In most K-pop groups, every member plays a different role. A very significant role, or perhaps the most important one, is the leader. A leader is, of course, the one who leads the group and looks after the members. When choosing a leader, one of the common factors is the age- the oldest member typically gets this role. But this doesn't apply to all K-pop groups as there are those whose leaders aren't the oldest but may have been with their agency for the longest time.
Listed below are eight K-pop leaders who are not the oldest members in their group.
8 K-pop Leaders Who Are Not the Oldest Members in Their Group
EXO Suho
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The first one on our list is EXO Suho, who was chosen as the leader probably because he had the longest training period out of all the members. He spent seven years as a trainee before his debut.
But regardless of the reason why Suho was picked, he surely fits the role of a leader and EXO-Ls can prove this.
BTS RM
BTS RM is another K-pop leader who is actually not the oldest member in the group. Like EXO Suho, he is also the member who trained the longest (about four years).
When BTS debuted, even though RM isn't the eldest, he seemed to be the most mature and confident among the members. Having the ability to speak English fluently, RM is doing a great job as a leader.
TWICE Jihyo
Jihyo's long training period is also presumed to be one of the reasons she was selected to lead TWICE. She was a trainee for a total of 10 years before debut.
During their appearance on "Showterview With Jessi," TWICE revealed that Jihyo is the leader because the members voted for her. They also agreed to Jessi's comment that Jihyo is trustworthy, that's why they chose her.
IVE Ahn Yujin
The leader position in Starship Entertainment's new girl group IVE was given to Ahn Yujin. The reason? Well, it may be because of her talent and experience in "Produce 48" and IZ*ONE.
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But even before her re-debut in IVE, her potential as a leader was already seen by her fellow IZ*ONE members. In one "Arcade II" episode, the maknae line of the group chose Yujin as the leader because according to Wonyoung, she "has that vibe" that befits a leader.
ENHYPEN Jungwon
ENHYPEN Jungwon also joins our list of K-pop leaders who are not the oldest in their group.
In an interview with Weverse Magazine, Jungwon revealed that the selection of the group's leader was a long process and that he became the leader because Heesung (who is the oldest member) came to him and said that he would like to remain a member rather than the leader since the other members might have difficulties talking to the leader if the leader was also the oldest in the group.
GOT7 Jay B
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Actually, Jay B didn't want to become GOT7's leader, and he even asked JYP Entertainment not to give him that position. Still, he was selected as the leader possibly because he trained the longest among the GOT7 members (along with Jinyoung, but Jay B is older by months).
TXT Soobin
TXT Soobin is said to have been chosen as the leader by Big Hit Music and the rest of the members during a leader evaluation.
In an interview with Weverse Magazine, Soobin revealed that he was burdened by many responsibilities as the group's leader at the time they were rookies. But thanks to his members' support, his load has lessened through time.
(G)I-DLE Soyeon
Finally, the leader position in (G)I-DLE was given to Soyeon because of her multi talents, which includes her abilities to sing, rap, dance, and produce music. Most of the time, she directly participates in (G)I-DLE's preparation for their next comeback, suggesting the concept of their next release and writing and/or composing the songs.
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Written by Maria Scott
