With an industry like K-Pop that’s constantly cranking out new music, albums, groups, etc., it can become quite overwhelming to anyone who’s interested in diving into the genre. Where do you even begin? Well, to help you out, here’s a list of just some of the many important K-Pop artists and groups that every fan has to know!
- BTS
Even if you don’t regularly listen to K-Pop, you are bound to have heard of BTS. BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a 7-member boy group who debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment. The boys had a bit of an underwhelming debut, but they more than made up for it in the years to follow. They are now considered internationally to be the most popular and successful South Korean music act of all time. Not only did they create a lot of firsts for Korean artists, like becoming the first Korean ensemble to receive gold and platinum certification from the RIAA, but they hold 28 world records!
MEMBERS: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook
ICONIC SONGS: “Mic Drop”, “Dynamite”, “Butter” - Blackpink
Blackpink is a 4-member girl group formed under YG Entertainment. They automatically achieved major success and earned the title “monster rookies” with their debut songs “Boombayah” and “Whistle” in 2016. Blackpink is considered to be the female hallyu counterpart of BTS for their international success. The two groups often go back and forth, breaking each other’s records. Blackpink has made history on multiple occasions, like becoming the first Korean act to perform at Coachella, and they continue to do so. They hold numerous records, including 5 Guinness World Records.
MEMBERS: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa
ICONIC SONGS: “Boombayah”, “DDU-DU DDU-DU”, “How You Like That” - Girls’ Generation/SNSD
“Right now, it’s Girls’ Generation!” Considered in South Korea to be “the nation’s girl group”, Girls’ Generation debuted in 2007 under SM Entertainment. They are credited with being the first Korean music act to ignite the “Hallyu Wave”, breaking international records and securing firsts for Korean music acts in major countries such as the United States and Japan. Even 15 years after their debut, SNSD remains one of the best-selling groups in the history of South Korea, with a Guinness World Record to boot!
MEMBERS: Taeyeon, Tiffany, Seohyun, Sooyoung, Yoona, Yuri, Hyoyeon, Sunny, Jessica (former)
ICONIC SONGS: “Into the New World”, “Gee”, “The Boys” - Psy
Rising to international fame in 2012 for his viral hit “Gangnam Style”, Psy actually held a strong fanbase in South Korea many years prior for being outlandishly humorous. “Gangnam Style” was the first video on YouTube to receive 1 billion views, and in doing so, Psy put K-Pop on the map and became a global ambassador for his country. He holds 5 Guinness World Records and continues to release successful music as well as produce successful artists under his record label, “P Nation”.
ICONIC SONGS: “Gangnam Style”, “Gentleman”, “That That” - IU
“Korea’s little sister”, IU, holds the title as the artist with the most number 1 songs in South Korea. She is known for her deceptively soft and melodic voice, which is also capable of hitting a wide range of powerful notes. Throughout the span of her 14-year career, IU has been nominated for over 200 awards and won over 100 of those for her ventures not only in music, but acting as well. She is the richest female singer and one of the highest-earning celebrities in South Korea.
ICONIC SONGS: “Good Day”, “You and I”, “LILAC”
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