Being the youngest in a group sounds easy, right? Less pressure, more pampering, and endless love from fans. That is a myth.
In Best K-Pop Maknaes, the maknae often works twice as hard. While seniors lead, the youngest member proves. They train longer, practice harder, and grow faster. Many global stars today started as shy teenagers standing at the end of the line. Now they lead stages, break records, and steal hearts.
This is why fans admire the Best K-Pop Maknaes so much. They remind us that age never limits impact. Talent wins. Effort speaks. Confidence grows. And sometimes, the smallest member carries the loudest applause.
Top 15 Best K-Pop Maknaes Who Stole the Spotlight
1. Jungkook (BTS)
Age: 28 | Birthplace: Busan, South Korea | Occupation: Singer, dancer, songwriter
Jungkook joined BTS when he was only 15 years old. At that age, most teens worry about school, but he trained for long hours every day. He practiced singing, dancing, and stage control without complaining. His goal was simple. He wanted to be useful to his team.
Over time, Jungkook became known for doing everything well. He sings with power, dances with precision, and performs with confidence. Fans gave him the nickname “Golden Maknae” because he shines in every role. Today, he leads global charts and performs on the world’s biggest stages. His journey shows how hard work can turn raw talent into greatness.
2. Tzuyu (TWICE)
Age: 26 | Birthplace: Tainan, Taiwan | Occupation: Singer, visual
Tzuyu moved from Taiwan to South Korea at a young age to follow her dream. She faced language barriers, cultural changes, and tough training schedules. Still, she stayed calm and focused. That calm nature later became her biggest strength.
On stage, Tzuyu looks graceful and confident. Off stage, she remains humble and respectful. As the youngest member, she learned from her seniors and slowly built her own identity. Fans admire her growth, discipline, and quiet confidence. Today, she stands as a global icon with strong influence across Asia and beyond.
3. Lisa (BLACKPINK)
Age: 28 | Birthplace: Buriram, Thailand | Occupation: Rapper, dancer
Lisa left her home country at a very young age to train in South Korea. She trained harder than most because she wanted to prove herself. Dance became her strongest skill. Her sharp moves and perfect timing made her stand out quickly.
As BLACKPINK’s maknae, Lisa brings powerful energy to every performance. She controls the stage with ease and confidence. Her fashion, music, and dance style influence fans worldwide. She proves that being the youngest does not limit leadership or global impact.
4. Dino (SEVENTEEN)
Age: 26 | Birthplace: Iksan, South Korea | Occupation: Dancer, rapper
Dino grew up in a dance-focused family, so movement became natural to him. He started training very young and stayed disciplined throughout his journey. While others focused on spotlight moments, Dino focused on improvement.
He now leads many dance performances in SEVENTEEN. He also helps create choreography, showing a deep understanding of movement and rhythm. Fans respect him for his dedication, humility, and passion. Even as the youngest, he earns trust through effort, not words.
5. I.N (Stray Kids)
Age: 25 | Birthplace: Busan, South Korea | Occupation: Singer
I.N began his journey as a shy and quiet trainee. Speaking on stage did not come easily to him. Instead of giving up, he worked on his vocals every day. Practice helped him gain confidence step by step.
His voice grew stronger with time. His stage presence became more natural. Fans love him for his honesty and sincerity. He never pretends to be perfect. His growth feels real and relatable. Today, he stands proudly as Stray Kids’ best k-pop maknaes, proving that steady effort always pays off.
6. Huening Kai (TXT)
Age: 23 | Birthplace: Honolulu, USA | Occupation: Singer, instrumentalist
Huening Kai stands out for his bright personality and natural talent. He grew up in a multicultural family, which helped him feel comfortable with different languages and cultures. This background also shaped his open and friendly nature. Fans often describe him as warm, cheerful, and easy to connect with.
He plays several musical instruments, including piano, guitar, and drums. This skill adds depth to TXT’s music and live performances. Huening Kai does not just sing on stage. He understands music at its core solidifying his reputation among the best k-pop maknaes. This makes his performances feel honest and full of emotion.
Inside the group, he brings positive energy. When members feel tired or stressed, his humor and smile lift the mood. He works hard but never loses his playful side. His balance of talent and kindness makes him special to fans around the world.
7. Ni-ki (ENHYPEN)
Age: 20 | Birthplace: Okayama, Japan | Occupation: Dancer
Ni-ki debuted at a very young age, but his skills shocked both fans and professionals. He trained in dance since childhood and mastered many styles early on. His movements look sharp, controlled, and powerful, even during difficult choreography.
On stage, Ni-ki performs with focus and confidence. He understands rhythm deeply and moves with perfect timing. Many viewers forget his age when they watch him dance. His performance level often matches or even exceeds that of older idols.
Despite his strong stage presence, he stays humble and keeps learning. He listens to feedback and improves fast. This mindset helped him grow quickly in the industry and earn respect. His journey shows that discipline and passion can overcome age limits.
8. Yeri (Red Velvet)
Age: 27 | Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea | Occupation: Singer, actress
Yeri joined Red Velvet later than the other members, which could have been challenging. Still, she adapted quickly and found her place in the group. She learned fast and showed strong emotional understanding in her performances.
Her voice adds softness and color to Red Velvet’s songs. She expresses feelings clearly, which helps listeners connect with the music. Over time, she also explored acting, showing her creative side beyond singing.
Yeri often shares thoughtful ideas and honest emotions. She speaks openly and brings fresh perspectives to her team. Her growth proves that timing does not define success. Commitment and creativity matter more.
9. Jongho (ATEEZ)
Age: 25 | Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea | Occupation: Main vocalist
Jongho is known for his powerful and stable voice. From his debut, listeners noticed his strong vocal control. He sings high notes clearly without strain, even during intense performances.
His vocals add emotional weight to ATEEZ’s music. When a song needs strength or drama, Jongho delivers it with confidence. He practices regularly to protect and improve his voice, showing discipline and focus.
Off stage, he stays calm and grounded. He does not rely only on natural talent. He works hard to stay consistent. This attitude makes him a reliable core member and a trusted vocalist.
10. Eunchae (LE SSERAFIM)
Age: 19 | Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea | Occupation: Dancer, singer
Eunchae is young, but she shows strong professionalism. She learns fast and adapts easily to new challenges. Her dance style looks clean and energetic, while her vocals continue to improve with each performance.
On stage, she performs with confidence and joy. She does not look nervous, even in front of large crowds. This calm mindset helps her stand out as a dependable performer.
Eunchae also brings fresh energy to her group. Her curiosity and willingness to grow push her forward. She listens, practices, and improves step by step. Her journey reflects a balance between youth and responsibility.
11. Kyujin (NMIXX)
Age: 18 | Birthplace: Bundang, South Korea | Occupation: Singer, dancer
Kyujin may be young, but her stage presence feels calm and confident. She understands timing, expressions, and movement better than many older idols. When she dances, her steps look sharp and clean. Nothing feels rushed or messy. Her vocals stay stable even during hard choreography, which shows strong training and focus.
Off stage, Kyujin appears thoughtful and hardworking. She listens carefully and improves fast. Many fans notice how she handles pressure with maturity. She does not rely on age-based charm. She relies on skill. This mindset suggests long-term growth and a strong future in K-pop.
12. Yuna (ITZY)
Age: 22 | Birthplace: Suwon, South Korea | Occupation: Singer, dancer
Yuna brings bright energy the moment she steps on stage. Her confidence feels natural, not forced. She smiles easily, moves freely, and connects with the audience without effort. Her dancing carries power and flexibility, which suits ITZY’s bold style.
13. Ningning (aespa)
What makes Yuna special is balance. She enjoys performing, but she stays focused. She never loses control during live stages. Fans love her playful side, but professionals respect her discipline. As the youngest, she grew into a dependable performer who lifts group energy every time.
Age: 23 | Birthplace: Harbin, China | Occupation: Vocalist
Ningning’s voice stands out from the first note. She sings with strength but keeps emotional control. Her high notes sound full, not strained. This skill takes years of vocal practice. She delivers emotion clearly, even during complex performances.
As a global idol, Ningning connects with fans across cultures. She adapts well to different styles and concepts. Each comeback shows growth in confidence and vocal depth. Her steady improvement proves she takes her role seriously and plans for long-term success.
14. Jisung (NCT DREAM)
Age: 24 | Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea | Occupation: Dancer, rapper
Jisung debuted at a very young age, which shaped his work habits early. He trained while growing up in the spotlight. This experience built strong discipline and patience. His dancing shows control, balance, and smooth transitions. He understands rhythm deeply.
As he matured, his confidence grew. He now performs with strength and calm focus. Other idols respect his consistency and effort. Jisung proves that starting young can build strong foundations when guided by hard work and dedication.
15. Sehun (EXO)
Age: 31 | Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea | Occupation: Dancer, rapper
Sehun began as EXO’s youngest member, known mainly for visuals and dance. Over time, he expanded his skills. His stage presence became stronger, and his confidence increased with every era. He learned how to command attention without trying too hard.
Beyond music, Sehun became a fashion icon. His style influenced trends and luxury brands. Younger idols often look up to his journey. His growth shows that steady effort matters more than fast fame. Sehun’s evolution inspires artists who want long and meaningful careers.
Fun Facts
- Jungkook trained in Los Angeles to refine dance skills.
- Lisa was the first non-Korean YG Entertainment trainee.
- Ni-ki appeared on stage with SHINee as a child dancer.
- Tzuyu ranked among the most searched idols globally.
Conclusion
Being the youngest never means being the weakest. The Best K-Pop Maknaes prove this every day.They start small, face pressure early, and grow under bright lights. Yet they rise with confidence, skill, and heart. Their stories remind us to trust our pace and stay hungry. If the youngest can shine this bright, anyone can step forward and own the stage.
