K-pop has become one of the biggest global musical trends in the past decade, but it’s been crafted in South Korea for many years before gaining global attention. K-pop stars are known for their “idol style” training, which results in the formation of many different girl and boy groups. Each K-pop group has the opportunity to amass a huge following and change the way K-pop sounds, looks, and performs, as well as its overall popularity worldwide. Here are 12 of the most popular K-pop bands of all time, extending from the first generation of the genre to the present.
1. SEVENTEEN
S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino
2015 - present
Pop, hip-hop, EDM
"Pretty U," "Very Nice," "Shadow"
SEVENTEEN became best known as one of the best Kpop groups for their synchronised dance moves, complex formations, and allowing each member to showcase their strengths as part of a smaller unit within the group. There are three sub-groups within the entirety of the boy group: the performance team, the hip-hop team, and the vocal team.
Also notable is the group’s self-producing model, with members Woozi and Hoshi playing major roles in the songwriting and choreography processes. This was and still is unusual for many K-pop groups, especially ones of this size.
The name of the group, Seventeen, is a reference to the expression “13 members + 3 teams + 1 group.”
In 2015, the band was the only K-pop group to chart in Billboard's "21 Under 21 2015: Music's Hottest Young Stars.” list. They’ve made waves in international performances, helping more people become K-pop fans across the world. Their sound and infectious energy, passion for their art, and continued success make them one of the most influential K-pop boy groups in history.
Find out more about the trainee and idol system in K-pop.
2. BLACKPINK
Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, Lisa
2016 - present
Pop, hip-hop, EDM
"As if It’s Your Last," "Boombayah," "Kill This Love"
A rather small group by K-pop standards, the quartet managed to reach a global audience much faster than many Korean girl groups before them. Their strong personality as a group makes their stage presence memorable and alluring. Their edgy music appeals to a wide variety of fans. BLACKPINK’s high-fashion branding is iconic, making their performance costumes and music videos exciting to see.
Additionally, each member developed a distinct public image, helping the group find even more fans outside the usual K-pop circles. As a group and as solo artists, the duality of their edgy “black” side and their girly “pink” side makes their music and personalities intriguing.
The members also endeavour into their own side projects, garnering more attention for the group as a whole. In 2024, Rosé gained international fame in her collaboration song with Bruno Mars, “APT.”
The group has set multiple records for female groups of any kind, but especially K-pop girl groups, including “Pink Venom” being the first song by a Korean group to reach number one on Australia's ARIA Singles Chart (2022). In 2023, they became the first Asian act to headline Coachella. Their success changed how Korean girl groups are marketed internationally, and their popularity is setting a new precedent for future K-pop groups to reach global fame.
3. BTS
Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, Jung, Kook
2013 - present
Pop, hip-hop, R&B
"Dynamite," "Butter," "Run BTS"
BTS became widely popular in their early years, especially with their songs tackling subjects like youth issues, social pressure, and mental health. Listeners who didn’t connect with mainstream pop songs felt seen by BTS’s more thoughtful lyrics. Their approach nurtured a strong fanbase and helped propel their fame.
The group eventually expanded their musical style to include more hip-hop, which opened them up to a wider audience without losing their identity.
BTS has been compared to PSY in terms of effectiveness in spreading K-pop and culture across the world, creating another surge in the Korean Wave.
It proved to be a good move, and the Korean boy group became the fastest act to earn six US number-one singles since the Beatles in 1966. And, as of 2023, they are the best-selling South Korean musical act in history with more than 40 million album sales. They frequently perform sold-out shows across the world.
Beyond music, they’ve also become known for their philanthropy, especially with UNICEF, and have earned the South Korean Order of Cultural Merit.
4. iKON
Jay, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne, Chan, B.I (2015-2019)
2015 - present
Hip-hop, pop
"Love Scenario," "My Type," "Bling Bling"
iKon debuted in 2015 after winning two reality survival music shows: WIN: Who is Next, and Mix & Match. They gained attention on the shows for their raw energy and hip-hop-focused sound, being listed on Billboard’s “Top 5 K-Pop Artists to Watch in 2015" chart before even making a debut!
They soon became pop sensations in the region, touring South Korea, Japan, China, and several other East Asian countries. They even participated in a Chinese dance survival show, Heroes of Remix, with Psy as their mentor, in 2016.
Many of their songs, particularly “Love Scenario,” became so popular that they reached audiences who didn’t usually follow idol groups. The song was so popular that it earned B.I the 2018 “Songwriter of the Year" award.
Group leader B.I terminated his contract with the group and YG Entertainment in 2019 after being accused of purchasing illegal drugs (marijuana and LSD). South Korea has a very strict drug policy, and idols are held to an extremely high standard of conduct. He has since created his own label, 131, and started making music as a solo artist.
In 2023, the group finally became mainstream enough to plan an international tour expanding through Asia, Europe, and North America. K-pop fans credit the group as being one of the most influential in the K-pop music sphere.
5. Red Velvet
Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, Yeri (2015 -present)
2014 - present
Pop, R&B, electronic, funk, hip-hop
"Red Flavor," "Feel My Rhythm," "Queendom"
Many K-pop groups use their names as a way to express different facets of their music, like BLACKPINK. Red Velvet incorporates two elements as well; “red” is a reference to their upbeat pop style with experiments in funk, while “velvet” is their 90s-influenced R&B and hip-hop side. This dual concept allows them to experiment and make a wider variety of music without losing their cohesive identity.
Right away, the group piqued the interest of K-pop fans. In their debut year, they won Rookie of The Year at the Golden Disk Awards and Seoul Music Awards. They’ve had a steady stream of successful releases through the years. In 2016, they announced a “comeback” to revitalise their fanbase.
The group was used to represent the K-pop Trolls, and their song “Russian Roulette” was featured in the movie.
They began touring in North America and even featured on a remixed Elle Goulding x Diplo song, Close to Me, which won Choice Electronic/Dance Song at the 2019 Teen Choice Awards.
Though the group has suffered hurdles due to COVID, a rehearsal accident that left Wendy inactive for a year, and other reasons, they are still one of the most beloved Korean girl groups.
Learn more about K-pop as a musical genre.
6. Girls’ Generation
Taeyeon, Sunny, ,Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, Seohyun, Jessica (2007 - 2014)
2007 - 2017, 2022 - present
Pop, dance
"Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)," I Got a Boy," "Gee"
Often referred to as SNSD, Girls’ Generation was one of the earliest examples of Korean girl groups that shaped modern girl K-pop group standards. They are best known for their catchy songs, complete with clean choreography and polished image. They have a few entries in K-pop’s cultural well, including “Gee” and “Genie.”
The exact reason for Jessica's departure has never been publicly announced. Allegedly, her schedule conflicted too much with the group's, and her contract with SM Entertainment was terminated. On her personal Weibo account, Jessica insinuated she may have been forced out of the group, but the reason wasn't stated. The dismissal came just a month after the launch of her personal fashion brand, Blanc & Eclare.
Girls’ Generation helped spread K-pop to international markets, especially in Japan. Their success influenced the modern training and promotion techniques for girl groups from South Korea.
7. EXO
Xiumin, Suho, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Lay (2012–2017, 2021-present), Kris (2012-2014), Luhan (2012-2014), Tao (2012-2015)
2012 - present
Pop, R&B, hip-hop, electronic
"Gravity," "Groove," "Growl"
EXO debuted with SM Entertainment as a group meant to target both Korean and Chinese markets. The group was divided into two units, EXO-K and EXO-M (for Korean and Mandarin languages, respectively). They get rid of the divide in 2015 (although the group is now made of two sub-groups: EXO-CBX and EXO-SC).
However, many of the Chinese members of the group departed early (Kris, Luhan, and Tao), highlighting the issues in the industry regarding the treatment of K-pop idols, contract terms, and even possible racism.
Lay, the remaining Chinese member, participates with the group very rarely.
Kris, Luhan, and Tao cited issues like disregard for physical and mental health, unfair profit distribution, restrictions on freedom, inhumane treatment of idols, unfair treatment from the company compared to the Korean members, and unreasonable contract lengths (10 years) as reasons to sue SM Entertainment and terminate their contracts.
Despite their departures, the group remained successful. They are best known for their large-scale productions, exciting choreography and strong vocals. Using marketing strategies like limited edition albums and photocards, they boosted physical sales over digital downloads.
The group has been called the ‘Kings of K-pop’ and been compared equally with BTS in terms of reach and influence.
8. BigBang
G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung (2006 - 2022), T.O.P (2006 - 2023), Seungri (2006 - 2019)
2006 - 2018, 2022 - present
Hip-hop, pop, electronic
"Fantastic Baby," "Lies," "Flower Road"
BigBang became known for its artist-driven music, with members involved in both songwriting and production (a rarity in K-pop). Their music is best known for its experimentation and allowing individual artistry to shine through. Their influence extended into fashion and youth culture.
The group unfortunately experienced many scandals:
- Seungri was allegedly a major participant in the Burning Sun scandal. He and YG Entertainment mutually terminated his contract amidst the coontroversy. He was later tried and sent to prison.
- Daesung purchased a building that later was found to be operating an illegal entertainment business. However, he denied having knowledge of the operation and charges were dropped.
- T.O.P, while serving his mandatory military service, was charged for smoking marijuana more than a year prior. He then overdosed on anti-anxiety medication, but recovered. He was charged with drug use and had to fulfil his military obligation and serve 10 months in jail. He stated he has been too embarrassed to rejoin BigBang in a public capacity.
T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) inadvertently garnered more attention for K-pop with his role as Thanos in 'Squid Game Season 2.' Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk liked Choi’s ‘serious’ approach to the role and the fact that he could identify with Thanos’s situation.
Despite the several scandals the group has been involved with, the remaining members (plus T.O.P and Daesung, for some group activities) announced a return from hiatus in 2022. Their music over the years has been influential and incredibly popular domestically and internationally. In 2016, they were the first Korean artists to be named in the Forbes Celebrity 100 list.
9. TWICE
Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu
2015 - present
Pop, dance, EDM
"Feel Special, "Fancy," "Talk That Talk"
TWICE quickly gained momentum in both South Korea and Japan, selling 1.2 million units of their EPs and special album within 19 months of their debut. Their popularity came from their memorable hooks and “bubblegum pop” sound, which was especially distinct from contemporary groups.
The group’s success in Japan was massive, with TWICE becoming the first Korean girl group to earn a RIAJ platinum certification for both their album and CD single in the same year. They became the first K-pop girl group to embark on a Japanese dome tour as well. In South Korea, they have also experienced widespread popularity, being named "The Nation's Girl Group".
TWICE has garnered many awards and achievements over the years, including the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards in 2017, becoming the first girl group to top the Billboard Top Album Sales with an EP in 2021, the first K-pop artists to win Breakthrough Artist at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music awards, and the Prime Minister's Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards in 2025.
The group continued to increase in reputation, even though the pandemic made them cancel many of their planned shows in 2020. They eventually broke into the US market as well, conducting many tour stops in North America. Group members Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung contributed to the soundtrack for the Netflix movie “Kpop Demon Hunters,” and the ending credits played the group’s song Takedown.
10. Super Junior
Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun (2006 - present), Han Geng (2005 - 2010), Kibum (2005 - 2015), Kangin (2005 - 2019)
2005 - present
Pop, dance, electronic, R&B, experimental
"Sorry, Sorry," "Don't Don," "Mr. Simple"
Super Junior was initially designed to be a rotating group of featuring talents like models, actors, MCs, and radio hosts that would change every year. This concept was modeled after J-pop groups Morning Musume and SMAP. However, Super Junior quickly turned into a fixed lineup concept instead.
Beyond their music, Super Junior is known for their sharp outfits, especially when combined with their choreography.
Since the original intent was to have a variety of talents in the group, members became known for their appearances in other media like variety shows. Their versatility made the group popular in Chinese and Southease Asian markets. They quickly gained more international attention with their 2009 song “Sorry, Sorry,” which helped spur the Korean Wave.
As one of the longer-running groups that has also maintained popularity, they show that idols can survive the years if given the opportunity.
11. SHINee
Onew, Key, Minho, Taemin, Jonghyun (2008 - 2017)
2008 - present
Pop, R&B, electronic, EDM
"Replay," "Our Page," "Sherlock (Clue + Note)"
SHINee’s debut was well-received and started a fashion trend right away, making them more popular. Their impressive synchornised choreography and vocal talents made them a stand-out act. Although the group mostly creates contemporary R&B, they are also known for their experimental tracks and exploring other genres.
The group managed to create multi-layered iconicism, from their fashion, to their dancing, to their music, to their music videos, and the signature phrase “Shinee’s back.” Within a few years, the group was on international tours across Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, South America, North America, and more.
Sadly, the group lost member Jonghyun to suicide in 2017. Even so, they managed to remain active in the industry and continue creating consistently high-quality music. Today, their influence is seen in many newer K-pop groups.
Jonghyun had been the victim of the first paparazzi tactics being used on South Korean celebrities, when a group of reporters from Sports Seoul were inspired by US media tactics. The reporters publicised Jonghyun’s relationship with actress Shin Se-kyung, causing the couple to suffer from harsh backlash from fans. Over the years, Jonghyun struggled with depression and the pressures of fame. His death sparked talks about toxic idol culture in South Korea, however, big changes to the industry have yet to be made. Hopefully, the scene evolves soon to be kinder to the artists who make everything possible.
12. g.o.d.
Park Joon-hyung, Yoon Kye-sang, Danny Ahn, Son Ho-young, Kim Tae-woo
1999 - 2005, 2014 - present
Pop, R&B, dance pop
"To Mother," "One Candle," "The Place Where You Need To Be"
As one of the first generation of K-pop groups, g.o.d (which stands for Groove Over Dose) dominated in a time before digital downloads. They even managed to become a “million-seller,” which was much more rare at the time, especially for K-pop groups! Though their fame has waned due to a long hiatus and lack of overseas promotion, they are still very popular domestically.
g.o.d was lucky enough to have a strong, supportive fanbase in 2001, when it was discovered that Park was dating. Management wanted to terminate his contract immediately, but fans protested so much that eventually, the issue was dropped.
The group’s music focused on family, friendship, and everyday life, with the music taking on emotional storytelling qualities that captivated audiences. Their influence went on to shape the second generation of K-pop in terms of sound and conduct. g.o.d appealed to a wider range of audiences than most K-pop groups, drawing in older listeners with their emotional, heartfelt tracks; as such, they were the first group to be called “the nation’s group.”
Their reputation is consistently recognised inthe Korean music industry, and there was widespread excitement when they made their 2014 return.
K-pop has been shaped by the many groups who have created unforgettable music and experiences for fans across the years.
🎤 Who is your favourite K-pop group?
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iKON has definitely reached a different audience. Not only K-pop fans but music fans have easily taken to iKON’s music. BIGBANG too. In addition to their musical richness that has influenced new groups to become artists.