A revolutionary shift is taking place in the K-pop industry as a new generation of idols breaks away from traditional performance-only roles to become active music producers. Unlike the Western pop market where artists are typically expected to write and create their own music, the K-pop industry has historically operated as a performance-driven, highly polished system built on tightly managed production processes. Most group members have traditionally spent their careers performing songs created by professional composers and refined by their agencies' artist and repertoire teams, with vocals recorded over tracks either purchased from external sources or crafted by in-house producers who determine the group's overall sound and style.
However, an increasing number of K-pop idols are now pushing beyond these conventional boundaries, elevating themselves from mere performers to self-producing artists. These acts not only deliver compelling stage performances but also actively shape their music in recording studios—a rarity that is fundamentally redefining what it means to be an idol in today's K-pop landscape. This transformation represents a significant departure from the industry's traditional model and showcases the artistic growth of contemporary K-pop performers.
One of the most prominent examples of this trend is Woozi from the boy band Seventeen. Since the group's debut in 2015, Woozi has shouldered the responsibility for creating most of Seventeen's acclaimed discography, helping establish the group's identity as one of K-pop's most self-sufficient acts. His versatile production work spans from beat-heavy dance tracks to deeply emotional ballads, enabling the 13-member group to maintain a distinctive musical style. Woozi's impressive production credits include the debut single "Adore U" from 2015, the energetic "Clap" from 2017, the Japanese release "Not Alone" from 2021, and more recent chart-topping hits including "God of Music" from 2023 and "Thunder" from 2025.
Another powerful creative force in the current generation is 3RACHA, the production unit within K-pop powerhouse Stray Kids, formed by members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han. From the group's earliest days, this trio has overseen the creation of nearly every track in Stray Kids' extensive catalog, demonstrating remarkable creative control over their artistic output. Their notable productions include breakthrough hits "God's Menu" and "Back Door" from 2020, as well as more recent global successes like "Maniac" from 2022, "S-Class" from 2023, and "KARMA" from 2025. The songs produced by 3RACHA are often characterized by aggressive beats and unconventional musical structures, which have become defining elements of Stray Kids' worldwide appeal and commercial success.
In the girl group sphere, (G)I-DLE's leader Soyeon has similarly taken control of her group's musical trajectory through hands-on production work. Known for her bold lyrics and fearless approach to genre experimentation, Soyeon has written and produced the majority of the group's most celebrated hits throughout their career. Her production portfolio includes early breakthrough tracks like "LATATA" from 2018 and "HWAA" from 2021, as well as major commercial successes such as "Tomboy" from 2022, "Nxde" from 2022, and "Queencard" from 2023. Beyond her work with (G)I-DLE, Soyeon has expanded her influence by venturing into production for other artists, most notably contributing to rookie girl group Baby DONT Cry under P Nation. She played a key role in shaping their June debut album "F Girl" and their pre-debut track "Bet You'll Regret It," highlighting her growing influence in guiding K-pop's next generation of artists.
Boy band ATEEZ's frontman Hongjoong has likewise become inseparable from his group's creative identity, serving as their main creative engine and artistic visionary. He has been credited on nearly every release since the group's debut, skillfully weaving ATEEZ's bold concepts into music that perfectly complements their dynamic stage presence. Hongjoong's production work can be heard on standout tracks such as "Say My Name" from 2019, "Wonderland" from 2019, "Guerrilla" from 2022, and "Crazy Form" from 2023. His consistent involvement ensures that the group's discography maintains artistic cohesion while successfully translating their global ambitions into compelling musical content.
Among more recent debuts, Huh Yun-jin of the five-member girl group LE SSERAFIM has steadily expanded her role beyond performance since the group's formation in 2022. Huh has co-written several notable songs including "Impurities" from 2022 and "Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard's Wife" from 2023, bringing a distinctive lyrical voice and personal perspective to the group's growing catalog. Her contributions demonstrate how newer generation idols are increasingly taking creative ownership of their artistic output from early in their careers.
Among the newest acts making waves, BOYNEXTDOOR members Myung Jae-hyun, Taesan, and Woonhak have drawn significant attention for their extensive creative contributions since debuting under HYBE Label's KOZ Entertainment in 2023. The trio has accumulated writing and production credits on multiple releases, including their debut single "One and Only," follow-up tracks such as "Serenade" and "But I Like You," and more recent title songs including "Earth, Wind & Fire" from 2024. Their early involvement in the creative process signals a continuing trend toward idol-driven production in the industry's newest generation of artists.
