In K-pop, the informal term “Suzy Case” is commonly used among netizens to describe a scenario in which one member of a group becomes disproportionately popular, receiving overwhelming promotional focus. Over time, this imbalance often leads to the gradual fading of the remaining members, internal tensions, and, ultimately, disbandment.
Yet, it is precisely because these groups have such standout members often referred to as “fan magnets” that agencies capitalize on their star power to elevate the group’s fame. Unfortunately, the result is frequently what fans call “A and Friends,” a narrative that has proven to be a silent sentence for many once-promising groups.
Suzy: Born to Be a Superstar, But at What Cost?
When miss a debuted in 2010 under JYP Entertainment, the group made history by winning a Daesang with Bad Girl Good Girl just four months after debut a first for a girl group. However, the dynamic began to shift when Suzy starred in Dream High (2011) and exploded in popularity as the “Nation’s First Love.” From then on, the media spotlight shone almost exclusively on her.
Suzy dominated in drama, advertising, and public recognition. Ironically, Min and Jia were initially expected to lead the group, yet their visibility paled in comparison to Suzy’s stardom. Over time, “Suzy and Friends” became the group’s unspoken tagline.
This growing imbalance sparked internal strain. Fans even observed Suzy being subtly isolated during group events. In 2017, miss A disbanded a move many had long anticipated. Suzy stayed with JYP for a time before fully pursuing her acting career.
While Suzy’s popularity wasn’t planned, JYP doubled down on promoting her. The more Suzy’s individual brand soared, the more miss A’s group identity faded. At fan meetings, the audience often comprised solely of Suzy’s fans.
A Lesson Learned: JYP’s Strategy Shift After Suzy
The aftermath of miss A’s imbalance seemingly influenced how JYP managed future groups. With TWICE, the company emphasized even line distribution and image exposure. Although Tzuyu was massively popular from 2016 to 2018, her solo activities were notably restricted a rumored internal “soft ban” believed to be a preventive measure to avoid another “Suzy scenario.“
The results speak for themselves: TWICE has enjoyed nearly a decade of stable activity, selling out tours and albums, albeit without one dominant face representing the group.
Similar strategies have been applied to ITZY and NMIXX. Despite Yuna going viral during the DALLA DALLA era and Sullyoon being hailed as a top Gen 4 visual, both were carefully managed without aggressive solo exposure. Critics argue this overly cautious approach has contributed to ITZY’s waning visibility and NMIXX’s stagnation.
Beyond Miss A: Other “A and Friends” Cases in K-pop
HyunA and 4minute
Debuting in 2009, HyunA quickly captured attention with her charismatic stage presence. Her 2011 solo hit Bubble Pop! catapulted her into superstardom, making 4Minute feel like her backup group. The resulting imbalance led to internal discord, culminating in the group’s disbandment in 2016. Only HyunA renewed her contract with Cube Entertainment, but she, too, left the agency in 2018. Notably, the other four members unfollowed her on social media—an apparent sign of unresolved tension.
Chaeyeon and DIA
DIA, launched in 2015 under MBK Entertainment, was meant to inherit T-ARA’s legacy. However, only Chaeyeon rose to fame, thanks to her appearance on Produce 101 and subsequent I.O.I debut. Her image as a “first love beauty” earned her solo CFs and acting gigs, while the rest of DIA faded into obscurity. By 2022, DIA officially disbanded after years of inactivity that revolved almost entirely around Chaeyeon.
Cha Eun Woo and ASTRO
Handsome and charismatic, Cha Eun-woo transcended idol fame through lead roles in popular dramas like My ID is Gangnam Beauty and True Beauty. Although ASTRO debuted in 2016 with a strong lineup, Eun-woo’s solo fame began to overshadow the group. The media routinely focused on him, sidelining the others. After Moonbin’s tragic passing in 2023 and multiple member departures, ASTRO fell into an indefinite hiatus, with only Eun-woo still active under Fantagio.
Zico and Block B
An exceptional rapper and producer, Zico took Block B into the spotlight. But as the group struggled with management scandals, Zico’s solo success skyrocketed with hits like Any Song and Artist. Eventually, he left the group in 2018 to form KOZ Entertainment. Since then, Block B has been effectively inactive, remembered more for Zico’s success than for the group’s legacy.
A Cautionary Tale for K-pop Agencies
The “Suzy Case” is not a one-off it is a cautionary tale. While it may seem beneficial to leverage a standout member for exposure, doing so at the cost of group cohesion can be destructive in the long run. Fans may initially rally behind a solo breakout, but the loss of group identity often results in disbandment, fractured fandoms, and wasted potential.
Agencies must strike a careful balance. Star power should elevate the group not eclipse it. If not, the group’s name risks becoming a footnote to one person’s career a tragic pattern that the K-pop industry cannot afford to repeat.
