5 K-pop groups and idols that made a comeback in 2024: 2NE1, BigBang, and more

5 K-pop groups and idols that made a comeback in 2024: 2NE1, BigBang, and more
5 K-pop groups and idols that made a comeback in 2024 (Image via Instagram/@xxxibgdrgn, @dlwlrma, @j.m)

Many K-pop idols have recently made their long-awaited comebacks, marking 2024 as a landmark year. From solo artists stepping back into the spotlight to iconic groups reuniting for special anniversaries, 2024 has been filled with exciting new music and record-breaking moments.

This year, K-pop enthusiasts have seen highly anticipated releases from popular acts such as ATEEZ and aespa, alongside comebacks from beloved groups like Stray Kids, NewJeans, ITZY, and Kep1er, as well as BTS' Jimin.

Whether it’s EXO’s D.O. captivating fans with his emotional ballads or G-Dragon’s return after seven years, each artist has brought something unique to the table. More comebacks from the K-pop industry in 2024 are discussed below.

Note: This article reflects the author's opinion and is listed in no particular order.


From G-Dragon to Jimin: some of the comebacks in 2024

In 2024, several K-pop idols and groups have made their comeback, and the Sportskeeda team has picked some, which are:

  • EXO’s D.O. – Blossom
  • 2NE1 – Welcome Back Tour
  • BIGBANG’s G-Dragon – Solo Album
  • IU – The Winning
  • BTS’ Jimin – MUSE

1) EXO's Doh Kyung Soo (D.O.)

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With the mini-album Blossom, EXO's Doh Kyung Soo (D.O.) made a comeback in 2024. Released on May 7 at 6 pm KST, this marked D.O.'s return to the music scene after nearly eight months, since his last release in September 2023, when he dropped his second mini-album Expectation.

Blossom is a six-track record featuring the title track Mars, along with Simple Joys, Popcorn, Good Night, My Dear, and About Time. The album's title track Mars is a minimalistic, medium-tempo pop song that explores the courage to love someone despite significant differences, likening it to being from different planets. The lyrics in Kyung Soo's comeback song justify the theme quite well:

"If we meet too many times/ I hope it's no diffеrent/ Faster than worrying/ I want to get close to you/ But now I'm stuck on Mars."

2) 2NE1

Another comeback in 2024 is coming from 2NE1. As part of YG Entertainment's revival chapter, the agency announced a global tour to celebrate 2NE1's 15th anniversary - the Welcome Back Tour. This marks a monumental comeback for the iconic quartet, who last performed together in 2022 at Coachella.

On July 22, 2024, YG Entertainment released a special announcement video featuring the company’s founder, Yang Hyun Suk, where he officially confirmed the long-awaited return of 2NE1, revealing that the group will reunite as a full unit for a global tour that kicks off in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2024.

The tour will begin with a concert in Seoul, followed by performances in Japan—Osaka in late November and Tokyo in December. While specific dates and venues are yet to be announced, the excitement is already building as fans eagerly await the chance to relive the magic of 2NE1's music.


3) Big Bang's G-Dragon

G-Dragon Of K-pop Group Bigbang (Image via Getty)
G-Dragon Of K-pop Group Bigbang (Image via Getty)

G-Dragon, the main rapper and leader of the iconic K-Pop group BIGBANG, is gearing up to release his highly-anticipated solo album, marking his comeback in 2024 after a hiatus of seven years.

After his solo album KWON JI YONG, released in 2017, this K-pop idol will be releasing fresh content this year. The announcement came after a significant collaboration between G-Dragon and renowned French perfumer Frederic Malle.

His agency, Galaxy Corporation, confirmed his comeback in April while talking about the perfume collaboration. The agency said,

“He is working on a new album with the goal of returning with it in the second half of the year. Please look forward to it."

Read more: K-pop soloist G-Dragon confirms comeback in the second half of 2024 and announces global promotion plans


4) IU

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IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, has made a grand return to the music scene with her latest mini album The Winning, released on February 20, 2024. This marked her first album in more than two years and was her debut project in her 30s.

The album comprises five tracks, including the pre-released hit Love Wins All, and other standout songs like Shopper and Holssi. IU introduced The Winning through a candid 13-minute interview on her official YouTube channel, where she expressed a newfound sense of comfort in her 30s.

Love Wins All became the first song of 2024 to earn an All-Kill certification, topping charts across major streaming platforms, including Melon's Top 100. Additionally, its music video, featuring BTS member V, has garnered an impressive 76 million views to date.

Read more: 5 female K-pop idols turned actress: BLACKPINK Jisoo, IU, and others


5) BTS' Jimin

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This year, BTS' Jimin also made a comeback with his solo project Muse, released on July 19, 2024. This highly-anticipated album came nearly a year and a half after his debut solo EP FACE, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

Jimin's new album features seven tracks, including the lead single Who and the previously released song Closer Than This, which dropped in December 2023. Within just 48 days of its release, MUSE achieved a monumental milestone by surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify, making it the first and only K-pop album of 2024 to reach this feat.

This achievement also sets a new record for Jimin, as he became the first K-pop soloist in history to have two albums surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify. His debut album, FACE, reached this milestone within 153 days of its release, setting the record for the fastest K-pop solo album to achieve the feat.

Read more: BTS' Jimin's 'The Truth Untold' Exhibition: Dates, venue & all you need to know


2024 is packed with high-profile K-pop comebacks as well as new releases from their favorite artists, with STAYC's first full album Metamorphic, and BABYMONSTER's digital single Forever being some notable ones.

From seasoned idols to rising stars, the industry is alive with fresh sounds and exciting new music that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

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Edited by Janhavi Chauhan
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