Reddit user questions if there are K-pop fans who didn't start with BTS? Gets flooded with various groups

Over the past few years, K-pop has taken the music industry by storm, shattering sales records, garnering accolades, and performing across the globe. However, this surge in the world of K-pop became more evident due to the boy band BTS, who created music accessible to all and became exemplary ambassadors for Korean culture. The 7 astounding men - Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jung-kook - made everyone believe that music transcends language barriers.

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While they may not have been the torchbearers of K-pop initially, they certainly "Paved the Way" for the genre to become a global hit. Now, the wave of K-pop has reached every corner, with hardly anyone unfamiliar with BTS. One may love or hate the group, but they are undoubtedly known to all. So, when a Reddit user asked if anyone entered the realm of K-pop not because of BTS, many came forward to share their experiences with the genre.

SNSD/Girls' Generation (Debut: August 5, 2007)

The girl group 'Girls' Generation', also known as 'SNSD', was formed by SM Entertainment and consists of eight members: Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun.

Originally a nine-piece ensemble, member Jessica departed from the group in September 2014. In 2017, Seohyun, Tiffany, and Sooyoung decided to leave. While they went on hiatus due to these departures, the group has not yet disbanded.

PSY (Debut: January 2001)

Who doesn't know the song "Gangnam Style"? Park Jae-sang, known professionally as PSY, is a singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. 

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December 21, 2012, PSY's music video for "Gangnam Style" exceeded one billion views on YouTube, making it the first video to achieve this milestone in the website's history. As a result, PSY received widespread recognition from the media, earning him the title of the 'King of YouTube'.

Super Junior (Debut: November 6, 2005)

Also known as SJ or SuJu, the boy band consist of Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook and Kyuhyun. 

Han Geng, Kibum, and Kangin were part of the group before departing in 2011, 2015, and 2019, respectively. Subsequently, Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Kyuhyun chose not to renew their contracts with SM in 2023. Despite this, they stated they would continue their activities as members of Super Junior alongside their fellow members.

INFINITE (Debut: June 9, 2010)

The boy band formed by Woollim Entertainment consists of six members: Sungkyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol, L, and Sungjong. 

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Originally a seven-piece group, Hoya departed from the group in 2017. In 2019, L announced his departure, followed by Sung Kyu, Dong Woo, and Sung Yeol in 2021, although they stated they would continue with the group as needed. In 2022, Sung Jong and Woohyun also left the company. However, the group as a whole has not disbanded.

BIGBANG (Debut: August 19, 2006)

The boy band formed by YG Entertainment comprises three members: G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. Initially, a five-piece band, Seungri retired from the entertainment industry in March 2019, and T.O.P left in May 2023 marred by controversies.

Dubbed the 'Kings of K-pop', they played a role in spreading the Korean Wave globally and were renowned for their innovative musical experimentation, self-production, and captivating stage presence.

2NE1 (Debut: May 6, 2009)

The girl group formed by YG Entertainment, active between 2009 and 2016, was named "2NE1," which stands for "New Evolution of The 21st Century" and can be pronounced as 'To anyone' or 'Twenty-one'.

The group consisted of four members: Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy. However, on November 25, 2016, their agency announced the disbandment of the group.

Which is the group that brought you into the world of K-pop is not BTS?

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