Nine Muses: Model Dolls to Military Presidents

Nine Muses, often stylized as 9Muses, was a South Korean girl group known for its "admission and graduation" concept, where members could join or leave the group over time. Formed by Star Empire Entertainment in 2010, the group ultimately had 14 different members, making it unique in the K-pop scene. Despite an unsuccessful debut with "No Playboy," Nine Muses managed to rise through the ranks of the industry, gaining recognition with later releases like "Figaro" and their first extended play, Sweet Rendezvous, marking their peak years in the early 2010s.

The group's formation was first showcased through the reality show Children of the Empire, where the initial members were selected. Their early releases struggled to make an impact, but with subsequent lineup changes and the addition of new members, Nine Muses began to gain momentum. Their 2011 single "Figaro" marked a turning point for the group, and the following year, they reached a broader audience with their single "News" and the release of their EP Sweet Rendezvous. The group's signature sound during this period was crafted by the production team Sweetune, contributing to their rise in popularity.

Between 2012 and 2013, Nine Muses continued to grow their fanbase with a series of releases, including the EPs Dolls and Wild, and their first full-length studio album, Prima Donna. These years solidified their place in K-pop, even as the lineup continued to shift with members joining and leaving. Despite these changes, Nine Muses was consistently known for their "sexy" image and their tall, model-like appearances, earning them the nickname "model dolls."

The group's later years were marked by further lineup changes and a shift toward more mature themes. In 2015, they returned with their album Drama, which reflected their evolution as a group. They followed this with the EPs 9Muses S/S Edition and Lost, maintaining a strong presence in the industry despite not achieving mainstream dominance. By this point, Nine Muses had developed a loyal fanbase, particularly among South Korean military servicemen, where their popularity earned them the nickname "military president."

After several more changes in lineup and musical direction, Nine Muses officially disbanded in 2019, after nine years in the industry. Their final release, "Remember," marked the end of their journey, but the group's unique blend of musical talent, striking visuals, and constant evolution left a lasting impression on K-pop. In 2023, there were rumors of a possible reunion, showing the enduring affection fans still have for the group. Though never achieving top-tier status, Nine Muses remained a beloved and respected group, known for overcoming challenges and creating a distinct identity within the industry.