Which K-pop groups could have been some of the best idols right now if only they are treated better by their agencies? Read more to see who K-music fans think so!
In the latest rankings released by Exciting DC, GFRIEND was selected as an idol group that would have done better if they had met their agency better. Along with the group, B.A.P., Fromis9, Apink, ASTRO, and more also entered the list.
The poll was conducted in the Korean community site, which DC Inside and My Celebs operate. The votes then ran from June 6 to June 12, receiving a total of 6,638 participants.
K-music Fans Voted GFRIEND as the K-pop Group that Could've Been the Best if Treated Better by Agency
GFRIEND ranked first in the voting results under the theme of "Idol group that would have worked better if they had met their agency well". The sextet topped the list with 1,414 (21%) votes out of 6,638 votes.
In particular, the start of GFRIEND is undeniably good. Comprising of Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji, the group debuted in 2015 under Source Music.
In the same year, they won the "Rookie of the Year" Award based on their concept of "Power Innocent" and became one of the well-received girl groups in the music industry.
But in May 2021, the platform Weverse suddenly announced the termination of the contract between GFRIEND and their agency - startling news, given that the girl group had been showing a strong position in the K-pop scene.
BUDDYs, GFRIEND's fan base, then expressed their regrets, saying if the group met a different agency or had they been treated properly, they could have risen to the top.
ALSO READ: Source Music Apologizes for Lack of Communication With Fans Regarding GFRIEND's Disbandment and Problem on Membership Refunds
Ze:A, Rainbow, Apink: Idols with Huge Potential to be Top K-pop Groups if Only They Had Better Agency
Ze:A, also known as Children of the Empire, ranked second with 499 votes. The boy group comprises popular members, including Im Siwan, Park Hyungsik, Kim Dongjoon, and Hwang Kwanghee.
After their debut, they received initial success, but their agency's lack of planning skills hindered the group from rising.
Netizens conveyed that if the agency has given Ze: A a solid concept and better tracks, the group will join the list of most popular K-pop boy groups. Additionally, the agency could have utilized the members' talents and skills for group activities.
In third place, Rainbow got the spot with 448 votes. The second-gen group debuted in 2009 under DSP Media. Though their launch received favorable response, their group didn't receive proper support and promotion when the agency president collapsed. They continued being a K-pop group until they disbanded in 2016.
Fromis9, B1A4, and Nine Muses then ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth place, respectively. The heated response from K-pop fans for Nine Muses was evident when they joined the concert held by "MMTG."
B.A.P. was chosen for seventh place. They are indeed one of the top boy groups of the third generation, but their relationship with their agency turned sour due to mistreatment issues, particularly their salaries.
Oh My Girl and Laboum followed at No. 8 and No. 9, respectively. The two girl groups are well-received for their songs and concepts. But the lack of promotional strategies is an obstacle to their huge success.
Apink also entered at No. 10. The group is one of the remaining second-generation girl groups that are active in the music industry. They could have easily become one of the current best groups, at par with the younger groups, if only they had more activities and comeback.
Lastly, with the exceptional talent of ASTRO who ranked at No. 11, there is no doubt that they will rise as the top boy group along with SEVENTEEN, NCT, and more.
READ MORE: K-Pop Groups Who Made Their Small Companies Incredibly Rich and Successful
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Written by Eunice Dawson
