The newest k-pop muses

The saturation of the music industry with big-name artists has dubbed this month 'Mayhem.' Typically, it is uncommon for relatively new girl-groups to go head-to-head with other artists who are already well-established. An associate from Hello Venus' management company stated, "There is no room to make for other artists. With a bold style of music and development of our own color, we will continue to grow as mature artists." Nine Muses will be coming back on May 9. A polar opposite of Hello Venus in their seductive, sexy concept, Nine Muses has recently been making the front pages for their R-rated teasers that revealed lingerie cuts of the members and portrayed close-up body parts such as lips and collar bones. Pledis Entertainment collaborated with Fantagio Entertainment, an acting agency, for Hello Venus' showcase in April. Yoo Ara and Yoonjo were trainees of After School, both having performed on their first album Virgin. Both girls were expected to join After School at some point. Yoo Ara, along with fellow Pledis trainee Kyungmin, were the final two candidates to become After School's ninth member, however, current After School member E-Young was chosen instead. Lime was in the pre-debut line-up of a girl group called Viva Girls under Medialine Entertainment; consisting of several members including Nine Muses member Kyungri. However, the group disbanded and each girl left the company. Lime was a backup dancer for Chaeyeon. She was also a rapper in Lee Jung's and Honey Family's (Reversal of Drama)under the name Haley. The group was originally a seven member line-up; consisting of the six girls and a Pledis Trainee Nicole. Nicole departed Pledis shortly before Hello Venus's debut.

With the top dogs like Jo Yong Pil, Psy, SHINee, 4minute, 2PM and Lee Hyori holding their spots steady, a couple of female groups are making their comebacks. Hello Venus staged their comeback performance on May 2 with their new song, "Do You Want Some Tea?" Immediately after the release of their song, the girl group themed on innocent images and girly girl looks entered various music charts and are expected to continue to fare well against steep competition. Hello Venus first became known under the name Venus. On April 17, 2012, Hello Venus was officially announced with a teaser image, along with the opening of an official website. The final group had six members, containing two members from Pledis: Yoo Ara and Yoonjo, and four members from Fantagio: Alice, Nara, Lime and Yooyoung. On May 9, 2012, Hello Venus debuted their mini-album Venus, with "Venus" serving as the promotional track. On July 4, 2012, the group released "Like a Wave", off the digital album 'Like a Wave (Digital Repackage). On December 16, they released their 2nd mini album, What Are You Doing Today.