K-Pop Idols Who Nearly Debuted in Other Groups

27/02/2025

K-Pop Idols Who Nearly Debuted in Other Groups

What if your favorite K-pop idols had debuted in completely different groups? The K-pop industry is packed with near-misses and surprising twists, where one decision could have changed everything. Here are the fascinating stories of stars who almost ended up on a very different stage!

Table of Contents

Allen (CRAVITY)

Allen, the charismatic main dancer and lead rapper of CRAVITY, almost took a completely different path in K-pop. From 2016 to 2018, he trained under JYP Entertainment and was set to participate in the Stray Kids Survival Show. This could have made him a member of Stray Kids, but fate had other plans. Allen was replaced before the show’s first episode, paving the way for his debut with CRAVITY instead. Despite this twist in his journey, he remains close with Stray Kids members like Bang Chan, showcasing a lasting bond from his trainee days. What a crazy unexpected turn!

Subin (VICTON)

Subin, the vocalist, rapper, and maknae of VICTON, also encountered a winding road to success. Before finding his home at Play M Entertainment, Subin trained at both JYP Entertainment and Cube Entertainment, coming tantalizingly close to debuting with PENTAGON. However, his journey took another direction when he left Cube in search of better opportunities. Ultimately, his perseverance led him to VICTON, proving that sometimes the road less traveled leads to the right destination.

SongSun (TRI.BE)

For fans obsessed with TRI.BE, it’s almost impossible to picture SongSun anywhere else, but her road to stardom was a total rollercoaster. Back when she was training alongside Hyunbin and Nayoung at Banana Culture, the trio was all set to debut in a new girl group—then came the heartbreak. Everything fell apart, leaving her mentally drained after years of training without a debut.

Over nine grueling years, SongSun came agonizingly close to debuting ten times. Every opportunity slipped through her fingers, making it seem like her dream would never come true. But in February 2021, TRI.BE exploded onto the K-pop scene with ‘Doom Doom Ta,’ a high-energy anthem created by Shinsadong Tiger with lyrics co-written by EXID’s LE. This seven-member, multicultural group—featuring idols from Korea, Taiwan, and Japan—proved that sometimes, the most incredible success comes after the hardest struggles. Talk about a glow-up!

Shownu (MONSTA X)

Shownu, MONSTA X’s leader, main dancer, and lead vocalist, had a path that could have led him to debut with GOT7. While training at JYP Entertainment, Shownu spent considerable time alongside the GOT7 members, forming strong friendships during their shared trainee days. However, due to training absences, he left JYP and eventually joined Starship Entertainment. Despite this change in trajectory, Shownu remains close to the GOT7 members to this day, highlighting the enduring connections formed in their early struggles.

Jinho (PENTAGON)

As one of SM Entertainment’s most well-known trainees, Jinho came incredibly close to debuting as part of EXO. However, when the label decided to cap EXO’s lineup at twelve members instead of thirteen, Jinho realized it could take years to debut in another group at SM. Refusing to let his dream fade, he left SM and joined Cube Entertainment, ultimately debuting with PENTAGON. Jinho’s journey, filled with determination and resilience, is a reminder that setbacks often pave the way for greater opportunities.

Mino (WINNER)

Mino, now WINNER’s dynamic main rapper and face of the group, also faced unexpected challenges in his early career. Originally part of Block B’s five-member lineup, he ultimately didn’t debut with them due to contract disputes. However, this setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Mino brought his experience to YG Entertainment and found his place with WINNER, where his talent has flourished.

Wooyoung (ATEEZ)

Wooyoung, the second-youngest member, main dancer, sub-vocalist, and visual of ATEEZ, took an interesting journey to where he is today. Before joining KQ Entertainment, both he and fellow member Yeosang were trainees at BigHit Entertainment, raising the possibility that they might have debuted in TXT. However, fate had a different plan. When Yeosang decided to leave BigHit in hopes of debuting sooner elsewhere, Wooyoung made the heartfelt decision to follow his friend. Their loyalty was rewarded when they ultimately found their way to ATEEZ, proving some paths are meant to be walked together.

S.Coups (SEVENTEEN)

S.Coups, SEVENTEEN’s fearless leader and hip-hop team captain, could have found himself in a very different group. He and fellow SEVENTEEN member Woozi hold the title of longest trainees at Pledis Entertainment, both spending six years before debuting in 2015. In fact, S.Coups was initially slated to debut with NU’EST in 2012, but lineup changes shifted his trajectory, leading him to become the backbone of SEVENTEEN instead. Sometimes, detours lead to even greater destinations.

Taemin (SHINee)

Taemin, SHINee’s legendary main dancer and youngest member, once wondered if his destiny lay elsewhere. Debuting with SHINee as a teenager, he admitted he felt nervous about the group’s “younger boyfriend” concept. He even mused about what his career might have looked like had he debuted with EXO, whose members are closer to him in age. Yet, his journey with SHINee solidified his status as one of K-pop’s most iconic idols, proving that taking a leap of faith was worth it.

Somi (Soloist)

Somi almost became a part of both TWICE and ITZY. Before competing on Produce 101, she was in JYP Entertainment’s survival show Sixteen, where trainees fought for a spot in what is now TWICE. Somi made it to the final round but didn’t make the cut. Undeterred, she stayed with JYP, eventually ranking first on Produce 101 and becoming part of I.O.I.

When I.O.I disbanded, fans speculated that Somi was set to debut in ITZY’s initial lineup. But the truth was that Somi wasn’t completely committed to ITZY. By that time, she was already a superstar after winning Produce 101. Her popularity was on another level—ITZY would have ended up being Somi featuring ITZY. With her lengthy training, rap skills, and strong vocals, she could have overshadowed the group’s dynamic.

Ultimately, Somi was destined to shine as a soloist and ITZY are doing amazingly on their own. Instead of being part of a team, Somi is now a star in her own right, and we would not have it any other way!

Suho (EXO)

Suho almost made his debut with SHINee. His journey to EXO was anything but smooth. Joining SM Entertainment in 2006, he trained for six to seven years. During that time, he narrowly missed his chance to debut with SHINee and even suffered a serious leg injury that left him sidelined for months. Kai would carry Suho on his back to practice because he couldn’t use the stairs, yet Suho refused to sit out, fearing he would fall behind.

The setbacks took a toll on him emotionally—he battled feelings of depression and self-doubt, even causing a temporary rift with Minho. Feeling lost, Suho shifted focus to acting and enrolled at the prestigious Korea National University of Arts, which forbids students from participating in entertainment activities.

But in 2010, when EXO was announced, Suho faced a life-changing decision: follow his dream of becoming an idol or focus on acting. Suho’s passion for performing ultimately won, leading him to take a leap of faith and join EXO. And we’re so glad he did!

Cho Mi-yeon ((G)I-DLE)

When BLACKPINK was first conceptualized, YG Entertainment envisioned a larger group with nine members. Among the trainees heavily considered was Cho Mi-yeon, who trained alongside Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa during their pre-debut days. Miyeon’s inclusion in BLACKPINK seemed almost certain—her skills and dedication made her a top contender.

However, just six months before BLACKPINK’s debut, she was removed from the lineup. Speculation points to a rumored dating scandal involving Jung Jin-hyung, but Miyeon herself has denied this story, stating she left by her own accord. Fans claim that BLACKPINK’s emotional ballad “STAY” might be about a fifth member leaving unexpectedly, though this remains a fan theory. Ultimately, Miyeon was simply destined to be with (G)I-DLE.

J-Hope & Jin (BTS)

It’s hard to imagine BTS members in any other group, but for J-Hope, that possibility was not so far-fetched. He auditioned for JYP Entertainment, showcasing his incredible dance skills, but the company turned him down. Had they accepted him, J-Hope might have debuted as part of GOT7. Thankfully, fate had a different plan, and he eventually found his home with BTS.

Meanwhile, Jin also had an unexpected brush with a different destiny. While still in middle school, he was approached by a manager from SM Entertainment, who wanted to scout him. Believing the offer was a scam, Jin turned it down. Had he accepted, he might have joined EXO, altering the course of K-pop history.

Wendy (Red Velvet)

Lastly, Wendy, the talented main vocalist of Red Velvet, had an intriguing start in entertainment. In 2010, she participated in an audition organized by Cube Entertainment and Koreaboo, making it to the final fifteen out of 5,000 participants. She didn’t win the audition, so she didn’t join Cube. Had things gone differently, Wendy might have debuted with CLC, changing the trajectory of Red Velvet forever.

Conclusion

These stories highlight how one small decision can completely alter a K-pop idol’s path. Despite the near-misses and last-minute changes, each artist ended up where they truly belong. As fans, we can’t help but wonder about the “what ifs,” but in the end, these unexpected twists have given us the groups and soloists we love today. Sometimes, fate just knows best.

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