(Photo courtesy of JYP ENTERTAINMENT)

[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEONWOO] First love is not easily forgotten, no matter how much time passes. Idols who once dominated music shows are still taking the stage, releasing new music, and connecting with fans more than 10 or even 15 years after their debuts. Their activities have also become increasingly diverse, ranging from concert films and new unit projects to overseas fan concerts. As generational shifts accelerate in the K-POP industry, the story of second-generation idols is far from over.
 

(Photo courtesy of SM ENTERTAINMENT)

From the Big Screen to New Units: The Activities Continue

2PM is reconnecting with fans through a concert film. Released on October 21, ‘2PM CONCERT ‘THE RETURN’ IN CINEMA’ marks the group's first concert film. It captures ‘THE RETURN’, a full-group concert held for the first time in approximately three years to celebrate the group's 18th debut anniversary and the 15th anniversary of its Japanese debut. Audiences can enjoy signature hits such as ‘Heartbeat’, ‘10 out of 10’, and ‘Again & Again’, along with Japanese releases rarely performed in Korea. Years of performances and shared memories with fans are finding new life in movie theaters.

A new combination of Girls' Generation members is also drawing attention. HYOYEON, YURI, and SOOYOUNG have teamed up as the project group HyoRiSoo, which originated from YouTube content. The trio first came together through the "Fake Kim Hyoyeon" segment on HYOYEON's YouTube channel, ‘Hyo's Level Up’, before releasing their digital single ‘Skibidi’ on August 31. Following its release, the song attracted attention by topping YouTube's trending music chart in Korea. Combining the familiar chemistry of members who have worked together for years with the excitement of a new lineup, the project demonstrates how established artists can continue finding fresh ways to engage audiences.

 

(Photo courtesy of MBK ENTERTAINMENT)

Reuniting with Favorite Idols Across Borders

T-ARA continues to maintain close connections with its international fans. After holding fan meetings in Vietnam and China earlier this year, the group returned to Malaysia and Vietnam and recently held a fan concert in Taiwan. These gatherings across different regions demonstrate that fans who remember T-ARA's music and performances remain devoted to the group. Memories built around signature hits such as ‘Roly-Poly’, ‘Number 9’, and ‘Bo Peep Bo Peep’ continue to bring the group and its fans together across national borders.

KARA is also continuing its activities with fans. Consisting of PARK GYURI, HAN SEUNGYEON, NICOLE, KANG JIYOUNG, and HUR YOUNGJI, the group will hold its fan concert ‘2026 KARA JAPAN FAN-CON : Hello, KAMILIA! -GRAND FINALE in JAPAN-’ in Yokohama, Japan, on October 23 and 24. The event will offer an opportunity to share memories with KAMILIA, the group's longtime fandom. For fans who have supported KARA since its early years, the group's songs are more than just hit tracks. They serve as reminders of their own youth.

Other second-generation groups are continuing their activities as well. Celebrating its 16th debut anniversary this year, INFINITE reunited as a full group for its fan meeting ‘INFINITE RALLY V’. TVXQ!'s U-KNOW also connected with fans in Seoul and several other Asian cities through his first solo concert tour, ‘U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE#1’. Meanwhile, SECRET returned with special mini-album ‘Secret Flavor’ as a three-member group featuring new member YEBIN, marking its first new activities in approximately 12 years. From full-group reunions to unit projects and solo careers, these artists are continuing to take the stage in their own ways.

 

(Photo courtesy of JYP ENTERTAINMENT)

Beyond Nostalgia: Creating Value in the Present

What makes these activities particularly interesting is that they go beyond simply recreating past success. Fans now have more ways than ever to reconnect with their favorite artists, whether by watching concert films in theaters, listening to music from newly formed units, or attending fan concerts overseas. Those who remember the songs and performances of the past can still share the emotions of that era, while artists bring those memories into the present through new activities.

The young fans who once rushed home from school, dropped their backpacks, and sat in front of the television waiting for their favorite idols to perform have now grown into adults. They revisit the songs that accompanied their school years and head to concert venues to see the idols they once cherished like a first love. Performances they could only watch through a screen are now experiences they can enjoy in person. Retro trends and nostalgia are not simply about revisiting the past. They have the power to reconnect people through music, even after many years have passed.

In the rapidly evolving K-POP industry, the enduring presence of second-generation idols cannot be explained by past glory alone. Their continued relevance comes from the music and fandoms they have built over the years, as well as the new performances and projects they continue to create on that foundation.

Just as a first love can remain in someone's heart for years, a once-beloved idol does not have to exist only in memories. This is why enduring devotion and nostalgia can become lasting favorites rather than passing trends.

 yeonwoo38@hanteo.com