Are subunits no longer popular? (1 Viewer)

[SaviorITZY]

We all know how common subunits were in second gen, some were even more popular than actual groups (ie: TaeTiSeo, Orange Caramel, Sistar19, etc). I’ve noticed that in 3rd gen rarely any Kpop groups did subunits and the only big one I can name is CBX.

What I’ve also noticed is that groups are getting bigger but are still being promoted as one whole. From what I’ve seen, when groups do get the chance to do unit stages fans go crazy. Do companies not see the value in promoting individual brands anymore?

 

[RandAlThor]

IZ*ONE has subunits for b side songs especially in the J albums. That is an AKS thing.

But Bloom IZ has several sub unit b side songs (and concert stages) and they even preformed as subs in the comeback showcase.
But to your point they will not promote titles.
Oh IOI had the Whatta man deal...
Pristin V before their sudden demise.

 

[Bopper]

Apink have had unit songs before, but they’re b-sides on other albums. But yeah, CBX, EXO-SC and then Super Junior’s D&E are the only ones that’ve fully promoted the past few years. They’re really an SM thing are sub-units.

 

[jasque]

They always flop very bad these days

 

[SaviorITZY]

IZ*ONE has subunits for b side songs especially in the J albums. That is an AKS thing.

But Bloom IZ has several sub unit b side songs (and concert stages) and they even preformed as subs in the comeback showcase.
But to your point they will not promote titles.
Oh IOI had the Whatta man deal...
Pristin V before their sudden demise.

Iz*one’s subunits are barely promoted, PRISTIN V had very little success, and IOI is gone. Those are only three units too

 

[SaviorITZY]

Apink have had unit songs before, but they’re b-sides on other albums. But yeah, CBX, EXO-SC and then Super Junior’s D&E are the only ones that’ve fully promoted the past few years. They’re really an SM thing are sub-units.

I think SM are the only ones that care about sub units still. They even made a whole group for it but they’re not doing as well as their predecessors...

 

[RandAlThor]

Iz*one’s subunits are barely promoted, PRISTIN V had very little success, and IOI is gone. Those are only three units too

they promote in Japan. Do a lot of radio/ some tv ect.
Japan is just weird from a kpop perspective.

 

[yeji]

companies don‘t see a point anymore

it‘s same thing basically as mini‘s being more released than full albums

 

[SaviorITZY]

they promote in Japan. Do a lot of radio/ some tv ect.
Japan is just weird from a kpop perspective.

Yeah I noticed that they promote in Japan but that’s understandable. As a Jpop fan though, Iz*ones Japanese songs... 👀

 

[SaviorITZY]

companies don‘t see a point anymore

it‘s same thing basically as mini‘s being more released than full albums

Yeah which is sad bcuz groups actually sell more albums when it’s a full album. Minis are just quicker to make and you can always repackage them which takes even less work bcuz Kpop companies usually just add two new songs (ie: TWICE).

 

[RandAlThor]

Yeah I noticed that they promote in Japan but that’s understandable. As a Jpop fan though, Iz*ones Japanese songs... 👀

lol i love BA everyone hates it, but i think its fun.
Love bubble was a nice b side and all the first mini's songs were good.

Vampire was in a strange time.

 

[Bopper]

I think SM are the only ones that care about sub units still. They even made a whole group for it but they’re not doing as well as their predecessors...

SM seem to lead the way in their group members going solo too, by that I’m meaning consistent mini/full album releases rather than digital singles. Even for their smaller groups like SHINee, it’s only Minho that hasn’t yet released a physical solo album. I don’t know if it’s down to popularity or companies prefer to keep their groups as just that, but it’s sad in a way. Being Xiumin biased CBX did wonders for him. It boosted his confidence and gave him a bit more spotlight than in normal EXO songs.

 

[maruberry]

I mean Seventeen has sub-units! Basically all their albums have unit songs even!

And not just the 2 units all the members are seperated into, they also have BooSeokSoon that even promoted a bit on their own.

 

[kinnie]

I don't particularly care for sub-units except for NCT.

 

[Darkseid]

Loona had those but after debuting the full group, it seems they'll no longer release anything.

I hope OMG Banhana makes a comeback to end this subunit drought.