15 Popular K-Pop Artists: K-pop, short for Korean pop, has taken the world by storm in recent years. With its catchy melodies, dynamic choreography, and unique fashion, K-pop has gained a huge following around the globe, especially among young people. The industry is known for producing some of the most talented and hardworking artists in the music world, with groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO leading the charge. In this list of the top 15 most popular K-pop groups right now, we have highlighted the standout performers who have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
1. BTS – This seven-member boy group from South Korea is one of the biggest names in Kpop and has become a global sensation in recent years. BTS, short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, debuted in 2013 and consists of members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their catchy music, intricate choreography, and meaningful lyrics, BTS has released several hit songs, including “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Boy With Luv.”
2. BLACKPINK – This four-member girl group from South Korea has gained international acclaim for their fierce image and powerful performances. BLACKPINK debuted in 2016 and consists of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. They have released several hit songs, including “How You Like That,” “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” and “Kill This Love,” and have collaborated with artists such as Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez.
3. TWICE – This nine-member girl group from South Korea has become known for their catchy songs and colorful image. TWICE debuted in 2015 and consists of members Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu. They have released several hit songs, including “Cheer Up,” “Feel Special,” and “Fancy,” and have won numerous awards for their music and performances.
4. EXO – This nine-member boy group from South Korea has gained a large following for their powerful vocals and slick dance moves. EXO debuted in 2012 and consists of members Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. They have released several hit songs, including “Growl,” “Call Me Baby,” and “Love Shot,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
5. Red Velvet – This five-member girl group from South Korea is known for their unique sound and colorful image. Red Velvet debuted in 2014 and consists of members Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri. They have released several hit songs, including “Psycho,” “Red Flavor,” and “Bad Boy,” and have won numerous awards for their music and performances.
6. NCT – This boy group from South Korea is unique in that it has an ever-expanding lineup of members that are divided into different sub-units. NCT debuted in 2016 and has members from various countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. Some of the most popular members include Taeyong, Mark, Johnny, Jaehyun, and Ten. NCT has released several hit songs, including “Kick Back,” “Cherry Bomb,” and “Make A Wish (Birthday Song).”
7. SEVENTEEN – This thirteen-member boy group from South Korea has gained a large following for their intricate choreography and catchy songs. SEVENTEEN debuted in 2015 and consists of members S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. They have released several hit songs, including “Left & Right,” “Don’t Wanna Cry,” and “Adore U,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
8. GOT7 – This seven-member boy group from South Korea is known for their powerful performances and upbeat music. GOT7 debuted in 2014 and consists of members JB, Mark, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom. They have released several hit songs, including “Hard Carry,” “Lullaby,” and “Not By The Moon,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
9. ATEEZ – This eight-member boy group from South Korea has gained a large following for their powerful performances and unique concept. ATEEZ debuted in 2018 and consists of members Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho. They have released several hit songs, including “Wonderland,” “Say My Name,” and “Inception,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
10. ITZY – This five-member girl group from South Korea has become known for their girl crush concept and energetic performances. ITZY debuted in 2019 and consists of members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. They have released several hit songs, including “Dalla Dalla,” “ICY,” and “Wannabe,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
11. MONSTA X – This seven-member boy group from South Korea has gained a large following for their powerful performances and charismatic personalities. MONSTA X debuted in 2015 and consists of members Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, I.M, and Wonho (who left the group in 2019). They have released several hit songs, including “Shoot Out,” “Alligator,” and “Gambler,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
12. Stray Kids – This eight-member boy group from South Korea is known for their unique sound and introspective lyrics. Stray Kids debuted in 2018 and consists of members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. They have released several hit songs, including “God’s Menu,” “Back Door,” and “My Pace,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
13. TXT – This five-member boy group from South Korea has gained a large following for their youthful image and relatable lyrics. TXT, short for Tomorrow X Together, debuted in 2019 and consists of members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai. They have released several hit songs, including “Crown,” “Run Away,” and “Can’t You See Me?,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
14. (G)I-DLE – This six-member girl group from South Korea is known for their strong vocal abilities and unique concepts. (G)I-DLE debuted in 2018 and consists of members Miyeon, Minnie, Soojin, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua. They have released several hit songs, including “Oh My God,” “DUMDi DUMDi,” and “HWAA,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
15. Mamamoo – This four-member girl group from South Korea is known for their powerful vocals and soulful sound. Mamamoo debuted in 2014 and consists of members Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa. They have released several hit songs, including “HIP,” “Starry Night,” and “Egotistic,” and have won multiple awards for their music and performances.
K-pop has become a global phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. With their unique sound, dynamic performances, and captivating fashion, K-pop groups continue to push the boundaries of music and entertainment. From BTS to Mamamoo, each group brings something unique to the table, making it difficult to pick just one favorite. As the K-pop industry continues to grow, we can only expect to see more talented groups emerge and continue to capture the world’s attention.