30 Top K Pop Bands: Ultimate List of Popular Groups

K-pop is an immensely popular South Korean global export, conquering the world with catchy upbeat rhythms, slick visuals, and highly synchronised group choreography.

I won’t be able to cover all of the K pop bands that exist in this post. But I am going to introduce you to 30 of the top groups, debuting in different generations in K-pop history.

From the punchy lyrics of 2NE1 to the hook-heavy dance pop of T-ARA, this post is going to take you through some of the most popular K pop bands, including those that may not be that well-known outside of Korea.

A Bit Of Background About K Pop Bands

K-pop is a high budget audio-visual affair, and groups such as BTS and BLACKPINK have broken countless records as K-pop has become a global popular culture force. K-pop has been around since the 90s in Korea, so there are plenty of different K-pop groups to check out.

Korean pop music is one of several Korean popular culture exports that have reached new heights of global popularity in the past few decades.

Driving the force of Hallyu, the Korean Wave, K-pop and K-dramas (Korean TV dramas) have also spurred on the global success of K-beauty (Korean cosmetics) and K-food (Korean food).

Where the Oxford English Dictionary used to have limited entries for Korean words (e.g., taekwondo, bibimbap), it has since expanded to include words like oppa (older brother) and unni (older sister) thanks to the Korean Wave.

K pop bands have become really popular around the world, and fans unite in online communities to talk about their favourite groups.

So let's get into this rundown of a selection of the top groups.

K Pop Bands A – D

1. æspa

Imagine a K-pop group with a rich lore, AI counterparts, futuristic visuals, and elaborate live performance sets… Look no further than Aespa.

Aespa burst onto the K-pop scene in 2020 with “Black Mamba” under SM Entertainment, a company with a very high standard for girl groups. Aespa’s unique concept and rich lore make them a very interesting group to follow.

Karina, Winter, Ningning and Giselle have made a name for themselves as a supreme force in current K-pop. Their stylised aesthetic has made them especially popular online.

2. AOA

AOA are a FNC Entertainment girl group who debuted in 2012. AOA are presumed to currently be disbanded.

AOA most certainly weren’t an instant hit, breaking through two years after their debut with the catchy, sultry song “Miniskirt”.

Just one year later in 2015, their single “Heart Attack” rocked the charts in Korea. AOA star Hyeri has a lot of advertising deals in Korea.

3. Apink

Debuting in 2011 with “I Don’t Know”, Apink are a six-member girl group under Plan A Entertainment. The current members are Chorong, Bomi, Eunji, Namjoo, and Hayoung. In 2022, Nauen left the group.

Apink aren't one of the most internationally well-known K-pop groups, but they are extremely popular in Korea, where songs like “Luv” reached the top of the charts.

Apink finally gained international success when they took a radical switch of direction in 2018 with their single “I’m So Sick”. The album it was on, One & Six, became the third Apink album to top the Gaon album charts in Korea.

4. ATEEZ

ATEEZ are an eight-member boy group who formed in 2018 under KQ Entertainment, consisting of Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho.

They are known for having a large international fanbase, having become the first K-pop group to have three different releases in the top 10 of the UK Albums and Singles Chart in one single year.

ATEEZ became the first K-pop boy group to perform at the popular music festival Coachella. 

5. BIG BANG

BIG BANG are a YG Entertainment boy group who debuted in 2006 with five members, Taeyang, G-Dragon, Daesung, T.O.P., and Seungri.

Big Bang are one of the most influential K-pop groups of all time, and are known as the ‘kings of K-pop’. Their 2012 hit “Fantastic Baby” is one of the most emblematic K-pop songs, and elevated the group to international success.

BIG BANG were one of the first K-pop groups to sell-out large venues in countries such as the United Kingdom. In 2019, Seungri announced his retirement following his involvement in the large-scale Burning Sun sex scandal.

6. Blackpink

The members of Blackpink were already known to the public before they made their highly anticipated debut in 2016. With 2NE1 now disbanded, YG Entertainment were left without a girl group.

Like their predecessors, Blackpink, Jennie, Rosé, Lisa, and Jisoo rapidly became popular after the release of their debut “Boombayah”.

Blackpink are one of the most recognisable K-pop artists worldwide. Lisa recently collaborated with popular Spanish singer Rosalia, and Blackpink have also worked with Dua Lipa.

7. Brown Eyed Girls

Back in 2009, the ‘arrogant dance’ choreography featured in Brown Eyed Girls’ music video for “Abracadbra” got them noticed in Korea, despite debuting some three years before with “Come Closer”.

Choreographed by Bae Yoonjung, the release of “Abracadbra” marked a big moment in the careers of JeA, Narsha, Miryo, and Gain, whose R&B influenced vocal performances made them a standout act.

Bae Yoonjung was also them mastermind behind the choreography in T-ARA’s “Bo Peep Bo Peep” and KARA’s “Mister”.

8. BTS

If you’re reading this, it’s highly likely that you’ve already heard of BTS, even if you’ve never listened to K-pop before. BTS are the best-selling artist in South Korean history, having broken countless records along the way.

Debuting in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE), their music relates to themes of youth and coming of age, and they have been praised for their lyrics.

The members of BTS are Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, and the group made their mainstream breakthrough in 2015 with the single “I Need U”.

In 2016, BTS reached the dizzying heights of international popularity following the release of “Blood Sweat and Tears” after smashing domestic records.

Outside of their music, BTS are also known for their participation in the UN. Since breaking out of South Korea, BTS’ music has gone platinum in the USA.

K Pop Bands E – I

9. EXID

Although five-member girl group EXID formed way back in 2012, they didn’t become popular until 2014, when a fancam of Hani dancing to their hit “Up & Down” went viral on the internet.

Solji, Elly, Hani, Hyelin, and Jeonghwa had a difficult path to the top, but they have made a reputation for themselves for their strong vocals.

The rapper of the group Elly, is also a well-known producer, so you can also check out some of the songs she’s done for other artists. Other hit singles include “Ah Yeah” and “DDD”.

10. EXO

Originating as a 12-member SM Entertainment boy group, EXO were a K-pop phenomenon right from their debut in 2012.

EXO were known for their impressive ability to release songs in Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

They're divided into two different groups, EXO-M (Xiumin, Lay, Chen, Kris, Luhan, and Tao) who predominantly focused on the Chinese market, and EXO-K (Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun), who predominantly focused on the Korean market.

Luhan, Kris, and Tao later left the group due to disputes with SM Entertainment. EXO were a sensation in China, becoming extremely popular in the country.

EXO are a highly influential group, and with hits such as “Mama”, “Wolf”, and “Love me Right”, you can understand why. EXO are especially known for their powerful choreography.

11. F(x)

F(x) were originally a five-member girl group from SM Entertainment, known for taking a more artistic style to K-pop with strong electronic musical influences.

Consisting of Amber, Victoria, Krystal, Luna, and Sulli, the group were known for their experimental approach to K-pop. Krystal is the younger sister of former Girls’ Generation member Jessica.

Sadly, former member Sulli took her own life after a targeted online bullying campaign against her.

12. Girls’ Generation

It wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that K-pop wouldn’t be the same without Girls’ Generation. With nine members, Girls’ Generation youthful concept charmed fans and the public alike in 2007 when they released “Into The New World”.

Jessica, Taeyeon, Tiffany, Sooyoung, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yoona, and Seohyun released strings of hits after their career really kicked into gear with 2009 megahit “Gee”.

The distinctive choreography and colourful music video set Girls’ Generation firmly on the path to superstardom. Back in Korea, the members of Girls’ Generation can definitely be considered as household celebrities.

13. INFINITE

Debuting under Woollim Entertainment in 2010, INFINITE’s hits “The Chaser” and “Be Mine” are cherished by K-pop fans around the world.

Originally debuting with seven members – Sunkyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol, L, Hoya, and Sungjong – INFINITE is known for their signature sound, impressive live vocals, and highly synchronised choreography. Hoya left the group in 2017.

K Pop Groups J – M

14. KARA

KARA were part of the ‘girl group renaissance’ that occurred in K-pop during the second generation around 2007-2009.

They debuted in 2007 under DSP media originally with four members, Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole, and Sunghee. They were known for their R&B influences, and after Sunghee left the group shortly after debut, Jiyoung and Hara were added.

Their 2008 hit single “Mister” became a huge hit, notably for the ‘butt dance’ choreographed by Bae Yoonjung. KARA was very popular in Japan, and adjusted their line-up several times.

In 2019, former member Hara sadly took her own life also in part due to online harassment.

15. MAMAMOO

If you’re looking for strong vocals, playful lyrics, and a jazzier sound, then look no further than MAMAMOO.

MAMAMOO are a four-member girl group who debuted in 2014, and are managed by Rainbow Bridge World. Consisting of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa, the group are known for challenging gender stereotypes in K-pop besides their catchy hits.

They became famous in Korea after the release of their 2015 single “Um Oh Ah Yeah”, going on to achieve further success with their 2016 single “You’re the Best”.

K Pop Groups N – R

16. NCT

Another SM Entertainment boy group, NCT debuted in 2016, and has a total of 26 members divided into six different subgroups: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, NCT DoJaeJung, and NCT Wish.

As of 2024, NCT are the best-selling SM Entertainment act of all time, and are also one of the best-selling K-pop acts of all time. NCT were the first SM Entertainment group to debut since Red Velvet in 2014.

With so many different subunits, NCT have something for everyone, ranging from powerful singles such as “Fire Truck”, to softer songs such as “Chewing Gum”. This versatility is what makes NCT one of the biggest K pop bands today.

17. Red Velvet

The K-pop world was rocked when Jessica decided to leave one of the biggest K-pop groups of all time, Girls’ Generation.

Red Velvet, originally a four-member girl group from the same company, SM Entertainment, debuted a month earlier with “Happiness”. Yeri then joined Irene, Wendy, Seulgi, and Joy before the release of “Ice Cream Cake”.

Since then, they’ve gone on to become one of the most successful K-pop girl groups, with songs such as “Ice Cream Cake”, “Bad Boy” and “Russian Roulette”. 

K Pop Groups S – V

18. Seventeen

Seventeen are a thirteen-member boy group formed in 2015 by Pledis Entertainment. Seventeen have had a large fanbase since debut, and quickly gained international popularity and recognition after the release of their debut album 17 Carat.

Their 2016 singles “Pretty U” and “Very Nice” continued their popularity, and Seventeen have only continued to get more popular around the world.

Their members are: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino.

19. SHINee

Another SM Entertainment boy group, SHINee debuted in 2008 with “Replay”, originally with five members: Onew, Key, Minho, Taemin, and Jonghyun.

With hits such as “Ring Ding Dong”, “Lucifer”, and “Sherlock”, SHINee are undoubtedly one of the most popular and endearing K-pop boy groups around.

Jonghyun took his own life in 2017, and the members have continued to honour his memory since. If you’re looking for colourful aesthetics with slick R&B beats, definitely check out SHINee!

20. SISTAR

Widely known by the nickname the ‘queens of summer’, SISTAR definitely deserve the title for their extremely catchy summery hits such as “Loving U” and “Shake It”.

Hyolyn, Bo-ra, Souyou, and Da-som debuted in 2010, reaching stardom with their 2012 single “Alone”, dominating the Korean airwaves. SISTAR have since disbanded, but if you need a little summer in your life, check them out!

21. Stray Kids

Debuting under JYP Entertainment in 2017 through a reality show, Stray Kids originally debuted with eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N, and Woojin. The latter left the group in 2019.

Stray Kids are mostly self-produced, setting them apart from a lot of K-pop groups. They debuted with the single “District 9”, and gained many fans in a short period of time with hits such as “Top” and “God’s Menu”.

22. Super Junior

Super Junior debuted in 2005 under SM Entertainment, and had a huge influence on the development of K-pop overseas.

Originally consisting of Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryewook, Kyuhyun, Hangeng, Kangin, and Kibum, the latter three left the group in separate years following debut.

Super Junior shot to stardom in 2009 with their single “Sorry Sorry”, and were one of the first groups to gain a large following in Latin America, subsequently touring the region extensively.

23. T-ARA

Although maybe not as popular as some of the other groups on this list, T-ARA have an impressive discography through their long-term collaboration with the late Shinsadong Tiger, who passed away in 2023.

Breaking into the scene under MBK Entertainment in 2009 with the single “Lies”, T-ARA’s musical style is focused on hook-heavy dance music, departing from the bubble-gum pop and R&B styles that were popular at the time.

T-ARA have had many members over the years, but the most consistent line-up has been Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin, and Jiyeon. Hits such as “Bo Peep Bo Peep”, “Sexy Love”, and “Cry Cry” demonstrate the versatility of T-ARA.

24. TVXQ!

TVXQ! are another SM Entertainment boy group that debuted in 2003, and became incredibly popular in both Korea and Japan.

Originally debuting with five members, Yunho, Changmin, Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu, the latter three left due to contract disputes. Their single “Mirotic” is regarded by many people to be exemplary of the K-pop musical style.

The immense success of the group has led them to be held up as an example of K-pop’s rapid spread beyond Korean borders. 

25. TWICE

With a multicultural line-up, TWICE are another group that have gone to find global success.

With a total of nine members – Jihyo, Sana, Momo, Tzuyu, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Mina, Chaeyeon, and Dahyun – the members of TWICE were selected from the competition survival show Sixteen, debuting in 2015 with the single “Like Ooh-Aah”.

Three of the members are from the Kansai region of Japan (Mina, Sana, and Momo), and Tzuyu is from Taiwan.

TWICE reached astronomical levels of stardom the following year in 2016 when they released “Cheer Up”, which quickly went viral in part owing to Sana’s line “shy shy shy”, pronounced as “sha sha sha”.

Since then, songs such as “Feel Special”, “TT”, and “What Is Love?” also went on to become huge hits both internationally and in Korea.

26. TXT

In part thanks to the popularity of their labelmates and seniors BTS, TXT have rapidly risen to prominence in the K-pop scene under HYBE Labels.

Debuting in 2019 with five members – Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and HueningKai – their EP The Dream Chapter: Star was the highest charting debut album on the Billboard 200 by a K-pop group at the time of release.

Singles such as “Crown” and “Run Away” have endeared TXT to global fans across the world.

K Pop Groups W – Z

27. Wonder Girls

Did you know that Wonder Girls single “Tell Me” was one of the first K-pop music videos to go viral on YouTube?

Yeeun, Sunye, Sunmi, and Sohee debuted in 2007 back during the era known as the ‘girl group renaissance’.

With their retro chic concept embracing retro sounds and looks, songs such as “Nobody” have made Wonder Girls an unforgettable piece of K-pop history. Hyerim later joined the group.

Wonder Girls even had their own Nickelodeon movie after touring with The Jonas Brothers. Four members reunited in 2015 as a band, with hits “Why So Lonely” and “I Feel You”.

28. 2NE1

With an explosive debut in 2009 with “Fire”, four-member girl group 2NE1 didn’t waste any time in making themselves known in the K-pop scene.

The combination of CL, Dara, Minzy, and Bom combined to bring something different to the K-pop table with their hard-hitting lyrics, energy pumped style, and their quirky personalities.

2NE1 split in 2016. “I Am The Best” epitomises the signature sound and style of 2NE1.

29. GOT7

GOT7 are a JYP Entertainment boy group who debuted in 2014 with a seven-member line-up consisting of Mark, Jay B, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom.

GOT7 are particularly well-known for their captivating live performances, showcasing their dance skills.

GOT7 were JYP Entertainment’s first boy group since the debut of 2PM in 2008, with their debut album Got It? shooting up the Billboard World Albums Chart.

30. 2PM

The original ‘beast’ idols, 2PM debuted in 2008 and stood out from other boy groups at the time due to their muscular physiques and acrobatic live performances.

Originally a seven-member group consisting of Jun. K, Nichkhun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho, Chansung, and Jaebom, the latter left the group shortly after their debut with “10 Out of 10”.

Songs such as “Heartbeat” and “HANDS UP” cemented their place in K-pop history.

K Pop Bands FAQ

Learning Korean With K Pop Bands And K-Culture

So that’s it for my list of the best k-pop bands.

If you’re still itching for more, there are plenty of South Korean K pop bands that I didn’t mention in this post that are just as talented and have songs that are just as catchy!

And if you want to use K-pop to learn Korean, check out my post: learn Korean with K-pop. If you're looking for even more K-culture, you'll enjoy my posts about Korean anime and the best Korean TV shows.

Olly Richards

Creator of the StoryLearning® Method

Olly Richards is a renowned polyglot and language learning expert with over 15 years of experience teaching millions through his innovative StoryLearning® method. He is the creator of StoryLearning, one of the world's largest language learning blogs with 500,000+ monthly readers.

Olly has authored 30+ language learning books and courses, including the bestselling "Short Stories" series published by Teach Yourself.

When not developing new teaching methods, Richards practices what he preaches—he speaks 8 languages fluently and continues learning new ones through his own methodology.