Started From The Bottom: K-Pop Artists From Small Agencies Who Became Superstars

In 2021 alone, there were more than 60 K-pop groups that debuted and that does not even include soloists. Among those K-pop artists, only a handful came from established companies and a vast majority began from small agencies.

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Although debuting in a popular agency is almost always a great start to success, starting off in a small company does not limit one's potential. Throughout the history of the K-pop industry, there are a plethora of K-pop artists who had humble beginnings but are now major superstars.

With proper determination, grit, hard work, and enough talent, rookies in the K-pop industry can overcome all odds and hit immense success. For some, it will happen overnight while for others, it might take years.

One thing is for certain though, K-pop artists who debut in a small agency have the pressure of possibly carrying their companies on their backs. Notably, there are a plethora of K-pop artists who were able to do this and at present are very famous.

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Thus, here are the K-pop artists who started off from small companies and have succeeded:

B1A4 from WM Entertainment

Block B from Stardom Entertainment and Seven Seasons

Secret from TS Entertainment

Highlight, previously known as B2ST, from CUBE Entertainment

INFINITE from Woollim Entertainment

Girl's Day from Dream T Entertainment

EXID from Banana Culture

GFriend from Source Music

SISTAR from Starship Entertainment

MAMAMOO from RBW

SEVENTEEN from Pledis Entertainment

IU from LOEN Entertainment

BTS from Big Hit Music

Some of the K-pop artists that were mentioned have either transferred since their debut or have elevated their K-pop agencies. But all of the idols were able to succeed against the odds and are now superstars.