Sugar (South Korean group)

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Sugar (Hangul: 슈가, Japanese: シュガー) was a South Korean girl group formed by Starworld in 2001. The group's final lineup was composed of Ahyoomee, Hye Seung and Lee Ha Rin.

During their career, the group saw moderate success in the Korean music market and released multiple songs in Japan. Sugar's Japanese singles "Take It Shake It" and "Real Identity" were notably the theme songs for Kaleido Star.

The group officially disbanded after their contract with Starworld expired in December 2006,^[1] while only Ahyoomee maintained her career with Starworld until 2007 before transferring to the Starworld's affiliated label SM Entertainment.

The company that formed Sugar, Starworld was a company founded in 1997 by Lee Soo-Young, the member of the South Korean group "Runway" (활주로; Hwaljuro)^[2] and father of the South Korean-American singer Sunny.^[3] Sugar made their first public appearance on music show in December 2001 with the pre-debut single "Sweet Love". The group later released their debut album, Tell Me Why, with the single "Tell Me Why" on March 13, 2002. Sugar was most compared by fans to the female groups M.I.L.K. and Shinvi for their similar musical styles and images. Many girl groups during this time only released a debut album before leaving the music market. However, Sugar returned in 2003 with the release of their second album, Shine on June 18. Member Sae Byul changed her stage name to Hye Seung (her real name) ahead of their comeback.

Sugar made their official debut in Japan with the release of their first album titled Double Rainbow, with the first single "Go the Distance" on February 4, 2004. They released the single〈All my loving / Cherry Blossom Train (Sakura 列車)〉and〈Wind and Flowers (Wind and Flowers) / Present / Heart & Soul〉Subsequently, in March and July, they were used as the soundtrack of the anime Kaleido Star. The singles and album all charted and were met with moderate success.

Sugar released their 2.5th Korean album titled Secret on October 6, 2004. After the release, member Jung Eum decided to leave the group and pursue a solo career in December 2004.^[4][5] Following Jung Eum's departure, new member Lee Harin was added to the group to replace Jung Eum's position in January 2005.^[6] With the new line-up, Sugar released their fourth Japanese single, a ballad titled "Heartful" on February 16. Six months later, Sugar released their fifth Japanese single titled "Sunflower / LOVEACCELE". It was able to reach #29 on the Oricon and remained on the charts for 7 weeks.

Sugar released their third Korean album, Sweet Lips in September 2005. In the same year, they released their second Japanese album, COLORS 4 WISHES on November 2. Member Soo Jin then announced her departure from Sugar to pursue an acting career in May 2006. Following her departure, Sugar released a DVD entitled "7 STARS", which contained all of their Japanese music videos. In July 2006, member Ahyoomee began her career as solo singer but remained with the group. Sugar remained in their hiatus and reported that they would add a new member to replace Soo Jin.

On December 20, 2006, their contract with Starworld expired and it was announced through KBS World Radio that the group had disbanded. It was stated that each of the current members wanted to embark on solo careers and that the company decided not to renew their contract with the members. Ahyoomee continued under Starworld to pursue a solo career before transferring to Starworld affiliated label SM Entertainment. Hye Seung planned to become an actress, while Harin aimed to begin a music career in Japan.

• Ahyoomee (December 2001–December 2006)
• Hye Seung (December 2001–December 2006)
• Lee Ha-rin (January 2005–December 2006)
• Park Soo-jin (December 2001–May 2006)
• Hwang Jung-eum (December 2001–December 2004)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sugar.

• Sugar in naver people
• Official profile (in Japanese)