While not unheard of, it's not every day a company decides to add a new member to an already existing group. Some say it's hard to gain a fanbase for that idol after the group has already debuted. These idols, however, managed to do it, and many often forget they were not part of the group's original lineup.
Here are 9 idols fans often forget were new additions to their groups:
1. Super Junior's Kyuhyun
Kyuhyun was added to Super Junior in 2006, a year after the group's debut. Originally, SM Entertainment had planned to launch Super Junior as a rotational group, that would experience numerous line-up changes, and new members would replace the graduated members every year to keep the group young and well-rounded. The company even had a list of members to graduate from the group. After adding Kyuhyun as the thirteenth member of the group, SM Entertainment scrapped the concept idea.
2. Red Velvet's Yeri
Yeri was added to Red Velvet in 2015, a year after the group's debut. SM Entertainment announced that former SM Rookies member that would join Red Velvet starting from their "Ice Cream Cake" comeback. Previously, Yeri was seen as one of the SM Rookies to appear in Red Velvet's debut music video for "Happiness".
3. KARA's Goo Hara
Goo Hara was added to KARA in 2008, two years after the group's debut. She was added to the group following the departure of Sunghee. Despite being a new member of the group, Hara is considered the most popular member, as she gained much attraction for her visuals during her debut stages.
4. Girl's Day's Yura and Hyeri
Yuri and Hyeri were added to the group in 2010, a few months after the group had debuted. They were added to the group following the departure of Jisun and Jiin. As they had joined the group during Girl's Day's early debut, most people have no idea that they were not actually original members.
5. Nine Muses' Kyungri
Kyungri was added to Nine Muses in 2012, two years after the group's debut. Like Hara, despite being a new addition to the group, she is considered their most popular member. Kyungri gained fame for her cat-like visuals and sensual stage charisma. She is also active as a soloist and an actress.
6. EXID's Solji
Solji was added to EXID in 2012, a year after the group's debut. Prior to joining EXID, Solji was a member of the vocal group 2NB that debuted in 2006. She also pursued a solo career in 2008. Solji was the group's vocal trainer before being recruited by the members to join the group.
7. After School's UEE
UEE was added to After School in 2009, three months after the group's debut. Prior to joining After School, she debuted in the girl group Five Girls in 2007 under Good Entertainment. Back then, she was members with G.NA, former Wonder Girls' member Yubin, former SECRET member Hyoseong, and former SPICA member Jiwon.
8. FTIsland's Song Seunghyun
Song Seunghyun was added to FTIsland in 2009, two years after the group's debut. Song Seunghyun was added to replace Oh Wonbin, who was leaving the group. He took over the position of guitarist, backup vocalist, and songwriter. He ended up leaving the group in 2019 to pursue an acting career.
Now any other idols who were new additions to their groups? Share them in the comments below!
