K-pop Idols Who Left Their Groups Only to Rejoin Later

The K-pop industry, much like any other, can be tough, challenging, and unforgiving. While it has seen some of the biggest stars and most successful groups, it has also experienced heartbreaking departures and devastating downfalls. However, there have been instances where K-pop idols left their groups for a time and made triumphant returns in rare, miraculous cases. I’m particularly pleased that the list below features three female artists alongside two male artists, setting a positive example for future female idols. Let’s take a look at some K-pop idols who departed from their groups and made a comeback later on.

Sunmi - Wonder Girls
The talented solo artist was originally a member of the immensely popular girl group Wonder Girls. She left the group in 2010 to focus on her studies and personal pursuits but returned to JYP Entertainment in 2013. Sunmi rejoined Wonder Girls in 2015, just before the group disbanded in 2017, leaving their fans heartbroken. That doesn’t change the fact that Sunmi was a key contributor to the success of Wonder Girls.

Mark Lee - NCT Dream
This case is unique because Mark never officially left NCT Dream; instead, he graduated from the group. He debuted in 2016 as one of the seven members of NCT Dream, serving as the oldest member. The plan was for him to stay with the group until he turned 20, at which point he would graduate to another subunit. However, due to overwhelming demand from NCTzens (fans), Mark rejoined NCT Dream the same year, prompting SM Entertainment to scrap the graduation concept entirely and establish NCT Dream as a fixed subunit.

Heesun - Pink Fantasy
This heartwarming story highlights how K-pop also prioritizes an artist's mental health, countering the toxic narrative often portrayed by certain media outlets. Heesun, one-eighth of the girl group Pink Fantasy, debuted in 2018 but left the group the following year due to mental health challenges. She rejoined in 2020 as a "guest member." This serves as an important precedent not only for aspiring K-pop idols but also for young people in any profession, emphasizing that mental and physical well-being should take precedence over work commitments. It also underscores the responsibility of agencies to prioritize their artists' personal well-being above all else.

Yoon Kye Sang - g.o.d
This story harks back to the first generation of K-pop idols and groups. Yoon Kye Sang debuted as the vocalist of the immensely popular five-member boy band g.o.d in 1999. He left the group in 2004 to pursue an acting career. That same year, g.o.d transitioned from SidusHQ to JYP Entertainment, and two years later, in 2006, the group went on hiatus until 2014. When g.o.d made their long-awaited comeback in 2014, Yoon Kye Sang rejoined the group, returning as a five-member ensemble. This sets an important precedent for young K-pop idols, demonstrating that it’s perfectly acceptable to take a break and prioritize other ventures while stepping away from their idol careers.

Minzy - 2NE1
This year, 2NE1 held one of the most memorable reunion concerts, delighting fans as the pioneers of the "girl-crush" concept came together to perform as a full group. However, there was a time when Minzy, the main dancer and youngest member of 2NE1, left both the group and YG Entertainment in April 2016. Following her departure, the group disbanded that same year, with each member pursuing their own paths. In April 2022, 2NE1 surprised fans by taking the stage at Coachella as a complete group, with Minzy rejoining Dara, CL, and Bom. They reunited once again in 2024 to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary, proving that it’s possible to have the best of both worlds.