Fiestar
Fiestar (Korean: 피에스타) is a South Korean girl group formed by LOEN Entertainment in 2012, consisting of five members: Jei, Cao Lu, Linzy, Hyemi, and Yezi.[1][2] The group's name is a portmanteau of "fiesta," the Spanish word for festival symbolizing fun and energy, and "star," representing their ambition to shine in K-pop.[1] Originally debuting as a six-member act with Cheska, who departed in 2014, Fiestar released their pre-debut single "Wicked" featuring Tiger JK on August 24, 2012, followed by their official debut single "Vista" on August 31, 2012.[1][2][3] The group gained attention for their energetic performances and dance-focused concepts, with notable releases including the 2013 single "I Don't Know" and the 2014 track "One More," the latter of which was banned from MBC broadcasts due to lyrical references evoking a threesome.[4][5] Despite challenges such as limited commercial success and reports of financial struggles, including members earning no income during promotions, Fiestar built a dedicated fanbase and saw individual members achieve recognition—such as Yezi's standout appearance on the 2015 rap survival show Unpretty Rapstar 2 and her subsequent solo debut.[6][7] Fiestar's contracts with Fave Entertainment (a LOEN subsidiary) expired on April 30, 2018, leading to the group's hiatus.[8] The members remained on amicable terms, pursuing solo paths in music, acting, and musical theater; for instance, Hyemi (now YEL) and Jei have shared updates on their marriages and ongoing projects.[6][9][10] In 2024, Fiestar reunited for their 12th anniversary with a self-produced remake of "You're Pitiful," followed by a 13th anniversary comeback in August 2025 with a remake of "Vista," funded by member Cao Lu.[11][12]History
Pre-debut activities
LOEN Entertainment announced the formation of Fiestar, a new six-member multinational girl group, on July 19, 2012, with a planned debut in August.[13] The group was positioned to deliver energetic music and dynamic performances, aiming to transform stages into vibrant "fiestas" through strong vocals and choreography.[13] The original lineup included members from South Korea, the United States, and China, reflecting LOEN's emphasis on global appeal in the group's concept development; Jei was introduced as the leader.[13] Members had undergone individual training for an average of four years and group training for two years, preparing a fresh, party-oriented image distinct from typical K-pop tropes.[13] As part of pre-debut promotions, LOEN released teaser images of Jei and short video clips highlighting members' talents, such as rap skills from Yezi and Cheska, to build anticipation ahead of the official debut. Recruitment had drawn from international sources to assemble the diverse roster, emphasizing multilingual capabilities and varied cultural influences in the group's early conceptualization.[13] On July 25, 2012, Fiestar participated in their first public release with the digital single "Sea of Moonlight," a collaboration with labelmate IU for LOEN Tree's Summer Story project, marking an introductory showcase of their synth-pop sound and harmonious vocals.[14][15] This track, produced with an 1980s-inspired retro vibe, helped establish the group's pre-debut presence without revealing their full independent lineup.[15]2012–2013: Debut and initial releases
Fiestar officially debuted under LOEN Entertainment on August 31, 2012, with their first single "Vista," which featured a cameo appearance by JYJ member Junsu in its music video. The track, characterized by its upbeat pop sound and the group's synchronized choreography, marked their entry into the K-pop scene as a six-member ensemble blending South Korean, Chinese, and Filipino talents. The single achieved moderate success, peaking at number 27 on the Gaon Digital Chart and garnering attention through performances on major music programs like Music Core and Inkigayo.[3][16] Following their debut, Fiestar released their follow-up single "We Don't Stop" on November 9, 2012, accompanied by a vibrant music video that highlighted their energetic dance routines. The song maintained the group's fresh and youthful image, with live stages on shows such as Music Bank and M Countdown helping to build their fanbase despite limited mainstream exposure. This release solidified their early promotional efforts under LOEN, though the group faced challenges in visibility amid the label's emphasis on established acts like IU.[17] In 2013, Fiestar returned with the single "I Don't Know" on November 1, introducing a shift toward a more playful and subtly alluring aesthetic that began establishing their signature sexy concept. Promotional activities were extensive, including a whimsical music video depicting naive romantic scenarios, behind-the-scenes footage of the shoot, a dance tutorial video, and performances across broadcasts like Show! Music Core. The track received positive feedback for its catchy hook and the members' charismatic delivery, contributing to growing recognition.[18][19][4] As newcomers, the group earned early accolades, including the Best Rookie of the Year award at the 4th Annual Seoul Success Awards in 2012, acknowledging their promising start in a competitive industry. These initial releases and honors laid the foundation for Fiestar's career, even as they navigated hurdles in securing broad visibility within LOEN Entertainment's roster.2014–2015: Lineup change and Black Label era
On March 20, 2014, LOEN Entertainment announced that Cheska would depart from Fiestar due to personal reasons, with plans for her to return to Canada.[2] The group confirmed they would continue activities as a five-member lineup consisting of Jei, Cao Lu, Linzy, Hyemi, and Yezi, without adding a replacement member.[20] Cheska's final appearance with the group occurred on April 29, 2014, during a fan event.[21] Following the lineup change, Fiestar released their third digital single "One More" on July 2, 2014, marking their first release as a five-member group.[22] The track faced promotional challenges when MBC banned it from airing on Music Core due to lyrics interpreted as alluding to a threesome, limiting broadcast opportunities despite initial performances on other shows.[5] Fiestar achieved a breakthrough with their first extended play, Black Label, released on March 4, 2015, under Collabodadi and LOEN Entertainment.[23] The EP featured six tracks, including the lead single "You're Pitiful" (짠해), an urban dance song produced by hitmaker Shinsadong Tiger that showcased a mature, glamorous concept.[24] The full tracklist is as follows:- "You're Pitiful" (짠해)
- "Hello"
- "Turn Off the Light" (불 좀 꺼줘요)
- "Cold" (차가워)
- "Today" (오늘)
- "So Tight" (타이트해)
2016–2018: Final releases and disbandment
In March 2016, Fiestar released their second extended play, A Delicate Sense, on March 9 under LOEN Entertainment. The EP consisted of six tracks, with the lead single "Mirror" highlighting a sophisticated and alluring aesthetic through its cinematography and performance style, accompanied by tracks like "A Sip of Lips," "Mr. Black," and "Thirst."[26] The group followed up with their fourth digital single, "Apple Pie," on May 31, 2016, embracing a lighter, summery concept that contrasted their prior sensual image. The music video featured playful elements, including a collaboration with comedian Jang Do-yeon, to convey a whimsical and refreshing vibe aimed at capturing seasonal appeal.[27] After these releases, Fiestar's group promotions dwindled amid LOEN Entertainment's shifting priorities toward other artists and the members' growing individual commitments, leading to nearly two years without collective activities. On May 15, 2018, agency Fave Entertainment announced the group's disbandment following the expiration of most members' contracts on April 30, with Linzy, Hyemi, Jei, and Yezi departing while Cao Lu remained under management; the members expressed gratitude to fans through handwritten letters shared on social media.[8][9]2018–2024: Hiatus and individual pursuits
Following the expiration of their contracts with Fave Entertainment on April 30, 2018, Fiestar officially disbanded on May 15, 2018, ending seven years of activities that had already been on hiatus since the release of their final single "Apple Pie" in May 2016.[8] With no renewals for the majority of members—except for Cao Lu, whose contract was extended briefly—the group ceased all promotional and performance efforts, transitioning into a period of indefinite inactivity.[8] This marked the formal start of an extended hiatus, during which the five remaining members—Jei, Cao Lu, Linzy, Hyemi, and Yezi—pursued separate paths without any coordinated group endeavors.[11] From 2018 to 2024, the absence of a central management agency created significant collective challenges, as members signed with various individual labels and focused on solo ventures in acting, musical theater, music production, and commerce, making any potential group revival logistically difficult.[8] For instance, Linzy and Jei quickly affiliated with new agencies to advance their acting careers, while others like Yezi and Hyemi established themselves as independent musicians and producers.[8] Cao Lu, after briefly renewing with Fave, shifted to live commerce activities in China starting in 2020.[11] These divergent trajectories underscored the practical barriers posed by scattered affiliations and the lack of industry support for disbanded acts. Occasional personal gestures kept faint connections to the group's legacy alive, such as Cao Lu's March 2022 Instagram post—her first in two years—where she shared a selfie with the message "I miss everyone," eliciting enthusiastic responses from fans reminiscing about Fiestar's discography.[28] By 2023–2024, subtle teasers of reunion discussions surfaced through members' informal interactions and Cao Lu's independent efforts to secure rights to past tracks like "You're Pitiful," signaling growing interest in a self-funded group project amid persistent fan support.[11] These developments built quiet anticipation, though logistical hurdles from prior label transitions continued to loom over any full-scale return.[11]2024–2025: Reunion, comebacks, and label transitions
On August 27, 2024, Fiestar announced their reunion as a full group to commemorate the 12th anniversary of their debut, marking the first collective activity since their 2018 disbandment.[11] The announcement highlighted the members' desire to reconnect with fans through new content, driven by internal discussions among the group.[29] This revival culminated in the release of the digital single "You're Pitiful - 2024 Ver." on August 31, 2024, serving as their first full-group comeback in over six years. The track, a remake of their 2013 hit, was self-produced and funded independently by the members, emphasizing their commitment to the project without external label support at the time.[30] Fan reception was positive, with many praising the nostalgic yet refreshed sound. In April 2025, Fiestar signed an exclusive contract with Bomnal Entertainment on April 9 to facilitate full-group promotions and activities, aiming to expand their reach in both South Korea and China.[31] However, the partnership proved short-lived; the group terminated the contract on July 31, 2025, after just six months, citing challenges in aligning visions for ongoing projects.[12] Undeterred, Fiestar released the remake "Vista (2025)" on August 31, 2025, updating their 2012 debut single to honor their 13th anniversary; the project was entirely self-funded by member Cao Lu.[12] Following the termination, the members expressed intentions to continue as an independent unit, focusing on self-managed comebacks and creative control moving forward.[12]Members
Current members
As of their 2024 reunion, Fiestar consists of five active members who participated in the group's original lineup from debut through disbandment and have resumed activities together under Bomnal Entertainment. All members share a tenure spanning 2012–2018 and 2024–present, contributing to the group's vocal, dance, and performance dynamics in both original promotions and recent comebacks, including remakes such as the 2024 version of "You're Pitiful" and the 2025 single "Vista (2025)".[11][12][21] Jei (born Kim Jin-hee on September 5, 1989) serves as the group's leader and main vocalist, playing a pivotal role in guiding the team's direction and delivering powerful vocal lines in tracks like "Vista" and "You're Pitiful." Her leadership has been essential in maintaining group cohesion during the reunion era, including coordination for their 2024 comeback activities.[21][32] Cao Lu (born August 30, 1987), the sole Chinese member, acts as lead dancer and vocalist, bringing multicultural appeal and energetic choreography to Fiestar's performances. She initiated the 2024 reunion by personally funding production costs and spearheading the self-driven comeback process, which extended to financing their 2025 remake single release.[21][33][34] Linzy (born Im Min-ji on October 22, 1989) is the main vocalist, renowned for her emotive delivery and stage presence that anchored the group's harmonic elements in songs such as "One More" and recent reunion tracks. Her vocal prowess, highlighted in ballad covers like John Legend's "All of Me," has continued to shine in post-reunion live performances.[21][35][36] Hyemi (now YEL) (born Kim Hye-mi on August 10, 1990), positioned as a lead vocalist and visual, contributes to the group's aesthetic and melodic layers while pursuing modeling endeavors that align with Fiestar's stylish image. Her visual appeal has been featured in promotional materials and fashion-related campus shoots during active periods.[21][37][38] Yezi (born Lee Ye-ji on August 26, 1994), the main rapper, maknae, and lead dancer, handles lyric writing for select tracks and adds dynamic rap verses and variety show charisma to the group's versatility. Her contributions include co-writing elements for Fiestar's experimental concepts and appearances on programs like Unpretty Rapstar 2, which bolstered the group's profile during both eras.[21][39]Former members
Cheska (born Francesca Ahn, March 11, 1992) is a Korean-American former member of Fiestar, serving as the group's lead rapper, lead dancer, and visual.[40] She participated in the group's debut activities, including the single "Vista" in 2012 and follow-up releases like "I Don't Know" in 2013, contributing rap verses and dance performances that highlighted her versatile stage presence.[8] On March 20, 2014, LOEN Entertainment announced Cheska's departure from Fiestar to pursue personal endeavors, including studies abroad, with no plans to replace her in the lineup; her final group appearance occurred at a fan meeting on April 29, 2014.[41] This exit marked a significant shift in group dynamics, reducing Fiestar to five members for subsequent promotions.[8] Following her departure, Cheska pursued a solo career, debuting as an artist on October 25, 2016, with the hip-hop track "Swish," followed by "Faded" in 2017, which showcased her rapping skills outside the group setting.[40] In May 2018, she announced her retirement from music, citing emotional stress and the desire to leave Korea for personal recovery, and she has since transitioned to streaming on Twitch under the username sleepyminji.[42] Cheska did not participate in Fiestar's 2024 reunion activities.[11]Discography
Extended plays
Fiestar released two extended plays under LOEN Entertainment, emphasizing mini-album formats in line with the label's digital distribution strategy rather than full-length albums.[24] The group's debut extended play, Black Label, was released on March 4, 2015. Featuring an urban dance concept with mature, edgy visuals, the EP includes six tracks centered on themes of heartbreak and empowerment. The lead single, "You're Pitiful" (짠해), is an upbeat hip-hop track highlighting the members' vocal versatility and charisma. The full tracklist is as follows:- "You're Pitiful" (짠해) – 3:50
- "Hello" – 3:22
- "Turn Off the Light" (불 좀 꺼줘요) – 3:32
- "Cold" – 3:29
- "Today" – 3:19
- "So Tight" (타이트해) – 3:26[23]
- "A Sip of Lips" (입술 한 모금) – 3:19
- "Mirror" – 3:36
- "Mr. Black" – 3:04
- "Thirst" (갈증) – 3:35
- "Come and Go" (왔다 갔다) – 3:51
- "Mirror" (instrumental) – 3:36
Singles
Fiestar's singles discography features six promotional title tracks that highlight the group's evolution from their debut to their reunion era, often serving as lead promotions for their extended plays or standalone releases. These tracks showcase diverse musical styles, from upbeat dance-pop to emotional ballads, and have been central to the group's promotional activities on music shows and digital platforms. The group's debut single, "Vista," was released on August 31, 2012, under LOEN Entertainment, marking their official entry into the K-pop scene with a vibrant, retro-inspired dance track. It peaked at number 27 on the Gaon Digital Chart, demonstrating early fan interest despite limited mainstream exposure.[46] In 2014, Fiestar returned with "One More" on July 1 (digital release on July 2), a funky R&B-influenced song produced after the departure of member Cheska, reducing the lineup to five. The track faced significant controversy due to its suggestive lyrics implying a threesome scenario, leading to broadcast bans on MBC and Music Core programs; the group subsequently re-recorded and altered the lyrics for performances. Despite the backlash, it achieved moderate success, ranking number 11 on select year-end digital charts.[5] "You're Pitiful" (Korean: 짠해), released on March 4, 2015, as the title track from their EP Black Label, represented a breakthrough with its catchy synth-pop sound and relatable breakup theme, earning widespread praise for the members' vocals and choreography. It peaked at number 40 on the Gaon Digital Chart, marking the group's highest charting single at the time and boosting their visibility through promotions on shows like Music Bank. The final original single, "Apple Pie," arrived on May 31, 2016, shifting to a bright, summery pop vibe with fruit-themed visuals. As a standalone digital release following the EP A Delicate Sense, it served as a lighthearted closer to their active promotion period before the hiatus, though it received less chart attention compared to prior hits.[47] Following their 2018 disbandment, Fiestar reunited for "You're Pitiful - 2024 Ver." on August 31, 2024, a self-produced remake celebrating their 12th anniversary. Funded by member Cao Lu, who acquired the song's rights, the updated version incorporates modern production elements while retaining the original's emotional core; it garnered strong streaming performance, amassing over 2 million plays on YouTube Music within weeks and topping real-time charts on platforms like Melon.[11][30] Marking their 13th anniversary, "Vista (2025)" was released on August 31, 2025, as a fully remade version of their debut track, again self-funded by Cao Lu through her personal investments after the group's brief contract with Management Spring Day ended. This independent release emphasizes the members' renewed creative control, with enhanced vocals and contemporary beats, and was promoted via social media and limited live streams to reconnect with fans during their label transition.[12]| Title | Release date | Peak chart positions | Album/EP |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Vista" | August 31, 2012 | Gaon Digital #27 | Debut single |
| "One More" | July 1, 2014 | Year-end digital #11 | Standalone single |
| "You're Pitiful" | March 4, 2015 | Gaon Digital #40 | Black Label |
| "Apple Pie" | May 31, 2016 | — | Standalone single |
| "You're Pitiful - 2024 Ver." | August 31, 2024 | Melon real-time #1; YouTube Music 2M+ streams | Reunion single |
| "Vista (2025)" | August 31, 2025 | — (recent release) | Anniversary single |
Other charted songs
Fiestar's non-title tracks occasionally achieved modest chart success, particularly during their early years and later releases. The pre-debut b-side "Wicked" (featuring Tiger JK), released in August 2012 as part of Vista promotions, peaked at number 57 on the Gaon Digital Chart and number 71 on the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100, marking an early indicator of the group's potential despite their rookie status.) "We Don't Stop," the title track from their second single album released in November 2012, received minor chart attention on platforms like Soompi's weekly rankings, where it debuted at number 38 in November.[48] The 2013 track "I Don’t Know" from the Curious EP served as a standalone minor hit, peaking at number 92 on the Gaon Digital Chart and contributing to the group's digital sales during a transitional period.) B-sides from the 2015 EP Black Label, such as "Turn Off the Light," saw post-release charting on streaming charts, benefiting from the album's overall positive reception and the group's evolving image. B-sides from the 2016 EP A Delicate Sense, such as "A Sip of Lips" and "Thirst," recorded streaming peaks on domestic platforms, reflecting sustained fan interest amid the group's final active years. In the 2024–2025 reunion era, no notable b-sides from remake releases have charted significantly, as focus remained on title tracks.Soundtrack appearances
Fiestar contributed several tracks to television drama and animated series soundtracks during their active years. In 2014, the group released "Tight (타이트해)" as part of My Lovely Girl OST Part 7, a romantic comedy drama starring Jung Yong-hwa and Krystal Jung.[49] That same year, Fiestar collaborated with Kim Soo Jin on "Save Me, Tarzan (구해줘요 타잔)" for Golden Tower OST Part 1, the main theme for the tvN drama Golden Tower.[50] In 2015, they performed the Korean opening theme "Ladybug (레이디버그)" for the animated series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, released as a single OST.[51]| Year | Song Title | Soundtrack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Tight (타이트해) | My Lovely Girl OST Part 7 | Drama OST; released October 29, 2014.[49] |
| 2014 | Save Me, Tarzan (구해줘요 타잔) | Golden Tower OST Part 1 | Drama OST with Kim Soo Jin; released July 14, 2014.[50] |
| 2015 | Ladybug (레이디버그) | Miraculous Ladybug OST | Animated series theme; released July 24, 2015.[51] |
Other appearances
Prior to their official debut, Fiestar participated in LOEN Entertainment's "LOEN Tree Summer Story" project album by collaborating with labelmate IU on the track "Sea of Moonlight" (달빛바다), a remake of IU's earlier song released on July 26, 2012.[52] The duet blended IU's vocals with Fiestar's harmonies, achieving moderate chart success and serving as an introduction to the group's sound ahead of their debut.[53] As a pre-release single for their debut album Vista, Fiestar featured rapper Tiger JK on "Wicked," released on August 24, 2012.[54] The track combined hip-hop elements with Fiestar's pop style, with Tiger JK contributing rap verses that added edge to the song's playful narrative. In 2013, Fiestar collaborated with American R&B singer Eric Benét on the digital single "Whoo!," where he co-composed, featured, and provided English rap and ad-libs.[55] Released on August 27, the Latin-inspired track marked an international crossover effort, though it received limited promotions.[56] Following their 2024 reunion, Fiestar released a Chinese-language version of their hit "You're Pitiful" (titled "可怜 (Kělián)") as a special fan-oriented track, funded by member Cao Lu who acquired the Chinese rights.[57] The rendition, available digitally from late 2024, adapted the lyrics for Mandarin audiences while retaining the original's sassy concept.[58] To mark their 13th anniversary in 2025, Fiestar issued a Chinese version of their debut track "Vista (2025)" (titled "Vista(2025) (中文版)"), self-produced and released on August 31 as a nostalgic gift to international fans.[12] This bilingual remake emphasized the group's enduring appeal in China, where member Cao Lu has maintained a strong presence.Awards and videography
Awards and nominations
Fiestar garnered recognition primarily in their debut year for their promising start in the K-pop industry, though the group did not secure many major accolades during their active years. Their achievements were modest, focusing on rookie honors that highlighted their potential and live performances. The group won one notable award early on: the New Star of Culture at the 4th Annual Seoul Success Awards in 2012, praised for their teamwork and stable vocal delivery during debut promotions. This recognition came shortly after their August debut with the single album Vista.[59] Fiestar also received nominations at prestigious ceremonies, including the 22nd Seoul Music Awards in 2013, where they were nominated in the Rookie category for Vista. The awards evaluate artists based on sales, votes, research, and judging panels. Despite consistent activity through 2017, no further wins were recorded at major end-of-year events.[60] Following their 2018 hiatus and 2024 reunion for a 12th-anniversary single remake of "You're Pitiful," Fiestar has not received additional formal awards or nominations as of November 2025. The reunion emphasized fan appreciation over competitive honors, with no major ceremony recognitions reported. In total, Fiestar has one award win and a handful of nominations across their career, reflecting their niche appeal rather than mainstream dominance.| Year | Ceremony | Category | Result | Nominated work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Seoul Success Awards | New Star of Culture | Won | Debut activities |
| 2013 | Seoul Music Awards | Rookie | Nominated | Vista |