Fan discussions have touched on the recent industry trend debuting younger idols. However, the practice of introducing idols at a young age isn't a new phenomenon in K-pop and has a long history. For example, BoA debuted at 13 years old, while SHINee's Taemin and NCT's Jisung both began their careers at 14. While it may not necessarily be ideal, one reason behind this approach could be that starting at a younger age allows idols to enjoy longer careers. Some companies might exclude a trainee from a debut lineup due to their youth, but many still choose to proceed with launching these young talents.
Let's look at the early bloomers, the 4th gen idols who debuted at a very young age.
She debuted in 2018 at the age of 14. She completed the survival show "Produce 48," when she was only 13 years old and made her debut with IZ*ONE just two months after turning 14 years old!
TREASURE Jung Hwan
In 2020, a few boy groups made their debut with young maknaes. Treasure's youngest member was only 15 at the time of their debut.
Ni-ki was only 14 years old when he debuted with ENHYPEN.
P1Harmony Jongseob
Prior to debuting, Jongseob competed in YG Treasure Box and K-Pop Star 6 when he was much younger and debuted with P1Harmony when he was only 14 years old.
IVE Leeseo
Following 2020, the year 2021 and 2022 had a burst of K-Pop girl group debuts. Leeseo was only 14 when she debuted with IVE in 2021.
Jian was also only 14 years old when she debuted with LIGHTSUM in 2021.
Kyujin was 15 years old when she debuted with NMIXX last year.
Hyein was also only 14 years old when she debuted with the group last year.
Lapillus Haeun
The youngest out of all goes to Haeun, who even beat BoA's record by debuting only at 13 years and 7 months old!
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child labor.