The Only 2nd Generation Boy Groups Left In K-Pop
With the K-Pop industry being as competitive as it is, many groups that debut each year disband or become inactive for various reasons outside their control.
During K-Pop’s second generation, more than 60 groups debuted, but only a few boy groups are still active today.
1. BF (formerly known as Boyfriend)
BF (formerly known as Boyfriend) debuted on May 26, 2011 with “Boyfriend.”
The group were originally under Starship Entertainment, who announced they disbanded in May 2019. The group reunited for their tenth anniversary in 2021 before releasing another album under the new name BF later that year. The group will hold their twelfth-anniversary fan meeting on May 26, 2023.
2. Teen Top
Teen Top made their debut as a six-membered group on July 9, 2010, with “Clap”
The group had a period of inactivity as members completed their military service but recently announced they would be having a comeback sometime this year.
3. INFINITE
INFINITE debuted in June 2010 with “Come Back Again.”
The remaining members have completed their military service, and announced on May 8, 2023, that they will establish an agency for group activities.
4. DGNA
DGNA (also known as The Boss) debuted in March 2010 with “Admiring Boy.”
The group remained active in Japan and recently appeared on the survival show Peak Time. On May 20th, the trio held a fan meeting that quickly sold out.
5. CNBLUE
CNBLUE debuted on January 14, 2010 with “I’m A Loner.”
The group released their most recent Japanese single, “Let It Shine,” on October 19, 2022.
6. 2PM
2PM made their debut on August 29, 2008, with “10 Out Of 10”
Though the group’s last comeback was in 2021, they have remained a group as they continue their solo careers.
7. 2AM
2AM made their debut in July 2008 with “This Song.”
The group underwent an extended hiatus before returning with Ballas 21 F/W in 2021.
8. SHINee
SHINee made their debut in May 2008 with “Replay.”
The group released “Don’t Call Me” in 2021 before Taemin’s military enlistment and will hold a fan meeting for their fifteenth anniversary at the end of May. The group also have plans for group activities this year.
9. BIGBANG
BIGBANG made their debut in August 2006.
Following their comeback in 2022 with “Still Life,” only G-Dragon remained under YG Entertainment, though the members have said they will still participate in group activities.
10. Super Junior
Super Junior debuted in 2005 with the track “Twins (Knock Out)” under Super Junior 05.
Their most recent release was the compilation album, The Road, in January 2023, and the group completed their nineth world tour in April.
11. TVXQ
TVXQ (also known as DBSK) made their debut in 2003 with “Hug.”
Now a duo, Changmin and Yunho have remained active, releasing solo music and group tracks.
12. B1A4
B1A4 debuted on April 23, 2011, with “O.K.”
The group are now active as a trio and released “Adore You” before Sandeul’s mandatory military enlistment.
13. F.T. Island
F.T. Island debuted in 2007 with “Love Sick.”
The group have remained active and are currently on tour in Japan, in addition to each member pursuing solo endeavors.
14. HIGHLIGHT (BEAST or B2ST)
HIGHLIGHT originally debuted as BEAST or B2ST in 2009 with “Bad Girl.”
Since re-debuting as HIGHLIGHT, the group released their most recent album in November 2022.
15. MYNAME
MYNAME debuted in October 2011 with ” Message.”
While the group completed military services, they entered a period of inactivity where each member pursued solo activities. They recently announced their upcoming eleventh-anniversary event in Japan, where they are most active currently.
Some second-generation groups have been inactive but have plans for future activities like BLOCK B and U-KISS. Others like ZE:A have not disbanded but have been inactive for many years.
Correction: This list previously excluded MYNAME, F.T. Island, and Highlight (previously known as BEAST or B2ST) — both are still active and were mistakenly left out. Super Junior completed their ninth world tour instead of the sixth.
