In my first blog, I covered the basics of K-pop idols. However, it’s a huge industry to have grasped with one blog.🌌✨ Hence I’m back with more spices to sprinkle on your K-pop journey! 🌶🎶 Hopefully, you’ll enjoy this one as much as the first. 🥰
So, let’s take a big dive into the blue ocean of K-pop together! 🌊💜
8. Debuts and Comebacks
After extensive training, the idol group finally gets to release their first original track, which they call their debut. From then on, they began producing more songs and albums. They normally release albums periodically. When they release a new album, they promote it as much as possible, calling it a comeback album. However, the term makes more sense for older idol groups that have been disbanded for a long time. Nevertheless, this is what they mean by comeback or debut. Got 7 has just released their comeback full album called Winter Heptagon.
Here is the piping-hot MV of their newest track.
9. The Dynamics of Leaders and Maknaes
Every idol group usually has a few members of different ages, though the age gap is not very big. Each group selects a leader who is in charge of introducing the group and looking after its members. Generally, the group’s oldest member becomes the leader, but not always. For instance, RM from BTS is not the oldest member but is the leader. On the other hand, S. Coups from Seventeen and Chan from Stray Kids are both the oldest members and leaders. The youngest member of the group is called the “Maknae.”
In Korea, honorifics are very important, so the maknaes must always respect them. There are many funny episodes about maknae-leader relationships. Nevertheless, the most popular maknaes are Jungkook from BTS, Dino from Seventeen (who has to deal with 12 hyungs, or older brothers), and Tzuyu from Twice. By the way, the Blackpink group doesn’t have an official leader.
10. Specialized Roles for a Perfect Harmony
Though the members of an idol group are simultaneously good at dancing, singing, rapping, songwriting, acting, etc. each has their own strongest side. All of them are in charge of something individually.
For instance, Mingyu is the visual of Seventeen, Dokyeom, and Seungkwan are in charge of vocals for Seventeen, and J-Hope of BTS is in charge of dance.
They combine their special talents to make a group powerful and versatile, and then the magic happens.
11. Idol-Turned Actors 🎭
K-pop idols are incredibly multi-talented, and some have shown such exceptional acting skills that people forget they started as idols! 🌟
Many idols dream of balancing both careers, and a few have truly excelled.
Among the greatest idol-turned-actors are D.O from EXO, Rowoon from SF9, Cha Eun-woo from ASTRO, Jisoo from BLACKPINK, IU, and Jung Eun-ji from Apink. 🎬
12. OST Kings & Queens 🎶
Guess what? Some of the most popular K-drama OSTs you can’t stop replaying are sung by your favourite idol singers! 🎤✨ Let me prove it.
Ok. Remember the song Paradise from Boys Over Flower? You don’t? Then listen to it now. And yes it’s a song by Exo.
Stay With Me in Goblin sung by Punch and Channeyol from Exo.
Sweet Night in Itaewon Class sung by V from BTS.
And the special one and guess who sang it??😉😉
13. Reality Shows 📺
The Korean entertainment industry is so diverse, producing world-class reality shows where K-pop idols showcase their versatility. 🌈
Whether it’s comedy, singing, or even dating, these shows reveal exciting new sides of your favorite idols.
Have you heard about the Idol Olympics? 🏅
Idols compete in various events, showing off their skills and playful sides.
😏 You can also catch them in shows like Running Man, Knowing Brothers, and Masked Singer. 🎭
Plus, many idol groups produce their own reality shows! BTS has Run BTS and In The Soop, while Seventeen’s Going Seventeen is a must-watch. 📹✨
14. Brand Ambassadors 💼
K-pop idols are loved worldwide, and it’s no wonder global brands are obsessed with having them as ambassadors. 🛍✨ Their appearances alone make products shine! 🌟
Have you seen the latest car of G-Dragon? He was the brand ambassador for BMW.
Jin is the ambassador for Gucchi, Lisa for Louis Vuitton, Mingyu for Dior, and Hyunjin for Versace.
K-pop is too big to explain in one or two blogs. There are five generations of Korean idol groups, and it can’t be explored in one read. If you want to know more tales of idols, keep visiting here. This unnie/noona (big sister) will help quench your thirst.
So, who’s your favourite maknae-leader duo? What reality show have you watched recently?
Drop your thoughts in the comment box. For now, annyeong!🫰🫰