With the K-pop industry being as competitive and fast-paced as it is, many idol groups disband or become inactive within just a few years often due to circumstances beyond their control.
In 2016 alone, 51 different K-pop groups debuted. As 2026 approaches, marking their 10th anniversary, only a small handful of those groups are still active or have not officially disbanded.
Here are the eight K-pop groups debuting in 2016 that are still standing along with one noteworthy exception.
1. SF9
SF9 debuted on October 5, 2016, with their first single “Fanfare.” Despite members enlisting for military service over the years, the group has continued group activities, including embarking on a world tour in 2025. Their most recent comeback, “Love Race,” was released in March 2025.
2. KNK
KNK debuted in March 2016 with “Knock.” Originally a five-member group, KNK has seen multiple lineup changes. Youjin left in 2018, followed by Seoham in 2021 and Heejun in 2022. Dongwon was added in 2018. Although the group’s most recent release dates back to September 2020, KNK has not officially disbanded.
3. ASTRO
ASTRO debuted on February 23, 2016, with “Hide & Seek.” While members have focused heavily on solo careers and unit projects, the group has remained active. Their latest group release came in February 2025 in celebration of their 9th anniversary.
4. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK debuted on August 8, 2016, with “Whistle” and “Boombayah.” The group is currently scheduled to make a full-group comeback in January 2026, following the pre-release single “Jump,” which launched at the start of their DEADLINE World Tour in summer 2025.
5. NCT
SM Entertainment’s expansive project group NCT debuted in April 2016 with NCT U’s “The 7th Sense.” Later that year, NCT 127 and NCT DREAM debuted, followed by additional sub-units including WayV, NCT DoJaeJung, and NCT Wish. As of now, NCT consists of 25 members, making it one of the most unique long-running projects in K-pop history.
6. PENTAGON
PENTAGON debuted on October 17, 2016, with “Gorilla.” Originally a 10-member group, the lineup was reduced to nine following DAWN’s departure in 2018. After multiple members left CUBE Entertainment, questions arose regarding the group’s future. Their most recent release was in October 2023, marking their 7th anniversary.
7. WJSN (Cosmic Girls)
WJSN debuted on February 16, 2016, with “Mo Mo Mo” and “Catch Me.” The group currently consists of nine members following the departure of Xuanyi, Cheng Xiao, and Meiqi. Although several members left Starship Entertainment, the agency released an official statement confirming that WJSN has not disbanded.
8. VICTON
VICTON debuted in November 2016 with “I’m Fine” and “What Time Is It Now?” While the group has not officially disbanded, VICTON is currently inactive. Former member Chan departed in 2022, and in April 2023, Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin chose not to renew their contracts with IST Entertainment. By December 2024, all remaining members had also left the agency.
Despite the lack of an official disbandment announcement, the group has not released new music since November 2022, and members are currently focused on individual activities.
Honorable Mention: MOMOLAND (The Exception)
MOMOLAND debuted in November 2016 with the album Finding MOMOLAND. The group officially disbanded in February 2023. However, in a rare turn of events, the six remaining members re-signed together under Inyeon Entertainment in April 2025 for group activities. They made their first comeback since disbandment in September 2025 with “Rodeo,” making them the only 2016 group to reunite after disbanding.
With agency issues, contract expirations, and individual career paths playing major roles in group longevity, it remains uncertain whether any of the other 2016-debuted groups will reunite in 2026. Still, these seven—and one exceptional comeback highlight just how rare long-term survival is in the K-pop industry.
Sources: Koreaboo
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