K-pop groups formed by small agencies barely get noticed by the public. It usually takes years before they gain massive popularity, but there are also instances when they ultimately disband. Fortunately, a member or some members of those groups are given opportunities to showcase their skills and personalities in different fields. And thanks to their solo promotions, they were able to gain fame for themselves and their respective groups.

Here are K-pop idols from small companies who made their group famous through solo activities.

6 K-pop Idols From Small Agencies Who Made Their Group Popular Through Solo Promotions

ASTRO Cha Eun Woo

(Photo : Instagram: @eunwo.o_c)
6 K-pop Idols From Small Agencies Who Made Their Group Popular Through Solo Activities

Before Cha Eunwoo began his career as an actor, he initially debuted as a member of Fantagio's six-member boy group called ASTRO back in February 2016. Because the band was formed under a small agency, not everyone paid attention to them. In fact, ASTRO only sold over 2,400 copies in the first week with their debut album "Spring Up."

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The group became known to more fans as they held shows in different countries outside South Korea. But they became more popular thanks to Cha Eunwoo's solo activities, particularly his acting projects. He is known for starring in hit K-dramas like "True Beauty," "My ID Is Gangnam Beauty," "Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung," to name a few.

DKZ Jaechan

(Photo : Instagram: @dkz_dy)
6 K-pop Idols From Small Agencies Who Made Their Group Popular Through Solo Activities

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DKZ (formerly called DONGKIZ) was unknown to many fans since their debut in April 2019. They have released several albums since then, but each one of them sold less than 5,000 copies.

But in 2022, their album sales for their new single album "CHASE EPISODE 1. MAUM" impressively surpassed 100,000 copies in the first week, and it's all thanks to Jaechan's acting project, which is the hit BL drama "Semantic Error," where he played one of the lead characters and gained fame.

LOONA Chuu

(Photo : Facebook: LOONA)
6 K-pop Idols From Small Agencies Who Made Their Group Popular Through Solo Activities

LOONA Chuu is another K-pop idol who made her group popular. While LOONA already had a fanbase, Chuu helped it grow through her solo appearances on Korean shows. She is known for her bubbly personality, which she has showcased in different local programs.

Chuu is also famous for creating the "apple heart" also known as "Chuu heart."

SF9 Chani and Rowoon

(Photo : Instagram: @c_chani_i)
6 K-pop Idols From Small Agencies Who Made Their Group Popular Through Solo Activities

SF9 already had a solid fan base since their debut, but it further expanded through the solo activities of Chani and Rowoon.

In particular, these two are also active in appearing on numerous dramas.

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(Photo : Instagram: @ ewsbdi)
6 K-pop Idols From Small Agencies Who Made Their Group Popular Through Solo Activities

While Chani starred in dramas like "Jinx," "SKY Castle," "Love as You Taste," etc., Rowoon appeared in "Tomorrow," "The King's Affection," "She Would Never Know," and more.

ZE:A Kwanghee

(Photo : Instagram: @prince_kwanghee)
6 K-pop Idols From Small Agencies Who Made Their Group Popular Through Solo Activities

Created by Star Empire Entertainment, ZE:A is another K-pop group that wasn't familiar to many fans. In fact, since their debut in 2010, they struggled to place in charts.

Everything changed when Hwang Kwanghee started doing solo activities like appearing on "We Got Married" and MBC's "Infinite Challenge."

Do you know other K-pop idols who made their group popular through their solo promotions? Name them in the comment box below!

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Written by Maria Scott