There is a maknae and a leader in every K-pop group. The leader is generally one of the oldest members, however, the maknae can also be the leader at times. In rare situations, no leader is named, and the group merely works in unison. Leadership is a feature that can be found among members of an idol group regardless of the setting, and it is critical for their interpersonal and professional relationships.
Here are nine K-pop star maknaes that display great leadership qualities and have a little bit of everything.
1. Taiji Seo & Boys
Starting with the original K-pop group, Seo Taiji, the trio’s leader, is the youngest of the trio’s other two members. The prominent maknae, as their careers attest, performed a good job rewiring the Korean music business in a path that allows it to address more relevant issues, mostly social criticism.
2. Sungjae from BTOB
We all know Sungjae for his ruthlessness, but did you know he was a BTOB interim leader? In actuality, because Minhyuk and Eunkwang were gone on military duty, Sungjae was picked by chance to take the post of leader until his members returned. Despite the jokes, the members know their maknae best and would not entrust him with the job unless he proved himself worthy.
3. Hwasa by MAMAMOO
If you’re unfamiliar with MAMAMOO and meet Hwasa for the first time, you’ll immediately assume she’s the boss. Because she is unabashedly herself and constantly speaks her thoughts, she has a strong and confident personality. She’s also really kind and smart, making her the ideal runner-up choice!
4. WINNER’s Seungyoon
Another leader maknae alert has arrived! Seungyoon was WINNER’s leader from the beginning, but it wasn’t until Nam Taehyun quit the group that he became the maknae as well. In any case, he fits well in with this aspect, since he has demonstrated his leadership potential throughout the years. Being the youngest now maybe his reward for all of his hard work thus far.
5. GOT7’s Yugyeom
Jay B thinks Yugyeom has what it takes to be a leader. In fact, when the two formed their Jus2 sub-unit, the maknae was named commander. Yugyeom’s leadership abilities, according to Jay B, are based on his ability to let members be themselves. Giving members the freedom to channel their true selves demands a lot of faith and belief in them!
6. Girls’ Generation-TTS’
Seohyun is another idol who has taken on a leadership position in a sub-unit. In fact, Taeyeon and Tiffany recognized and commended her abilities, and she was chosen to represent TTS. This isn’t surprising, since Seohyun has often demonstrated her selflessness, understanding, and cool-headedness.
7. BTS’s Jungkook
The golden maknae has a keen sense of leadership. While watching RM rap was the major reason Jungkook joined his current label, he continues to look up to his boss in other facets of life. This indicates that he understands what makes a strong leader and that channeling his inner leader is only a question of time as he strives to learn more from RM.
8. BLACKPINK’s Lisa
While the band does not have a leader, many fans liked speculating about who might fill the role if it became empty. Lisa’s name was mentioned several times, and given how her presence and aura dominate every stage she’s on and every individual she interacts with, it’s no surprise.
9. EXO’s Sehun
Sehun and Suho’s bromance is all about objectives. On camera, we typically see them being fun, but there’s more to it. Suho remarked during one of EXO’s concerts that Sehun has frequently claimed that he would be a fantastic leader and that he wants to give him that chance one day to see how well he would do. Now, if the leader believes in his maknae, then it’s a done deal
