Last week I talked about 10 Groups That Were Never Getting Back Together which, I admit, was a bit of a Debbie Downer. So to flip the script a bit, this week's Way Back Wednesday will feature groups that are still going strong and setting the standard for longevity in the K-pop world.
DJ DOC
Debut: 1994
When DJ DOC first debuted, Bill Clinton was in his first term as President, Apple Inc's market cap was around a Billion and they were struggling financially, 'Schindler's List' won the Oscar for Best Picture, and O.J. Simpson led police on the most infamous, low-speed police chase in history. Yeah, that was a long time ago.
Cool
Debut: 1994
The original Cool debuted in 1994 but the lineup that we all know and love today wasn't officially formed until 1995. Eighteen years later, Cool is still one of the most popular groups in K-pop with multiple generations listening to and singing their music, especially during the summer. That's pretty amazing.
Shinhwa
Debut: 1998
The gold standard of all K-pop idol groups (although they're certainly not idols anymore), the six members of Shinhwa have stuck it out together for the past fifteen years. Through military enlistments, management issues, and a few scandals, the group has seen it all and look like they're ready for another fifteen years.
Koyote
Debut: 1998
While member Shinji is the only original member of this trio, the name Koyote had been synonymous with fast-paced, frenetic, and fun music for the past fifteen years. The secret to their success seems to be the fact that they actually enjoy each other's company and here's hoping to even more success.
As One
Debut: 1999
Not only is As One an OG member of the K-pop world, they were also one of the first groups to feature Korean-American female singers. Members Crystal and Min have been quiet for a few years but they released a single earlier this year featuring their light as air harmonies that just can't be duplicated.
Jewelry
Debut: 2001
The group known as Jewelry has gone through a few changes and the current members are completely different from the original members but the group is unique in that there was almost a peaceful transfer of power without any drama.
Leessang
Debut: 2002
Did you know that Gary and Gil have been a team for over ten years? The two MC's were members of the legendary Honey Family crew before splitting off on their own. Today they're known more as variety show regulars but they still make some of my favorite music in K-pop.
Epik High
Debut: 2003
With all the turmoil surrounding Tablo it would've been understandable if the trio called it quits but they stuck together and are continuing to churn out some of the best hip hop in Korea.
Super Junior
Debut: 2005
When I first heard of the group concept, I honestly thought Super Junior was one of the worst ideas ever. How could a 13 member team work? How would you even remember the names? Although there have been some member subtractions, additions, and disappearances (whatever happened to Kibum?), the team is still going strong in their eighth year together as an international powerhouse.
Big Bang
Debut: 2006
The group actually started off the exact opposite of their name when they first debuted. I don't know of anyone who remembered these guys' first album back in 2006 but they're now one of the most popular groups and considered true artists in the game.
Like I said last week, nothing lasts forever in the world of K-pop but these groups are showing that forever is still a long way off.
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