Girls' Generation

In years to come, J-pop historians might talk of the BGG Era, a cultural dark ages before the country was exposed to the marvel of contemporary Korean pop. It's hard to overstate the impact that Girls' Generation had when they made their official debut here last summer, after a couple of years spent nurturing a dedicated local following through YouTube and import sales. With their slickly choreographed dance routines, naggingly catchy pop hooks and oh-so-leggy legs, they made local faves AKB48 look like an amateur talent show in comparison (which, to be fair, wasn't so far from the truth). After a trio of successful singles, the group finally release their debut J-pop album on June 1 – imaginatively titled Girls' Generation – and they're doing a national stadium tour to support it. They'll also be appearing at Yoyogi National Stadium on June 17 & 18.