Rania (band)

RANIA
Origin South Korea
Genres
Years active 2011 (2011)–present
Labels
Website http://cafe.daum.net/1248./
Members Alex
Seulji
Hyeme
Past members
  • Yijo
  • Joy
  • Riko
  • Jooyi
  • Saem
  • Di
  • T-ae
  • Xia

RANIA (Hangul: 라니아, stylized as Rania or RaNia, shortened from Regeneration Idol of Asia) is a South Korean girl group formed by DR Music in 2011, created by American Teddy Riley[1] with their debut mini album "DR Feel Good" in 2011.[2] The group currently line-up composed of Seulji, Hyeme, Alex

Career

Pre-debut

RANIA was originally set to debut in mid 2010 as the third generation of Baby V.O.X. However their record company DR Music decided to rebrand them as a new group named RANIA with 8 members: Saem, Lucy (later known as Jooyi), Riko, Joy, Di, T-ae, Xia and Sarah.[3] T-ae, Riko and Saem were chosen to star alongside former 2PM member Jay Park in his movie Hype Nation,[4][5] causing DR Music to push back the group's debut. At the beginning of 2011, Sarah made her decision to leave the group and was replaced by Chinese trainee Yijo. Before the addition of Yijo, trainees Data and Minhee were set to take Sarah's place. However, Minhee left due to parental problems, and Data left due to homesickness.

2011–12: Debut and Joy's departure

RANIA made their debut in April 2011[6] as an eight-member group, consisting of Saem, Jooyi, Riko, Joy, Di, T-ae, Xia and Yijo. However, upon their debut mini album's release, Yijo was not included and she left RANIA.[7][8] They performed on 6 April on KBS's Music Bank, with the title track "DR Feel Good", composed by producer Teddy Riley. The song was originally given to Lady Gaga.[9] However, since their music video and live performances caused controversy in Korea as some viewers felt that their image and concept were too provocative,[10] RANIA were forced to change their choreography and make minor changes to the outfits.[11][12] After the conclusion of "DR Feel Good" promotions, the group returned in June with their 1st digital single "Masquerade" [13](also composed by Riley).[9] Despite having planned an American debut,[9] the group made no advancements.[14] Shortly afterwards Riley announced that he would have nothing more to do with the group after falling out with their record label, releasing a statement saying "I wish them the best. It's not the girls i dislike, I love Rania, they would be better wit me at SM Ent. Their manager do shady business, used me for my music. I love Rania I just don't like their company business. That's why they're not getting bigger. They don't do business upfront. They used my name every where then back door me on the group. It's ok they will regret it. If they leave that company I will sign them quick. Pls know the facts before attacking me. Attack their company. Such great talented will be wasted if they don't get better support."[15][16]

The group released their 2nd mini album, Time to Rock Da Show, on 16 November 2011.[17][18] The music video for its title track, "Pop Pop Pop", written by Brave Brothers,[19] was revealed four days later.[20] Joy suddenly went on hiatus at this time, which DR Music claimed was because her parents' house had been affected in the flood which occurred in Thailand at the time of the release,[21][22] and later left RaNia in June 2012. In a series of now-deleted tweets, she wrote "To everyone, I’m sorry I let you guys down so many times, but I’ve been thinking about it for months. I think I can’t go back to stand on that place anymore. [...] I can’t go back anymore. Thanks for all of your love and all of your hope, thank you so much and I feel so sorry that I [am disappointing beloved fans]…From now…I think I can’t be in the Entertainment [industry] or back to be a singer anymore since I was sick…But I haven’t got any confidence to go back to do it. I’m sorry that I made you all have to wait for me…and I made you all feel confused. Thank you so much for gifts, kindness, love that you give me. Thank you." [23]

On 30 May 2012, RANIA performed a new song named "Killer" at the Dream Concert. They made a comeback on 16 September with 2nd digital single "Style", whose music video was revealed on 20 September. Jooyi did not participate in this comeback,[24] although DR Music claimed she was still a member of the group.

2013–14: Just Go, Riko's departure and delayed American debut

RANIA released the title track "Just Go" on 8 March 2013, along with their first studio album, also titled Just Go (or Goodbye's The New Hello).[25] They also announced to debut in America in the summer of 2013.[26] Empire Records was to be handling the girls' distribution while Fireworks was to handle their American management.[27] Larry Rudolph and Adam Leber, two of Britney Spears's managers, decided to be RANIA's managers throughout their U.S. promotions.[28] Starting 21 May, RANIA began filming for their MTV reality show Road to Fame in Los Angeles and other cities across the U.S. The show would feature the group's preparations for their U.S. debut and would air for three months. It was also revealed that the album would feature collaborations with both Snoop Dogg and 2 Chainz.[29] However, RANIA's American debut was delayed again in June.[30] Instead, they began to film a CF for Woongjin Waterpark Play°C[31] and released a special digital single, "Up" for fans on 5 July.[32]

In May 2014, the group signed with Spanish label INGENIOmedia and confirmed they would have a comeback in July with "Acceleration", with a second round of promotions in September.[33] The label also confirmed that they were looking for a sixth member to replace Riko, who was absent from the group since "Just Go".[25][34] Following an incident where a staffer at INGENIOmedia leaked RANIA's comeback track to a fan, the company severed ties with the group, stating they were "taking too long".[35] INGENIOMedia later released a statement saying that they were not looking for a member to replace Riko, apologizing for any confusion, and said that any news on member changes would have to come from RANIA's company.[36]

In late 2014, Saem stopped attending public events and deactivated her official social media accounts. This led to intense fan speculation that she had left the group, but DR Music did not release an official statement regarding her situation. DR Music later added a new member, trainee Sharon Park.

2015: Line-up changes and Demonstrate

In January 2015, Jooyi stopped attending live performances with RANIA, to which DR Music claimed that she was simply on hiatus. In April 2015, Sharon Park left to the group to focus on modeling.

In August 2015, RANIA made their appearance with two new members, trainees Seulji and Hyeme. In fall of 2015, the group announced their comeback on November 6 with their 3rd mini album Demonstrate, with DR Music confirming that Saem and Jooyi had officially left the group and would be replaced by Seulji, Hyeme and Alex.[37] Alex is the first ever African-American woman to be an official member of a South Korean girl group.[38]

2016–present: Line-up changes

DR Music sent out a letter to fans that supported their Makestar project, informing them that RANIA's comeback has been pushed back to August 2016, and they were working on a Hyeme & Alex sub-unit. On July 13, 2016, however, Makestar announced that due to repeated failed attempts to contact DR Music about the project's progress and "the continued irresponsible behavior and stance taken by the RANIA project creator, and our unwillingness to ignore the inconvenience this is causing to the project participants", the project would be terminated and all money returned to the fans.[39]

In late May 2016, it was confirmed that the last three original members of RANIA - Di, T-ae and Xia had withdrawn from the group and parted ways from DR Music after 5 years. They then signed with their new label ENTER HAMA, where they will re-debut as ELA8TE.

On June 26, 2016, RANIA performed in a China event with 3 DR Music trainees: Jihyun, Jieun (a former member of LPG) and Crystal. On August 15, 2016, Alex announced that she was the group's new leader.[40]

On October 25, 2016, RANIA performed with 2 DR Music trainees at the 2016 Seoul ICARUS Drone International Film Festival. Two days later DR Music stated that from 7 DR Music trainees they will choose new RANIA members. [41]

Members

Current members

Former members

Timeline

Discography

Album

Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales Track listing
KOR
[42]
Just Go (Goodbye's The New Hello) 9

EPs

Title Album details Peak chart positions Track listing
KOR
[42]
DR Feel Good

(1st Mini Album)

 —
Time to Rock da Show

(2nd Mini Album)

 —
Demonstrate

(3rd Mini Album)
  • Released: 5 November 2015
  • Label: DR Music, Danal Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
Gaon
[44]		 KOR
Billboard
[45]
"DR Feel Good" 2011 99 — DR Feel Good
Just Go (Goodbye's The New Hello)
"가면무도회 (Masquerade)" 192 — DR Feel Good
Just Go (Goodbye's The New Hello)
"Pop Pop Pop" 66 — Time to Rock da Show
Just Go (Goodbye's The New Hello)
"Style" 2012 40 47 Just Go (Goodbye's The New Hello)
"Just Go" 2013 26 34
"Demonstrate" 2015 — — Demonstrate
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

References

  1. ↑ "New group Rania dreams to conquer Korea and America". Allkpop. 6 April 2011.
  2. ↑ 라니아 :: 네이버 통합검색. Naver (in Korean). Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  3. ↑ "Rookie girl group Rania to debut in August". Allkpop.com. 25 July 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  4. ↑ "그룹 라니아의 티애, 박재범과 '하이프네이션' 출연 확정" [Rania's T-ae and Jay Park confirmed to appear in 'Hype Nation']. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). 15 June 2010.
  5. ↑ "Rookie girl group Rania reveals their leader". 26 July 2010.
  6. ↑ "Rookie group 'Rania' to hold debut showcase on April 6th". Allkpop.com. 30 March 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  7. ↑ "[Update: MV] Rania releases debut single, "Dr. Feel Good"". Allkpop.com. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  8. ↑ "Rania adds new member Lee Jo & releases new version of "Dr Feel Good"". 17 April 2011.
  9. 1 2 3 "걸그룹 '라니아' 국내 최초로 한ㆍ미 동시 데뷔" [Upcoming girl group Rania to debut in both America and Korea]. Heraldcorp.com (in Korean). 27 September 2010. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  10. ↑ "베일벗은 라니아, 파격의상+섹시안무··'충격적 비주얼'" [Rania's cheap outfits and sexy choreography are... "a schocking visual"]. Asiae.co.kr (in Korean). 7 April 2011.
  11. ↑ "포미닛.라니아 "선정적 안무와 의상 수정"" [4Minute and Rania to make changes to their choreography and outfits]. Yonhap News (in Korean). 12 April 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  12. ↑ "Rania revamps choreography and outfits, adds a 25-second high note part". Allkpop. 15 April 2011.
  13. ↑ "Rania to return with 'Masquerade' for follow-up promotions". Allkpop. 4 June 2011.
  14. ↑ "Rania unleashes plans for U.S. and Asian advancement". 3 May 2011.
  15. ↑ "So Teddy and Rania are kaput. Now what?". Seoul Beats. 26 May 2011.
  16. ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/article/2011/05/teddy-riley-leaves-rania
  17. ↑ "RaNia releases second mini-album, "Time To Rock Da Show"". Allkpop.com. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  18. ↑ "RaNia :: Time To Rock Da Show". Naver (in Korean). 16 November 2011.
  19. ↑ "Rania to make a comeback with Brave Brothers this year". Allkpop.com. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  20. ↑ "RaNia reveals "Pop Pop Pop" music video". Allkpop.com. 20 November 2011.
  21. ↑ "RaNia's Thai Member Joy Indefinitely Leaves Group; Brother Still Missing From Thai Floods". Mwave. 12 June 2012.
  22. ↑ "RaNia's agency explains Joys absence" (in Korean). 12 June 2012.
  23. ↑ https://wowkpop.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/has-joy-left-rania/
  24. ↑ "RaNia to Return as Five Members With New Single". Mwave. 20 September 2012.
  25. 1 2 "[Video] RaNia Releases New MV and Explains Riko's Absence". Mwave. 8 March 2013.
  26. ↑ "RaNia to start promotions in the US during the summer".
  27. ↑ "RaNia Signs with Empire Records to Begin Entry into American Music Market". Mwave. 26 October 2012.
  28. ↑ "RaNia to team up with Britney Spears' managers for their U.S. promotions". 28 March 2013.
  29. ↑ "RaNia to Collaborate with Snoop Dogg and 2 Chainz". Mwave. 2 April 2013.
  30. ↑ "RaNia plans seven country promotional tour + US advancement delay". 8 July 2013.
  31. ↑ "The ladies of RaNia embrace the warm weather in their sexy 'Woongjin Play Doci' CF + making film". 12 June 2013.
  32. ↑ "RaNia splash around in bikinis for "Up" MV + free song download". 4 July 2013.
  33. ↑ "RaNia to make a comeback in July with 'Acceleration' + Spanish intro added to 'Style' MV". 3 May 2014.
  34. ↑ "RaNia to hold an audition to recruit another member". 5 May 2014.
  35. ↑ "Question about Rania to INGENIOmedia". Facebook (in Spanish). 29 July 2014.
  36. ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/article/2014/05/rania-to-hold-an-audition-to-recruit-another-member
  37. ↑ "라니아, 美 흑인 래퍼 알렉산드라 합류 '화려한 이력'" (in Korean). November 4, 2015.
  38. ↑ "RaNia to promote with first ever official African American member in K-Pop". November 4, 2015.
  39. ↑ http://www.asianjunkie.com/2016/07/13/makestar-is-refunding-the-backers-of-ranias-project-so-they-are-literally-cancelled/
  40. ↑ https://twitter.com/thealexreid/status/764879171663241217
  41. ↑ https://m.facebook.com/drmusicrania/posts/638442649650292
  42. 1 2 "Gaon Album Chart". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  43. ↑ "2013년 04월 Album Chart (국내)". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  44. ↑ "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  45. ↑ "Billboard K-Pop Hot 100". Billboard Korea. Retrieved 2 June 2014.

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