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Rania
Riko, T-ae, Jooyi, Di, Xia, Saem
Riko, T-ae, Jooyi, Di, Xia, Saem
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
GenresK-pop
Years active2011 (2011)–present
Labels
  • Yedang Company
  • DR Music
  • Irving Entertainment
  • INGENIOmedia
Members
  • Riko
  • Di
  • T-ae
  • Xia
  • Sharon
  • Hyeme
Past members
  • Sarah
  • Data
  • Yijo
  • Joy
  • Jooyi
  • Saem
Korean name
Hangul
라니아
Revised RomanizationRania
McCune–ReischauerRania

Template:Contains Korean text

Rania (Korean: 라니아, stylized as RaNia or RANIA) is a South Korean girl group. Rania debuted in South Korea and was initially produced by DR Music and American Teddy Riley.[1] Although the group is South Korean, ex-member Joy is of Thai descent,[2][3] and ex-member Riko was raised in Japan.[1]

Rania released their debut track "Dr. Feel Good" in 2011.[4] Since then, the group has lost several members and ended business relations with Teddy Riley and INGENIOMedia.

Career

Pre-debut

Rania was originally set to debut in mid 2010 as a six member group,[5] however member T-ae was chosen to star alongside former 2PM ex-member/leader, Jay Park, in his movie Hype Nation.[6] Later, Riko (Rania's leader at the time) and Saem were chosen to star in Hype Nation too,[7] causing DR Music to push back the group's debut. In this time, three additional members were chosen but two of them (Sarah Wang and Data Darancharas) withdrew from the group before debuting. With their withdrawals, the group decided to debut as a seven member group and later look for replacements. During their trainee days, the group was trained by Park Sori, of the girl group Baby Vox Re.V.

In an interview with Donga News, Jooyi stated that she had turned down the offer of joining the now popular group 2NE1 as a fifth member,[8] and even a solo career offer.

2011: Debut with "Dr. Feel Good", "Masquerade" and "Pop Pop Pop"

Originally, it was announced that the group would debut in both Korea and America at the same time. It was also announced that they would be working with producer Teddy Riley. Two songs were composed for Rania, Dr. Feel Good and Masquerade, which he revealed were originally given to Lady Gaga. Speaking about how the deal came out, their company revealed that Rania was contracted with Teddy Riley's new agency in order to promote in America, in which he was discussing the music distribution rights with Sony Music and Universal Music. Along with this, Rania was going to work with Lady Gaga's choreographer, Richard Jackson.[9]

In March 2011, it was announced that Rania would finally debut in April 2011, with a showcase being held on 6 April.[10] At this time, Rania was revealed to be debuting as an eight member group, consisting of Riko, Saem, Xia, Jooyi, Di, Joy, Tae and Yijo. However, upon their debut single's release, Yijo was not included.[11][12] It was never formally announced as to why Yijo never debuted with the group or their promotions, however Yijo herself revealed that, due to visa issues, she was unable to join them for their debut, and after a few months left the group.[citation needed]

The group debuted on 6 April on the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) music program, Music Bank, with the song "Dr. Feel Good". However, their music video and live performances caused controversy in Korea as some viewers felt that their image and concept were too provocative.[13] Rania were forced to change their choreography and make minor changes to the outfits. In a later interview, the members expressed their regrets on stirring up such a controversy because of their outfits, but still believed that they were not as sexually suggestive as viewers thought.[14][15]

After the conclusion of "Dr. Feel Good" promotions, the group returned in June with their second single "Masquerade" on Music Bank.[16] An English version of the song originally appeared on their debut single, however the Korean version was not. They promoted the Korean version in Korea, including appearances on music shows.[citation needed]

Despite their debut single included English versions of both "Dr. Feel Good" and "Masquerade", the group did not make any advancements into America at that time, despite having planned it.[17] Just after promotions for "Masquerade" finished, Teddy Riley made ambiguous tweets concerning his future with Rania,[18] and soon made a formal announcement that he had left Rania after falling out with the Rania's record label, DR Music.[19] Because of Riley's leave, Rania's overseas debut in the U.S. was put into question. However, DR Music stated Rania's activities in the U.S. were still active.[citation needed]

T-ae, Xia and Joy participated in the variety show "Oh! My School" on KBS while T-ae and Joy appeared on Let's Go! Dream Team's Summer Girl Special. On 17 September 2011, Rania performed Dr. Feel Good, Masquerade and a cover of Stand Up for Love (originally by Destiny's Child) in "Suara Kami!" held in Malaysia in conjunction of Malaysia's Day celebration.[20]

It was announced that the group would be coming back in Korea in the last few months of 2011 with popular producer Brave Brothers writing their new single.[21] The group released their second mini-album, Time to Rock Da Show on 16 November 2011.[22][23] The title track, "Pop Pop Pop", was promoted on all major music shows, the first being on M! Countdown.[24] On 20 November 2011, Rania revealed the music video for "Pop Pop Pop" after several video teasers were released.[25]

2012: Joy's departure, Dream Music Concert and "STYLE"

On 12 July 2012, Rania's agency released a statement addressing the absence of group member Joy who had been missing from promotions of "Pop Pop Pop" since November last year. The agency revealed that Joy's parents' house had been affected in the flood which occurred in Thailand at the time and that some family members had been injured. The agency then went on to state that once her family had gotten back on their feet, Joy would then discuss her return to the team with the agency and that her sudden withdrawal from the group was not an official one.[26][27] Fans became suspicious after Joy made a string of tweets saying: "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."[28] She later announced on her Facebook and Twitter pages that she was now a former member of Rania, and would be working on her own projects.

On 30 May, the group performed a new song named "Killer" at the Dream Music Concert. DRMusic released a statement that Rania would be making a comeback in April 2012, but the month passed with no new material. DRMusic announced that the comeback had been postponed to sometime during the summer of 2012, but again, nothing occurred. The group confirmed that they would be making a comeback on 2 September 2012, with their first broadcast on Inkigayo.[29] However, due to music video scheduling conflicts and finalization of the choreography, their debut was pushed back two weeks until 16 September, with the scheduled performance on Inkigayo also pushed back.[30] On 24 August, it was also revealed by Sports Seoul that the group would be participating among the Korean representatives for the 14th Korea-China Music Festival to be held at the Yeosu Expo Digital Gallery.[31] On 19 September, DR Music Entertainment revealed the photo teaser for upcoming comeback, and on 20 September, at 12:00 KST, Rania revealed their first teaser for their comeback song "STYLE", followed by the second. At midnight on the same day, "STYLE"'s MV was revealed. Jooyi was not a part of this comeback due to extended training for an unknown project, but she was still a member of Rania. She tweeted her support along with other such artists as Aoora from AA and FT Island's Jaejin. It was later revealed that "STYLE" was produced with the help of YG Entertainment.[32]

2013: First album and supposed American debut

On 9 January 2013, DRMusic made an announcement that Rania would be making a Korean comeback in late January, and also that their American debut had been postponed to allow them more time to prepare.[33] On 23 January 2013, however, it was announced that Rania's comeback would be delayed until February. One month later, it was announced that their comeback had been delayed again, this time until early March. In the announcement, DR Music said "Sorry for all the late news regarding Rania's comeback. Rania's comeback album was facing just a little problem right now, with the choreography and music mixing, and costume design. But now, choreography is complete! Now, Rania is expected to comeback [sic] in the first or second week on March. We will let you know the exact date soon."[attribution needed]

Rania made their official comeback with their lead single "Just Go" on 8 March, along with their first full-length album, also titled Just Go, which featured three new tracks: "Secret Party", "Just Go", and previously performed but never officially released "Killer", and previous singles such as "Dr. Feel Good", "Pop Pop Pop" and "STYLE". The album also included an English version of their new title track "Just Go".[citation needed]

Rania was announced to debut in America in the summer of 2013.[34] Empire Records was to be handling the girls' distribution while Fireworks was to handle their American management.[35] Larry Rudolph and Adam Leber, two of Britney Spears' managers, decided to be Rania's managers throughout their U.S. promotions. DRMusic stated "Larry Rudolph asked this and that about [Rania]. After requesting various resources, he contacted us saying that he wants to bring us under his management. This is good news for us and we are aware that this kind of partnership cannot be obtained easily."[36] "Starting May 21st, Rania will begin filming for their MTV reality show Road to Fame in LA, San Diego, and other cities across the U.S. The show will feature the group's preparations for their U.S. debut and will air for three months... As we worked with notable artists in the American music industry, there has been good word of mouth spreading about us. Through the growing popularity of K-pop through YouTube and more, we were also able to cross paths with acquaintances we never expected to work with before." It was also revealed that the album would feature collaborations with both Snoop Dogg and 2 Chainz.[37][38]

On 24 May 2013, it was announced that Di had sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident. A representative of the company released a statement saying "Di got hit by a motorcyclist while getting off from a taxi near her [talent] agency headquarters in Seoul. She was transported to hospital right away, and revealed to have suffered minor injuries to her knees and head. The X-ray result showed that there are no bone fractures," the rep said. "However, she is still feeling a bit of dizziness, and she will have to stay in hospital for one or two more days."[39][40] In July 2013, it was revealed that Rania's American debut had been delayed yet again.[41] Instead, they began to film a CF for Woongjin Waterpark Play°C.[42] On 5 July, they released a special single, "UP", for fans.[43] Due to Di still suffering from the motorcycle incident, she was replaced by a body double (whose face was obscured by a lens flare to hide that she was not Di). On 8 August 2013, rapper Defconn released a single entitled "Cocktail", which featured T-ae.[44]

2014: Rumours of disbandment, member changes and INGENIOMedia Controversy

Starting on 24 February, various online forums speculated that Rania might be disbanding. The posts called attention to the denied access to the official home page, the deletion of members' SNS accounts, and more. Later the agency announced that the disbandment rumors were just nonsense and they closed the home page six months before because they'd replaced it with a fan cafe.[45]

Rania's agency revealed the group's plans as they commented, "Rania plans to make a comeback first half this year... As their time of preparation has been long, we are meticulously working to be fully ready with a better image to repay the fans who waited for us."[46] The group signed with Spanish label, INGENIOmedia, and confirmed they would comeback in July with "Acceleration" under the label; they will also have a second round of promotions in September.[47] The label also confirmed that they were looking for a sixth member.[48] Fans noticed that Riko was once again missing from the poster and the audition is for a '6th member' which has left fans wondering if she has officially left the group. However, in response to the question, INGENIOmedia stated on their Facebook that "INGENIOmedia doesn't have any information about Riko. Information about her has to be provided by Dr. Music, their main label. We sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding." DR Music issued a statement saying "Hello, this is Dr Music. It's true that we have plans to add a new Rania member in the future, but for the moment we haven't given any official information. Please wait patiently for the new information about this. We have heard that a fanpage called “Ranian Central” that is claiming to be the official fanpage. This is the only official Rania fanclub page: http://cafe.daum.net/1248. Only the information provided by Dr Music and INGENIOmedia its official, since we are the only official company managing Rania. Right now Rania is preparing their comeback for July (if everything goes as planned) and their campaign in Spain and Europe. Thank you for all your interests for Rania. Also we are sorry for the misunderstandings and rumors that are being spread on the social networks."[49]

There has been no further information regarding Riko, although fans believe she has left the group due to her deleting her Instagram and Twitter accounts (which listed her as being a member of the group).[citation needed]

INGENIOMedia cut ties with RaNia soon afterwards following a controversial event in which they purposefully leaked RaNia's comeback track "Acceleration" to a fan, forcing DR Music to do damage control and start work on a new single. INGENIOMedia then informed DR Music that the comeback was "taking too long", and said they were no longer willing to work with them.[50]

In August 2014 it was announced that a new member named Sharon Park would be joining the group.[51] At the same time, speculation began to rise about the fact that all the other RaNia members have unfollowed Saem on social media, her official RaNia twitter account has been suspended and she has stopped appearing at live performances.[citation needed]

2015: More Line-up Changes

In early 2015 RaNia perforned at several events without Jooyi and included a seemingly new member (Hyeme). When asked about Jooyi's absence, DR Music claimed that she was just a trainee and that Jooyi was simply unavailable at that time. [citation needed]

Members

Current

Template:K-pop group members table |- | style="text-align:center;"| Sharon || style="text-align:center;"| 샤론 | style="text-align:center;"| Park Sharon || style="text-align:center;"| 박샤론 | style="text-align:center;"| 29 November 1992 |- | style="text-align:center;"| Jooyi || style="text-align:center;"| 주이 | style="text-align:center;"| Yoo Joo-yi || style="text-align:center;"| 유주이 | style="text-align:center;"| 20 August 1989 |- | style="text-align:center;"| Di || style="text-align:center;"| 디 | style="text-align:center;"| Kim Da-rae || style="text-align:center;"| 김다래 | style="text-align:center;"| 18 October 1991 |- | style="text-align:center;"| T-ae || style="text-align:center;"| 티애 | style="text-align:center;" | Lee Seul-mi || style="text-align:center;"| 이슬미 | style="text-align:center;"| 24 September 1993 |- | style="text-align:center;"| Xia || style="text-align:center;"| 시아 | style="text-align:center;"| Jang Jin-young || style="text-align:center;"| 장진영 | style="text-align:center;"| 15 November 1993[52] |- | style="text-align:center;"| Hyeme || style="text-align:center;"| / | style="text-align:center;" | / || style="text-align:center;"| / | style="text-align:center;"| / |- |}

Hiatus

Template:K-pop group members table |- | style="text-align:center;"| Riko || style="text-align:center;"| 리코 | style="text-align:center;"| Kim Joo-yeon || style="text-align:center;"| 김주연 | style="text-align:center;"| 10 March 1989 |- |}

Former

Template:K-pop group members table |- | style="text-align:center;" | Yijo || style="text-align:center;"| 이조 | style="text-align:center;"| Chang Yijiao || style="text-align:center;"| 창이조 || 常一娇 | style="text-align:center;"| (1987-06-16) 16 June 1987 (age 37)[12] |- | style="text-align:center;"| Saem || style="text-align:center;"| 샘 | style="text-align:center;"| Hwang Saem || style="text-align:center;"| 황샘|| 황샘 | style="text-align:center;"| 4 May 1987 |- | style="text-align:center;"| Joy || style="text-align:center;"| 조이 | style="text-align:center;"| Wichai Jutamas || style="text-align:center;"| วิชัย จุฑามาศ || 김지혜 (Kim Ji-hye) | style="text-align:center;"| 27 July 1990 |- |}

Member timeline

Discography

Extended plays

Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales Tracklisting
KOR
[53]
Teddy Riley, The First Expansion In Asia —
Tracklist
  1. "Dr Feel Good (English Ver.)"
  2. "Dr Feel Good (Korean Ver.)"
  3. "Masquerade (English Ver.)"
  4. "Dr Feel Good (Inst.)"
  5. "Masquerade (Inst.)"
Time to Rock da Show —
Tracklist
  1. "Time to Rock Da Show"
  2. "Pop Pop Pop"
  3. "Goodbye"
  4. "Pop Pop Pop (Inst.)"
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales Tracklisting
KOR
[54]
Just Go
  • Released: 8 March 2013
  • Label: Yedang Company
  • Format: CD, digital download
 9[55]
Tracklist
  1. "Just Go"
  2. "Secret Party"
  3. "Killer"
  4. "STYLE"
  5. "Dr. Feel Good"
  6. "Masquerade"
  7. "Pop Pop Pop"
  8. "Goodbye"
  9. "Just Go (English ver.)"
  10. "Dr. Feel Good (English ver.)"
  11. "Masquerade (English ver.)"

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
Gaon
[57] 		KOR
Billboard
[58]
"Dr. Feel Good" 2011 99 — Just Go
"가면무도회" (Masquerade) 192 —
"Pop Pop Pop" 66 —
"Style" 2012 40 47
"Just Go" 2013 26 34
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

References

  1. ^ a b "New group Rania dreams to conquer Korea and America". Allkpop. 6 April 2011.
  2. ^ "Introducing Joy of the girl group Rania". 20 August 2010.
  3. ^ "Rania's successful overseas trip in Thailand". Allkpop.com. 20 July 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  4. ^ 라니아 :: 네이버 통합검색. Naver (in Korean). Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  5. ^ "Rookie girl group Rania to debut in August". Allkpop.com. 25 July 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  6. ^ "Rookie girl group member Rania's T-ae chosen as Jay Park's female partner for Hype Nation". 15 June 2010.
  7. ^ "Rookie girl group Rania reveals their leader". 26 July 2010.
  8. ^ "Rania's Jooyi rejected a casting offer from YG Entertainment". Allkpop. 24 April 2011.
  9. ^ "Upcoming girl group Rania to debut in both America and Korea". Allkpop.com. 26 September 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  10. ^ "Rookie group 'Rania' to hold debut showcase on April 6th". Allkpop.com. 30 March 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  11. ^ "[Update: MV] Rania releases debut single, "Dr. Feel Good"". Allkpop.com. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  12. ^ a b "Rania adds new member Lee Jo & releases new version of "Dr Feel Good"". 17 April 2011.
  13. ^ "DR Music responds to concerns about Rania's provocative choreography & stage outfits". Allkpop. 8 April 2011.
  14. ^ "Rania to make changes to their choreography and outfits". Allkpop. 12 April 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ "Rania revamps choreography and outfits, adds a 25-second high note part". Allkpop. 15 April 2011.
  16. ^ "Rania to return with 'Masquerade' for follow-up promotions". Allkpop. 4 June 2011.
  17. ^ "Rania unleashes plans for U.S. and Asian advancement". 3 May 2011.
  18. ^ "Teddy Riley leaves Rania?". 25 May 2011.
  19. ^ "So Teddy and Rania are kaput. Now what?". Seoul Beats. 26 May 2011.
  20. ^ "RaNia Performs at Suara Kami 2011 Concert in Malaysia". 26 September 2011.
  21. ^ "Rania to make a comeback with Brave Brothers this year". Allkpop.com. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  22. ^ "RaNia releases second mini-album, "Time To Rock Da Show"". Allkpop.com. 16 November 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  23. ^ "RaNia :: Time To Rock Da Show". Naver (in Korean). 16 November 2011.
  24. ^ "RaNia makes a comeback with "Pop Pop Pop" on 'M! Countdown'". Allkpop.com. 17 November 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  25. ^ "RaNia reveals "Pop Pop Pop" music video". Allkpop.com. 20 November 2011.
  26. ^ "Agency explains member Joys absence". Allkpop.com. 11 June 2012.
  27. ^ "RaNia's agency explains Joys absence" (in Korean). 12 June 2012.
  28. ^ "Rania's Joy leaving the group".
  29. ^ "RaNia to make a comeback on September 2nd". 7 August 2012.
  30. ^ "Rania comeback delayed two weeks until September 16th". Allkpop. 3 September 2012.
  31. ^ "소녀시대,카라,아이유,2PM 등 '제14회 한중가요제' 출연". Naver (in Korean). 24 August 2012.
  32. ^ "Yang Hyun Suk revealed to be the producer behind Rania's comeback".
  33. ^ "Rania to make a comeback in late January".
  34. ^ "RaNia to start promotions in the US during the summer".
  35. ^ "RaNia confirms American advancement". 26 October 2012.
  36. ^ "RaNia to team up with Britney Spears' managers for their U.S. promotions". 28 March 2013.
  37. ^ "Rania enlists Snoop Dogg 2 chainz MTV and Larry Rudolph for US debut".
  38. ^ "RaNia to collaborate with Snoop Dogg and 2 Chainz for their U.S. venture documented through MTV reality series". 2 April 2013.
  39. ^ "Rania Di injured". Kpop Starz. 24 May 2013.
  40. ^ "RaNia's Di suffers minor injuries after colliding with a motorcyclist". 24 May 2013.
  41. ^ "RaNia plans seven country promotional tour + US advancement delay". 8 July 2013.
  42. ^ "The ladies of RaNia embrace the warm weather in their sexy 'Woongjin Play Doci' CF + making film". 12 June 2013.
  43. ^ "RaNia splash around in bikinis for "Up" MV + free song download". 4 July 2013.
  44. ^ "Defconn releases MV for Cocktail ft. Rania's T-ae". 8 August 2013.
  45. ^ "Rania deny that they are disbanding; reveal their comeback plans". 25 February 2014.
  46. ^ "Rania plans to make a comeback first half of this year". 8 January 2014.
  47. ^ "RaNia to make a comeback in July with 'Acceleration' + Spanish intro added to 'Style' MV". 3 May 2014.
  48. ^ "RaNia to hold an audition to recruit another member". 5 May 2014.
  49. ^ http://ingeniomedia.com/en/rania-international-fans/
  50. ^ https://www.facebook.com/INGENIOmedia/posts/932342023447995
  51. ^ https://twitter.com/Rania_sharon
  52. ^ "Rania reveals teaser photo for member Xia". 14 November 2011.
  53. ^ "Gaon Weekly Album Chart". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  54. ^ "Gaon Weekly Album Chart". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  55. ^ "Gaon Chart released chart rankings for March 17-March 23". 28 March 2013.
  56. ^ "2013년 04월 Album Chart (국내)". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  57. ^ "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  58. ^ "Billboard K-Pop Hot 100". Billboard Korea. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
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