Do you know many K-pop artists began their careers in "kids groups" before making it big in the mainstream K-pop industry? Kids groups, composed of young children with talents in singing, rapping, and dancing, are formed by entertainment companies to target a younger audience with bright and energetic music. These early exposures and experiences shaped their skills and boosted their confidence, which would later fuel their success in the mainstream K-pop scene.
Here are some of the K-pop idols who first made their mark in kid groups, with the foundation they built in their early years shaping the artists they are today.
G-DRAGON [Little Roo’Ra]
The ‘King of K-pop,’ G-Dragon began his career at just age six as a part of the kid group Little Roo’Ra. After the group’s contract was terminated by their record company following the release of their Christmas album, GD vowed to his mother to quit music. However, he was scouted by SM Entertainment, where he trained for five years. Eventually, he joined YG Entertainment, debuting as the leader and rapper of BIGBANG.
HYEIN [U.SSO Girl & Play With Me Club]
Hyein, the maknae of the popular girl group NewJeans, has a rich history in the world of kids groups before becoming a mainstream idol. She first debuted in the Kids Planet’s first kids group, U.SSO Girl, under the stage name U.Jeong. Later she became a member of the Pocket TV’s co-ed Kids group Play With Me Club before making her big break in NewJeans.
RORA [U.SSO GIRL]
BABYMONSTER’s Rora is also a former member of the Kids Planet’s kids girl group U.SSO Girl, where she went by the stage name U.Ha. These experiences in the kids group played a significant role in shaping her as an artist and prepared her for the rigorous training and challenges she would face as part of the highly anticipated YG girl group BABYMONSTER.
SOHYUN [ORANGE]
Sohyun, the youngest member of the iconic second-generation K-pop girl group 4minute, began her career in 2005 as a part of the kids group Orange. The group’s debut mini album was their only release, and after failing to gain popularity, they disbanded in 2008. Following the disbandment, she debuted in 4minute in 2009, marking the start of her successful mainstream career.
YESEO [CutieL]
Yeseo from the rookie girl group MADEIN is a former member of the popular project girl group KEP1ER and the kids group CutieL. Yeseo’s time in CutieL was pivotal in shaping her as a performer and providing her with valuable experience that helped her excel on the survival show 'Girls Planet 999,’ ultimately leading to her debut in KEP1ER.
YOONA [Play With Me Club]
Before debuting as a member of the project girl group UNIS last year, Yoona spent her childhood in the kids co-ed group, Play With Me Club, developing her dance and vocal abilities. Her time in the kids group helped her gain the confidence and experience to make it in the highly competitive world of K-pop.
CHAEYEON [CutieL]
ChaeYeon, who is rising to fame as a part of the 24-member girl group TRIPLES, has earned early experiences in a kids group. She was a part of CutieL before venturing into the mainstream music world. Her experience in the child group allowed her to build her skills early on and paved the way for her eventual career as a K-pop idol.
LEE JIHYUN [CIRCLE]
Lee Jihyun, who debuted in one of the pioneering girl groups, Jewelry, was once part of a kids girl group called Circle. Circle debuted in August 1998 on SBS’s Inkigayo, performing their title track “Sweetest Love” from their first studio album, ‘Graduation.’ As part of Jewelry, Lee Jihyun became known for her charms and talents, a testament to the lessons she learned as a child performer.
HAEUN [Littles]
Haeun, formerly known as Ye Ah, a former member of the now disbanded girl group Cignature, was once a part of the pre-debut three-member kids group Littles. Though the group disbanded without making a debut, the experience she gained there developed her skills, laying the foundation for her successful transition into the mainstream K-pop industry.
SEONGWON [U.SSO BOY]
U.SSO Boy, the male counterpart of the kids girl group U.SSO Girl, featured a member known as U-Win, who is now a member of the K-pop boy group NTX under his real name, Seongwon. His experiences in U.SSO Boy were crucial in refining his talents and skills, which now shine through in NTX’s dynamic performances.
U_CHAE [SUPA]
Dajeong, a former member of the girl group PIXY, first made her mark as part of the kids group SUPA. The group debuted in 2016 with their self-titled digital single and likely disbanded in 2018. The early experiences played a crucial role in her development as a performer, and today she is active as a soloist under the new stage name U_Chae.
While not recognized as mainstream, kids' groups play a vital role in shaping the next generation of K-pop idols, preparing them for the challenges and successes that lie ahead.
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