K-pop is no fad. It transcended that label at least half a decade ago when it began an aggressive push in Asia. Today, it's no longer a regional, national or even continental issue; it's about the global impact K-pop has achieved.
Other than, perhaps, Rain (who's serving army duties) and the fading Wonder Girls, no other group has made the leap more successfully than Girls' Generation. Many would argue that they are the biggest K-pop stars, if not the most famous South Koreans, in the world.
When it comes to Girls' Generation, there's certainly something in the phrase 'the more the merrier'. Formed in 2007 by SM Entertainment, the nine-member SNSD, as they're often called based on their Korean name, released their self-titled debut that year. Oh! Followed in 2010 and The Boys in 2011. That album's English lead single was written, composed and arranged by Teddy Riley, who's produced and written for Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men and Lady Gaga, among others.
In between studio albums, the girls released a number of singles, EPs, repackaged albums, and a Japanese edition of their debut record which peaked at number one on Billboard Japan charts.
The band's reach is bigger than just the music industry. Either individually or as a group, they've cameoed in popular Korean dramas, hosted countless reality shows and are spokespeople for top cosmetic brands.
The culmination of tireless hours in the dance and music studios has paid off for them. On October 23, they made a stop at Madison Square Garden in New York. Although it was not a solo show - it was part of the SMTown Live, featuring other SME artists - there's no doubt they were the headline act at one of the most celebrated and prestigious performing venues in the world.