Discover some K-pop idols who have had the opportunity to debut in different generations
Currently, the South Korean press already considers that we are in the fifth generation of k-pop, with groups like ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE and BABYMONSTER being the great pioneers of this new era, as highlighted by Billboard Philippines.
However, throughout history, it has also become extremely common to see idols debut more than once, and in different generations — whether in other groups, sub-units, or as soloists.
With that in mind, RECREIO separated a list of five K-pop idols who have already debuted in different generations. Check out!
1. Ten (NCT)
ten, a member of NCT, made his debut in 2016, during the third generation, through the unit NCT U. In 2019, when the fourth generation was in force, he debuted in the group’s fourth sub-unit, WayV, based on China and composed only of foreign members, and in SuperM, a boy group formed by different male idols from SM Entertainment. Meanwhile, in 2024, she made her official solo debut with her first mini-album “TEN”.
2. Eunhyuk (Super Junior)
Throughout his 19-year career, Eunhyuk He has already made eight different debuts. The first happened in 2005, in the second generation, when he debuted as a member of Super Junior, followed by the sub-units Super Junior-T (2007), Super Junior-H (2008), Super Junior-M (2008) and Super Junior- D&E (2011). Already in the third generation, in 2012, he debuted in SM Entertainment’s sub-units, YOUNIQUE Unit and SM The Performance. Finally, in 2021, in the fourth generation, he debuted solo with the digital single ‘be’.
3. Lee Hyori
As one of the most respected idols in K-pop, Lee Hyori debuted in the industry in 1998, in the first generation, as a member of the girl group Fin.KL. Her debut as a soloist took place in the second generation, in 2003. Meanwhile, in 2020, already in the fourth generation, she re-debuted as a member of the groups SSAK3 and Refund Sisters.
4. Taemin (SHINee)
Taemin made his first debut in 2008, in the second generation of k-pop, as maknae of the boy group SHINee. In the third generation, in 2014, she debuted as a soloist, being the first member of her group to begin individual activities. In 2019, in the fourth generation, he also debuted in the group SuperM, alongside ten and other male artists under SM Entertainment.
5. Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation)
The first premiere of Taeyeon It happened in 2007, in the second generation, when he debuted as leader of the girl group Girls’ Generation. In 2012, in the third generation, she debuted with the sub-unit Girls’ Generation-TTS, also known as TaeTiSeo, and in 2015 she made her long-awaited solo debut. Finally, in 2022, in the fourth generation, she debuted in the group GOT the Beat, composed of SM Entertainment female idols from different generations.
Source: Recreio
