K-Pop Groups Who Defied the Odds and Made It Big

June 14, 2023March 13, 2024 koreanophiles BTS, chungha, fifty fifty, gfriend, infinite, kpop, mamamoo, seventeen, vixx

K-pop is a highly competitive industry, dominated by big music labels such as SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment. However, there are some K-pop groups that have managed to make it big despite not coming from big companies. These groups have proven that being from a small company doesn’t mean you can’t break through. Let’s check out some of the K-pop groups who went big despite not coming from big companies, including Fifty Fifty, G-Friend, and many more.

1. G-Friend

Formed by Source Music in 2015. They debuted with the EP “Season of Glass” and gained popularity with their second EP “Flower Bud.” With the song “Rough,” which made a 100 million streaming mark on the Gaon Charts, had G-Friend break into the mainstream. The girl group is considered one of the most successful artists from the third generation. Despite coming from a small company, G-Friend has managed to achieve great success and a massive following.

Thanks to their mega-hits. “Rough” and “Me Gustas Tu,” GFRIEND managed to receive their first paycheck earlier than most other idols typically do.

2. Fifty Fifty

Fifty Fifty is a K-pop girl group formed by Attrakt Entertainment in 2022. They debuted with the single “Higher” only with their 1st comeback with “Cupid” which gained massive popularity after the song went viral on TikTok. They went on to become the fastest K-pop act to enter the Billboard charts. Fifty Fifty is one of the “miracle” girl groups from small music labels beating the odds to make it big in the highly competitive world of K-pop, and even outside Korea.

3. BTS

This list would be incomplete without BTS, the world’s largest boy band. When BTS made their debut in 2013 under the banner of Big Hit Entertainment, initially dismissed as an unpopular boy band, they encountered formidable competition from well-established groups such as EXO, WINNER, and GOT7.

In 2014, during their appearance on the Korean reality show “American Hustle Life,” the members were given the task of distributing flyers themselves on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, urging passersby to attend a free concert. Since then, their journey has taken a remarkable turn. BTS has evolved into a global sensation, shattering records and amassing numerous awards. Their success serves as a testament to the idea that even artists from smaller companies can achieve monumental fame.

4. MAMAMOO

MAMAMOO debuted in 2014 under RBW. They debuted with the EP “Hello” and gained popularity with their second EP “Piano Man.” MAMAMOO is known for their powerful vocals and song style. Since their debut, the group has garnered acclaim for their distinctive blend of retro, jazz, and R&B genres, accompanied by captivating vocal prowess. Their debut single, “Mr. Ambiguous,” received widespread recognition from critics, being hailed as one of the standout debut songs in Korean pop that year.

5. INFINITE

INFINITE encountered significant financial difficulties, which left them in the challenging position of having to balance expenses for both food and transportation. Their CEO even resorted to pledging his own house as collateral to secure funds for a music video. Additionally, their cramped dormitory was plagued by issues such as persistent leaks, malfunctioning air conditioning during the summers, and inadequate heating in winters.

Despite their initial debut struggles, they found a turning point in their career with the release of ‘Be Mine.’ This comeback marked a pivotal moment in their journey, leading them to achieve their very first victory on a music show. Furthermore, their album climbed to an impressive second place on the Gaon Weekly Album Chart, solidifying their newfound success.

6. VIXX

VIXX is a South Korean boy group formed by Jellyfish Entertainment in 2012. They debuted with the EP “Super Hero” and gained popularity with their second EP “Rock Ur Body.” VIXX is known for their unique concepts and powerful live performances. They have won numerous awards and have become one of the most popular boy groups in Korea.

7. SEVENTEEN

In the early days of their debut, Pledis Entertainment faced financial constraints, which led them to resort to using taped earphones for SEVENTEEN members instead of proper in-ear monitor pieces during promotional activities. Fast forward to the present, SEVENTEEN has gained recognition for their impeccably synchronized dancing and distinctive music style. Recently, SEVENTEEN achieved a remarkable milestone by breaking a new record: their latest mini album, “FML,” has become the highest-selling Korean album of all time. Not only did SEVENTEEN set a new record for the highest first-week sales in Hanteo history, but “FML” has also established a record for the highest total album sales to date.

8. Chungha

She gained popularity after appearing on the reality show “Produce 101” and finishing in fourth place. Chungha is known for her powerful vocals, sharp dance moves, and unique style. She has become one of the most popular solo artists in Korea after releasing back-to-back hits such as “Gotta Go,” “Roller Coaster,” and “Why Don’t You Know.”

These K-pop groups have proven that being from a small company doesn’t mean you can’t make it big. They have worked hard and have shown that talent and dedication can overcome any obstacle. These groups have become some of the most popular and successful K-pop groups in Korea and around the world. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented artists and the many more who will follow in their footsteps.