S.M. Entertainment is home to several successful K-pop units. Their continuous releases with different concepts is a game-changer when it comes to diversity and versatility in K-pop. Promoting as a smaller team also highlights the unique, powerful talents of each SMTOWN artist.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most iconic units which have made their mark in the industry!
1) Super Junior-K.R.Y.
Super Junior-K.R.Y. is considered the first official sub-unit group in K-pop and looked to as the epitome of live-singing due to their amazing vocals.
It was formed after SM founder Lee Sooman became captivated by the trio’s performance of “Please Forgive Me” by Gummy. The unit debuted in 2006 and is comprised of Super Junior‘s main vocalists: Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, and Yesung.
K.R.Y. then continued promoting as a sub-unit apart from their promotions and activities with Super Junior. They also released several Korean singles and Japanese albums, which were then followed by their concert tours. However, it was only this year when they finally got to release their first full Korean album, entitled When We Were Us.
2) Super Junior-M
Legendary is probably an understatement in describing Super Junior-M. They are the first international music group to successfully promote in China with both Korean and Chinese members. The success of this unit was huge, leading them to even win “Asia’s Most Popular New Group” just one month after their debut.
This Super Junior unit was specifically formed to enter the Chinese market, debuting in 2008 with Hangeng (leader), Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun and exclusive members, Zhou Mi and Henry. In 2011, Sungmin and Eunhyuk joined the team for promotions.
They last held a comeback in 2014 with “Swing,” but since then, no news of a possible return has been announced. Zhou Mi is currently the only Chinese member remaining in the group after Hangeng and Henry left S.M. in 2009 and 2018, respectively.
3) Girls’ Generation-Oh!GG
Debuting Girls’ Generation-Oh!GG is probably one of the more extraordinary decisions of S.M. Entertainment. After several members left the company, fans expected the remaining members to continue promoting under their regular group name, exactly as other groups have done in the past after member changes. Breaking from those norms, however, Girls’ Generation decided to form a new sub-unit with the remaining members instead!
Consisting of Hyoyeon, Yuri, YoonA, Sunny, and Taeyeon, they debuted in 2018 with “Lil’ Touch” which was very well received by their fans. After their short round of promotions, the members became fully focused on their solo careers.
However, rumors of a comeback has been circulating among fans and raised hopes of seeing them as a team again!
S.M. The Ballad is composed of powerful vocalists from almost every group under the company. They debuted in 2010 with “Miss You,” sung by Jay (TRAX), Kyuhyun (Super Junior), Jonghyun (SHINee), and Jino (currently Jinho of Cube Entertainment‘s PENTAGON).
In 2014, they made a comeback with “Breath.” It was performed by Changmin (TVXQ), Yesung (Super Junior), Zhou Mi (Super Junior-M), Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation), Krystal (f(x)), Chen (EXO), and original member Jonghyun.
This unit truly highlights some of S.M.’s strongest qualities: their fantastic vocalists and beautiful ballads!
5) SuperM
The list will not be complete without SuperM! In 2019, this group was launched with a specific intent to target the U.S. market, and it brought about mixed reactions from fans way beyond SMTOWN’s circle.
The awe-inspiring team consists of Taemin from SHINee, Baekhyun and Kai from EXO, Taeyong and Mark from NCT, and Lucas and Ten from WayV. This is the first ever S.M. unit to debut with an English song.
The formation of this group is somewhat similar to other specialized S.M. project groups Younique Unit and S.M. The Performance, which consisted of main dancers and all-around performers from different S.M. groups.
With their tours and follow-up releases, SuperM soon solidified their place in the music industry and in fans’ hearts! We too are looking forward to future releases from SuperM after the success of their most recent chart-topping album!
BONUS: NCT
When it comes to sub-units, many fans will be thinking of all the great sub-units offered by the collective group NCT. In their case, NCT is special since it is a large group that consistently changes its member lineup and is made up of sub-units which also promote as groups themselves. For that reason, it’s hard to choose just one sub-unit to include on this list.
There are units NCT Dream, NCT U, NCT 127, and WayV. Each one has its own concept, flavor, and distinct style. Together, the units form the collective group NCT. Most recently, they came together to promote as NCT 2020 and released parts one and two of NCT 2020 Resonance.
The concept of the units being connected but still seen as fully functional and individual groups (and in one case, even promoting in a different country!) is a unique concept that has only been attempted by NCT so far. With this concept and one unit having rotating members, NCT is definitely a game-changing group for K-pop.
More talented and game-changing sub-units exist at S.M. Entertainment as well! From Super Junior-T (the first-ever K-pop unit to take on the trot genre) to Girls’ Generation-TTS, what other units would you have included on this list? Which of the ones on this list are you favorites?
Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1!
Arianne is a feature writer of WTK who has recently been into K-pop but had been watching K-dramas for years!
Media: SMTOWN