Exploring 6 K-Pop Groups Without Leaders: BLACKPINK, NewJeans, and Others

The global phenomenon of K-pop groups having little to no hierarchy is becoming increasingly recognized. From massive acts like BTS to iconic groups like EXO, many K-pop ensembles appoint a designated leader. However, a select number of groups, such as BLACKPINK and NewJeans, challenge this convention by thriving without an official leader.

Typically, a leader takes on the role of providing guidance and resolving issues within the group. However, BLACKPINK’s management team believes the group performs effectively without one. Similarly, NewJeans operates as a leaderless unit, showcasing a different dynamic in the K-pop industry.

K-pop Groups Without Official Leaders

Here are six notable groups that do not have any leader:

BLACKPINK
NewJeans
Miss A
Riize
K.A.R.D
2PM

1) BLACKPINK

2023 Investitures - Source: Getty — 2023 Investitures – Source: Getty

BLACKPINK, one of the leading K-pop girl groups, consists of four talented members. Managed by YG Entertainment, the CEO emphasized in an interview with Soompi that the group has no need for an official leader.

The CEO mentioned that all four members collaborate to find solutions, as designating a single leader can be challenging. Lisa, the youngest member, has expressed in the TV show Knowing Brothers that they distribute responsibilities among themselves, allowing them to function smoothly without a formal leader.

2) NewJeans

2023 World Scout Jamboree Closing Ceremony And "K-pop Super Live" Concert - Source: Getty — 2023 World Scout Jamboree Closing Ceremony And “K-pop Super Live” Concert – Source: Getty

NewJeans, a prominent 5th generation K-pop group, operates without an official leader. The former CEO of ADOR, Min Hee-jin, has embraced unconventional approaches and believes in defying traditional norms.

Remarkably, the group does not assign specific designations to its five members, reinforcing their leaderless structure.

3) Miss A

Miss A, a notable second-generation K-pop group, also did without an official leader. Debuting in 2010 and disbanding seven years later, the group comprised four members and was managed by JYP Entertainment.

Bae Suzy, a standout member of the group, has gained fame for her acting roles in K-dramas like While You Were Sleeping, Start-up, and Doona. The other members included Wang Feifei, Min, and Meng Jia.

4) Riize

Riize, a newly debuted K-pop boy band under SM Entertainment, also embraces a leaderless format. The group consists of seven members, and the agency has refrained from officially designating any member as the leader.

On their Weverse profile, they introduce members with unique titles like ‘the unrivaled performer’ or ‘the tallest member’, indicating a fun and democratic approach.

5) K.A.R.D

K.A.R.D is another exemplary K-pop group with no leader. This mixed-gender band has been active since 2016, officially debuting in 2017 with the mini-album Hola Hola. The group comprises four members and has cultivated a large following in Europe and America. Their seventh album, Where to Now?, was released in August.

6) 2PM

2 PM ( Image via Instagram/ real_2pmstagram)

Initially, 2PM debuted with a leader in 2008; Park Jaebum served as the group’s official leader. However, after a year, he departed due to a 2005 controversy related to comments made on MySpace, which sparked backlash from fans.

Despite Park Jaebum’s apology, the controversy lingered, leading him to leave the group with a farewell note in 2009. JYP Entertainment stated they hadn’t made definitive decisions at that time.

Beyond these examples, fans can discover various other K-pop groups without leaders, including NCT Dream, iKON, Secret Number, and JYJ.

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