lady Luck/Dilly Dally, on June 13, 2012. The single is a double A-side single and the regular edition also contains an additional track, "Slow Love", which is the song used on the Eyefull Home commercial.
It was officially confirmed that Kahi will officially graduate from the group to pursue a solo career while staying with Pledis and studying acting. She will stay with the group until September, before leaving the group.
Members
Raina (레이나)
Stage name: Raina (Hangul: 레이나)
Birth name: Oh Hye Rin (Hangul: 오혜린)
Date of birth: May 7, 1989 (1989-05-07)
Position: Main Vocalist
Nana (나나)
Stage name: Nana (Hangul: 나나)
Birth name: Im Jin Ah (Hangul: 임진아)
Date of birth: September 14, 1991 (1991-09-14)
Position: Vocalist, Rapper
E-Young (이영)
Stage name: E-Young (Hangul: 이영)
Birth name: Noh Lee Young (Hangul: 노이영)
Date of birth: August 16th, 1992 (1992-08-16)
Position: Vocalist, Instrumentalist
Former Members
So Young (소영)
Stage name: Yoo So Young (Hangul: 유소영)
Stage name: Joo So Young (Hangul: 주소영)
Date of birth: March 29, 1986 (1986-03-29)
Position: Vocalist
Reason for leaving: Left due to health issues and to pursue education
Bekah (베카)
Stage name: Bekah (Hangul: 베카)
Birth name: Rebekah Kim (Hangul: 레베카 김)
Date of birth: August 11, 1989 (1989-08-11)
Position: Rapper, Vocalist
Reason for leaving: To become a designer in Hawaii (reported). Conflict with group's management company(actual)
Kahi (가희)
Stage name: Park Kahi (Hangul: 박가희)
Birth name: Park Ji Young (Hangul: 박지영)
Date of birth: December 25, 1980 (1980-12-25)
Position: Leader, Rapper, Vocalist, Choreographer
Reason for leaving: Graduated to become a solo artist.
Joo Yeon (주연)
Birth name: Lee Joo Yeon (Hangul: 이주연)
Date of birth: March 19, 1987 (1987-03-19)
Position: Vocalist
Reason for leaving: Graduated to pursue a career in acting.
Jung Ah (정아)
Birth name: Kim Jung Ah (Hangul: 김정아)
Date of birth: August 2, 1983 (1983-08-02)
Position: Leader, Main Vocalist
Reason for leaving: Contract expiration.
Uee (유이)
Stage name: Uee (Hangul: 유이)
Birth name: Kim Yoo Jin (Hangul: 김유진)
Date of birth: April 9, 1988 (1988-04-09)
Position: Vocalist, Rapper
Reason for leaving: Contract expiration.
Lizzy (리지)
Stage name: Lizzy (Hangul: 리지)
Birth name: Park Soo Young (Hangul: 박수영)
Date of birth: July 31st, 1992 (1992-07-31)
Position: Vocalist, Rapper
Reason for leaving: Contract expiration.
Kaeun (가은)
Stage Name: Kaeun (가은)
Birth name: Lee Kaeun (이가은)
Date of birth: August 20, 1994 (1994-08-20)
Position: Vocalist
Reason for leaving: Contract expiration.
Official website: http://a-school.co.kr
2) Comfy synth from Finland. https://afterschoolsynth.bandcamp.com/
Heaven
After School Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
息づかいで 確かめてよ lips
声殺して 見つけたなら touch
さらけ出して 溢れそうな voice
ちょっとや そっとじゃ
勝ち目はないはず
だったら 勝負よ あなたが負けるの
どっちも どっちじゃ
ありえないから
一気に 一緒に
行きたいのは heaven
どうなの?
何ともないわ それぐらい
今夜は 本気で
私の奥で 踊り明かして
Dance Dance Dance Dance
囁いてよ 耳元で
体中 走るヴァイヴで
Dance Dance Dance Dance
君の秘密 教えてよ
内緒にしてあげるから
Dance Dance Dance Dance
その指先 愛しくて
イタズラに 探してみて
Dance Dance Dance Dance
忘れさせて 昨日とか
冷たいキスも 噂も 記憶も
恋とか 愛とか 罪とか 罰とか
Dance with U
とろけそうな 甘い言葉で
狂おしく くねるラインで
誰かさんと 比べてんでしょ
汗ばんだ体 からめて
ちょっとの 嫉妬は
適度なスパイス
だったら 必死に 研ぎすませたいの
しっかり 感じて 抱きしめるから
踊り続けて
Dance Dance Dance Dance
囁いてよ 耳元で
体中 走るヴァイヴで
Dance Dance Dance Dance
君の秘密 教えてよ
内緒にしてあげるから
Dance Dance Dance Dance
その指先 愛しくて
イタズラに 探してみて
Dance Dance Dance Dance
忘れさせて 昨日とか
気絶したいの Dance with U
ダメだって 分かって
止まらない本能
誰だって 分かって
傷つけ合う衝動
ダメだって 分かって
止まらない本能
Dance Dance Dance Dance
囁いてよ 耳元で
体中 走るヴァイヴで
Dance Dance Dance Dance
君の秘密 教えてよ
踊り続けて...
Dance Dance Dance Dance
囁いてよ 耳元で
体中 走るヴァイヴで
Dance Dance Dance Dance
忘れさせて 昨日とか
冷たいkissも 噂も 記憶も
恋とか 愛とか 罪とか 罰とか
Dance with U ...
The lyrics of After School's song "Heaven" revolve around the themes of desire, passion, and the overwhelming urge to let go and lose oneself in the moment. The song begins with the lines "Turn off the lights, collapse on the bed, confirm with our breath, lips," creating a sensual and intimate atmosphere. It then progresses to talk about the desire to express oneself freely, to unleash a voice that feels like it's about to overflow.
The lyrics suggest a longing to let go of inhibitions and embrace a sense of liberation. The line "If you find it, then show it, that voice that's about to overflow" signifies the desire to break free from societal expectations and express oneself authentically. The lyrics also convey a sense of competitiveness, suggesting that if there's no chance of success by playing it safe and being cautious, then it's better to take a risk and face the possibility of losing.
The chorus emphasizes the desire to experience a heavenly feeling of ecstasy, asking, "Shall we go together instantly? What do you say?" The lyrics then go on to describe the physical and emotional connection through dance, whispers, and touch. The lines "Your secret, tell me, I'll keep it to myself" and "Forget about yesterday, cold kisses, rumors, memories" highlight the desire to escape from the burdens of the past and live in the present moment, immersed in passion and love.
Overall, "Heaven" portrays a yearning for freedom, self-expression, and an intense desire to live passionately without any regrets.
Line by Line Meaning
電気消して 倒れ込む bed
Turn off the lights and collapse onto the bed
息づかいで 確かめてよ lips
Confirm with our breaths against each other's lips
声殺して 見つけたなら touch
Stifle our voices and find each other through touch
さらけ出して 溢れそうな voice
Expose our overflowing voices
ちょっとや そっとじゃ 勝ち目はないはず
A little bit or gently won't have a chance
だったら 勝負よ あなたが負けるの
Then let's make a bet, you will be the one to lose
どっちも どっちじゃ つまらないでしょ
Neither side is interesting, right?
ありえないから 一気に 一緒に 行きたいのは heaven
Because it's impossible, in one go, I want to go to heaven together
どうなの? 何ともないわ それぐらい
How about it? It's nothing, just like that
今夜は 本気で 私の奥で 踊り明かして
Tonight, let's dance all night in earnest, deep inside me
Dance Dance Dance Dance
Dance Dance Dance Dance
囁いてよ 耳元で
Whisper in my ear
体中 走るヴァイヴで
With a vibe running through my whole body
君の秘密 教えてよ
Tell me your secret
内緒にしてあげるから
I'll keep it a secret for you
その指先 愛しくて
Those fingertips are so lovely
イタズラに 探してみて
Playfully, try to find it
忘れさせて 昨日とか
Make me forget about yesterday
冷たいキスも 噂も 記憶も
The cold kiss, the rumors, the memories
恋とか 愛とか 罪とか 罰とか
Love, affection, sin, punishment
Dance with U
Dance with you
とろけそうな 甘い言葉で
With melting sweet words
狂おしく くねるラインで
With intensely twisting lines
誰かさんと 比べてんでしょ
You're comparing to someone, aren't you?
汗ばんだ体 からめて
Entwined with our sweaty bodies
ちょっとの 嫉妬は 適度なスパイス
A little jealousy is a moderate spice
だったら 必死に 研ぎすませたいの
Then I want to earnestly polish myself
しっかり 感じて 抱きしめるから 踊り続けて
Feel it firmly, because I'll hold you tight, keep dancing
Dance Dance Dance Dance
Dance Dance Dance Dance
囁いてよ 耳元で
Whisper in my ear
体中 走るヴァイヴで
With a vibe running through my whole body
君の秘密 教えてよ
Tell me your secret
内緒にしてあげるから
I'll keep it a secret for you
その指先 愛しくて
Those fingertips are so lovely
イタズラに 探してみて
Playfully, try to find it
忘れさせて 昨日とか
Make me forget about yesterday
気絶したいの Dance with U
I want to faint, dance with you
ダメだって 分かって 止まらない本能
Even though we know it's wrong, our instincts won't stop
誰だって 分かって 傷つけ合う衝動
Even though we know it's anyone's fault, the impulse to hurt each other
ダメだって 分かって 止まらない本能
Even though we know it's wrong, our instincts won't stop
Dance Dance Dance Dance
Dance Dance Dance Dance
囁いてよ 耳元で
Whisper in my ear
体中 走るヴァイヴで
With a vibe running through my whole body
君の秘密 教えてよ
Tell me your secret
踊り続けて...
Keep dancing...
Dance Dance Dance Dance
Dance Dance Dance Dance
囁いてよ 耳元で
Whisper in my ear
体中 走るヴァイヴで
With a vibe running through my whole body
忘れさせて 昨日とか
Make me forget about yesterday
冷たいkissも 噂も 記憶も
The cold kiss, the rumors, the memories
恋とか 愛とか 罪とか 罰とか
Love, affection, sin, punishment
Dance with U ...
Dance with you...
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Mutsumi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LincolnSouzaful
2019 and this continues one of the best Japanese songs ever made by a Korean act. just iconic
@ashtonshota5243
This and Shh by After School MASTERPIECES best Japanese songs ever made by a Korean act
@dennousan5636
Agreed. This, along with 2NE1's "Scream", SNSD's "Mr. Taxi" & "Paparazzi", Twice's "BDZ", Crayon Pop's "1,2,3,4", and Pure Boys' "Wedding Day".
@kwanzdesigns
Check out f(x)'s cowboy too. It's great af.
@sakurachristineito6428
boa made japanese masterpieces also
@PedroHenrique-ii6mc
ai meu deus eh a lincolna
@beth7343
i was obsessed with this song and choreo in 2014 and i still am now, in 2022
truly ages like fine wine
@joaq2712
Can I find it in Spotify? With the name Heaven it’s unavailable 😭
@euntro40
@El corazón de Jaz Iñigo nope it's not on spotify
@leesem2427
Period