Sub-units are not uncommon in K-pop. Sometimes it is done for members to try out new concepts, and sometimes it can also be done if the group as a whole is on a break. Here are six of some of the most iconic girl group sub-units in K-pop!

1. Red Velvet - IRENE & SEULGI

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5 Iconic K-Pop Girl Group Sub-Units

Irene and Seulgi of Red Velvet debuted as a sub-unit on July 6, 2020, with the mini-album "Monster." The album included six songs and two singles, "Monster" and "Naughty." They are the first sub-unit from Red Velvet.

Irene & Seulgi became the best-selling female sub-unit in South Korea in 2020. The girl group promoted on music shows and even performed at the TIME100 Talks. The event was help for global leaders to talk about innovative solutions to global problems.

2. Girls' Generation-Oh!GG

(Photo : By Like a Fool - 170813 소녀시대 여의도 IFC몰 팬싸인회 직찍, CC BY 4.0)
5 Iconic K-Pop Girl Group Sub-Units

Girls' Generation-Oh!GG, or simply known as Oh!GG, is the second sub-unit from SNSD. They debuted in 2018 after Seohyun, Sooyoung, and Tiffany left SM Entertainment. All the members of the sub-unit are those who stayed under the label.

The girl group debuted with the single "Lil' Touch." They remained inactive until 2021. They reunited in December 2021 to release the song "Melody" for the "2021 Winter SM Town: SMCU

3. Orange Caramel

(Photo : By idol-story.com - https://www.idol-story.com/entry/101229-sbs%EA%B0%80%EC%9A%94%EB%8C%80%EC%A0%84%EC%98%A4%EB%A0%8C%EC%A7%80%EC%B9%B4%EB%9D%BC%EB%A9%9C, CC BY 2.0 kr)
5 Iconic K-Pop Girl Group Sub-Units

Orange Caramel is a sub-unit of the Pledis Entertainment girl group After School. The trio is composed of Raina, Nana, and Lizzy. They debuted in June 2010 with the single "Magic Girl."

Though they were successful, Orange Caramel's activities came to a halt in 2016. In 2018, Lizzy left the company, and Raina left a year later. Since then, only Nana has been under the label. However, all three members are listed on the Orange Caramel website.

4. Sistar19

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5 Iconic K-Pop Girl Group Sub-Units

Sistar is the only sub-unit from the girl group SISTAR. The duo is composed of Bora and Hyolyn. They debited in May 2011 with "Ma Boy" and became well-known for their second release, "Gone Not Around Any Longer."

Sistar19 disbanded on June 4, 2017, following the official disbandment of SISTAR as a whole.

5. WJSN THE BLACK

(Photo : 서울경제)
5 Iconic K-Pop Girl Group Sub-Units

WJSN THE BLACK debuted in May 2021 with members SeolA, Ezy, Bona, and Eunseo. They are the second sub-unit of WJSN following WJSN CHOCOME. For their debut, they released the single album "My Attitude" and the single "Easy."

The album performed relatively well in South Korea, peaking at number six on the Circle Album Charts. Unfortunately, as of writing, WJSN THE BLACK has not made a comeback.

Which K-pop girl group sub-unit is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lewis