Only 7 K-Pop Groups That Debuted 11 Years Ago Haven’t Disbanded

With the K-Pop industry being as competitive as it is, many groups that debut each year disband or become inactive due to issues outside of their control and talent.

In 2012, 40 different groups debuted, but only seven are still actively promoting.

1. 24K

24K debuted on September 6, 2012 with “Hurry Up.”

The group went through numerous line-up changes, and its current set of members do not include any of the original members. Their latest release is “Welcome to the Mainstreet,” a non-album single.

2. B.A.P

B.A.P made their debut on January 26, 2012 with the track “Warrior.”

Following the many issues the group had with the label, TS Entertainment, the group all left the label. While many news sources stated that the group disbanded, the members themselves said a reunion may be in the cards.

The five group members are currently active in their solo careers, with Jongup gaining popularity after his appearance on Peak Time.

3. BTOB

BTOB debuted on March 21, 2012, with the title track “Insane.”

Following Ilhoon‘s departure from the group in 2020, and the completion of all of the member’s military service, BTOB resumed activities and recently came back with “Wind And Wish” on May 2!

4. EXID

EXID made their debut in February 2012 with the single “Whoz The Girl.”

Following their amazing rise from the brink of disbandment, the group released music together until their hiatus in 2020. They returned with an independent album in September 2022 to celebrate their tenth anniversary and are working on their solo careers.

5. EXO

EXO made their debut on April 8, 2012 with “Mama.”

The members of EXO are currently active both in their solo careers and as a group, with plans to release a new album later this year.

6. Hey Girls (Black Queen)

Hey Girls made their debut under the name Black Queen in December 2012.

After re-debuting, the group went through many line-up changes, but are currently active, having made their Japanese debut on February 20, 2023.

7. VIXX

VIXX were formed though the reality show MyDol and made their on May 24, 2012 with “Super Hero.”

Former member Hongbin left the group in 2020, while Ravi announced his departure earlier this year amid his military exemption scandal. Leo, Hyuk, and Ken are active as a trio while N pursues his acting career.

Of the forty groups, some have remained inactive for several years with no announced plans of releasing music, like A.Cian, AOA, Crayon Pop, and Cross Gene.

Others are inactive as a subunit, like GOT7‘s JJ Project, Girls’ Generations‘ TTS unit, and the SM Entertainment units SM The Performance and Younique.

Check out which groups from 2014 are still active below.

Only 11 K-Pop Groups That Debuted 9 Years Ago Haven’t Disbanded