After School to split into red vs. blue team

After School [Pledis Entertainment]

Eight-member girl group After School, set to make a comeback to the local music scene this month by splitting into two units, will promote themselves under the theme of red and blue, according to their agency Pledis Entertainment on Monday.

The news was revealed through a press release by Pledis, quelling speculation that the girls would promote themselves as a black versus white team when Pledis released a photograph of them two weeks ago.

"The red team will represent After School's original powerfulness and sexiness while the blue team will be cute and cheerful to reflect the summer season," Pledis explained.

The two units will also become rivals for their upcoming activities, competing against each other by releasing separate albums simultaneously, Pledis added.

After School debuted in early 2009 and after wrapping up promotion of their first full-length album “VIRGIN” released in late-April, have also been preparing for their second-ever fan meeting set for July 9.

They have also been revving up for their Japan debut, set to take off officially with the release of the Japanese version of their hit single "Bang!" on August 17 while performing it at the Akasaka BLITZ in Tokyo of Japan on July 17.

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Jessica Kim jesskim@