Recently I was playing a nostalgic kpop playlist, and for me, that means 2018-2020. Some of the artists on that playlist included Momoland, CLC, Everglow, etc. Listening to these songs made me remember the times when I first got into kpop, with so much good music to listen to for the first time, and many groups to get into.
Of course now in 2026 basically all of the aforementioned groups have lost members, disbanded, or have been on such long hiatuses that they faded into obscurity, that when they did come back it made no noise. Especially a group like Everglow, whom even at their debut they had the world in the palm of their hands. Seriously, their run of Bon Bon Chocolat, Adios, Dun Dun? Insane for a group under a small company.
At these group’s height, the thought of them being totally forgotten outside of the most dedicated of fans and the occasional nostalgia bait posts (… not like this one.. obviously…) online for people chasing clout, I would think you’re crazy.
Something all they have in common is that the management either didn’t know what they were doing, made a string of wrong decisions, and mismanaged these groups. MLD giving Momoland a carbon-copy of BBoom BBoom (… even if Baam was better lets be honest!), Cube not being able to make up their mind on CLC’s concept even though Hobgoblin’s girl crush concept was infinitely more suitable than any cute concept was for them, and Everglow with the “severe favoritism” issues with Mia (insert eyeroll here) and lack of regular comebacks.
Whenever I think of these groups and their problems, I wonder how far they could have gone in the industry, had they had been managed better. Because when you look at most of these groups discographies, it really wasn’t the music holding them back. Even CLC with how turbulent their concept was for most of their career, they had GREAT music to back them up. Not to mention, amazing vocals from Seunghee and great raps & charisma from Yeeun. I can envision them doing packed theaters or even some arena tours, steadily growing their fandoms.
Even IZ*ONE, group that was absolutely massive at the time, I can’t help but to wonder just how much further they could have gone had it not been for their untimely disbandment. I mean, just imagine how different kpop would look if they DIDN’T disband. No IVE, no Le Sserafim, etc.
We as fans don’t know everything behind the curtain and who knows, maybe things weren’t going well and it really was out of management’s control. Maybe they weren’t meant to be “big” the way some others are. But regardless, I can’t help to wonder. Sometimes it makes me sad. I am just happy to know that we at least had these groups then, and we can still support their upcoming projects, whether that is solo work, acting, or whatever else they decide to do. What are some groups that you think of? I didn’t list all of my personal ones of course, as there are too many!
submitted by /u/ICMAGU
[link] [comments]
