SM Entertainment, one of the OG big three South Korean entertainment companies, has been at the forefront of the K-pop industry for decades. Known for producing some of the biggest names in K-pop, SM has also pioneered the concept of sub-units within these groups.
Sub-units allow for creative experimentation, spotlighting individual members. Let's delve into the sub-units that SM Entertainment has produced over the years.
The Grace – DANA&SUNDAY
‘The Grace – DANA&SUNDAY’ is the only sub-unit of the girl group The Grace. The duo, consisting of members Dana and Sunday, debuted in July 2011 with the digital single "One More Chance."
SUPER JUNIOR–K.R.Y.
‘SUPER JUNIOR–K.R.Y.’ is considered the first official K-pop sub-unit. Formed in 2006, the unit is known for its powerful ballads, featuring the main vocalists of the group Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, and Yesung.
SUPER JUNIOR–T
‘SUPER JUNIOR–T,’ the second sub-unit, debuted in 2007, bringing a modern twist to the traditional Korean trot genre. The unit is composed of Leeteuk, Heechul, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, and Eunhyuk.
SUPER JUNIOR–M
The third sub-unit, ‘SUPER JUNIOR–M’ debuted in 2008 with their first album, “Me.” The unit featured Henry and Zhoumi, who are not a part of the group itself and target the Chinese market, focusing on Mandarin songs.
SUPER JUNIOR–Happy
Also formed in 2008, ‘SUPER JUNIOR–Happy,’ the fourth sub-unit composed of Leeteuk, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, and Eunhyuk delivered bright, cheerful music with a fun concept.
SUPER JUNIOR–D&E
Featuring Donghae and Eunhyuk, the fifth sub-unit of the group ‘SUPER JUNIOR–D&E’ debuted in 2011 with the digital single “Oppa, Oppa” and has since released several songs and toured Asia, Japan, and beyond.
SUPER JUNIOR–L.S.S.
‘SUPER JUNIOR–L.S.S.,’ the sixth sub-unit of the group comprised of Leeteuk, Shindong, and Siwon. They officially debuted in 2024, releasing the digital single “Suit Up” and the Japanese mini album “Let’s Standing Show.”
Girls’ Generation–TTS
‘Girls’ Generation–TTS’ is the first official subunit of the iconic girl group featuring Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun. They debuted in 2012 with the mini-album "Twinkle," which featured a mix of pop, R&B, and dance music.
Girls’ Generation–Oh!GG
The second sub-unit of SNSD ‘Girls’ Generation – Oh!GG’ composed of Taeyeon, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona. The unit debuted in 2018 with the single "Lil' Touch," showcasing a chic and elegant sound.
EXO-CBX
In 2016, the popular SM boy group EXO debuted its first sub-unit, ‘EXO-CBX,’ composed of the group’s talented vocalists Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin. Their debut mini-album “Hey Mama!” was a commercial success, establishing them as a powerful K-pop sub-unit.
EXO-SC
“EXO-SC,” formed in 2019, is a duo comprising the rappers of EXO Sehun and Chanyeol. Their debut album, “What a Life,” highlights their talent and creative freedom, adding a distinctive layer to EXO's broader discography.
Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI
‘Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI,’ the first official sub-unit of the group, debuted in 2020 with the mini album “Monster,” showcasing the individual talents and distinct vocals of the members Irene and Seulgi.
NCT U
‘NCT U’ is the first sub-unit of NCT that debuted in April 2016 with two singles, “The 7th Sense” and “Without You,” where the members participated in production.
NCT 127
The second sub-unit of NCT, ‘NCT 127’ debuted in July 2016 and released their debut mini album, “NCT #127.”
NCT DREAM
Comprising of seven members ‘NCT DREAM’ is the third sub-unit of NCT that debuted in August 2016 with the digital single “Chewing Gum.”
WayV
‘WayV’ is the fourth and the Chinese sub-unit of NCT, which now consists of six members after the departure of Lucas. They debuted in January 2019 with the digital EP “The Vision.”
NCT DOJAEJUNG
Comprised of Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo, ‘NCT DOJAEJUNG,’ the fifth sub-unit of NCT debuted in April 2023 with the mini album “Perfume.”
NCT WISH
‘NCT WISH’ is the sixth and final sub-unit of NCT. This Japanese unit of NCT debuted in 2024 and is composed of six members.
WayV – KUN&XIAOJUN’ and WayV – TEN&YANGYANG
WayV has two sub-units: ‘WayV – KUN&XIAOJUN’ and ‘WayV – TEN&YANGYANG,’ both formed in 2021. ‘KUN&XIAOJUN’ showcase their powerful vocals with the digital single "Back To You," while ‘TEN&YANGYANG’ bring a different flavor to WayV's music with their digital single “Low Low.”
These SM sub-units allow their idols to explore new musical territories and showcase their individual talents. Which one is your favorite?
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