In most K-pop groups, each member plays a different role. A very important role, or perhaps the most important, is the leader. A leader is, of course, the one who directs the group and takes care of the members. When choosing a leader, one of the common factors is age – the oldest member usually gets this role. But that doesn’t apply to all K-pop groups because there are those whose leaders aren’t the oldest but may have been with their agency the longest.
Below are eight K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group.
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
EXO Suho
(Photo: Instagram: @kimjuncotton)
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
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First on our list is EXO Suho, who was chosen as the leader probably because he had the longest training period of all the members. He spent seven years as a trainee before his debut.
But regardless of why Suho was chosen, he surely fulfills the leadership role and EXO-L can prove it.
BTS MR
(Picture: Twitter: @bts_twt)
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
BTS RM is another K-pop leader who is actually not the oldest member of the group. Like EXO Suho, he is also the member who trained the longest (about four years).
When BTS debuted, even though RM isn’t the eldest, he seemed to be the most mature and confident among the members. Having the ability to speak fluent English, RM does a great job as a leader.
TWICE Jihyo
(Photo: Instagram: @_zyozyo)
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
Jihyo’s long training period is also believed to be one of the reasons she was chosen to lead TWICE. She was a trainee for a total of 10 years before her debut.
While appearing on “Showterview With Jessi,” TWICE revealed that Jihyo is the leader because the members voted for her. They also accepted Jessi’s comment that Jihyo is trustworthy, which is why they chose her.
IVE Ahn Yujin
(Picture: Twitter: @IVE_twt)
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
The leading position in Starship Entertainment’s new girl group IVE has been given to Ahn Yujin. The reason? Well, maybe it’s because of his talent and experience in “Produce 48” and IZ*ONE.
READ MORE: 8 K-pop groups where Maknae is the leader: WINNER, SNSD-TTS, more
But even before his new IVE debut, his potential as a leader was already seen by his fellow IZ*ONE members. In an episode “Arcade II”, the group’s maknae line chose Yujin as their leader because according to Wonyoung, she “has that vibe” that befits a leader.
ENHYPEN Jungwon
(Photo: Instagram: @enhypen)
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
ENHYPEN Jungwon also joins our list of K-pop leaders who are not the oldest in their group.
In an interview with Weverse Magazine, Jungwon revealed that selecting the leader of the group was a long process and he became the leader because Heesung (who is the oldest member) came to him and said that he would like to remain a member rather than the leader since the other members might have difficulty talking to the leader if the leader was also the oldest in the group.
GOT7 Jay B
(Photo: Instagram: @jaybnow.hr)
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
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In fact, Jay B didn’t want to become the leader of GOT7, and he even asked JYP Entertainment not to give him the job. Still, he was chosen as the leader possibly because he trained the longest among the GOT7 members (along with Jinyoung, but Jay B is several months older).
TXT Soobin
(Picture: Twitter: @TXT_members)
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
TXT Soobin was reportedly chosen as the leader by Big Hit Music and the rest of the members during a leader evaluation.
In an interview with Weverse Magazine, Soobin revealed that he was burdened with many responsibilities as the leader of the group back when they were rookies. But thanks to the support of its members, its burden has lessened over time.
(G)I-DLE Soyeon
(Photo: Instagram: @tiny.pretty.j)
8 K-pop leaders who aren’t the oldest members of their group
Finally, the lead position in (G)I-DLE was given to Soyeon due to her multiple talents, which include her singing, rapping, dancing, and music-producing abilities. Most of the time, she directly participates in (G)I-DLE’s preparation for their upcoming comeback, suggesting the concept for their next release and writing and/or composing the songs.
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Written by Maria Scott
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