K-pop, the musical genre originating from South Korea, has taken the world by storm with its catchy melodies, high-production music videos, and a roster of incredibly talented and charismatic groups. These groups, with their meticulously crafted images and multi-talented members, attract legions of fans globally. In a sea of rising and established talent, let’s dive into the top 10 most popular K-pop groups that have not only made a significant impact in Korea but have also captivated the international market.
#10 MONSTA X
Formed by Starship Entertainment through the reality show “No.Mercy” in 2015, MONSTA X is a force to be reckoned with. Their powerful performances and dynamic sound comprising EDM, hip hop, and pop have garnered a dedicated fanbase known as Monbebe. Their international fame has been bolstered by English language releases and widespread touring, proving their versatility and global appeal.
#9 MAMAMOO
MAMAMOO debuted in 2014 under RBW Entertainment and quickly became known for their strong vocal performances and a diverse range of music styles. The group consisting of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa, has received praise for their empowering songs, retro vibe, and individual members’ unique talents and personas. Their catchy tunes and charismatic stage presence have earned them a spot on this list.
#8 SEVENTEEN
Known for their self-producing abilities, the 13-member group SEVENTEEN is divided into three units: Hip-Hop, Vocal, and Performance. Since their debut in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment, they have taken an active role in choreography, composing, and producing their music. Their synchronized dance routines and fresh concepts offer a distinctive charm that has captured fans worldwide, leading them to be dubbed as “self-producing idols.”
#7 Stray Kids
Stray Kids, formed by JYP Entertainment in 2017, has made a name for themselves with their high-energy performances and music that speaks to youth struggles and aspirations. The group has a dedicated international fanbase known as Stay. Their involvement in the writing and production of their music makes them stand out and resonate with a generation of fans looking for authenticity.
#6 GOT7
Another gem from JYP Entertainment, GOT7 debuted in 2014 and has built a reputation for their mix of martial arts tricking and street dancing with their engaging performances. With a diverse member lineup hailing from Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the United States, GOT7 has a truly global appeal. They have captivated fans with catchy songs like “Just Right” and “Hard Carry,” validating their place in the K-pop industry.
#5 EXO
EXO debuted in 2012 under SM Entertainment and quickly rose to fame with their strong vocal line and dance performances. With hit tracks like “Growl,” “Call Me Baby,” and “Love Shot,” they’ve become one of the best-selling music artists in South Korea. Their fanbase, called EXO-L, is one of the most devoted and widespread across the globe. Despite members’ military enlistments and various solo endeavors, EXO remains a dominant group in K-pop.
#4 TWICE
The nine-member girl group TWICE formed through the competition show “Sixteen” and debuted in 2015 under JYP Entertainment. They captured hearts with their catchy songs like “Cheer Up,” “TT,” and “Fancy.” Known for their vibrant, colorful concepts, and catchy hooks, TWICE has risen to international fame, breaking into markets like Japan and the United States. The fervor of their fandom, known as Once, is a testament to their unyielding popularity.
#3 BLACKPINK
YG Entertainment’s BLACKPINK has been breaking records since their debut in 2016 with hits such as “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and “Kill This Love.” Composed of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, BLACKPINK is known for their fierce, empowering anthems and high-fashion aesthetic, which has contributed to their immense global influence. With their impressive number of YouTube views and a historic performance at Coachella, BLACKPINK is a powerhouse act representing K-pop on the world stage.
#2 Red Velvet
Red Velvet, formed by SM Entertainment in 2014, consists of members Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri. They are admired for their dual concept, showcasing their “red” upbeat pop tracks and “velvet” R&B ballads. With hits like “Red Flavor,” “Bad Boy,” and “Psycho,” they’ve demonstrated their versatility and artistic depth. Their creative concepts and strong vocal performances continue to draw new fans, solidifying their standing in K-pop.
#1 BTS
At the zenith of worldwide K-pop fame, we find BTS. Since their debut in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE Corporation), the seven-member group has skyrocketed to global stardom. BTS has transcended cultural and language barriers with their message of self-love and youth empowerment, as seen in hits like “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Spring Day.” With a passionate and massive global fanbase known as ARMY, historic U.N. speeches, and record-shattering accolades, BTS leads as the indisputable frontrunners of K-pop’s international surge.
The popularity of these K-pop groups is a testament to the genre’s growing influence and cultural significance across the world. They’ve led a wave of Korean artistry onto the international stage, forever altering the landscape of global pop music. With captivating performances, relatable themes, and dedicated fanbases, these top 10 K-pop groups continuously contribute to the ever-evolving and enchanting world of Korean pop.