K-pop became a phenomenon the world over, mesmerizing the ears with catchy tunes, the eyes with flashy performances, and the hearts with charismatic idols. As we roll into 2024, these are the top ten popular K-pop bands that took South Korea and the music scene by storm on a global front.
Most Popular K-Pop Groups in the World 2024
1. BTS – Bangtan Sonyeondan
The first K-pop group to receive resounding overseas success. Although there were others before them who had international hits, BTS took K-Pop to the world in a way that had never been done before. Formed by Big Hit Entertainment on June 13, 2013, the group consists of
RM – Leader and Rapper, Jin – Vocals, Suga – Rapper, J-Hope— Rapper, Jimin – Vocals,
V – Vocals and Jungkook – Vocals. They are powerhouse performers with perfect dance routines and synchronization. Truly, BTS is a strong force in music worldwide and tends to break records. They were the first K-pop group to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Dynamite.” They received several Grammy nominations. Their impact on the world goes beyond music, and they have also gained accolades due to their active participation in philanthropy and other campaigns, like UNICEF’s “Love Myself.”
2. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is a South Korean girl group formed on August 8, 2016, under YG Entertainment. Its members include Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. BLACKPINK is very well known globally.. This group is famous for its unique, bold concepts and international appeal; it is the first K-pop girl group ever to perform on stage at Coachella, and they had global collaborations with the likes of Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez. Their music videos often get a billion views or more on YouTube.
3. TWICE
Girl group TWICE was formed on 20 October 2015. It is under JYP Entertainment. The members of this girl group are Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Jihyo and Chaeyoung are Korean while Momo, Sana, and Mina are Japanese and Tzuyu is Taiwanese. They have definitely obtained a large fan base just within Korea, Japan, and the world with their catchy songs and in-sync choreography. Classics such as “TT,” “Likey,” and “Fancy” make them K-pop’s premier acts.
4. EXO
EXO was formed on April 8, 2012, under SM Entertainment. Its members are
Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, Zitao, Kris, Lu Han, D.O.,Kai, and Sehun.The K-pop male group EXO harmonizes meticulous choreography with powerful vocals. They have bagged multiple awards and received many Daesangs during award ceremonies in Korea. Their album “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo” was instrumental in helping them become the first Korean group to sell 10 million cumulatively.
5. SEVENTEEN
This boy group debuted on May 26, 2015, under Pledis Entertainment. They are currently under the HYBE Label. It comprises members S. Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino.SEVENTEEN is known as the “self-producing” group since all of its members are also part of the group’s music and choreography production. Some of their hits include Very Nice and Don’t Wanna Cry. This consistent capacity to churn out masterpieces has endeared them to fans across the globe.
6. NCT (Neo Culture Technology)
SM Entertainment created the group NCT on April 9, 2016. It has four subunits;
- NCT 127, based in Seoul
- The unit based on youths is NCT Dream.
- WayV, based in China.
- NCT U, rotational unit.
NCT membership is constantly changing. Members appear as part of the other sub-units. The principal members would mainly include Taeyong, Mark, Ten, Jaehyun, and Lucas. The concept of NCT is so unique that it has brought many chances for expansion. Their music genre deviates from many K-pop groups out there, and they have gathered quite a large number of fans worldwide with the sub-unit NCT 127. They have gone on a world tour, and their songs have been placed on many charts worldwide.
7. STRAY KIDS
Stray Kids debuted on March 25, 2018, under JYP Entertainment. Its members are; Bang Chan,
Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, Woojin, and I.N. This group has some super remarkable performance skills and self-produced music. Their album, NOEASY, was JYP Entertainment’s first million-seller. They have a very different sound and storytelling that helps them to make inroads with people worldwide.
8. ATEEZ
ATEEZ made a very highly anticipated debut on October 24, 2018, under KQ Entertainment.
Its Members are, Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho.ATEEZ is fast making its name as a group with power performances and global appeal. The group is called “Performance Kings” and has an undeniably massive popularity throughout the world. Their albums have been quick to climb up the charts, and the group is known to have brilliant concepts and strong stage performances.
9. TXT (Tomorrow X Together)
TXT debuted on March 4, 2019, under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE Corporation).
Its Members are Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai. TXT has made its ultra-special mark through a youthful crew and created an impact on young hearts. They have a stellar roster of songs such as “CROWN” and “Blue Hour.” Most of their concepts relate to youth and self-development, hence resonating well with the younger generation.
10. IVE
IVE was created on 1st December 2021 under Starship Entertainment. Its members are Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Wonyoung, and Liseo. IVE has become an overnight sensation with their successful debut single titled “ELEVEN,” which has topped the trending rankings in South Korea and across other countries. They got highly positive reviews for their stage performance skills and greatly synchronized performance. Even if IVE can be classified as one of the newer groups, they most definitely have very bright prospects of being one of the most well-known girl groups within the K-pop industry.
Conclusion
K-pop has emerged as a genre with a global audience, with groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO taking the lead. Such groups have been topping charts and, hence are at the very front line in carrying Korean culture to the world. With acts both old and new pushing the envelope in music and performance, the future for K-pop only seems bright.
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