Top 10 Maknaes that Shine on their Own

Maknaes are the most lovable member in the group. Although most are loved the only ones that could make this list where those who shown out of the context of their groups, such as in solo careers, or acting gigs. 

P.S. This list has no particular order. 
P.S.1.The maknaes not mentioned are loved to death an very talented, but have yet to step up their game, or get a good chance to shine.


1. Kyuhyun (Super Junior)

Kyuhyun is known for his outstanding vocals, which  have allowed him to do many things outside of Super Junior, such as being part of S.M. the Ballad, releasing OST's, and participating in the musical The Three Musketeers. He is therefore a very popular members of SuJu, and highly recognized for his talent.

2. Seungri (Big Bang)

This maknae has drive and ambition and he gets what he aims for. Seungri excels in variety and is extremely funny, he is also talented, and has already released a solo album that did pretty well in the charts, winning him 5 music shows.

3. Seohyun (SNSD)
Seohyun succesfully finished Season 2 of WGM along fellow idol Yong Hwa (C.N. Blue) gaining fans due to her unique personality. She is one of the members of SNSD who shines the most. Although she is not considered the best dancer or singer, she is probably the best rounded. She won MBC's popularity award in 2010, and has been featured in TVXQ's song Journey, and several OST's.

4. Kim Hyung Jun (SS501)
Hyung Jun released his first solo album successfully. He MC'd several music and non-music programs trough the years. Ha has also appeared in several music videos for other artists. Adding to that he is also a DJ for the radio show "Kim Hyung Joon's Music High".

5. Suzy (Miss A)

Suzy is still young but has already had the role of lead actress in the drama Dream High. Although many called her acting poor she still has a lot of room to grow and the popularity to get a lot of chances. Personally I did not find anything wrong with her acting, as it fit well with her character, she was just a tiny bit lost. Suzy is also the main for various promotional campaigns for which Miss A has been chosen. Furthermore she is an mc on Music Core along T-ara's Jiyeon.

6. Krystal (f(x))
Krystal has been outshone in the maknae department by fellow member Sulli, but that is not true for other activities. Currently Krystal is participating in the filming of the sitcom High Kick 3, after having successfully completed "Kim Yuna's Ice Show", with a spectacular win.

7. Gain (B.E.G)
Gain is a maknae with great vocals who raised her popularity after conforming the Adam Couple alongside 2AM's JoKwon, in WGM. She also released a solo single that was different from the norm. The MV for the single is a little upsetting, in a good way.

8. Changmin (TVXQ)

Changmin gained popularity after his two year absence. His return gig was a drama called "Paradise Ranch", although the ratings where not very high, the problem was most likely the plot of the story and not his popularity. He was also part of the drama "Athena: Goddess of War" for 5 episodes. After returning to the music scene he has received much attention for his manly charm, and vocals, which together with Yunho, are now pulling TVXQ trough.

9. Jiyeon (T-ara)
Jiyeon has taken part in many variety shows such as "Heroes", as well as cameos and main acting roles for movies and shows. She was a lead actress for the horror movie "Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp". Jiyeon is also an mc on Music Core along Miss A's Suzy and SHINee's Minho and Onew.

10. Jinwoon (2AM)
Jinwoon took part in variety shows such as "Idol Maknae Rebellion" where he gained popularity. He was also a regular MC for We Got Married during the reign of the Adam couple. Just recently he has lunched his solo career, surprisingly deciding to sing rock music (which is his passion) over pop and ballads.

Honorable Mention: Lizzy (After School)
Although Lizzy was removed from the maknae position less then a year ago and can't truly be part of this list, she has been a very noticeable maknae for very long. Lizzy was a fixed cast member of Running Man, and the popular sitcom "All My Love". She is also part of After School's sub unit Orange Caramel.