K-pop is a massive music industry with a relatively short history. Seo Taiji and Boys, who debuted in 1992 is noted as the first modern K-pop boy group. Following this many girl and boy groups with diverse concepts have debuted. Out of them, many added to the history of K-pop only to disband after a few years. However, a few K-pop groups such as Shinhwa and BIGBANG are still active in 2023 with years of experience.
K-pop fans might be aware of a seven-year curse. For the longest time 1st and 2nd generation K-pop groups would disband after completing a seven-year contract. Although many 3rd generation K-pop groups such as BTS, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN have successfully renewed their contracts for another seven years- there are few from the previous generation who have successfully remained active for 24 years as well.
Shinhwa, G.O.D, BIGBANG, and more oldest K-pop group active in 2023
As per statistics by Korean media K-pop industry notes somewhere around 30 to 50 group debuts each year. Out of them all only 5 to 6 groups achieve success in remaining active after one or two years. Even with this cut-throat competition, there are a few K-pop groups who have remained active in 2023 receiving love from fans for their music and choreographies. Without further ado let’s check out the 7 oldest K-pop group that is still active in 2023.
1) SECHSKIES (26 years)
Debut date: April 15, 1997
Record labels: DSP Media, YG Entertainment, YGEX
Members: Eun Ji-won, Lee Jai-jin, Kim Jae-duck, and Jang Su-won
Former members: Kang Sung-hoon and Ko Ji-young
SECHSKIES is a first-generation K-pop boy group. They debuted in 1997 with the title track School Anthem and quickly became famous. Their fanbase significantly grew after 1998. Their songs, Couple, Chivalry, and Reckless Love are still famous among K-pop fans. SECHSKIES disbanded in the May 2000s only to reunite in 2016 under YG Entertainment with Three Words and have remained active ever since.
The 26-year-old K-pop group released the digital single Don’t Look Back in 2021 and charted on Genie and Bugs Music Chart an hour after its release. In 2023 SECHSKIES’ members are actively following solo projects and appearing on various reality shows. They will be celebrating their 27th debut anniversary this month.
2) Shinhwa (25 years)
Debut date: March 24, 1998
Managing labels: SM Entertainment, SHINHWA COMPANY, Stone Music Entertainment, Good Entertainment
Members: Eric Mun, Lee Min-woo, Kim Dong-wan, Shin Hye-sung, Jun Jin, and Andy Lee.
Shinhwa is a first-generation K-pop boy group. They debuted in 1998 with the title track To Mother and soon released its music video featuring actor Jang Hyuk. Their first commercial success came in 1999 with their album T.O.P. They topped the national charts in 2000 with the album Only One. Their songs Perfect Man and Wild Eyes are still famous among K-pop fans and are covered by many popular K-pop groups such as BTS.
The 25-year-old K-pop group released a darker version of All Your Dreams in commemoration of their 20th debut anniversary in 2018. They also held its 20th-anniversary concert in March 2019 and launched a new sub-unit called Shinhwa WDJ in winter 2022 and held Fanpart in Taiwan on April 8, 2023.
3) G.O.D (24 years)
Debut date: 1999
Managing labels: Sidus HQ, JYP Entertainment, Kakao M, CJ ENM
Members: Park Joon-hyung, Yoon Kye-sang, Danny Ahn, Son Ho-young, and Kim Tae-woo
G.O.D is a first-generation K-pop boy group. They debuted in 1999 with the title track To Mother and soon released a music video featuring actor Jang Hyuk. Their first song although considered a success now didn’t gain much response in 1999. Their first notable commercial success came in 2000 with their song Lies and their song Road is still famous among K-pop fans.
The 24-year-old K-pop group reunited in 2013 following a hiatus from 2006. They held their 15th-anniversary concert in 2014 and released the album Chapter 8 featuring the hit song The ugly duckling. The popular group also held concerts in December 2022 in Seoul and Busan and opened its first official Instagram account the same year.
4) TVXQ (20 years)
Debut date: 2006
Managing label: SM Entertainment
Members: U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin
Former members: Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun, and Xiah Junsu
TVXQ is a second-generation K-pop boy group. They debuted in 2006 with the title track Hug and O Holy Night. They soon achieved success in Korea following their appearance on music shows and processed to release music in Japan and China as well. Following this, they embarked on their first international tour in 2006 upon the success of the Rising Sun album. Their 2008 album Mirotic’s title track with the same name is one of the biggest hits of their career to this date.
The 20-year-old K-pop group released New Chapter #2: The Truth of Love in commemoration of their 15th debut anniversary in 2018. They also held an online Live-concert in May 2020 and released their extended Japanese pay Epitaph in 2023. They are currently on a ten-city tour across Japan.
5) SUPER JUNIOR (18 years)
Debut date: November 6, 2005
Managing label: SM Entertainment
Members: Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook, and Kyuhyun.
Former Members: Han Geng, Kibum, and Kangin.
Super Junior is a second-generation K-pop boy group. They debuted in 2005 with the digital single Twins (Knock-out). Following this, they released their second single Miracle in February 2006 and made their way into the international market. The group released their most popular hit Sorry, Sorry in 2009 and broke most of the records for the year. Their songs Mr. Simple and Mamacita are still famous among K-pop fans.
The 18-year-old K-pop group released a special single album titled The Road: Winter for Spring in February 2022 and embarked on their ninth concert world tour. In June 2022 they announced a follow-up album The Road: Keep on Going. Additionally, they released a regular album The Road in January 2023.
6) BIGBANG (17 years)
Debut date: August 19, 2006
Managing label: YG Entertainment
Members: G-dragon, Taeyang, and T.O.P
Former members: Seungri and Daesung
BIGBANG is a third-generation K-pop boy group. They debuted in 2006 with the single Bigbang and are soon famous for their follow-up singles including We Belong Together and Bigbang is VIP. They released their popular track Lies in 2007 and it become a massive hit. Their songs Last Farewell, Haru-Haru, Bad Boy, Fantastic Baby, Loser, Bang Bang Bang and many more are well-known among K-pop fans.
The 17-year-old K-pop group released Flower Road in March 2018 as a goodbye to their fans. However, they renewed their contacts in 2020 and released Still Life in 2022. According to recent updates, Taeyang is releasing an album following his hit single Vibe Ft BTS’ Jimin and G-dragon is working on various solo projects.
7) Girls’ Generation (16 years)
Debut date: August 5, 2007
Managing labels: SM Entertainment
Members: Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, and Seohyun
Girls’ Generation is a third-generation K-pop girl group. They debuted in 2007 with the hit single Into The New World. Even after the successful debut, it wasn’t until 2009 that they established their name with a popular album with the title track Gee. There songs Genie, Run Devil Run, Lion Heart, Paparazzi, I Got A Boy, and many more are famous among K-pop fans.
The 16-year-old K-pop group released a full-length album titled Forever 1 in commemoratioofth their 15th debut anniversary in 2022 ending their 5-year hiatus. They also released an 8-episode reality show titled Soshi TamTam and performed at SM Town Live in 2022. SNSD members are working on various solo projects in 2023.
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