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Entertainment • K-pop

iKON

iKON is a South Korean boy band formed by YG Entertainment in 2015.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

iKON is a South Korean boy band formed by YG Entertainment in 2015. The group debuted with seven members and is now active as a six-member act after B.I’s departure in 2019. It is known for its reality-show origins and early commercial success in South Korea and Japan.

History

iKON was introduced through YG Entertainment’s survival programmes and finalized through *Mix & Match*. The group debuted on 15 September 2015 with the single “My Type” and later experienced a lineup change when B.I departed in 2019.

Members

The current lineup is Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan. The original debut lineup also included B.I, who was the group’s leader before leaving in 2019.

Music and reception

iKON debuted with “My Type” and gained attention early in their career. Sources note that the group achieved strong chart performance and later success with releases such as “Love Scenario.”

Name

The group name is stylized as iKON. Sources state that the name references the idea of becoming an ‘icon of Korea,’ with the ‘K’ added for Korea.

Key facts

  • iKON was formed in 2015 by YG Entertainment.
  • The group debuted on 15 September 2015 with the single “My Type.”
  • The original seven-member lineup included B.I, Jinhwan, Yunhyeong, Bobby, Donghyuk, Ju-ne, and Chanwoo.
  • B.I left the group in June 2019, after which iKON continued as six members.
  • The group later moved to 143 Entertainment after leaving YG Entertainment.

Frequently asked questions

What is iKON?
iKON is a South Korean boy band that debuted in 2015, originally under YG Entertainment and later under 143 Entertainment.
How many members are in iKON?
iKON currently has six members: Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan.
Who left iKON?
B.I left iKON in June 2019, after which the group continued as six members.
How did iKON form?
The group was formed through YG Entertainment’s reality programmes *WIN: Who is Next* and *Mix & Match*.
When did iKON debut?
iKON debuted on 15 September 2015 with the digital single “My Type.”

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IKon
    Supports: formation, debut year, original seven-member lineup, B.I departure, origin
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/IKon_(groupe_sud-cor%C3%A9en)
    Supports: formation through WIN and Mix & Match, origin, debut context
  3. Kprofiles — https://kprofiles.com/ikon-members-profile/
    Supports: current members, label change, B.I departure, debut date
  4. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ikon/1044506362
    Supports: origin, formed year, genre, reality-show background
  5. Wikipedia — https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hk/IKON
    Supports: debut date, early success, group background
  6. Wikipedia — https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/IKON
    Supports: six-member boy group, debut under YG Entertainment