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K-pop refers to the pop music scene in South Korea. However, it can also refer to anything within South Korean popular culture. Recently, kpop’s popularity has started to grow exponentially around the world in a phenomena known as the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu”. In fact, now you can even find fans in countries as far away and different such as Iran, Romania, Egypt, and Bulgaria. With that in mind, check out below for the top 10 most successful kpop groups and artists.
#10. Psy
Park Jae-sang, more commonly known by his stage name Psy, is one of the most popular kpop artists of all time. In fact, many credit him with making kpop music popular in the west with his hit song “Gangnam Style”. The 2012 song contains a catchy beat and even funkier horse dance. It was so popular that it gained over 1.8 billion views on Youtube.[1]Culture Trip – The 10 Most Popular K-Pop Artists and Bands This gave Psy plenty of opportunists to work with famous American artists.
However, Psy wasn’t also so popular. In fact, his debut album Psy From the Psycho World! came out in 2001. In between he released 4 more albums, and even completed his mandatory military service.
Psy has built on his success of “Gangnam Style” with other hits including the song “Daddy” in 2015.
#9. Rain
Jung Ji-hoon, better known by his stage name Rain, was the first kpop artist to really break in the West. He was in big Hollywood productions such as Speed Racer (2008) and Ninja Assassin (2009).
However, before that, he had built up a great career in the kpop scene. In fact, he had originally joined JYP Entertainment after auditioning as a dancer. He debuted in 2002 with Bad Guy. From there, Rain’s career skyrocketed including several more popular kpop albums and even a starring role in the Korean drama Full House.[2]Kprofiles – Rain Profile and Facts; Rain’s Ideal Type
He had to complete his mandatory military service. However, his popularity didn’t wane one bit. In fact, when he was discharged from his military service in 2013, there were fans waiting for him to come out at the gates of the military base.
#8. Wonder Girls
The Wonder Girls are one of the most popular all female kpop groups of all time. They debuted in 2007 and started gaining a lot of popularity with there hit song “Tell Me”. The catchy tune and signature dance moves skyrocketed them to the top of the Kpop charts.
In 2009, they started to break into the American music scene with their 1960s retro style song “Nobody” that also included an English version of the song. In fact, the song was so popular that it broke into the Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles.[3]Kprofiles – Wonder Girls Members Profile
Wonder Girls didn’t stop there though. In 2010, Wonder Girls continued their international expansion when they broke into the Chinese music scene as well.
#7. Big Bang
Big Bang is one of the most popular Kpop groups ever. The 5 member all male band consists of T.O.P. (Choi Seung-Hyun), Taeyang (Dong Young-Bae), G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong), leader), Daesung (Kang Dae-Sung) and Seungri (Lee Seung-Hyun).[4]Nautiljon – Big Bang
Big Bang is known for it over the top fashion style of T.O.P. and dynamic raps by G-Dragon. In fact, G-Dragon’s rapping has garnered him international attention and even opportunities to work with the likes of Missy Elliot in London. In addition, T.O.P. has built a great acting career as a cast member in the Korean drama Iris.
Originally, the band was supposed to just be a duo with T.O.P. and G-Dragon. However, their management agency YG Entertainment saw bigger opportunities with making them a group. As such, they added Daesung as the band’s many vocal singer and Seungri as their main dancer.
#6. Girls’ Generation
Girls’ Generation is one of the most popular all female Kpop groups ever. They are the female companion group to the all male group Super Junior. They debuted in 2007 and have experienced continued and growing popularity with hits such as the 2009 “Gee” and their Japanese album Girls’ Generation. In addition, they have broken into the American music and popular culture scene with appearances on Late Night with David Letterman in 2012 as well as a Video of the Year at the 2013 YouTube Music Awards.[5]Kprofiles – Girls’ Generation (SNSD) Members Profile
#5. Super Junior
Super Junior is one of the most popular all male Kpop groups ever. They debuted in 2005. At their peak, the large group actually consisted of 13 members!
Unlike, many western music groups, Super Junior actually broke itself into several sub groups. While the whole group would regularly sing and make songs together, they would also break into their smaller sub groups to focus on smaller niche and international markets. For example, Super Junior-M consisted of Henry and ZhouMi, who are both Chinese. In addition, Super Junior-T specialized in “trot” music.[6]Kprofiles – Super Junior Profile
In 2007, Super Junior took the first spot in the KKBox online music charts. They then proceed to hold this spot for 120 weeks with hits such as “Bonamania” in 2010, “Mr. Simple” in 2011, and “Sexy Free And Single” in 2012.
#4. T-ara
T-ara is one of the most popular all female Kpop groups of all time. Similar to many other Kpop groups, the number of members have changed over time, as new ones have been added and others left.
T-ara has several popular hits including “Roly Poly”, “Bo Peep Bo Peep”, and “Sexy Love”.[7]Kprofiles – T-Ara Members Profile
Similar to many other Kpop groups, T-ara is also broken down into several subgroups in order to target other markets.
#3. BlackPink
BlackPink is an all female Kpop group that debuted on August 8, 2016 with the songs “Boombayah” and “Whistle”. The Kpop group consists of 4 members: Jennie, Ji Soo, Lisa and Rosé. They represent the new generation of Kpop girl groups. In fact, they are the first new girl’s group to debut in the decade. As such, there was a lot of pressure on them to be successful. Little surprise, they have not disappointed! In fact, they have actually made history by being the highest charting female Kpop group on the Billboard charts. In addition, their song “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” is the fastest Kpop music video ever to pass 250 million views, which they achieved in only 50 days![8]Forbes – BlackPink: By The Numbers
#2. EXO
EXO is one of the most popular Kpop groups ever. They are part of the new generation of Kpop. In fact, all of their members were born after 1990.
EXO is part of SM Entertainment’s effort to break into and win the Chinese music market. They did this by making the group the first Korean-Chinese all male group. The group is actually broke into 2 sub groups. The first is EXO-K which focuses on the Korean music market. The second is EXO-M, which focuses on the Chinese music market.[9]Kprofiles – EXO Members Profile and Facts
In 2012, EXO released their hit song “MAMA” in both Chinese and Korean. Of little surprise, the song was a major hit in both countries.
#1. BTS
BTS is another one of the hit Kpop groups that is part of the new wave of Korean music. They debuted in 2013 and quickly rose to the top of the music charts. The group consists of 7 members: in, Suga, J-Hope, Rap Monster, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.[10]Spinditty – Top 20 Most Successful and Best-Selling Kpop Group Ever
They are not only popular in Korea, but also worldwide. In fact, in 2016, Forbes named them the most retweeted artists. In addition, their Most Beautiful Moment in Life trilogy took the #1 spot on the Billboard World Albums Chart and kept the spot for several weeks. This made them the first k-pop group to ever achieve this amazing feat!
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