Where Are the YOUNIQUE Members Now? A Look Into SM's 'Avengers' Before SuperM
Prior to SuperM, are you aware that YOUNIQUE happened? In 2012, SM Entertainment launched a special unit comprising of members from various groups including Super Junior, SHINee, Girls' Generation, and EXO. In line with this, let us take a look at the current whereabouts of the members — nine years after their disbandment.
On October 30, 2012, SM Entertainment in collaboration with Hyundai Motors Company gathered the top-tier dancers from SM active groups including Super Junior, SHINee, SNSD, and EXO.
The special unit is comprised of the SM's best dancers such as Super Junior Eunhyuk, Henry (former Super Junior-M), SHINee Taemin, EXO Kai, Luhan (former EXO), along with Girls' Generation Hyoyeon as the only girl in the team.
The team then debuted with "MAXSTEP," a promotional track under its single album, "PYL Younique Volume 1."
Although the unit was successful, the group, unfortunately, disbanded in the same year — one of the reasons was their activities in their respective groups.
Where are the YOUNIQUE Members Now?
1. Super Junior Eunhyuk
After YOUNIQUE's promotion, Eunhyuk went back from being Super Junior's main dancer. At the same time, his activities with Donghae in their sub-unit Super Junior D&E also continue.
On September 15, D&E announced their comeback with a full-length album which is set to kick off in October.
2. Henry
Originally a Super Junior-M member, Henry is now a solo artist who is popular both in Korea and China. After YOUNIQUE disbanded, Henry made his solo debut in 2013 and rose as one of the music geniuses of K-pop.
3. Girls' Generation Hyoyeon
The only female member of YOUNIQUE is Hyoyeon, who is also a member of the "Nation's Girl Group" SNSD.
In 2021, Hyoyeon is actively promoting as a soloist, amid the hiatus of the Girls' Generation in the K-pop scene. On August 9, the female star dropped her latest single, "Second" (featuring BIBI). On September 1, SNSD also return to the national broadcast as an eight-member group through "You Quiz on the Block."
Also Read: Girls' Generation Hyoyeon Does '#SecondChallenge' Featuring Lee Soo Man, Other K-pop Idols Leave Comments
4. SHINee Taemin
After parting ways with YOUNIQUE, Taemin went back from being the maknae and main dancer of SHINee. In 2014, he also debuted as a solo artist who later on released an iconic track, "Move."
In 2019, Taemin once again debuted on a special group comprised of members from other groups, which is SuperM.
In 2021 then, Taemin dropped a new album with SHINee "Don't Call Me" and his solo album, "Advice" prior to his military enlistment on May 31.
5. EXO Kai
Kai who joined YOUNIQUE six months after its debut truly attracted K-pop enthusiasts' attention.
Now, the main dancer of EXO is dominating both the music, entertainment, and fashion field.
In 2020, Kai debuted as a solo artist with "Mmmh," and he is also currently the Gucci Global Ambassador.
On September 14, it was also announced that he would be the global ambassador for Seoul Fashion Week 2022 which will behold from October 7 to 15.
6. Luhan
Last but not least, former EXO Luhan left the group in October 2014, leaving for China to pursue his solo career starting in 2015.
Luhan also entered the acting world and gained more popularity after starring in the Chinese drama, "Sweet Combat."
In 2022, Luhan is also set to release a new drama, "The Outcast."
Though there are several K-pop enthusiasts are waiting for their reunion, it is already impossible after Henry and Luhan left SM Entertainment — as well as the other members, are now busy with their respective group and solo careers.
Read More: TaeTiSeo, Irene & Seulgi, Moonbin & Sanha: Which K-pop Sub-unit is the Most Iconic?
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Written by Eunice Dawson
