April (band)

April
Also known as	APRIL
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genres	K-pop
Years active	2015–present
Labels	DSP Media
Associated acts	Puretty KARA Produce 101 C.I.V.A I.B.I
Website	http://dspmedia.co.kr/april/
Members	Chaekyung Chaewon Naeun Yena Rachel Jinsol
Past members	Somin Hyunjoo

April (Hangul: 에이프릴) also styled as APRIL is a South Korean girl group formed by DSP Media in 2015. They debuted on August 24, 2015, with releasing mini-album Dreaming.^[1][2] The group is currently composed of six members: Chaekyung, Chaewon, Naeun, Yena, Rachel and Jinsol.

History

Pre-debut

From 2012 to 2014, former member Somin and newest member Chaekyung were members of DSP Media Japanese girl group Puretty with releasing singles "Cheki☆Love" in 2012, "Shwa Shwa BABY" in 2013 and then disbanded in 2014 with plans for the members to re-debut into other groups.^[3]

In mid-2014, former member Somin, newest member Chaekyung and member Chaewon became finalists in Kara Project, in which seven trainees competed to become the new members of label mates girl group, KARA. Chaekyung was elimined, while Somin and Chaewon made it into the final where they finished in second and fourth place respectively.^[4]

In 2016, newest member Chaekyung, together with fellow trainee Cho Shiyoon, represented DSP Media on reality girl group survival show Produce 101 for the chance to debut in a Mnet girl group, where she finished in 16th place. She also participated with other Produce 101 contestant to joined the mockumentary series The God of Music 2 project group, C.I.V.A in July 2016 and joined LOEN Entertainment project group I.B.I in August 2016.

2015: Debut, Somin's departure and Singles

April performing on August 25, 2015.

On February 9, 2015 DSP Media announced that they were going to debut a new girl group, which would be labelled as their labelmate, Fin.K.L's and Kara's sister group.^[5]

Following teasers all through the summer, April debuted on August 24, 2015 with the mini-album Dreaming,^[1] releasing the music video for their debut album’s title song, "Dream Candy".^[2][6]

On November 9, DSP Media announced that after a long discussion, concerning her future, with the agency, April's leader Somin has decided that she would definitely be leaving the group.^[7] The same day, DSP Media revealed that the group was rearranged with the 5 remaining members and would have a comeback later during the same month.^[8][9]

On November 25, the group released their 1st single album Boing Boing as well as a girl scout-concept MV for its title track, "Muah!",^[10][11] followed by a Winter Special Album Snowman accompanied by a music video for the title song of the same name on December 21.^[12][13][14]

2016: Spring, 1st concert Dream Land and Line-up changes

On January 29, 2016 it was announced that the group would be holding their 1st fanmeeting in Japan, on March 6, under the name "April JAPAN FANMEETING 2016 ~ The First Fairy tale". The event was presented by they labelmate and former KARA member, Heo Young-ji.^[15] A mini-fan meeting was also held in Seoul, on February 27.

On February 12, DSP Media announced that the group’s fan club will be called "Fineapple". The agency explained that the name "Fineapple" is a combination of the words "Fine" and "Apple", which they state is a shortened form of April.^[16]

The group performing a few days prior to the release of "Spring".

On February 18, April won the Girl Group Rookie of the Year award at the "22nd Korean Entertainment Arts Awards".^[17]

Their second mini album Spring was released on April 27, 2016. On May 12, member Hyunjoo took a temporary hiatus from the group due to breathing problems and frequent headaches.^[18]

On July 29, it was annonced that April will hold their 1st solo concert since debut titled Dream Land on August 21, in Seoul.^[19][20] The group also hold another concert in Tokyo, Japan, on October 15th.^[21]

On 29 October, Hyunjoo revealed a handwritten letter announcing the end of her hiatus and her departure from April to pursue an acting career.^[22] DSP Media later confirmed her departure from the group and announced that there will be addition of new members for an upcoming comeback set for early 2017.^[23]

On November 11, 2016 DSP Media annonced that former Puretty member, Kara Project and Produce 101 contestant and member of temporary groups I.B.I and C.I.V.A, Yoon Chaekyung had been added to April.^[24] On November 23, DSP Media introduced Rachel as the newest member of April and revealed that the group would be making a comeback in January 2017.^[25][26]

Members

Current members

• Yoon Chaekyung (윤채경) was born on July 7, 1996 in Incheon, South Korea. She was revealed as a new member to the group on November 11, 2016.^[24][27] Prior to joining April, Chaekyung was a Puretty member, Kara Project and Produce 101 contestant and member of temporary groups I.B.I and C.I.V.A.^[28][29][30]
• Kim Chaewon (김채원) was born on November 8, 1997 in South Korea. Chaewon was first introduced during the Kara Project where she finished in fourth place.^[4] She trained for three years before her debut. In February 2016, Chaewon graduated from Gyeongju Geumseong Women's High School with a music major.
• Lee Naeun (이나은) was born on May 5, 1999 in Daejeon, South Korea. Naeun was a JYP Entertainment trainee,^[31] and trained for four months at DSP before her debut. She currently attends the Seoul School of Performing Art program of Art & Acting.
• Yang Yena (양예나) was born on May 22, 2000 in South Korea. Yena was a trainee for eight months before debuting with April. She currently attends the Seoul School of Performing Art program of Art & Acting.
• Rachel (레이첼) was born Sung Nayeon (성나연) on August 28, 2000 in South Korea. Little information about Rachel has been released however it is know that Rachel resided in Portland, Oregon, USA. Rachel's specialty is ballet, she even won in various competitions for 7 years.^[32][33]
• Lee Jinsol (이진솔) was born on December 4, 2001 in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Jinsol was a student at the Academy Best Vocal and trained for around half a year at DSP before her debut. She currently attends Seowon Middle School.

Former members

• Jeon Somin (전소민) was born on August 22, 1996 in South Korea. Somin is also a former Puretty and Baby Kara member,^[3] and took part on the Kara Project where she finished in second place.^[4] She left the group on November 9, 2015.^[9]
• Lee Hyunjoo (이현주) was born on February 5, 1998 in South Korea. Hyunjoo trained for nearly two years before her debut. Hyunjoo currently attends the Seoul School of Performing Art program of Art & Acting. On May 12, 2016 She took a temporary hiatus during the promotion of the group's second mini-album "Spring" due to breathing problems and frequent headaches.^[18]On October 29, 2016 She left from the group to pursue her acting career.^[22]

Timeline

Discography

APRIL discography
Music videos	7
EPs	2
Singles	4

Extended plays

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions	Sales
		KOR [34]
Dreaming	Released: August 24, 2015 Label: DSP Media, LOEN Entertainment Format: CD, digital download	8	KOR: 2,542+[35]
Spring	Released: April 27, 2016 Label: DSP Media, LOEN Entertainment Format: CD, digital download	12	KOR: 4,919+[36]

Single albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions	Sales
		KOR [34]
Boing Boing	Released: November 25, 2015 Label: DSP Media, LOEN Entertainment Format: CD, digital download	13	KOR: 3,803+[37]
Snowman	Released: December 20, 2015 Label: DSP Media, LOEN Entertainment Format: CD, digital download	14	KOR: 3,483+[38]

Singles

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Sales	Album
		KOR [39]
"Dream Candy"	2015	77	KOR: 50,734+[40]	Dreaming
"Muah!"		134	KOR: 14,055+[41]	Boing Boing
"Snowman"		140	KOR: 12,226+[42]	Snowman
"Tinker Bell"	2016	100	KOR: 24,893+[43]	Spring
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Appearances and collaborations

Year	Title	Member(s)	Album/Single	Note
2014	White	Somin, Chaewon	White Letter	Prior to debut
	그대안의 나 (You are the one)
2016	"Pick Me"	Chaekyung	Produce 101
	In the Same Place		Produce 101 - 35 Girls 5 Concepts	With Girls on Top
	시계 (Clock)	Chaewon, Chaekyung	Clock
	Fingertips Love	Chaewon, Naeun, Yena & Jinsol	"Creating a Healthy Cyber World" Campaign song	With B1A4, BTOB, A-JAX, Heo Young-ji, Oh My Girl & Kassy

Filmography

Drama

Year	Title	TV Network	Member(s)	Role	Note
2014	KARA Secret Love	Dramacube	Somin	Herself	Cameo
2015	April Episode	DSP Media	All except Naeun	Themselve	Lead role Prior to debut
2016	Mysterious TV Surprise	MBC	Chaewon	Lee NanYoung	Appeared on Episode 709
	April Love	N/A	Naeun	TBA	Lead role VR Webdrama
	Reply Pyeongchang, 100 °F	KBS Media	Chaewon	Hwang Hyewon	Lead Role Webdrama
	Moomin's Room	OCN / Naver	Hyunjoo	Moda	Supporting Role Webdrama

Variety Show

Year	Title	TV Network	Member(s)	Note
2014	Kara Project	MBC Music	Somin, Chaewon, Chaekyung	Contestants
2015–Present	APRIL's ON AIR PRIL	DSP Media	All	Debuted prior to debut
	Baek Jong Won's 3 Top Chefs	SBS		Regular guests
2015	Weekly Idol	MBC Every 1		Guests, Episode 215[44]
	Here Goes April	Naver V Channel
	Let's Go Dream Team! Season 2	KBS2	Yena	Appeared on Episode 309
	The National Best Family	BnM	Yena, Jinsol
2016	Produce 101	Mnet	Chaekyung
	Vitamin	KBS2	All
	The National Best Family	BnM	Naeun, Jinsol
	National Idol Singing Contest	KBS	Naeun	Lunar New Year Special
	Idol Star Athletics Championships	MBC	All
	War of Vocals - God's Voice	SBS	Jinsol	Panelist
	Daily APRIL	AfreecaTV	All
	My Wish	GTV
	Pops in Seoul	Arirang TV
	After School Club		All except Hyunjoo	Hyunjoo was absent due to her hiatus[18]
	Girls Spirit	JTBC	Fixed cast : Jinsol Guest : Chaewon, Naeun & Yena	Contestant
	Tok! Tok! Boni Hani	EBS	Jinsol	MC
	The God of Music 2	Mnet	Chaekyung	with other Produce 101 contestant as C.I.V.A
	Plan Man	tagTV, TRENDY
	Hello I.B.I	JTBC		as an I.B.I member

Videography

Music videos

Year	Title	Director	Note
2015	"Dream Candy"	Digipedi	Debut Music Video
			Special Choreography music video
	"Muah!"	Zanybros	Directed by Hong Won-ki
	"Snowman"		Winter Single, directed by Lim Seok-jin
			Special Choreography music video
2016			Noraebang version
	"Tinkerbell"	Zanybros	Directed by Hong Won-ki[45]

Music video appearances

Year	Title	Artist	Member(s)
2012	"(Cheki☆Love)"	Puretty	Somin, Chaekyung
2013	"BABY (Shwa Shwa BABY)"
2014	"White"	DSP Friends	Somin, Chaewon
	"Born Hater"	Epik High	Somin[46]
	"Stop Stop It"	Got7	Naeun
2016	"Pick Me"	Produce 101	Chaekyung
	"Clock"	Chaewon & Chaekyung	Chaewon & Chaekyung
	"Fingertips Love"	With B1A4, BTOB, A-JAX, Heo Young-ji, Oh My Girl & Kassy	Chaewon, Naeun, Yena & Jinsol
	"WHY"	C.I.V.A	Chaekyung
	"MOLAE MOLAE (몰래몰래)"	I.B.I
	"I.B.I"

Awards and nominations

Korean Entertainment Art Awards

Bout	Year	Recipient	Award	Result
22nd	2016	April	Female Rookie of the Year[47]	Won

Gaon Chart Awards

Bout	Year	Recipient	Award	Result
5th	2016	April	Female Rookie of the Year	Nominated

Seoul Music Awards

Year	Category	Recipient	Result
2015	"Dream Candy"	Bonsang Award	Nominated	[48]
	APRIL	New Artist Award	Nominated
		Popularity Award	Nominated
		Hallyu Special Award	Nominated

Notes

References

1. Lee, Jeong-ah. "'DSP 신인' 에이프릴, 데뷔일 전격 공개". Nate News. SK Communications. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
2. Won, Ho-jung. "April debuts with hopeful song 'Dream Candy'". Kpop Herald. Korea Herald. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
3. "퓨리티 소식 이건 뭐임?". 17 January 2014. DC Inside. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
4. Jun, Su-mi. "카라 소속사 "새 멤버 영입 결정, 영입 인원수 미정"". eNews24. CJ E&M. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
5. http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/86966/dsp-to-unveil-new-girl-group-april
6. Shin, Ji-hye. "[V Report] Rookie girl group April makes debut". Kpop Herald (Korea Herald). Herald Corporation. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
7. http://www.soompi.com/2015/11/10/aprils-former-leader-somin-reveals-why-she-left-the-group-in-handwritten-letter/
8. http://www.allkpop.com/article/2015/11/aprils-somin-leaves-the-group-leaving-it-a-5-member-group
9. November 8, 2015 (2015-11-08). "April Member Somin Leaves Group". Soompi. Retrieved 2016-05-05.
10. http://www.soompi.com/2015/11/24/april-releases-1st-single-album-boing-boing-and-mv-for-muah/
11. http://www.allkpop.com/article/2015/11/april-dream-about-kissing-in-adorable-muah-mv
12. http://officiallykmusic.com/april-to-return-this-winter-with-snowman/
13. http://www.allkpop.com/article/2015/12/april-are-beautiful-in-white-in-new-snowman-teaser-image
14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcbDvRVn3vM
15. http://contents.innolife.net/news/list.php?ac_id=7&ai_id=211843
16. http://www.soompi.com/2016/02/11/april-announces-official-fan-club-name/
17. "April Takes Home Rookie of the Year Award at the "22nd Korean Entertainment Arts Awards"". Soompi. 2016-02-18. Retrieved 2016-05-05.
18. http://www.soompi.com/2016/05/12/aprils-hyunjoo-temporarily-halts-group-promotions-due-to-health-issues/
19. http://www.soompi.com/2016/07/29/april-hold-first-solo-concert-since-debut/
20. http://www.allkpop.com/article/2016/08/april-to-hold-1st-ever-solo-concert-in-celebration-of-1st-anniversary
21. http://www.allkpop.com/article/2016/10/april-holds-their-first-solo-concert-in-japan
22. http://www.soompi.com/2016/10/29/breaking-aprils-hyunjoo-posts-handwritten-letter-announcing-departure-group/
23. http://www.allkpop.com/article/2016/10/aprils-hyunjoo-permanently-leaves-the-group-april-to-bring-in-a-new-member
24. http://www.soompi.com/2016/11/10/yoon-chaekyung-joins-april-5th-member/
25. http://www.soompi.com/2016/11/23/april-make-comeback-new-members-chaekyung-rachel/
26. "Girl Group Zone! on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2016-11-24.
27. "DSP 측 "윤채경, 에이프릴 합류..새 음반 준비中"". Retrieved 2016-11-11.
28. Kim, JiYeon (June 20, 2012). "DSP Media Unveils Its Newest Group- Puretty". enewsWorld. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
29. Cho, He-jin (June 28, 2016). "New Girl Group CIVA Confirmed to Debut in July". Mnet. Retrieved 2016-08-02.
30. "'프로듀스 101' 간발의 5人, I.B.I(일반인) 프로젝트 그룹 결성". Naver (in Korean). Sports Seoul. July 21, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2016.
31. Choi Ji-ye (2015-11-25). "에이프릴 현주 여자친구 엄지, 닭갈비 먹으러 가다 눈앞에서 캐스팅[MD인터뷰③]". My Daily (in Korean). Retrieved 2016-08-21.
32. http://www.soompi.com/2016/11/23/april-make-comeback-new-members-chaekyung-rachel/
33. "Girl Group Zone! on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2016-11-24.
34. "Gaon Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Chart. Retrieved 2010-12-03.
35. Cumulative Sales for Dreaming:
    • "Gaon Album Chart August 30 - September 5, 2015 (see #32)". Gaon Music Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
36. Cumulative Sales for Spring:
    • "Gaon Album Chart (May 2016)". Gaon Music Chart (see #42) (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
37. "2015년 12월 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
38. Cumulative sales for "Snowman":
    • "2015년 12월 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
    • "2016년 01월 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 2016-07-01.
39. "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Music Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
40. Cumulative Sales for "Dream Candy":
    • "Gaon Download Chart August 23 - 29, 2015 (see #52)". Gaon Music Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
    • "Gaon Download Chart August 30 - September 5, 2015 (see #131)".
    • "Gaon Download Chart September 6 - September 12, 2015 (see #224)".
41. http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?pageNo=2&nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=49&hitYear=2015&termGbn=week
42. http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?pageNo=2&nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=S1020&targetTime=53&hitYear=2015&termGbn=week
43. Cumulative Sales for "Tinkerbell":
    • "Gaon Download Chart April 24 - 30, 2016 (see #100)". Gaon Music Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
    • "Gaon Download Chart May 1 - 7, 2016 (see #263)".
44. Kim, Kyung-min. "[단독] 에이프릴, '주간 아이돌' 출격 "대형신인 입증"". XSportsNews. XSPORTSMEDIA. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
45. "[단독]'카라 동생' 에이프릴, 오늘 신곡 MV 촬영..쟈니브로스作 :: 네이버 TV연예". Entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2016-05-05.
46. "Epik High - Born Hater M/V (Feat. Beenzino, Verbal Jint, B.I, Mino, Bobby)". YouTube. 2014-10-18. Retrieved 2016-05-05.
47. "[포토] 에이프릴, '귀엽지요~' : 스포츠조선". Sports.chosun.com. Retrieved 2016-05-05.
48. "Seoul Music Awards Global (scroll to K-POP STAR 2015 [LIVE VOTE] and click "Main, Popular (Overseas) and Rookie" to reveal the nominees)". Seoul Music Awards. SportsSeoul. Retrieved 9 December 2015.

External links

• Official website