At 15 years old—and less—most teenagers are busy with their school activities or dealing issues with their friends. And yet, in South Korea, some kids have managed to debut as successful Kpop idols even before they hit 15 years old. These idols have been making waves since the moment they stepped up on that stage and continue to shine brilliantly in the global Kpop music industry.
So, are you curious to know who the youngest idol to debut ever? Join us in meeting the most popular idols who have made history as the youngest to ever take on the Kpop world!
Top 10 Youngest Kpop Idol to Ever Debut in History
10. Taemin (SHINee)
Debut Age: 14 years, 10 months, 4 days
Born: July 18, 1993
Debut Date: May 25, 2008
Firstly, we have the legendary maknae of Kpop, Taemin, as the most popular Kpop idol to debut the youngest ever. Famous as the dancing prodigy of SHINee with enormously charismatic stage presence, he was even chosen as BoA’s partner for “Only One” couple dance at such young age. Taemin later pursued a successful solo career and became a leading figure in the Kpop industry.
9. Leeseo (IVE)
Debut Age: 14 years, 9 months, 11 days
Born: February 21, 2007
Debut Date: December 1, 2021
The charming maknae of IVE, Leeseo, made her debut in 2021 at 14 years, 9 months, 11 days. And yet, despite such a young age, she managed to captivate the whole industry with her vocals and impressive professionalism on stage.
8. Jisung (NCT DREAM)
Debut Age: 14 years, 6 months, 20 days
Born: February 5, 2002
Debut Date: August 25, 2016
Famous maknae and prominent main dancer of NCT Dream and NCT U, Jisung actually debuted when he was only 14 years, 6 months, 20 days. His spectacular dancing prowess has brought him among the industry’s top key performers. Not only that, he is also recognized as one of the best young dancers in the industry today.
7. Jang Hyounjoon (The Wind)
Debut Age: 14 years, 6 months, 18 days
Born: October 25, 2008
Debut Date: May 15, 2023
Debuting with the boy group The Wind in 2023 at only 14 years old, Jang Hyounjoon is also the youngest Kpop idol to ever debut in history. With a sweet voice and impressive dance skills, Hyounjoon immediately become fans’ favorite.
6. Kaedan (Fantasy Boys)
Debut Age: 14 years, 5 months, 28 days
Born: March 24, 2009
Debut Date: September 21, 2023
Kaedan joined Fantasy Boys in 2023 after competing on the survival show of the same name. His youthful energy and hard work have made him stand out as a rising star in the group.
5. Hyein (NewJeans)
Debut Age: 14 years
Born: April 21, 2008
Debut Date: July 22, 2022
Hyein debuted in July 2022 with the new-generation monster rookie, NewJeans (also known as Jeanz) at only 14 years old. Famous for impressive vocal, natural charm, and stage confidence, she quickly became a standout maknae member in one of Kpop’s fastest-growing groups.
4. BoA
Debut Age: 13 years, 9 months, 20 days
Born: November 5, 1986
Debut Date: August 25, 2000
While she may not belong to any group, BoA has long marked her name as the youngest legendary idol to ever debut in Kpop industry. She becomes the pioneer for Kpop’s international success at her early age and dubbed as the original “Queen of Kpop.” Even until today, BoA continues her legendary career. She keeps on breaking barriers and influencing generations of idols, even transcended into an actress.
3. Haeun (LAPILLUS)
Debut Age: 13 years
Born: November 2, 2008
Debut Date: June 20, 2022
Haeun debuted with the girl group LAPILLUS in 2022. Despite being one of the youngest idols in the industry, she has impressed fans with her dancing skills and stage presence.
2. Marcus (HORI7ON)
Debut Age: 13 years, 10 months, 24 days
Born: August 31, 2009
Debut Date: July 24, 2023
At the age of 13 years, 10 months, and 24 days old, Marcus, the all-rounder maknae of the group HORI7ON is now the very youngest male Kpop idol to ever debut in the history. His youthful energy and determination have earned him a growing fan base even at such young age.
1. Seowon (UNIS)
Debut Age: 13 years
Born: January 27, 2011
Debut Date: March 27, 2024
Finally, Seowon is the youngest idol to ever debut in the history of Kpop. As the maknae of the girl group UNIS, Seowon debuted in 2024 at the age of just 13. Her presence is already making a wave in history of Kpop, especially when she was seen spitting a baby tooth while enjoying grilled meat. At the time, apparently her tooth had just fallen out.
Yes, Seowon may be new to the industry, but Seowon has already shown great promise with her vocal and performance skills.
So, which ones of these idols are your favorite? Please share your choice with us.
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