Which Popular K-pop Groups Are People Starting to Forget?
The evolving landscape of the K-pop industry is often marked by the rise and fall of groups. While some groups continue to maintain strong fanbases and chart success, others find themselves slipping away from the attention of both fans and industry insiders. This article delves into the decline of several once-popular K-pop groups, including Infinite, AOA, and GOT7, and explores the reasons behind their waning popularity.
Infinite: From Success to Under-the-Radar
Infinite, a six-member boy group that debuted in 2010, enjoyed significant success during their early years. They released albums like New Challenge, which garnered thousands of sales in Korea and abroad, and produced the hit song “The Chaser,” which was named Billboard’s third-best K-pop song of the 2010s. Their live performances and synchronized choreographies were praised for their professionalism and quality. However, as the 3rd generation of K-pop began to rise, groups like Exo and BTS started to overshadow Infinite, leading to a decline in their popularity. Despite their recent EP, 13egin, not gaining much recognition, Infinite remains a significant player in the K-pop industry's history.
AOA: From Success to Temporary Inactivity
AOA, a three-member girl group formed by FNC Entertainment, found success in 2014 with songs like “Miniskirt” and “Heart Attack,” which topped the charts in 2015 and became one of the most downloaded songs that year. In 2016, the group saw further success with “Good Luck,” and in 2019, with “Bingle Bangle.” However, internal scandals, including former member Kwon Mina’s accusation of bullying by the group’s former leader Shin Jimin, led to the group’s inactivity. The scandal not only affected the group's dynamics but also their public perception. Since their participation in Queendom, AOA’s popularity has started to decrease. Currently, all three current members are pursuing careers as actresses, and it is unclear when, or if, they will make a comeback. FNC Entertainment has stated that the group has not yet disbanded, despite the members no longer being with the agency.
GOT7: A Group Forgotten by New Fans?
As we look at more recent trends, GOT7, a member of JYP Entertainment, stands out as a group that people may have started to forget. Unlike the other groups mentioned, GOT7 has a reputation for maintaining a close relationship with its members and even meeting up occasionally to dance and post comments on their Instagram stories. However, the group went separate ways in 2021 and has not released any new albums or made public statements in over a year. While the members' individual careers have seen success, the overall prominence of GOT7 as a group has diminished. This has made GOT7 a group that new K-pop fans might not recognize or remember as well as their predecessors.
Reasons for Declining Popularity
The decline in popularity for these groups can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of new, more popular K-pop groups, scandals, and changes in management. These factors can lead to a decrease in fan engagement and public interest, ultimately causing a group to slide into the background of the K-pop scene.
Conclusion
The K-pop industry is highly competitive, and groups must constantly work to maintain their relevance and fanbase. While Infinite, AOA, and GOT7 have faced challenges, it is important to recognize the significant impact they have had on the industry and their legacy. As K-pop continues to evolve, fans and industry professionals alike should keep an eye on both the rising and declining stars to better understand the dynamic landscape of this vibrant genre.