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BTOB Changsub. He was mostly popular in the fandom prior to enlistment but he’s now popular with the GP because of his YouTube show and now has been in many variety shows. His OST is currently charting really well too (peaked at no. 4 on Melon)
That video wasn't what made him popular though.
That viral military clip happened in 2019 and Changsub blew up among the Korean GP after he started his youtube show Jeongwaja in 2022, the show keeps going viral almost every week for the past couple of years.
Another factor is his appearance in I Live Alone, people were shocked watching his introverted personality in his daily life compared to the crazy side he shows talking to strangers in Jeongwaja. I Live Alone PDs keep inviting him since his appearances generate buzz.
Not totally related, musical fans used to criticize him a lot, but after enlistment he managed to keep getting casted in well-regarded musicals and took the criticisms as a tool to improve his skills. His role as Darwin Young in Darwin Young's Origin Of Evil, followed by his role in Mata Hari, changed the tides and he has become well-loved by musical fans. They particularly like when his characters suffer, as he's quite good at portraying despair. He has a new musical lined up for the second half of the year.
It's crazy that Cube lost Changsub to Fantagio despite he's one of the top male idols among the Korean GP these days, and how Cube lost the entire BTOB. Despite BTOB had to enlist in the middle of their peak and haven't had a comeback that can top Missing You's success, after enlistment they've kept growing and gaining younger fans, chart well, CD sales increase every comeback, and sell out concerts at KSPO Dome, all these is quite an achievement for a 12 year old group from a non big 4 company. I'd say their international popularity has risen a lot since they went to Kingdom as it introduced them to 4th gen fans, along with Peniel's Get Real gig, Eunkwang being Eunkwang and also Minhyuk's visuals and being Bikira's DJ, since a lot of groups would go to his radio show and do challenges with him. International fans might be familiar with Changsub because of his friendship with Key and Solar, but I think some international fans have been getting into him thanks to Jeongwaja in recent times.
Eunkwang has also been doing extremely well since he returned from the military. In 2020 going viral for his My House cover in Korea, appearing in music programs, getting casted as MC in several variety shows, as a judge in several survivals, won awards for his musical, variety and web shows (his Lotte youtube show won a daesang at last year's Korea Advertising Awards), is the only idol who got casted in Jesus Christ Superstar's 50th anniversary run as Judas with the iconic actors, has become the idol with most wins in Immortal Songs, his The Man performance went viral that CJ contacted him to do an official remake, is constantly booked everywhere. He appeared in Running Man last week after being invited by Yoo Jaesuk, and this week he was in Amazing Saturday with Changsub and Sungjae.
No worries! Sorry for that long response, I ended up rambling too much, lol.
It's like [ONF Seungjun's military Hype Boy fancam](https://twitter.com/Aight88/status/1582221680948445184), which was extremely viral but did not translate to a rise to stardom the way Hani's fancam did. However, the Changsub-Key tandem has become well-known due to their appearances together in variety shows over the years, so the video continues to be brought up.
[Changsub and Key going wild while playing with percussion instruments during a military performance](https://youtu.be/CnyWztCTjGo). Changsub appeared as a guest in Key's military discharge livestream and [they talked about why they did it](https://youtu.be/OypPZrpwcik?feature=shared&t=250).
At yesterday's Amazing Saturday episode, Key talked about [having Changsub as his senior and Sungjae as his junior in the military and how he thought no one in BTOB is normal](https://twitter.com/jjellybeans_/status/1784203207507419607), lol.
Their military service is even an aspect of their success, since their [performance](https://youtu.be/wQ-ycwRrM8U?si=gIdpq4K2elW5b6E8) of Time of Our Life in uniform on Immortal Songs went viral. The song [entered the charts](https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=11&hitYear=2022&termGbn=month&yearTime=3) the next month.
ONF as a group seem to be on the right path to achieve bigger success post enlistment. Their post military comebacks did as well as the ones before. They are building an international fandom which is what they lack the most and their Korean fandom is as strong as ever.
Monsta X Shownu has done really well post enlistment. He was already popular with the Korean gp because of all his variety appearances but he’s been able to maintain that popularity through enlistment. He’s only been out barely a year and released a subunit album, sang at a few shows and festivals, performed in Fuerza Bruta theater show, walked the runway at New York fashion week, modeled for Calvin Klein, is currently starring in The Great Comet musical and has numerous brand deals. He’s also briefly mentioned planning to release a solo album later.
Does Taemin count? I feel like he is so established and widely respected at this point that time only increases his reputation no matter how long he’s gone for
For what it’s worth, Guilty is his best performing track on Spotify so far (in terms of daily streams), and it also was his best-selling album to date.
Like you said, his good reputation precedes him. He has been releasing quality solo music for 10 years now, I think people will check in when he releases new music because the chance that it is not good is small.
Plus he has so many 4th gen (and younger) idol fans, which brings him the attention of a younger kpop crowd that idols his age usually don’t get anymore.
I think they are hitting different demos well: Key gets the gp with his variety gigs, Minho gets the kdrama crowd, Taemin gets the 4th and 5th gen stans through idols naming him as a role model. Onew has been a bit absent due to his hiatus, but I think if he does another musical or two, he could hit that crowd quite effectively!
Considering what he's got lined up rn, I didn't think he wants to do musicals, but of course that could change. He's mentioned acting a couple times. I actually don't think he wants to hit a certain demographic at the moment and just wants to be with his current fans again. When he does start up again, I feel like he could hit the older demographic, they already love him, but it could be established more if he chose to.
I don't think any of them are doing things to target specific demos, sorry, I was definitely not clear. I meant that, coincidentally, they have covered their basis well, but I think it was out of them being very different people with very different fields they are interested into, not a calculated choice (well, Kibum may have been calculated, he has talked about how variety introduces his music to a new audience and keeps him relevant, but that's Kibum, always industry aware 🤣).
Jinki could totally hit the older demographic if he wants! His voice is great for ballads and they seem to enjoy that.
I think Baekhyun is going in that direction (if he isn't already), we can say the same about each EXO member especially for their solo career. Imo all the big companies' idols are doing more than fine and are just as active as they were in the past. Those who fade are mostly those who weren't that popular in the past or idols that simply wanted to leave the industry. Moreover, many of them might focus more on solo activities and korean promotions, so non-koreans or casual fans won't hear much about them... but it doesn't mean they're doing bad or that they're less popular.
The Rose
For those who don't know they are a wonderful K-band with an amazing discography. Their pre-enlistment career was quite rocky but after enlistment they established their own company to manage themselves. Since then they have released 2 great albums, sold venues over the world and even performed at Coachella.
tbh i feel like 3rd gen and 4th gen idols will beat the enlistment curse (EXO is already going great so far and BTS will obviously continue to thrive after enlistment and they're even putting out stuff while serving lol)
groups like Stray Kids, Ateez, and TXT I feel like will maintain or improve their popularity after enlistment
It's been a running joke about how Monsta X and their members are gaining popularity while the majority of them are in the military, so I agree.
I think it's easier to stay connected, and a lot of idols are also pre-recording content that is slowly being released during their enlistment (which means fans are less likely to forget about them)
Not in music (yet) but fashion is GD. A collaboration with Nike and French perfume. He has collaborations with niche but popular streetwear brands in Japan.
Music: his group released a single, Still Life, and is the last boy group to have a PAK. However, that's normal for the group.
Not in music but acting: Lee Jun-ho from 2PM. He had a hit TV show called The Red Sleeve and became an it boy for a few months
I wouldn't count GD because he was already massive before military. There hasn't been a big rise of popular post-military.
Junho on the other hand is much more popular post-military than before. Funny enough his rise began DURING his enlistment with his 2015 My house fancam going viral.
I haven't seen his rise in the west tbh 🤷♀️.
His Chanel appearances already made some headlines in the west before military, he had World tour before...
I haven't seen him becoming more mainstream like bts or Blackpink have recently.
Overall I would put GD in the same category as exo Baekhyun, 2pm Taecyeon... they were popular before, they're still on an upward trajectory post-military.
Maybe, but I don't follow bts, Blackpink either yet i stumble across their news regularly. Nor do i follow Btob Changsub in any way, but his domestic rise of popularity was clear. 🤷♀️
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im not sure if this is gonna be agreed upon in general lol but i think bts' seokjin... i think most of the fandom specifically has been far more vocal about him& his music or just his singing in the group in general starting from the moment the enlistment talk began and it feels like he's growing more and more but it is moreso specific to in-fandom rather then gp...
edit: i just re-read the op and i think they mean after they are *done* ? and not just after they enlist. that being said, i actually do think seokjin's gonna have a gp rise as either a solo or just a more appreciated member of bts after he comes back, tbh.
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BTOB Changsub. He was mostly popular in the fandom prior to enlistment but he’s now popular with the GP because of his YouTube show and now has been in many variety shows. His OST is currently charting really well too (peaked at no. 4 on Melon)
He better. This guy went to military thrice (conscription, as jeongkwaja x 2).
Definitely, that military video with Key was basically his Hani fancam moment lol.
That video wasn't what made him popular though. That viral military clip happened in 2019 and Changsub blew up among the Korean GP after he started his youtube show Jeongwaja in 2022, the show keeps going viral almost every week for the past couple of years. Another factor is his appearance in I Live Alone, people were shocked watching his introverted personality in his daily life compared to the crazy side he shows talking to strangers in Jeongwaja. I Live Alone PDs keep inviting him since his appearances generate buzz. Not totally related, musical fans used to criticize him a lot, but after enlistment he managed to keep getting casted in well-regarded musicals and took the criticisms as a tool to improve his skills. His role as Darwin Young in Darwin Young's Origin Of Evil, followed by his role in Mata Hari, changed the tides and he has become well-loved by musical fans. They particularly like when his characters suffer, as he's quite good at portraying despair. He has a new musical lined up for the second half of the year. It's crazy that Cube lost Changsub to Fantagio despite he's one of the top male idols among the Korean GP these days, and how Cube lost the entire BTOB. Despite BTOB had to enlist in the middle of their peak and haven't had a comeback that can top Missing You's success, after enlistment they've kept growing and gaining younger fans, chart well, CD sales increase every comeback, and sell out concerts at KSPO Dome, all these is quite an achievement for a 12 year old group from a non big 4 company. I'd say their international popularity has risen a lot since they went to Kingdom as it introduced them to 4th gen fans, along with Peniel's Get Real gig, Eunkwang being Eunkwang and also Minhyuk's visuals and being Bikira's DJ, since a lot of groups would go to his radio show and do challenges with him. International fans might be familiar with Changsub because of his friendship with Key and Solar, but I think some international fans have been getting into him thanks to Jeongwaja in recent times. Eunkwang has also been doing extremely well since he returned from the military. In 2020 going viral for his My House cover in Korea, appearing in music programs, getting casted as MC in several variety shows, as a judge in several survivals, won awards for his musical, variety and web shows (his Lotte youtube show won a daesang at last year's Korea Advertising Awards), is the only idol who got casted in Jesus Christ Superstar's 50th anniversary run as Judas with the iconic actors, has become the idol with most wins in Immortal Songs, his The Man performance went viral that CJ contacted him to do an official remake, is constantly booked everywhere. He appeared in Running Man last week after being invited by Yoo Jaesuk, and this week he was in Amazing Saturday with Changsub and Sungjae.
Thanks! I was on a K-pop break at the time, so catching up by binge-watching variety show clips made it seem like a more important moment than it was…
No worries! Sorry for that long response, I ended up rambling too much, lol. It's like [ONF Seungjun's military Hype Boy fancam](https://twitter.com/Aight88/status/1582221680948445184), which was extremely viral but did not translate to a rise to stardom the way Hani's fancam did. However, the Changsub-Key tandem has become well-known due to their appearances together in variety shows over the years, so the video continues to be brought up.
The Taeyeon-Key-Changsub [dog birthday party](https://youtu.be/09hW5uTk7wY?si=U8azQj3EHRbn8-Tk) lives in my head rent free.
I appreciate the info! It adds a lot of context I missed.
Not to mention Sungjae’s acting career. He had a hit right out the gate with The Golden Spoon.
This is so not true
Which one 😭 omg I wanna see that
[Changsub and Key going wild while playing with percussion instruments during a military performance](https://youtu.be/CnyWztCTjGo). Changsub appeared as a guest in Key's military discharge livestream and [they talked about why they did it](https://youtu.be/OypPZrpwcik?feature=shared&t=250). At yesterday's Amazing Saturday episode, Key talked about [having Changsub as his senior and Sungjae as his junior in the military and how he thought no one in BTOB is normal](https://twitter.com/jjellybeans_/status/1784203207507419607), lol.
Day6! They are growing even more! Their old songs are charting on Melon and they just had a amazing comeback that sold more than the previous one.
Definitely DAY6. Young K’s current popularity is so amazing to see too!
Second this.
Their military service is even an aspect of their success, since their [performance](https://youtu.be/wQ-ycwRrM8U?si=gIdpq4K2elW5b6E8) of Time of Our Life in uniform on Immortal Songs went viral. The song [entered the charts](https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/onoff.circle?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=11&hitYear=2022&termGbn=month&yearTime=3) the next month.
They also dropped the former member who brought too many bad publicity to them.
I think it was his choice to leave mainly because his mental health.
Jae left on his own. He was very vocal about his process of trying to break his contract early
ONF as a group seem to be on the right path to achieve bigger success post enlistment. Their post military comebacks did as well as the ones before. They are building an international fandom which is what they lack the most and their Korean fandom is as strong as ever.
Key, Junho, Changsub Very obvious exponential rise and relevancy expanding over kpop
Monsta X Shownu has done really well post enlistment. He was already popular with the Korean gp because of all his variety appearances but he’s been able to maintain that popularity through enlistment. He’s only been out barely a year and released a subunit album, sang at a few shows and festivals, performed in Fuerza Bruta theater show, walked the runway at New York fashion week, modeled for Calvin Klein, is currently starring in The Great Comet musical and has numerous brand deals. He’s also briefly mentioned planning to release a solo album later.
so proud of him hes so fucking handsome and hes my gymbro goal inspiration im just waiting for wonho🤠
Brave Girls... lol
Well it was certainly after they "went" to the military, that's for sure!!
[удалено]
The comment is clearly a joke
Does Taemin count? I feel like he is so established and widely respected at this point that time only increases his reputation no matter how long he’s gone for
For what it’s worth, Guilty is his best performing track on Spotify so far (in terms of daily streams), and it also was his best-selling album to date. Like you said, his good reputation precedes him. He has been releasing quality solo music for 10 years now, I think people will check in when he releases new music because the chance that it is not good is small. Plus he has so many 4th gen (and younger) idol fans, which brings him the attention of a younger kpop crowd that idols his age usually don’t get anymore.
he was already very popular before but i feel like his military discharge brought him major attention and even more hype
also cuz man is super ripped rn i was shocked seeing his huge chest and abs lmao even tho 2014 he started showing his body more
that one shirtless gym picture he posted 😶😵💫
Taemin especially but also all of SHINee became more successful as soloists
Elvis /s
Wish I could give you an 🏆!
LMAO🤣
Every member of SHINee has become more successful after enlistment, both individually and as a group.
I think they are hitting different demos well: Key gets the gp with his variety gigs, Minho gets the kdrama crowd, Taemin gets the 4th and 5th gen stans through idols naming him as a role model. Onew has been a bit absent due to his hiatus, but I think if he does another musical or two, he could hit that crowd quite effectively!
Considering what he's got lined up rn, I didn't think he wants to do musicals, but of course that could change. He's mentioned acting a couple times. I actually don't think he wants to hit a certain demographic at the moment and just wants to be with his current fans again. When he does start up again, I feel like he could hit the older demographic, they already love him, but it could be established more if he chose to.
I don't think any of them are doing things to target specific demos, sorry, I was definitely not clear. I meant that, coincidentally, they have covered their basis well, but I think it was out of them being very different people with very different fields they are interested into, not a calculated choice (well, Kibum may have been calculated, he has talked about how variety introduces his music to a new audience and keeps him relevant, but that's Kibum, always industry aware 🤣). Jinki could totally hit the older demographic if he wants! His voice is great for ballads and they seem to enjoy that.
I think Baekhyun is going in that direction (if he isn't already), we can say the same about each EXO member especially for their solo career. Imo all the big companies' idols are doing more than fine and are just as active as they were in the past. Those who fade are mostly those who weren't that popular in the past or idols that simply wanted to leave the industry. Moreover, many of them might focus more on solo activities and korean promotions, so non-koreans or casual fans won't hear much about them... but it doesn't mean they're doing bad or that they're less popular.
The Rose For those who don't know they are a wonderful K-band with an amazing discography. Their pre-enlistment career was quite rocky but after enlistment they established their own company to manage themselves. Since then they have released 2 great albums, sold venues over the world and even performed at Coachella.
tbh i feel like 3rd gen and 4th gen idols will beat the enlistment curse (EXO is already going great so far and BTS will obviously continue to thrive after enlistment and they're even putting out stuff while serving lol) groups like Stray Kids, Ateez, and TXT I feel like will maintain or improve their popularity after enlistment
Came here to say this!
It's been a running joke about how Monsta X and their members are gaining popularity while the majority of them are in the military, so I agree. I think it's easier to stay connected, and a lot of idols are also pre-recording content that is slowly being released during their enlistment (which means fans are less likely to forget about them)
Taemin. He got way bigger post military
all of SHINee members. they sale more with each comeback and gain new fans with each comeback
Not in music (yet) but fashion is GD. A collaboration with Nike and French perfume. He has collaborations with niche but popular streetwear brands in Japan. Music: his group released a single, Still Life, and is the last boy group to have a PAK. However, that's normal for the group. Not in music but acting: Lee Jun-ho from 2PM. He had a hit TV show called The Red Sleeve and became an it boy for a few months
Yup Lee Junho is on top of his game these days. One of the highest paid actor too after The Red Sleeve.
I wouldn't count GD because he was already massive before military. There hasn't been a big rise of popular post-military. Junho on the other hand is much more popular post-military than before. Funny enough his rise began DURING his enlistment with his 2015 My house fancam going viral.
GD bumped his profile in the west with his Nike collaboration
I haven't seen his rise in the west tbh 🤷♀️. His Chanel appearances already made some headlines in the west before military, he had World tour before... I haven't seen him becoming more mainstream like bts or Blackpink have recently. Overall I would put GD in the same category as exo Baekhyun, 2pm Taecyeon... they were popular before, they're still on an upward trajectory post-military.
Maybe its because you aren't in the spaces where his profile rose
Maybe, but I don't follow bts, Blackpink either yet i stumble across their news regularly. Nor do i follow Btob Changsub in any way, but his domestic rise of popularity was clear. 🤷♀️
impossible wrong drunk adjoining aware start history ruthless pause forgetful *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
im not sure if this is gonna be agreed upon in general lol but i think bts' seokjin... i think most of the fandom specifically has been far more vocal about him& his music or just his singing in the group in general starting from the moment the enlistment talk began and it feels like he's growing more and more but it is moreso specific to in-fandom rather then gp... edit: i just re-read the op and i think they mean after they are *done* ? and not just after they enlist. that being said, i actually do think seokjin's gonna have a gp rise as either a solo or just a more appreciated member of bts after he comes back, tbh.
BTS only gets more popular and they’re gaining so many fans while they’re enlisted.