iKON is a popular South Korean boy group that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their music and performances. While many people know their hit songs, there are some fascinating facts about the group that you might not be aware of. Let’s dive into 10 interesting facts about iKON that will surprise and delight both new and longtime fans!
1. The Meaning Behind Their Name
iKON’s name has a special meaning. The group’s name comes from the word “icon,” which represents their goal to become an icon for Korea. That’s why they changed the “C” to a “K” in their name. It shows their ambition to represent their country through their music and performances.
2. Their Incredible Pre-debut Popularity
Even before iKON officially debuted, they were already incredibly popular. During their time on the reality TV show “Mix & Match,” which determined the final lineup of the group, an amazing 150,000 people applied to attend their final performance. This huge number shows just how much fans were excited about iKON even before they released their first song.
3. A Record-Breaking Debut
iKON’s debut was nothing short of spectacular. They achieved something that very few K-pop groups have done – they won their first music show with their debut song “My Type” before they even made an official live appearance. This early success showed that iKON was destined for greatness from the very beginning.
4. The “Love Scenario” Phenomenon
In 2018, iKON released a song called “Love Scenario” that became a massive hit in South Korea. The song was so popular that it was used everywhere – from TV advertisements to Korean dramas. It stayed at the top of music charts for an impressive six weeks, which is a rare achievement for any K-pop song.
5. Their Own Reality Show
iKON had their very own reality show called “iKON TV.” What made this show special was that each member of the group had the chance to be a director for an episode. They could come up with their own ideas for what to show on the program. This gave fans a unique look into the personalities and creativity of each iKON member.
6. A Talented Chef in the Group
One of iKON’s members, Yunhyeong (also known as Song), has a special talent outside of music. His family owns a BBQ restaurant, which might explain why he’s so good at cooking. In fact, the other members of iKON gave him the nickname “Song Chef” because of his cooking skills. It’s always fun to see idols with talents beyond singing and dancing!
7. From Child Actor to K-pop Star
Before joining iKON, one of the members had a different kind of fame. Chanwoo, the youngest member of the group, was a child actor before he became a K-pop idol. He appeared in several Korean TV shows and movies when he was younger. This early experience in the entertainment industry probably helped him prepare for life as a K-pop star.
8. Their International Appeal
iKON’s popularity isn’t limited to just South Korea. They’ve released music in both Korean and Japanese, showing their appeal to fans in different countries. The group has also held tours in various parts of Asia, proving that their music crosses language barriers and connects with people from different cultures.
9. A Group Without a Leader
Most K-pop groups have a designated leader, but iKON is different. After their original leader left the group in 2019, iKON decided not to choose a new leader. This makes them one of the few K-pop groups that doesn’t have an official leader. Instead, all members work together to make decisions and guide the group.
10. Their New Beginning
In late 2022, iKON made a big change in their career. After seven years with their original company, YG Entertainment, all the members decided to move to a new agency called 143 Entertainment. This move marked a new chapter in iKON’s story, showing their determination to continue growing and evolving as artists.