Sub-unit Duos

Photo: Red Velvet Official X

We all have our favorite K-Pop groups but did you know that some of them have sub-units where members form a smaller group, usually becoming a duo or a trio, releasing music that we perhaps wouldn't hear from their larger, parent group. With so many sub-units out there in the world of K-Pop, here are some for you to check out and add to your playlists.

“Break” - Super Junior D&E

From their 2024 EP INEVITABLE, "Break" stands out as one of the best singles from Super Junior D&E, a duo made up of Donghae and Eunhyuk from Super Junior (as their name suggests). Composed and written by Donghae, "Break" carries a pop charm with a backtrack that feels strongly reflective of the 2020s music era with its drum and guitar elements. Donghae and Eunhyuk approach the track with pleasantly light vocals that perfectly match the flow of the instrumental, whilst Eunhyuk simultaneously takes to the song with his hard-hitting rap vocals, creating a dynamic musical balance for the track.

“Heaven” -  Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi

Red Velvet - IRENE & SEULGI close their second mini album, TILT, with the sultry, R&B sounds of "Heaven." The song offers an old school vibe that feels reminiscent to girl groups of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, especially in the chorus. In signature Red Velvet - IRENE & SEULGI fashion, "Heaven" feels heavenly yet dark with rich, stunning vocals that draw you into Irene and Seulgi's zone, casting a musical spell that makes you never want to leave the track. 

“Slow Dance” - SHOWNU X HYUNGWON

2023 saw SHOWNU X HYUNGWON become the first, and so far, only, official sub-unit from MONSTA X, blending their soothing vocals for a new batch of music. From their debut album, The Unseen, the dreamy single "Slow Dance" stands out as one of the best tracks on the mini-album, showcasing the strong musical chemistry between the two artists. “Slow Dance” pulls on nostalgia and fun through its instrumental by featuring a sound heard across popular video games, intertwined with its R&B-pop arrangement. SHOWNU X HYUNGWON's melodic vocals take center stage, leaving MONBEBE wanting more from the duo, with new music officially on its way this month.