Recently, it seems like rookie idols are getting younger and younger. While groups have debuted with members as young as 14 or 15 years old for generations, several of today’s new K-Pop group line-ups are primarily made up of members aged 18 or under.
With debates around minors debuting in the K-Pop industry waging on over the past year, there’s no doubt that groups don’t need younger members to succeed. Just take a look at these 10.
1. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK debuted on August 8, 2016, with dual singles “BOOMBAYAH” and “Whistle,” and they’ve been dominating the charts since day one.
When their debut EP Square One was released, the youngest member, Lisa, was 19 years old.
2. MONSTA X
MONSTA X released their debut song, “Trespass,” on May 14, 2015. Since then, they’ve risen to become one of the most loved boy groups of the third generation.
When the group debuted, youngest member I.M. was 19 years old.
3. WINNER
WINNER made their grand entrance onto the K-Pop scene on August 12, 2014. Both of their debut singles, “Empty” and “Color Ring”, became instant hits on the charts.
At the time, youngest member Yoon was 20 years old.
4. DAY6
DAY6 rocked their way into hearts on September 7, 2015, with the catchy and emotive title track “Congratulations”. To this day, they remain one of the most popular band-concept groups in K-Pop.
When they debuted, youngest member Dowoon was 20 years old.
5. KARD
One of the few groups bold enough to give us a co-ed lineup, KARD have always been unique. “Hola Hola,” their debut song, was released on June 19, 2017.
Back then, youngest member Jiwoo was 20 years old.
6. OnlyOneOf
OnlyOneOf made their mark on May 28, 2019, with their dual debut title tracks: “Time Leap” and “Savanna”. Over the past four years, they’ve grown in popularity with each comeback.
At the time of their debut, youngest member Nine was 19 years old.
7. Xdinary Heroes
From the moment Xdinary Heroes debuted with “Happy Death Day” on December 6, 2022, fans knew they’d be distinct from other K-Pop groups.
Xdinary Heroes’ youngest member, Jooyeon, was 19 years old when the group debuted.
8. A.C.E
Fans are looking forward to the return of A.C.E. when the members complete their military service enlistments. They first found their following with debut song “Cactus”, released on May 23, 2017.
When they debuted, youngest member Chan was 19 years old.
9. OMEGA X
OMEGA X debuted with “Vamos” on June 30, 2021, and while the group has been through quite an ordeal recently, fans expect them to come back bigger and better than ever.
When OMEGA X debuted, youngest member Yechan was 20 years old.
10. TEMPEST
Last but not least, the most recent group on this list to debut is TEMPEST. They release their first song, “Bad News,” on March 2, 2022.
At the time, just over a year ago, maknae Taerae was already 19 years old.
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