10 K-Pop Groups Who Debuted With No Minor Members

These groups prove you don’t need younger members to succeed.

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.

| YG Entertainment

When their debut EP Square One was released, the youngest member, Lisa, was 19 years old.

| SBS

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.

| Starship Entertainment

When the group debuted, youngest member I.M. was 19 years old.

| Starship Entertainment

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.

| YG Entertainment

At the time, youngest member Yoon was 20 years old.

| YG Entertainment

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.

| JYP Entertainment

When they debuted, youngest member Dowoon was 20 years old.

| JYP Entertainment

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.

| DSP Media

Back then, youngest member Jiwoo was 20 years old.

| DSP Media

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.

| 8D Entertainment

At the time of their debut, youngest member Nine was 19 years old.

| 8D Entertainment

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.

| JYP Entertainment

Xdinary Heroes’ youngest member, Jooyeon, was 19 years old when the group debuted.

| JYP Entertainment

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.

| Beat Interactive

When they debuted, youngest member Chan was 19 years old.

| Beat Interactive

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.

| Spire Entertainment

When OMEGA X debuted, youngest member Yechan was 20 years old.

| Spire Entertainment

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.

| Yuehua Entertainment

At the time, just over a year ago, maknae Taerae was already 19 years old.

| Yuehua Entertainment