[After School] is having a Flashback in their 9th thread

[Kouyou]

Ugh! I didn't know that First Love came with different covers for different members. I mean, I got Juyeon and she's beautiful but I wish I could've gotten Lizzy.

[RikkuK]

POOOR NANA and LIZZY MY DAMN FAVORITES

[visionfactory]

After School's re-releases "Virgin" and "FLASHBACK" debuted at #4 and #11 respectively in Taiwan! (Okay, that was 9 weeks ago but I've just realized it)

I think it's the best they have charted in Taiwan so far

PLAYGIRLZ, Because of You (Korean release) and Bang! (Japanese release) are the other releases that have charted in Taiwan as well in the past

[visionfactory]

NEW JAPANESE SONG!!

[adantatu2]

I can't believe it !!!
I'm so happy, this song sounds amazing !!!
I'm glad they're going to keep releasing japanese songs <3

[CoriKaru]

Why do Asians like popping bubbles so much? Bubble Baths must be their crack.

[visionfactory]

It sounds like a mix of Bang! with Rambling girls and I love both songs

[freedreamer]

After School on Breaking Stereotypes, New Albums: Exclusive Video + Photos

If you want to find the hardest working singers in K-pop, look no further than the eight members of girl group After School. They learned a drum line in 2010 to perform "Let’s Do It!", a tap dance for "Let's Step Up" in 2011, and a cane dance for "Rip Off" in 2012. Now, in 2013, a choreographed pole dancing routine for new single, "First Love."

Despite three members being injured at different points throughout promotions -- member Lizzy was still recovering at the time of this interview -- the hard work seems to have paid off. After School has their highest-charting hit since the August 2011 inauguration of the K-Pop Hot 100 as "First Love" jumps to No. 7 this week.

Billboard joined After School as they rehearsed their physically-intensive routine. As well, the girls sat down to talk about their goals with such a risky performance, their hopes to promote in new countries and what else 2013 holds.

After School fans (known affectionately as PlayGirlz and PlayBoyz) last saw After School on the charts with Top 10 hit "Flashback" in June 2011. The group has spent the year in between focusing on solo and sub-unit activities which included acting opportunities and sub-unit Orange Caramel (made up of members Raina, Nana and Lizzy) landing a big hit with "Lipstick," the lead single to their first full-length LP, hitting No. 2 on the K-Pop Hot 100.

But leader Jungah says the eight of them thrive as one group. "Us being together again feels new and it is also bringing back fond memories. We became closer since we got back with each other," she says. "We've been away for a long time so we made sure we came out with a higher-quality performance and music."

For this higher-quality performance, the girls made a consciousness decision to move past performance art and push cultural barriers.

"We wanted to break stereotypes," member Uee explains. "We wanted to change the way people feel uncomfortable because they think pole dancing is too racy. We want people to see it in a creative perspective. We want people to realize that pole art is a popular sport and hopefully that can make people want to learn it too. Honestly, I heard it’s a trend nowadays for women to learn pole dancing as a form of diet."

When the group eventually rests from their intesive performance, they'll soon move into more promotions -- both as a group and in units – including a new material for the Japanese market, from Orange Caramel and possibly more from After School.

Given their history, fans should expect the unexpected. 2011 saw After School splitting into two separate units to promote two different singles as After School Red and After School Blue. The group is considering more of these unique ways to promote.

"We are thinking about solo/unit activities so we can emphasize each and every member’s unique charm and qualities," powerhouse vocalist Raina explained. She mentioned she wanted to perform a duet with fellow powerful vocalist Jungah while their multi-instrumentalist member E-Young would like to try a band sub-unit with three or four members.

While other popular K-pop groups have made their way to the U.S. or Europe. After School, curiously, never has. "We don’t have concrete plans, but I think the opportunity may come if we gain more fans in the States or Europe," Jungah sums up. "We want to meet a lot of people and show our performances to them. We will go see you guys if the opportunity comes."

from Billboard.
For more photos and videos, check here

[ahtka-chan]

This new song sounds like some of their old stuff mixed together. Nothing new.

[visionfactory]

Can't wait they put new single for pre-order!!! I'll get the one old single along too!!

[AyuHamasaki01]

The new Japanese song sounds amazing.

[AyusakiFan]

The Japanese song sounds nice and I'm definitely looking forward to more material from Orange Caramel!

[AyuHamasaki01]

Apparently the new Japanese song is called 'Ms. Independent.'

This is Preview of AFTERSCHOOL’s new Japanese song “Ms. Independent” according to AFTERSCHOOL’s Japan Facebook Page and MARUKO’s Official Youtube Account. More details will be revealed soon.

from afterschooldaze

[visionfactory]

■「"Play Girlz Japan" FAN MEETING 2013 -WELCOME BACK!! AFTERSCHOOL-」8/24
AFTERSCHOOL fan meeting決定 & 待望のJAPAN new single release予定発表！

[freedreamer]

finally they're back in Japan. Quite timely seeing how they will boost Kaeun's popularity soon-to-come

[ayu_ready?]

oooo new song yessh

[adantatu2]

I hope they can announce an official date for the single

[visionfactory]

I think it will be released in September-October (I can't wait that much!!)

[adantatu2]

Same here, but with Lizzy and Nana injuries, i think september-october wil be good

[RikkuK]

Really wondering why they featured whats her face for this commercial.

Someone needs to make an Orange Caramel thread! I would but it'll be ugly...i might just go ahead and do it up anyway