A recent online discussion sparked a debate among K-Pop fans: Is it better for idols to debut at a younger or older age? While many K-Pop groups debut members in their teens, some groups feature members who launch their careers in their twenties. This discussion explored the potential benefits of debuting later in life.
The Advantages of Older Debuts
Netizens pointed to successful groups like aespa and BLACKPINK as examples of how debuting as adults can lead to success. aespa‘s members, born between 2000 and 2001, achieved fame quickly. BLACKPINK debuted in 2016 with all members at least 19 years old internationally.
Many fans expressed a preference for idols who debut at 20 or older, citing reasons like increased maturity and appeal to a broader fanbase. Some comments included:
“Debuting at twenty years old or older is much better, even for mental health.”
“They actually seem more like adult women, which makes female fans go even crazier for them. Honestly, 15- or 16-year-olds don’t appeal as ultimate biases, whether to women or men.”
“BLACKPINK debuted when they were all adults too. I also think it’s better to debut trainees who’ve been training longer and are adults rather than debuting kids who are too young. Among the recent rookies, I like that RIIZE isn’t super young.”
“I prefer idols who are at least twenty years old and have a bit more maturity and a slightly older vibe, rather than those who are too young and childish, lol.”
“At the very least, they should graduate from middle school before starting as trainees or debuting. Idols these days are way too young.”
These comments highlight the perception that older idols can explore more diverse concepts without restrictions and project a more mature image.
The Case for Younger Debuts
Others argued that debuting younger offers advantages, such as more years of activity and potential physical benefits in the demanding entertainment industry. They mentioned successful groups like NewJeans and IVE as examples. Some fans also suggested that companies might prefer younger debuts to maximize an idol’s time in the spotlight.
Additional netizen reactions included:
“Being a female fan who has supported both male and female idols, I’ve never been drawn to the maknae line when following girl groups. Female fans of girl groups will understand—having an adult woman vibe is really important.”
“Sulli and Krystal seemed to capture both male and female fans as soon as they debuted at 16 years old. For the rest, not so much.”
“It depends on the concept. For groups like aespa or K/DA-type groups, the concept works better with adult women. But with NewJeans, their fresh and youthful charm—like a cute and vibrant teen vibe—really matched their concept. I think the fact that they were students played a big role in their appeal.”
“People say this because they dislike younger idols, lol. But if you think about the future, debuting early is much more advantageous, which is why entertainment companies push for early debuts.”
“The fact that younger idols often go viral says everything.”
“I personally prefer groups without minors because it allows for more diverse concepts without restrictions, and they seem more mature. I also like groups where all the members are adults.”
“Just look at how Jang Wonyoung’s popularity skyrocketed after debuting with IVE. If she’d stayed with IZ*ONE, she wouldn’t have been as popular because she would’ve been stuck with a ‘young maknae’ image.”
“Honestly, even guys don’t particularly like 15- or 16-year-old girl group members. Except for those with very specific tastes, most male fans prefer adult female idols in their early twenties. Women are the same—if idols look excessively young, they don’t really feel like idols, so they don’t get much interest.”
“Debuting too young doesn’t sit well with me. It’s better to wait.”
“Young idols like IVE and NewJeans are doing just fine, so I don’t really see why being older is necessarily better.”
“I like how SM manages this. Groups like RIIZE or aespa don’t feel too young or immature, and I think that’s a good thing.”
“Teenagers are too restricted by their concept. Even if they try to do sexy or chic concepts, it doesn’t really work for them.”
“That said, being an idol takes a toll on your body, so debuting early can be advantageous. Jang Wonyoung is a good example—she’s in her eighth year, and she’s only in her early twenties now, lol.”
“When you debut at 20 or 21, there’s no childish or immature vibe—it’s definitely a good thing.”
This part of the discussion highlights the potential for younger idols to connect with audiences through a youthful image and the practical considerations of career longevity.
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