Did You Know 2PM Once Had Another Member? New K-pop Fans Might not Know

If you’re a newer K-pop fan, here’s a surprising piece of second-gen history you might not know:
Jay Park was once a member and the leader of 2PM.

Today, Jay Park is widely known as a hip-hop artist, producer, and entrepreneur who built his own labels and even launched his own soju brand. Because he’s been dominating the hip-hop scene for so long, many younger fans have trouble imagining him as part of a K-pop idol group.

But back in September 2008, Jay Park officially debuted as the leader of 2PM under JYP Entertainment.

Jay Park Was There From the Very Beginning

Jay Park wasn’t just “a member.”
He was the leader, a main dancer, and a vocalist, while also handling rap parts in the group’s early tracks. Known for his powerful acrobatic moves and stage presence, he played a key role in shaping 2PM’s intense, athletic image during their debut era.

During the time Jay Park was active with the group, 2PM released several iconic songs, including:

• “10 Out of 10”
• “Only You”
• “Again & Again”
• “I Hate You”

All of these tracks became major hits and helped establish 2PM as one of the standout boy groups of the late 2000s.

Why So Many New Fans Don’t Know This

Jay Park left 2PM in September 2009, just about a year after debut, and returned to his hometown of Seattle in the United States. At the time, the agency did not fully explain the details behind the sudden departure, which left many fans confused.

Because his time in 2PM was relatively short and because his image today is so strongly tied to hip-hop and business many new K-pop fans genuinely don’t realize he was ever part of the group.

That’s why older fans are often shocked when they see posts online saying things like:

“Jay Park’s cover of ‘10 Out of 10’ is so good!”

To longtime fans, it’s not a cover at all it’s his own debut song.

A Classic Second-Gen K-pop Moment

More than a decade has passed since Jay Park left 2PM, but moments like this remind fans just how fast K-pop history moves. What feels like ancient history to older fans can be a complete surprise to newer ones.

So if you ever hear someone say, “Wait… Jay Park was in 2PM?” now you know why.