The South China Morning Post (SCMP), wrote about "5 kpop idols who are dubbed as Secret Weapons".

Some K-pop idols can make waves even before they debut, and although it's hard for fans to know those idols before debuting, the entertainment companies usually know which idols will be the star who will be blowing up once they're introduced to the public.

“Secret Weapons” – Individuals who are so exceptional, their debuts are considered akin to the agency releasing a deadly weapon into the entertainment world.

Here are five idols who earned the title …

1. BTS's V

"... for fans, V stood out immediately among the group. Before their debut in 2013, the other six members communicated with fans through vlogs and social mebut V wasn’t revealed as a member until 11 days before – he was literally kept secret."

2. Blackpink’s Jennie

"... there was a time when she was known simply as “mystery girl.” Her photo was uploaded to YG Entertainment’s blog in 2012, and she quickly became a hot topic, leading people to start searching “YG’s mystery girl” online in a bid to find out who she was."

3. Itzy’s Yeji

"Itzy’s leader got attention even before her debut when she appeared on reality show The Fan in 2018, introduced by 2PM’s Junho as JYP’s secret weapon."

4. Aespa’s Winter

"Aespa’s Winter caught K-pop fans’ attention before her debut when someone leaked photos of her online. Her natural beauty – which some compared to actress So Yoo-jin’s – already had people excited about her future role."

5. Red Velvet’s Seulgi

"Seulgi isn’t just Red Velvet’s main dancer, she’s a talented vocalist and plays a handful of musical instruments too. This is why her fans have always dubbed her one of SM Entertainment’s “Secret Weapons.” Right after her debut – after seven years as a trainee – she was clearly superstar material both on stage and off."