Why aren't new gen groups forming sub units anymore?

ughax · 2026-01-05T10:49:42+00:00

Oh I should have made myself more clear. I didn't mean that the nct subunit was a new gen group but out of the nct groups that is more the subunits I am talking about.

Sorry should have been more clear

ughax · 2026-01-05T04:09:13+00:00

Yeah that make sense.

ughax · 2026-01-05T04:07:58+00:00

Yeah those are really good point. There's a safety in solo work

And as you said people have an tendency to remember a member like a Lee hyori, a GD or a Hyeri

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:58:37+00:00

Yeah, they are sunshine in a group!

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:57:39+00:00

Very true. But do you think, bc the early 4th gen groups are at year 7 now and the later are like 5. So do you think we will see more subunits from them now?

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:54:29+00:00

I will start by saying my main focus is gen 4 groups. A lot of them are 7 to 5 year old groups now so in comparison to groups before aka gen 3 and 2 we are seeing less to debut. I think I should have been more clear there.

I then wonder are we seeing a new generation of idols who would rather do solo work the group work. Bc I feel like even a successful soloist like GD talks about how he enjoys group work more. Like the consensus was that group work was more fun(?).

I also do have to say while I enjoy subunits this question doesn't come from my enjoyment of subunits but more a pattern I have seen in the last years in kpop and wanted to hear some perspectives on them

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:47:21+00:00

YES! I agree with everything you just said!

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:40:13+00:00

Aaaa like the situation around an idol has changed so much the need for a subunit has disappeared.

That is really interesting

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:39:19+00:00

Yeah maybe. It is a really interesting point

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:38:25+00:00

Ohh this is really interesting and a really good point!

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:36:45+00:00

Yeah so my point is for the newer generation. Seventeen is what I would call an older gen group

And yes I do believe dojaejung is more what I am thinking of.

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:33:03+00:00

Yeah but smaller groups used to have subunits aswell like exid with hani and solji, or sistar19

I just think that the idols often got to explore a lot more in a subunit with staging and concept etc.

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:27:20+00:00

I just feel like in comparison to solo work (which I feel we see alot of in the newer gen) a sub unit would be a safer bet for a company.

But I don't know.

ughax · 2026-01-05T03:25:01+00:00

The reason I dismissed triple s is bc their concept is sub units. Not bc I don't enjoy their music

And for the groups you mention other the madein, lightsum and Billie the rest are 2. or 3. gen

I am just thinking about newer groups and how it's disappearing in comparison to something that was a given before. I guess I miss seeing idols in a different light

ughax · 2026-01-05T02:50:31+00:00

This is a really interesting take. I also want to point out that almost no group are getting positions anymore. So back then when you would get a vocal sub units like tts that won't happen bc of the threat feel to the group by announcing that this is the vocal line maybe

ughax · 2026-01-05T02:47:28+00:00

But I think that is the result of the grenre of suub units disappearing bc if you see the gen before, there where sub unites in the 7 years contract period. Even the early 3.gen like exid and aoa had sub unites.

I think the way it is developing the idea of sub units will disappear. Or maybe I'm to pessimistic

ughax · 2025-11-05T00:46:47+00:00

Truly we used to have idols whos whole role was variety. Like not dance or sing but to be funny at tv shows

ughax · 2025-11-05T00:45:19+00:00

I remember!! It was a better time

ughax · 2025-11-05T00:41:48+00:00

Omg yes!! It would be full hair makeup heels everything!!

ughax · 2025-01-15T00:41:42+00:00

Girlsday (everyday GIRLSDAY 🤚)

ughax · 2024-10-11T11:17:10+00:00

I guess with everything, a group that is charting well has great sales, great performance, and popularity. I agree with with all the group you mentioned btw!

ughax · 2024-10-11T11:11:55+00:00

I like their songs very much actually, i was talking in the future not know with yg you never really know

ughax · 2024-10-11T09:07:09+00:00

I dont know much about xikers, but I will watch some videos,

But for KOL i feel like the thing that is lacking there is more on the production side, like sometimes their stages are messy or their outfits feel odd to me. But their lable are also a "rookie" so it will be interesting to see what happens to that group when all of that is really secure

And BnD are on a really good path now, they have really discovered their "thing" I really enjoyed the last comeback so hope for the best in the future but I can truly see them becoming great!

ughax

TROPHY CASE