On September 5, 2009, a new girl group debuted from SM Entertainment. This new girl group was f(x) and consists of Victoria, Luna, Amber, Krystal and Sulli. The girls debuted during what was later known as the second generation of K-pop groups. It is officially 2021, which means it is now f(x)’s 12th year in the industry.

To celebrate their 12th anniversary, let’s take a walk down their history and rediscover the reasons why MeUs still miss f(x)!

1. Pioneer of Girl Group Tennis Skirt Trends

Out of all the trends that f(x) has set, we cannot deny that the tennis skirt evolution started from the group. The group’s 2013 comeback with the song Rum Pum Pum Pum is largely regarded as the beginning of tennis skirts in K-Pop. Although tennis skirts existed previously, it was also largely acknowledged by an unnamed clothing industry leader that f(x)’s comeback is the reason why there is an increase in sales of tennis skirts in South Korea. Looking back, Rum Pum Pum Pum comeback was truly a turning point in girl group wardrobing.

2. Out of the Box Concepts

Starting from 2009 until 2016, f(x) never failed to make their name stand out in the industry. Lee Soo Man, the founder and also record producer of SM Entertainment, envisioned f(x) to stand out from others. Interestingly, this can be seen by the group’s overall appearance.

While many other girl groups make public appearances in colour-coordinated or matched group ensembles, the members of f(x) often have different styles from head to toe, providing a certain degree of personality to the overall concept of the group. In f(x)’s promotions and performances, Amber’s cool personal style has been integrated into her fashion. It is often seen that members have unique hairstyles and clothing, which incorporate rock or punk fashion trends.

One of the best concepts that f(x) has shown to us is their cool, artsy concept titled [4 Walls] An Exhibit for their 2015 comeback. The specifically constructed exhibition was on display from October 21 to 26 at a gallery in the Itaewon District, displaying the individual members’ teaser videos on each of the four walls. This innovative and fresh approach to f(x)’s return piqued the curiosity and response of K-pop enthusiasts and ordinary citizens during that time!

3. Legendary Rain Cha Ta stage

One of the most legendary f(x) stages is the 2009 LA chA Ta performance in the pouring rain. MeUs refer to this stage as Rain Cha Ta. Back in October 18, 2009, at KBS Open Concert, f(x) took the stage to perform LA chA TA. However, as soon as the song began, the rain was pouring down. The girls could not even keep their eyes open due to the heavy rain, but they managed to keep a smile on their faces and completed the performance. It was also deemed as one of the most dangerous girl group stages in history. Nonetheless, it shows great professionalism from the girls. Even though it was raining and the stage was slick, their performance created history. 

4. Timeless Bops

With their debut under SM Entertainment, f(x) joined the list of SM groups and K-Pop powerhouses TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, and SHINee. However, the group was established with a different image, where more experimental and electronic sound was induced in the group’s colour than most of their labelmates. Luna also mentioned that Lee Soo Man was very particular in f(x) colour direction, and being unique is the essence of the group’s sound.

This resulted in the birth of timeless bops such as NU ABO and Electric Shock. The girls not only received more critical acclaim for their work but also rocketed to the number two spot on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100 with the single Electric Shock. The group continued to receive critical acclaim in the following years with Rum Pum Pum Pum and Red Light. Additionally, the group’s musical style evolved, combining their signature electro-pop sound with elements of UK garage, synthpop, house music, and EDM with 4 Walls. The album topped the Billboard World Albums Chart, and the success was followed by their first concert tour, titled Dimension 4 – Docking Station in January 2016.

We cannot deny that f(x) songs have aged like fine wine. We can still listen to their songs without feeling like the song is out of style or dated.

5. Equally Talented Members

As of right now, f(x) has yet to return with another full album. However, the group members are hardly inactive. All four members have had solo activities during the last five years since their group activities halted in 2016, whether in music, acting, or other creative pursuits. 

Victoria has been actively working as an actress and brand ambassador in China, and we can watch her in the upcoming drama Beloved Life. Luna confirmed that she is preparing for her summer solo comeback this year while also participating in many shows such as Mnet The Playlist. Amber recently released her new EP titled y? and Krystal has been actively promoting her latest drama Police University. Last but not least, our Sulli also blessed us with Goblin and dayfly. 

Luna stated in a recent interview that though all the members are doing their solo activities, f(x) is still a group. She asked for MeUs to continue supporting f(x). f(x)’s musical growth over the years has been incredible, and hopefully, we will be able to see even more of the group’s work and achievements in the future!

Our list is just a glimpse of their history. But we hope it can recall their glory days with a smile, and celebrate their 12th anniversary with the precious memories and songs of the years we spent together! What do you think of these lists? Do you have anything that you want to add to the list? Let us know in the comment section below!

Stay connected with f(x) members:

Victoria Instagram | Amber Instagram | Amber Twitter | Amber Youtube | 

Luna Instagram | Luna Youtube | Krystal Instagram

Written by: Dalia
Image by: Agnes