5 K-Pop Groups That Soared After Saying Goodbye to a Member

Departures in K-pop groups are always a little like a bad breakup – shocking, emotional, and often leaving fans wondering what on earth happened. No matter the reason, every exit sends ripples through the community, and, let’s be honest, the gossip that follows is simply irresistible. On October 14, netizens gathered on a forum with an intriguing title, “Cases Where the Group Becomes Better After a Member Leaves?” It’s like a reality show waiting to unfold, isn’t it? Here are five groups that made it onto this particular stage.

First up, LE SSERAFIM. The forum lit up with memories of former member Garam and her infamous school violence allegations in 2022. Ah, drama! Just when you thought K-pop was all about synchronized dancing and catchy tunes, here comes a scandal that sets off a wildfire. Some fans claimed that, while that controversy created quite a buzz—much like a bee trying to escape a jar—it didn’t define the group's rise as a powerhouse in the fourth generation. In fact, they’ve continued to flourish, which just goes to show how resilient these idols can be.

Then there's WINNER, whose tale is almost a “new beginnings” saga. Remember the departure of Nam Taehyun, who took his talents to solo ventures? Netizens suggest that this was a bit of a blessing in disguise, catapulting WINNER into a new soundscape and giving them more exposure than ever. Sometimes, less is more, right?

(G)I-DLE’s case, however, is the proverbial elephant in the room. Their journey didn’t stall after Soojin’s departure in August 2021; rather, the group continued to surge forward with an impressive momentum that would make even the most seasoned marathoner envious. Though they faced challenges, their music kept reaching new heights, showing us all that talent (and a bit of tenacity) can drive success, regardless of troublesome exits.

Let’s not forget Stray Kids, originally a nine-member crew. The mention of former member Woojin’s exit in October 2019 brings us back to the reality that sometimes, changes are inevitable, yet what’s fascinating is how these artists can reinvent themselves. They didn’t just adapt; they exploded onto the global stage, winning new fans at every turn. Talk about turning lemons into a refreshing K-pop lemonade!

Finally, we have NMIXX, around the less-than-hasty departure of Jinni in December 2022. Though her time was short-lived, the group has been steadily building their fandom with a slew of music releases. It seems like every time you blink, they have a new track that makes you want to dance around your living room—as if anyone is watching!

So what do you think? Can a group actually thrive after losing a member? It’s a topic that certainly stirs the pot in the K-pop world. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s keep this conversation rolling in the comments, because after all, K-pop drama isn’t just for the stage; it’s what unites us fans!