“Inactive” 3rd Gen Group Shock By Releasing Lightstick After 9 Years

When it comes to K-Pop merchandise, lightsticks are one of the most popular and important items to fans. Lightsticks have become a way for fans to identify each other at official K-Pop events and out in “the wild.”

This significance is why fans consider it important for groups to have lightsticks.

Most groups that have been active for an extended amount of time will introduce lightsticks, but there are some outliers. Recently, one such outlier announced the release of their lightstick—nearly nine years after their debut.

On March 3, 2016, 220 Entertainment debuted the then five-membered boy group KNK.

KNK at debut | 220 Entertainment

The group grew a steady fanbase, going on international tours and entering the top ten of the Gaon Chart with multiple releases. The group also saw line-up changes, with members Youjin, Seoham, and Heejun departing in 2018, 2021, and 2022, respectively.

The group also added members Dongwon in 2019 and Hyunjong in 2023.

The group has not released new music since 2020, making them technically inactive, but they have held other events, including live shows in Japan. In late January, the group announced they would hold a special event on March 2 titled KNK Kingdom : Invitation. 

| 220 Entertainment

On February 21, the group’s social media account shared the list of merchandise available for purchase at the event. The item that attracted the most attention was the lightstick, which features an all-white base and a stylized version of the group’s logo.

There have been a variety of reactions to the news, with many fans expressing excitement over the new merchandise. Others were a bit disappointed the lightstick came after so long, and at a time where there have been no musical releases.

THE LIGHTSTICK IS REAL THIS IS NOT A DRILL TINKS THE LIGHTSTICK IS REAL https://t.co/EEo4Xl3piE

— eve & hazel 🐢 (@daisyjun_yt) February 21, 2025

praying this means a comeback in the works bc they’ve had a whole new member for a hot minute now and he’s been in not a single cb yet 😭😭 https://t.co/yARANQJFFC

— will (@wil2iam) February 22, 2025

only took them 9 years to finally give them one 💀 https://t.co/uRq5LAA2rS

— t (@YUGYE8M) February 21, 2025

Hopefully, fans will get many more chances to use KNK’s official lightstick!