K-Pop groups debut here and there, sprouting across the scene like mushrooms after a rain, which has inevitably intensified the competition. This rapid growth and escalating competition pose significant challenges, making it difficult for groups to maintain relevance and engage their audience.
The struggle to stay active becomes even more apparent when we consider the second generation of K-Pop, which saw the debut of over 60 groups. Yet, among these numerous debuts, only a handful of boy groups have managed to withstand the test of time and remain active today. These figures underscore the volatility of the K-Pop industry and the immense pressure placed on groups to innovate and evolve constantly. Nevertheless, they also illustrate the resilience of those groups that have managed to sustain their careers in this highly competitive world of K-pop. Check out the 2nd-generation Male Idol Groups that are still active.
The group debuted on July 9, 2010, with “Clap.” They were inactive for quite a while due to military enlistments, but after three years, the group, originally of 6, will return with an album on July 4 with four members.
The group behind the popular song "Be Mine," debuted on June 2010 with “Come Back Again.” For the first time in four years, the group will be making their comeback soon! And to celebrate their leader's birthday, their former label, Woollim Entertainment, unconditionally gifted the rights to the group, without any cost!
BF (formerly known as Boyfriend)
The group debuted on May 26, 2011, with “Boyfriend,” under Starship Entertainment, but disbanded on May 2019. However, the group reunited for their tenth anniversary in 2021 and surprised fans with an album under their new name, BF. The group also recently held their 12th-anniversary fan meeting!
DGNA
DGNA (also known as The Boss) debuted in March 2010 with “Admiring Boy.” The group remained active in Japan and recently appeared on the survival show Peak Time. They also had a fan meeting in May that quickly sold out.
This FNC Entertainment group debuted on January 14, 2010, with “I’m A Loner.” In October last year, the group released a Japanese single, “Let It Shine.”
Before inviting you to their home with "My Home," the group debuted on August 29, 2008, with “10 Out Of 10.” Despite all of them being active in their solo careers and most in different companies, their last comeback was in 2021, and it was a really great one!
Just slightly before their brothers, 2PM, this group made their debut on July 2008 with “This Song.” They were on an extended hiatus before surprising fans with Ballas 21 F/W in 2021.
The group made a bang of a debut with "Replay" on May 2008. And, SHINee's BACK with “Don’t Call Me” in 2021 before Taemin’s military enlistment and have plans for more group activities later this year!
This YG legendary group debuted in August 2006. The group's recent comeback was last year with “Still Life.” The rest of the members said that they would still participate in group activities, but the group's future is up in the air.
The group debuted in 2005 with the track “Twins (Knock Out)” under Super Junior 05. In January this year, the group released a compilation album, The Road, and went on their 9th world tour in April.
TVXQ (also known as DBSK) debuted in 2003 with “Hug.” Changmin and Yunho remained active as a duo releasing solo music and group tracks together!
B1A4 debuted on April 23, 2011, with “O.K.” The group is now active as a trio. Their most recent release was on November 2021, with “Adore You” before Sandeul’s mandatory military enlistment.
F.T. Island debuted in 2007 with “Love Sick.” On top of each member pursuing their solo career, the group has remained active and went on a tour in Japan.
HIGHLIGHT (BEAST or B2ST)
HIGHLIGHT originally debuted as BEAST or B2ST in 2009 with “Bad Girl.” The group did not re-debut just to disappear. Their most recent album was in November 2022.
MYNAME debuted in October 2011 with ” Message.” They went on a hiatus as the members completed their mandatory enlistment, but to celebrate their 11th anniversary, they will have a fan meet with fans in Tokyo this July!
Some other 2nd Generation K-Pop male groups that have been inactive but have mentioned future plans are BLOCK B and U-KISS, while others like ZE:A have not technically disbanded but have been inactive for many years.
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