The 20 Most Popular KPop Groups of All Time

With groups like BTS, Blackpink, and Momoland, KPop (Korean Pop Music) has won over fans all over the world. With their catchy tunes, polished choreography, and eye-catching fashion, there is a reason why this genre has excelled in the past years.

Let’s take a look at the 20 most popular KPop groups of all time:

1. BTS

There is no doubt that BTS is one of the most popular and best KPop boy groups. The seven-member (Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook) group’s musical style has been described as a “mix of hip-hop and pop”.

The group has won prestigious awards for their music. Just recently, they have been recognized in the Guinness World Records Hall of Fame for having a total of 23 world records including most tickets sold for a live-streamed concert and most Instagram followers as a group!

Their achievements are truly praise-worthy and they have a very loyal fanbase backing them up.

2. Momoland

Momoland is one of the most prestigious K-Pop girl groups to date. They are known for their catchy songs and dance moves. The group debuted in 2016 and have since released several hit singles including “Bboom Bboom”, “Baam”, and “I’m So Hot”. 

Momoland has won numerous awards, hence their incredible popularity. With loyal and constant support, they are loved by fans all over the world.

3. Monsta X

Monsta X is a KPop group that was formed in 2015 under Starship Entertainment. They are known for their powerful and often emotional performances, which has earned them a large and loyal fanbase both in South Korea and around the world.

In addition to their music, Monsta X is also known for their fashion sense and unique style. The group has released several successful albums and singles, and they have toured extensively both in Korea and internationally.

4. EXO

EXO is a KPop group that has been taking over the KPop fanbase since its debut in 2012. The group is made up of 12 members, divided into two sub-groups (EXO-K and EXO-M), and they are known for their tight choreography and powerful vocals. Their popularity has only grown in recent years, and they have even begun to break into the mainstream US market.

In 2019, they became the first KPop group to showcase their talent during the Coachella music festival. EXO’s success is a testament to the growing global appeal of KPop music. Winning several awards, there is no doubt that their talent is worth sharing with the world.

5. Stray Kids

Stray Kids is composed of nine members (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N). The group debuted in 2018, with their EP entitled “I Am Not”.

Before their debut, the members of Stray Kids had already gained a large following on social media due to their associations with other popular K-Pop groups and their participation in JYP’s survival show Stray Kids.

6. BlackPink

Since their debut in 2016, Blackpink has taken the K-pop world by storm. Composed of four members – Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa – the group has become known for their catchy songs, powerful dance routines, and stylish fashion sense.

The group has released several hit singles, including “Boombayah” and “As If It’s Your Last,” both of which topped the charts in Korea. Blackpink has also gained a large following internationally, becoming the first K-Pop girl group to perform at Coachella in 2019. With their catchy music and undeniable talent, it’s no wonder that Blackpink is one of the most established K-Pop groups today.

7. NCT 127

NCT 127 is a subunit of the all-male Korean group called NCT. The group is composed of seven members and they debuted in 2016 with the mini-album NCT #127.

The group has released several successful singles, including “Cherry Bomb” and “Fire Truck”. In 2020, they became the first K-Pop group to perform in Texas’ Rodeo Houston, the world’s largest indoor livestock exhibition.

8. Seventeen

With thirteen members, Seventeen is an idol group known for their unique blend of R&B, hip hop, and pop music. The group made their debut in 2015 and they have since released three full-length albums and an upcoming one this year.

There is no doubt that Seventeen is one of the most famous KPop groups in the world, with a devoted global fanbase.

9. ITZY

ITZY is a girl group that consists of 5 members. They made their official debut in 2019. Itzy is signed to JYP Entertainment. The group is known for their graceful dance performances and catchy beats that captivated the hearts of the KPop fandom.

Their debut single, “Dalla Dalla,” was a huge success and their follow-up singles, “Icy” and “Not Shy,” were also very popular. They quickly became one of the most established k-pop groups that also have a devoted fanbase.

10. TXT

TXT, also known as Tomorrow X Together, is a five-member boy band from South Korea. They debuted in 2019, under Big Hit Entertainment. Their music style varies from hip-hop to pop to rock. They are a well-established boy group in the industry which resulted in having a large international following.

11. Red Velvet

Red Velvet is a K-pop group managed by SM Entertainment. They debuted in 2014, with a single entitled “Happiness”. They are well known for their unique musical style which fuses elements of pop, R&B, and hip hop.

Their music is often characterized by catchy hooks and strong beats. In addition to their musical talent, the members of Red Velvet are also known for their chic visuals and trendy fashion sense.

Just recently, they released a comeback single entitled “Feel My Rhythm” together with an official music video.

12. Super Junior

With a career spanning over a decade, Super Junior is indeed a well-established K-pop group. The group originally debuted with twelve members but has since seen several changes in the lineup. Presently, the group consists of nine active members.

Over the years, Super Junior has released several hugely successful albums and singles, cementing their status as one of the biggest K-pop groups in the world.

13. Twice

With a string of hit singles and a devoted global fanbase, it’s no surprise that Twice is one of the most established K-pop groups around. Formed in 2015 by JYP Entertainment, the group is made up of nine members.

Since their debut, Twice has released five studio albums (and one Japanese-language album), all of which have topped the Korean charts.

14. Infinite

Infinite was formed in 2010 by Woollim Entertainment. The group is composed of seven members. The group’s debut was considered successful as they won several new artist awards that year. Though on hiatus, they still have fans waiting for their comeback!

15. SNSD/Girls’ Generation

SNSD, also known as Girls’ Generation, is one of the most established KPop groups. Since their debut in 2007, they have released nine studio albums and multiple singles, all of which have been huge hits. 

In addition to their musical success, the group has also appeared in several TV shows and movies, making them true multi-talented stars. Thanks to their immense popularity, SNSD has become a top favorite of KPop fans for quite some time since their debut!

16. Big Bang

Big Bang is a South Korean boy band that has taken the world by storm since their debut in 2006. The group is composed of five members. Their lyrics often explore themes of love, success, and friendship.

The group has released several albums that have topped the charts in both South Korea and Japan, and they have toured extensively throughout Asia and the Americas. In 2012, Big Bang was named “Artist of the Year” at the MTV Europe Music Awards, embedding a big name in the kpop scene.

17. 2NE1

Founded in 2009, 2NE1 is a South Korean girl group that quickly rose to fame with their unique blend of pop, hip hop, and R&B. The group is composed of four members: CL, Dara, Bom, and Minzy.

2NE1’s debut album, “To Anyone”, was an instant success, spawning the hit singles “Fire” and “I Don’t Care.” 2NE1 has also embarked on several world tours, performing for fans all over the globe. In 2016, the group announced an indefinite hiatus so that some of the members can push through with their solo careers. Although they are currently on hiatus, 2NE1 still remains a renowned K-pop group in the industry.

18. GOT7

Formed in 2014 by JYP Entertainment, GOT7 is a seven-member South Korean boy band. Their debut single “Girls Girls Girls” was their biggest hit which led to their fame and success in the KPop industry.

19. SHINee

SHINee is a five-member South Korean boy group that debuted in 2008 under S.M. Entertainment. The group’s name is a combination of the English word “shine” and the last letter of the Korean alphabet, which together represent their goal of becoming “the brightest stars in the universe.”

They are known for their creative concepts and strong vocal and dancing abilities and have won numerous awards throughout their career.

20. iKON

iKON is a seven-member KPop group that made their debut in 2015 under YG Entertainment. iKON quickly gained popularity with their debut single “My Type,” which topped multiple Korean music charts.

In addition to their musical success, iKON is also known for their fashion sense and unique style. The group’s members are often seen sporting ripped jeans, hoodies, and sneakers, which has become their signature look.

Final Thoughts

There are many successful KPop groups, and each has their unique style and sound. These groups have proven their popularity by topping music charts and performing on tours internationally. Thanks to their dedication to their craft and their global appeal, these KPop groups have become some of the most influential music artists in the world.

BTS Image by: Dispatch, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Momoland Image by: 티비텐, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
MonstaX Image by: Newsen [뉴스엔 김기태 기자], CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
EXO Image by: https://www.youtube.com/user/mang2goon/about, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stray Kids Image by: JYP Entertainment, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
BlackPink Image by: PUBG MOBILE:絕地求生M, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
NCT 127 Image by: 뉴스인스타 (News In Star), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seventeen Image by: SEVENTEEN, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
ITZY Image by: Marie Claire Korea, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
TXT Image by: Dispatch, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Red Velvet Image by: HK.KPOP.PAGE韓星來港應援站, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Super Junior Image by: mduangdara from Midlothian, VA, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Twice Image by: 월아조운’s, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Infinite Image by: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Photographer name), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SNSD/Girls’ Generation Image by: Pabian, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Big Bang Image by: KBS VIEW, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2NE1 Image by: Bananataste, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
GOT7 Image by: JYPAudition, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SHINee Image by: Marie Claire Korea, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
iKON Image by: 뉴스엔· NewsenTV·KOREA Entertainment news, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons