Thriving Beyond 15 Years: The Return of Veteran K-Pop Idols

[Anchor]

Every year sees the debut of new idol groups, but veteran groups that have surpassed 15 or 20 years since their debut are still standing strong by their fans' sides.

Reporter Kim Gyeong-hui takes a look at the background behind this growing trend of long-running idols.

[Reporter]

In 2023, 2PM's 15th-anniversary concert drew massive attention as their first complete-group stage in six years.

Now, 2PM has returned as a full group once again after three years.

Following a total of 85,000 attendees at the Tokyo Dome in Japan last May, they sold out their Korean concert this weekend as well, proving their enduring popularity.

U-Know Yunho, now in his 23rd year since debut, held his first solo concert last month.

He showcased new tracks alongside solo songs he has consistently released throughout his career with TVXQ.

[Akimi / Fan of U-Know Yunho for 14 years: He has an upright character, always thinks of his fans, and puts his heart and soul into his efforts, which is why (I like him).]

[Lee Ji-hyun / Fan of U-Know Yunho for 22 years: Because I can feel that he continues to grow, constantly tries to show new things, and is always sincere about his work.]

BIGBANG is also set to kick off performances starting on August 21 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their debut.

The so-called long-running idols continuing their activities for over 15 years are steadily increasing, with the return of second- and third-generation idols who debuted in the early 2000s standing out in particular.

Experts analyze this phenomenon as a combination of fans' memories and nostalgia, along with the synergy that group activities provide.

[Mimi / Pop Music Critic: Because there is a difference in the scale of fandoms when promoting as a group, even if each member has a sufficiently large independent fandom, when they come together, they gain an impact of 'the number of members plus alpha'....]

Some point out that to achieve a longer lifespan like overseas groups that remain active for 30 to 40 years, staying true to the basics is essential.

[Kim Do-heon / Pop Music Critic: Ultimately, to cement those groups' names in the music scene, it is necessary to maintain consistent musical activities and contemplate new expressions in tune with the changing history of the group.]

While idol groups that enjoyed nationwide popularity in the past have an advantage for long-term activities based on high public recognition, outlooks suggest that groups that debuted in an era of fragmented public tastes may face a different situation.

(Video Reported by Lee Sang-hak, Video Edited by Park Na-young, Video Sources: JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.