K-pop history is filled with examples of popular individual members rising to fame beyond the group itself. K-pop groups thrive on teamwork, but some members shine brighter than the rest. Their appeal, unique charm, and personal brand make them more popular than their group as a whole.
Wonyoung from IVE, Felix and Hyunjin from Stray Kids, and Nayeon and Sana from TWICE have all built massive followings. Their influence goes beyond group activities, making them stand out in the industry. The listicle explores popular individual members who have gained more attention than their fellow bandmates.
1. Wonyoung (IVE): The Face of Fourth-Gen K-Pop
Wonyoung is often called the “It Girl” of her generation. She first gained fame as the center of IZ*ONE before debuting in IVE. Even within the group, her popularity is unmatched. She dominates brand endorsements, magazine covers, and social media trends.
Her visuals, stage presence, and confidence set her apart. Many recognize her before knowing IVE. While the group is successful, Wonyoung’s influence stretches far beyond music. She is one of the most sought-after idols for luxury brands and events. Her name alone attracts attention, proving her impact.
2. Felix & Hyunjin (Stray Kids): The Global Stars
Felix is one of the most recognizable members of Stray Kids. His deep voice and unique style make him a fan favorite. He trends frequently, whether for his voice, visuals, or personality. His global appeal is strong, with fans across different cultures.
He also stands out in fashion. Many luxury brands choose him for campaigns, showing his influence outside of music. Even non-fans recognize his name, proving his star power beyond Stray Kids.
Hyunjin: The Charismatic Performer
Hyunjin captures attention with his powerful performances and visuals. His stage presence makes him one of the most popular idols of his generation. He dominates fan votes, social media discussions, and brand deals.
His popularity is separate from Stray Kids as a whole. While the group is successful, Hyunjin’s brand is on another level. Many fans follow Stray Kids mainly because of him. His dance skills, personality, and fashion sense keep him in the spotlight.
3. Nayeon & Sana (TWICE): The Fan Favorites
Nayeon was always a standout in TWICE, but her solo debut proved her power. Her album was a huge success, and her fan base continues to grow. Many casual listeners knew her name before TWICE.
She dominates brand deals and social media. Her bright personality and strong vocals make her a favorite among fans and companies alike. While TWICE remains a top group, Nayeon’s solo career proves her star power is independent of it.
Sana: The Ultimate Bias-Wrecker
Sana’s charm and personality make her one of TWICE’s most beloved members. Her way of interacting with fans sets her apart. Many non-K-Pop fans recognize her name because of her viral moments.
She is also a brand favorite. Companies see her as a strong individual icon, separate from TWICE. She continues to trend online, showing that her appeal goes beyond group activities.
4. Jennie (BLACKPINK) – The Trendsetter
Jennie is one of the most recognized faces in K-pop. As a BLACKPINK member, she contributes to the group’s global success. However, her popularity reaches far beyond.
Jennie’s impact on fashion, music, and brand endorsements is massive. She is a top ambassador for luxury brands like Chanel, earning her the nickname “Human Chanel.” Her solo debut, SOLO, proved her power as an individual artist. The song topped the charts and reinforced her ability to shine on her own.
Her confident stage presence, strong rap skills, and distinctive fashion sense set her apart. Fans admire her unique aura, which blends elegance with attitude. On social media, she ranks among the most-followed K-pop idols. This proves her influence beyond BLACKPINK’s collective success.
5. G-Dragon (BIGBANG) – The King of K-Pop
G-Dragon is not just a K-pop idol—he is an icon. As the leader of BIGBANG, he played a huge role in shaping the industry. But his influence extends far beyond the group. His solo career is legendary. Albums like Heartbreaker and Coup d’Etat became instant hits. His music style is unique, blending rap, rock, and electronic sounds. Many K-pop idols today cite him as an inspiration.
Fashion is another area where he dominates. His collaboration with brands like Nike and Chanel proves his impact in both music and fashion. Unlike many idols, he is known for setting trends rather than following them. G-Dragon’s name carries weight, whether in music, fashion, or pop culture. His star power remains strong, even during BIGBANG’s hiatuses.
Also Read: Each Gen IT Girl & Boy: Who Rules Each Era?
6. Hwasa (MAMAMOO) – The Fearless Performer
Hwasa stands out with her bold image and powerful vocals. As part of MAMAMOO, she showcases incredible talent, but her solo career has made her an individual star.
Her debut solo song, Twit, topped the charts and gained millions of views. Her later release, Maria, solidified her status as a solo powerhouse. She writes and produces her music, adding depth to her artistry.
Hwasa breaks traditional K-pop beauty standards. Her confidence and authenticity make her a role model for many. She embraces individuality, and fans love her for it. Beyond music, she is a major figure in the entertainment world. She appears on variety shows, collaborates with global artists, and continues to influence fashion and beauty trends.
7. Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO) – The Ultimate Visual
Cha Eunwoo is known for his stunning looks and impressive talent. As a member of ASTRO, he contributed to the group’s success, but his career skyrocketed. His acting roles in dramas like True Beauty and My ID is Gangnam Beauty made him a household name.
He is one of the most sought-after faces in the entertainment industry. Many brands choose him as their ambassador due to his wide appeal. His influence extends beyond K-pop, making him a major figure in South Korea’s entertainment world. Even those unfamiliar with ASTRO recognize him instantly.
While ASTRO has a loyal fan base, Eunwoo’s fame surpasses the group’s reach. His social media following is significantly higher than that of ASTRO’s official accounts. His popularity proves that sometimes, an individual can shine brighter than the group itself.
8. Rowoon (SF9)
Rowoon started as a member of SF9, but his acting career pushed him into the spotlight. His performances in dramas like Extraordinary You and Tomorrow earned him widespread recognition. Viewers appreciated his natural acting skills, which helped him gain a new audience outside of K-pop.
He became a leading man in Korean dramas, a rare achievement for an idol. Unlike SF9, which remains more niche, Rowoon’s acting success has made him a mainstream celebrity. Many now know him as an actor first and an idol second.
Brands and fashion houses also recognize his influence. His collaborations with luxury brands further cement his position as a top-tier celebrity. While SF9 continues its activities, Rowoon’s solo career has taken a life of its own.
9. Suzy (Former Miss A) – The Nation’s First Love
Suzy debuted with Miss A, but her stardom quickly surpassed the group’s. Her role in Dream High introduced her acting potential, and she soon became one of the top actresses in Korea. She continued to star in hit dramas like While You Were Sleeping and Start-Up.
She became known as “The Nation’s First Love” due to her charm and beauty. Her success in acting, singing, and endorsements made her one of the most influential celebrities in South Korea. Even after Miss A disbanded, her career continued to grow without interruption.
Suzy’s brand power is unmatched. She has been the face of countless luxury brands and remains a top choice for endorsements. While Miss A had its moment in K-pop history, Suzy’s legacy continues to thrive independently.
10. Kai (EXO) – The Ultimate Performer
Kai from EXO is known for his incredible stage presence. He is one of the most recognized faces in K-pop. His dance skills, visuals, and charisma set him apart. Even among EXO’s talented lineup, Kai attracts immense attention.
His influence is strong in both music and fashion. He became the first Korean global ambassador for Gucci. His solo music also proves his impact. Songs like Mmmh showed his unique style and artistic depth. Unlike in EXO, where he shares the spotlight, his solo work highlights his artistry.
Kai’s popularity extends worldwide. Fans admire his confidence, and brands recognize his power. He is not just an idol—he is a trendsetter.
11. V & Jungkook (BTS) – Global Icons
V – The Charismatic Artist
Taehyung stands out for his deep voice and artistic personality. His visuals make him one of the most recognized idols. His solo music, such as Love Me Again, highlights his soulful side.
Beyond music, V is known for his strong fashion influence. He became an ambassador for luxury brands like Celine and Cartier. His presence alone brings global attention.
Unlike in BTS, where he blends into the group’s energy, his solo career focuses on his style. He has a unique way of connecting with fans, making him a favorite even outside the group.
Jungkook – The All-Rounder
Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, is a true all-rounder. He excels in singing, dancing, and even producing music. His solo songs, including Seven and Standing Next to You, broke records worldwide.
His popularity is unmatched. He is the most-followed K-pop soloist on Spotify. His brand power is so strong that anything he wears or uses sells out instantly. While BTS is a powerhouse together, Jungkook’s fame proves his massive influence.
12. Minji (NewJeans)
Minji from NewJeans has quickly become a fan favorite. She has a natural charm that stands out even in a group as popular as NewJeans. Her visuals, talent, and personality make her one of the most loved fourth-generation idols.
Unlike other members, Minji’s popularity skyrocketed due to her unique appeal. She carries a classic yet fresh image, making her a favorite among Korean and international fans. She also ranked high in brand reputation, showing her influence beyond music.
Minji’s solo presence is strong, and fans often praise her leadership qualities. While NewJeans is a rising group, Minji’s fame suggests she could be one of K-Pop’s next big icons.
13. Sakura & Kazuha (LE SSERAFIM)
LE SSERAFIM is a strong group, but Sakura and Kazuha are the clear favorites among fans.
Sakura has years of experience in the industry. She was already popular in Japan as a member of HKT48 before joining IZ*ONE. Her loyal fanbase followed her to LE SSERAFIM, making her one of the most talked-about members. Fans admire her visuals, stage presence, and dedication. She trends online regularly, proving her individual impact.
Kazuha, on the other hand, gained attention immediately after her debut. Her ballet background sets her apart from other idols. Fans love her elegance, charisma, and performance skills. She quickly became a favorite, with many praising her visuals and talent.
Both Sakura and Kazuha often dominate discussions about LE SSERAFIM. Their individual presence outshines the group at times, showing how strong their personal brands have become.
14. Ahyeon (BABYMONSTER)
BABYMONSTER is a new group, but Ahyeon has already taken the spotlight.
From pre-debut, fans were drawn to her strong vocals, dance skills, and stage presence. She stands out as an all-rounder, making her a fan favorite. Many compare her to other top YG Entertainment idols, predicting a bright future for her.
Her charisma on stage and natural charm make her a standout in BABYMONSTER. While the group is still growing, Ahyeon is already seen as the most popular member. Fans eagerly follow her updates, proving her strong individual appeal.
15. Kang Daniel (Former Wanna One)
Kang Daniel is one of the best examples of an idol surpassing group fame.
During Wanna One’s time, he was always the most popular member. His win on Produce 101 made him a national favorite. Fans loved his charm, dance skills, and stage presence. Even after Wanna One disbanded, his popularity remained strong.
He successfully transitioned into a solo career, proving his individual star power. His albums, performances, and brand deals show that his success goes beyond Wanna One. Even today, his name remains strong in the K-pop industry.
Source (1)
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
