Why is GOT7 so popular?
As Ahgase enjoy GOT7’s long-awaited comeback, we delve into their career and take a look at what makes this group so popular.
GOT7 for their EP ‘WINTER HEPTAGON.’ Image: Warner Music Korea.
When GOT7 chose not to renew their contracts with JYP Entertainment in 2021, Ahgase (GOT7 fans) were understandably worried about what would be next for their boys. The third-generation group had worldwide success in their seven years since debut but, knowing the K-pop industry, they understood that retaining the rights to their name—never mind the music—they had created could be difficult. Surprisingly, they were allowed to leave with both.
Shortly after leaving JYPE in February of 2021, the group released the single “Encore,” showing fans that they had the intention to keep creating and releasing music together. At the same time creating new social media channels which were no longer connected to their previous company.
This was followed by the launch of new social media channels across X, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok (@got7_isourname) in preparation for their first comeback since their departure from JYPE, a self-titled EP, and the introduction of their new logo.
The history of GOT7
The first members to join JYPE were Jaebeom (JB) and Jinyoung in 2009, collectively using the stage name ‘Junior’ began their career as actors, something which Jinyoung continued doing throughout his time with JYPE. They then debuted as a pop duo named ‘JJ Project’ with the single “Bounce.”
2010 saw members Mark Tuan and BamBam scouted to the company through auditions in their respective countries: Los Angeles, America and Bangkok, Thailand. Within the same year, Yugyeom, became a trainee through his dance school, then Jackson passed his audition in Hong Kong, officially joining the company in 2011.
While JB and Jinyoung were releasing their single, Jackson, Mark, Yugyeom and BamBam were taking part in Mnet’s Who is next: WIN reality-survival show in September of 2013. After the show they were put together along with new trainee YoungJae who had recently joined the company to create the group GOT7.
Initially being introduced as JYPE’s new boy group, and the first since 2PM in 2008, on 1 January 2014, their first EP Got it? was released on January 20 2014. From their debut until they ended their contract with JYPE, the group had released five studio albums, 14 EPs, 22 singles, 12 video albums and two box sets. An impressive discography by western standards! All while taking on projects such as being brand ambassadors, and another sub-unit ‘Jus2’ consisting of members JB and Yugyeom, as well as a range of solo projects.
GOT7’s solo endeavours
In the interim since the release of their self-titled album in 2021 the boys have been busy with solo projects so here is a quick rundown of what each member has been up to:
Jay B (changed from the original JB soon after leaving JYPE) was given offers from many agencies and signed with H1GHR MUSIC in 2021, then moving to CDNZA Records in 2022.
He has released two albums “SOMO: FUME” and “Love” as well as gaining writing credits under the name “Defsoul.” Jay B enlisted for his mandatory military service in February 2023 and was discharged on 1 November 2024.
Mark returned to LA after the groups EP release, he began streaming on YouTube, released a full-length English album and went on tour in the US.
He opened the Mark Tuan Studio in Beijing due to his popularity in China and has continued to do promotions over there. He has also spent a lot of time in Thailand with sold out fan meets and concerts. He also contributed to the Shang-Chi soundtrack with singer BIBI and the song “Never gonna come down.”
Jackson, arguably one of the hardest working people in K-pop, created his Team Wang brand in 2017 which covers his solo music projects and production. The brand expanded into fashion as Team Wang Design in 2020.
TEAM WANG. Image via offcultured.
From 2016 to the present-day Jackson has continued to create music releasing 21 singles, two studio albums, working on 44 collaborations and embarking on a world tour in 2022. He has also continued to work with his design team on his fashion label and a collaboration with Fendi.
Jinyoung joined the agency BH Entertainment after his departure from JYPE to continue with his acting career. He has starred in many K-dramas including He is Psychometric, The Devil Judge and Yumi’s Cells as well as being on numerous soundtracks.
Jinyoung also released an album ‘Chapter 0: WITH’ in 2023 prior to embarking on his mandatory military service in May of the same year. He was discharged on November 7 2024, and was the first of GOT7 to (accidentally?) announce the group would be having a comeback.
Youngjae has also been busy over the past few years starring in theatre shows Midnight Sun, The Days and is due to take the lead role in Dream High from April this year. He has also starred in various K-dramas and variety shows as well as releasing two EP’s and one studio album.
Youngjae alongside the rest of the cast of the upcoming sitcom ‘So Not Worth It.’
Youngjae has been hosting the radio show GOT7 Youngjae’s Best Friend on MBC Radio station.
Bambam joined Abyss Company after leaving JYPE and made his debut as a solo artist later that year with the release of his EP ‘riBBon,’ followed by performances at SBS Super Concert 2021 and 2021 K-Expo, ending the year with the release of his single “Who Are You?.”
Bambam has continued to release music with numerous singles, three EPs and a studio album. He has toured Asia and was MC for Mark during his fan meeting in Thailand.
Yugyeom quickly signed with the agency AOMG owned by former 2pm member Jay Park. He released his first single and EP in June 2021. He then performed at the We Are All One concert as part of the Tokyo Olympic games as well as AOMG’s online concert Above Ordinary. Yugyeom has also released one studio album and numerous singles.
As it stands now, Youngjae and Yugyeom have yet to do their mandatory military service but are rumoured to be enlisting sometime this year.
The long-awaited comeback has built excitement for Ahgase, with the announcement of their new album ‘WINTER HEPTAGON’ and the surprise that they will be embarking on their first concert in three years, to celebrate their 11th anniversary. It will also be available to watch online where they plan to show off their unique diversity with various performances and stages.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham and Maia Anselmo.
