Life as a Kpop artist is tough and tiring. Many K-idols and singers make decisions for the well-being of their careers and moving forward with things that are worth pursuing. However, their fans' expectation with them never ends. Idols try their best to meet the expectation of their fans, but continous success, praise, and fame comes with the anxiety of maintaining one's image. Apart from the constant rehearsals, photoshoots, and studio recordings, Kpop idols face daily pressure to maintain their image and fame. One needs to avoid getting their names into scandals or some sort of legal trouble. Due to pressure and loneliness, some idols tend to make wrong decisions in their life and end up getting into real trouble resulting in legal cases or drug allegations, resulting in leaving the group behind.
But there is a saying that life is all about learning from struggles and mistakes and not giving up on your dreams. Ones who never give up on their dreams, ignore the negative thoughts, struggle to reach their goals, are determined towards their dreams, and start their journey over again to follow their passion are the ones who succeed and achieve more than just 'success'. Kpop artists who came back to follow their love for music after being active in the industry are very few. These artists succeeded with great entertainment and musical careers after departing from their groups.
Here are the top 6 Kpop artists who made successful debuts after leaving or being removed from their groups.
Jessica Jung
On September 2014, she was dismissed from Girls Generation due to alleged conflits between the groups schedule and her own business activities. Jessica also released a statement explaining that she had been ''forced out'' of the group and asked to leave the agency.
After exiting the group, she was active as a singer, actress, and a host. In February 2016, she signed with Coridel entertainment and started writing and composing song tracks for her album. On 30 September 2020, she published her debut novel, Shine. A sequel of the novel, bright, was also released on May 10, 2022.
B.I
Kim Han bin known professionally as B.I is a rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and executive producer under 131. In 2015, he debuted as leader of the south korean boy band 'iKon' under YG Entertainment. He also wrote songs for his group and received Songwriter of the Year Award at the 10th Melon Music Awards for iKon's Single ''Love Scenario."
On 12 June 2019, Drugs Allegation were raised against him for attempting to purchase marijuana.
In 26 August 2021, it was reported that B.I had admitted all the charges. After sometime of the scandal, B.I was once again active as a songwriter, music producer and as an excecutive director of IOK company.
In 2022, he resigned from his position and moved forward with his own record label, 131Label, which was previously affliated with IOK company.
Since then B.I has been the CEO of his self-founded music label active as a singer-songwriter, rapper, dancer and record producer.
Wonho
Lee Ho-seok known by his stage name Wonho, singer and a former member of the South Korean boy group MonstaX.
On October 31, Starship Entertainment announced Wonho's departure from Monsta X following allegations surrounding him, after rumors about the illegal use of marijuana when he was younger surfaced on social media.
After his departure, he signed with Highline Entertainment, a subsidiary of Starship Entertainment, as a solo artist. The agency announced that he would be promoting as a solo artist and producer. Since then he has been an active singer and performer in all these years.
He has also released his solo albums, worked on various musical projects, and also held tours and concerts in many countries.
Jay Park
On September 4, 2009, unfavorable comments towards Korea were found on Park's personal Myspace account from 2005. Park expressed deep remorse and shame over his forgotten words and issued an official apology, explaining the unhappiness that he experienced during his early days. Although outraged protesters demanded that Park should be removed from 2PM, JYP Entertainment's CEO, Park Jin-young, stated on September 7, 2009, that he was going to continue as a part of the group. The following day, Park announced on his official fancafe that he would be leaving the group to calm the situation and return to his hometown, Seattle, Washington. He also apologized to the other 2PM members, and promised that he would "come back a better person." Park Jin-young then confirmed that 2PM would continue as a six-member group.
Park returned to Korea on June 18. and signed a contract with sidus HQ. Park re-debuted and started working as a singer-songwriter, producer, and also as an actor.
In 2013, Jay Park launched his own hip- hop and R&B record Label. Currently, the label comprises of 19 musicians. Park's musical identity and struggle as a solo artist has lead him to become one of the top successful musician in south korea. He has been the most influential Artist to whom the young generation of musicians can look upon.
DAWN
After E'Dawn announced his relationship with Hyuna in August 2018. On September 13, it was announced that Cube had terminated E'Dawn and Hyuna's contracts, stating that they were unable to maintain trust with them. E'Dawn's departure from Cube Entertainment and Pentagon was officially confirmed on November 14, 2018. After the scandal both of them signed and join with the new label Pnation.
Edawn redebuted as soloist and a songwriter under the record label with the name ''Dawn''and made a comeback. Further, he collaborated with many other artists in the label. On January 30, 2023, it was announced that Dawn had signed a new contract with hip hop label, At Area.
Xander
Alexander Lee, known as Alexander or Xander, is a singer, actor, and host based in South Korea. He is a former member of the South Korean boy band U-KISS. On February 23, 2011, NH Media confirmed and released a statement that Alexander and his bandmate Ki Bum had left the group.
In 2017, he debuted in the Philippines as the main character in the 105-episode television series My Korean Jagiya. He is currently active as a television host on Arirang TV's #StyleCast 2017 and is also a daily radio host for the Double Date show on tbs eFM.From 2013 to 2015, he was also the brand ambassador and model for dENiZEN.
On July 28, 2020, Alexander revealed in an interview that he was kicked out of U-KISS due to his lack of popularity. He is currently active as a television host on Arirang TV and also previously done hosting at many concerts and variety shows.