The roles in K-pop groups are clearly defined. One is the leader, one is the vocalist, another the dancer, and another the visual. However, it is the fifth role that is the most distinctive: The Maknae.
Unfortunately, a lot of times the only skill the maknae posses is being young. They were added to the group to fulfill that cute baby role, but often didn’t have as much training as the other group members. Sometimes they don’t even have the benefits of good looks because they are in their awkward stage, which sets them below even the visual in terms of utility. I’m not saying maknaes are useless… at least not all of them.
The maknaes’ deficiencies are especially evident vocally because so many times they are in their teens and their voices haven’t fully developed (and who likes listening to a prepubescent boy squeek? No one, that’s who). Once in a while, though, there is a maknae that shines. A maknae that takes the singing world by storm and proves that being young doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of outdoing your hyungs and unnies any day.
1. KRYSTAL OF F(X)
2. CHANGMIN OF TVXQ
3. MINZY OF 2NE1
4. JUNGKOOK OF BTS
5. KYUHYUN OF SUPER JUNIOR
6. GA-IN OF BROWN EYED GIRLS
7. JINWOON OF 2AM
8. YI-JEONG OF HISTORY
9. SEOHYUN OF SNSD
10. TAEMIN OF SHINEE
I bet you forgot some of these people were maknaes, didn’t you.
Don’t worry, I understand. It is hard to reconcile their killer vocal power and emotional vocal expression with the typical cute-but-dumb-as-a-brick-innocent image maknaes usually have. Some have had the talent since debut, and some have developed it over time, but it is undeniable that they can all hold their own in the cut-throat K-pop industry when it comes to singing.
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