5 K-Pop Groups That Were Famous Before Debuting

By Alexa Lewis Aug 28, 2022

Most K-pop groups earn fame after their debut. However, some are famous even before that. Here are five K-pop groups that were popular even before making their debut!

1. IVE

(Photo : 지큐 코리아 (GQ Korea))
5 K-Pop Groups That Were Famous Before Debuting

Before IVE made their official debut, they were already a hot topic among the South Korean public. This is because the group would contain two former IZ*ONE members: Jang Wonyoung and Ahn Yujin.

Both were famous names during their time in IZ*ONE. This is especially true for Jang Wonyoung, who was IZ*ONE's center.

ALSO READ: IVE 'After LIKE' Comeback Stage Draws Divided Reactions

IVE debuted on December 1, 2021, with "ELEVEN." The group consists of Gaeul, Ahn Yujin, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo.

2. NewJeans

(Photo : 조선일보)
5 K-Pop Groups That Were Famous Before Debuting

NewJeans earned fame before their debut after it was revealed that Min Hee Jin would produce the group. Min Hee Jin is the former creative director of SM Entertainment and produced hits for Red Velvet, f(x), and more.

Additionally, they gained fame for being the second girl group to debut under HYBE Labels. The group is signed under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Labels.

ALSO READ: NewJeans Draws Attention For Live Vocals- Here's Why

NewJeans debuted on August 1 with a self-titled EP. The group comprises Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein.

3. LE SSERAFIM

(Photo : 국제뉴스)
5 K-Pop Groups That Were Famous Before Debuting

LE SSERAFIM became famous for having two former IZ*ONE members: Sakura and Kim Chaewon. The group also has a former "Produce 48" contestant, Huh Yunjin. They also earned fame for being the first girl group to debut under HYBE Labels.

However, they also gained recognition after former member Kim Garam was accused of school violence during her middle school days.

ALSO READ: Kim Garam's School Photos Surface Following Her Statement

LE SSERAFIM debuted on May 2, 2022, with "FEARLESS." The group currently consists of Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Euncha. Kim Garam was removed from the group in July 2022.

4. Kep1er

(Photo : News1)
5 K-Pop Groups That Were Famous Before Debuting

Kep1er earned fame since all the members competed on "Girls Planet 999," which formed the group. All the members were popular internationally and ranked high throughout the show.

The group also earned fame due to member Huening Bahiyyih, the younger sister of TXT's Huening Kai.

ALSO READ: THIS Kep1er Member Proves Her Popularity At KCON 2022 LA⁠- Here's What Happened

Kep1er debuted on January 3, 2022, with "WADADA." The group comprises Choi Yujin, Shen Xiaoting, Mashiro, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyin, Seo Youngeun, and Kang Yeseo.

5. TNX

(Photo : 한국경제)
5 K-Pop Groups That Were Famous Before Debuting

TNX earned popularity as the first boy group under PSY's entertainment company, P Nation. The members competed in the survival program "LOUD," and each earned a spot in the boy group.