K-Pop Idols Who Are Coming of Age in 2016

The advent of 2016 means that all our favorite Korean celebrities will be turning one year older! But the turning of the years is a little more special for a select few who will be coming of age in 2016.

In Korea, children are counted as one year old at birth and turn a year older on January 1 every year (New Year’s Day) rather than their birthday. In addition, 20 (18-19 in international age) is the age of majority in South Korea. One must reach the age of majority to marry, vote, drive, drink alcohol, and smoke in the country.

Here are some K-pop idols who will be turning the big 2-0 this year.

BTS’s Jungkook 

BTS’s “golden maknae,” Jungkook, is all grown up! Now taller than many of his hyungs, Jungkook posted on the BTS Twitter account in honor of the occasion. “Honestly it hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m 20, but it feels good,” he wrote. “I guess ARMYs won’t like it though, haha.”

iKON’s Junhoe and Donghyuk

2015’s “monster rookies” and the latest group from YG Entertainment celebrate a new milestone in 2016 as two of their members come of age. Both Junhoe and Donghyuk went through long training periods before their debut, and before Chanwoo joined, were known as the “maknae” line.

SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu, DK, and The8

Unsurprisingly from a group that boasts 13 members, three will be coming of age this year. Born in 1997 (as are all the idols on this list), Mingyu, DK, and The8 have put a successful 2015 under their belts and are looking to grab the hearts of older and younger fans alike with their new “oppa” status.

Lovelyz’ Ryu Soojung

Not to leave out the girls, Ryu Soojung of Lovelyz will be joining her peers in the big two-oh. Often affectionately compared to “buns” due to her cute cheeks, fans can look forward to her more mature self in 2016.

GFRIEND’s Yuju and Eunha

Two members of the six-member group that swept the rookie girl group scene in 2015 will be coming of age in the new year. Yuju and Eunha will soon have a chance to flaunt their shiny new status as GFRIEND is said to be coming back in early 2016.

GOT7’s BamBam and Yugyeom

The maknae line of JYP Entertainment’s popular boy group GOT7 will finally be coming of age. BamBam posted a picture with Yugyeom on his personal Instagram looking classy and mature in fancy suits, writing, “Hello! We’re adults now.”

TWICE’s Jihyo and Mina

Despite being from JYPE’s maknae group, TWICE’s leader Jihyo and Japanese member Mina will be coming of age this year. With a successful debut single and increasing hype, these girls have officially put their “Sixteen” days behind them.

Oh My Girl’s Binnie and Jiho

Though originally known for their innocent, cute concept, Oh My Girl matured significantly for their follow-up single “Closer.” As members Binnie and Jiho make the big leap into adulthood, here’s hoping 2016 will be a good one for the rookie girl group.

15&’s Park Ji Min and Baek Ye Rin

Both these talented girls were 15 when they debuted together as a fresh-faced duo with serious vocal talent. In 2015, both Park Ji Min and Baek Ye Rin had successful solo debuts with “Hopeless Love” and “Across the Universe,” showing off their amazing voices while allowing them to explore different musical fields.

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