It’s obvious that K Pop, South Korea’s popular music, is taking the world by storm. The genre’s inspiring and uplifting songs have captivated audiences worldwide. But who exactly are the best K Pop bands? Check out our list below.

Boy K Pop Bands

BTS

BTS is one of the best K Pop bands and unarguably the most popular K Pop group for 2023. 

The immensely popular band debuted in 2013 with tremendous success. They made history as the first Korean band to perform at the American Music Awards in 2017 and the first Asian artist to win Artist of the Year. 

They were also the first artists in iTunes history to chart eight songs at number one in 100 countries.

BTS’ music is a unique blend of hip-hop, pop, some EDM, and rap. Their focus on love and mental issues makes them relatable to young people worldwide. 

The group includes three rappers, RM, Suga, and J-Hope, and four singers, Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. 

The best BTS songs include “Butter,” “Dynamite,” and “DNA.”

EXO

Who is the richest K Pop group? EXO is currently the richest K Pop group, with a total net worth of about $1 billion. 

Yes, that’s right, they even made more money than BTS. This is largely thanks to the massive success of their track “Don’t Fight the Feeling.” 

Formed in 2011, EXO is brought the Hallyu wave to the world. The original group had 12 members divided into the EXO-K and EXO-M, which stood for the Korean and Mandarin subunits of the group.

The name EXO was taken from the word exoplanet, which refers to a planet beyond our solar system. When they came out, they had an extraterrestrial concept that perfectly matched their name. 

The group’s music is distinct because of their vocals, good-boy-gone-bad vibes, and excellent music videos. Their combination of R&B, hip-hop, EDM, electropop, and dance-pop makes them unique in the K Pop genre.  

The best EXO songs include “Growl,” “Call Me Baby,” and “Love Shot.”

 

GOT7

Got7 – JB, Mark, Jackson, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom – is one of Korea’s most endearing and best K Pop bands. Their beautiful blended voices, varied discography, and obvious chemistry have given them legions of fans. 

Watching their interviews is such a delight. You can feel their brotherly love so much that you almost want to be a member of the band.

A regular fixture on Billboard’s World Albums chart, the group has a devoted fan base known as IGOT7 or Ahgase.

Their style is mainly hip-hop, trap, and R&B.

The best GOT7 songs are “Just Right,” “If You Do,” and “Nanana.”

Super Junior

Also known as SJ or SuJu, SM Entertainment created Super Junior in 2005. Responsible for ushering in the “second generation” of K Pop, they are definitely one of the best K Pop bands from South Korea.

Super Junior has many achievements, including:

• Winning Favorite Artist Korea at the 2008 MTV Asia Awards
• Their hit “Sorry Sorry” going viral worldwide
• Giving a special lecture at Oxford University
• Winning Choice International Artist at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards
• Becoming the first K Pop artist to enter Billboard’s Latin Songs chart
• Being the first foreign-language artist to win Artist of the Year at the KKBOX Music Awards. 

They also made a significant contribution to the Hallyu wave.

The members of Super Junior – leader Leeteuk, Shindong, Sungmin, Heechul, Eunhyuk, Yesung, Kyuhyun, Donghae, Siwon, and Ryeowook – are highly respected and loved by fans and continue to bring originality to the music industry.

Their style is dance-pop, electronic, R&B, and hip-hop. The best Super Junior songs are “Sorry Sorry,” “Bonamana,” and “Devil.”

 

BIGBANG

BIGBANG is another major second-generation group widely considered one of the best K Pop bands. BTS is even inspired by and idolizes them. 

The band was formed in 2006, inspired by the television series Big Bang Documentary. They are known for their distinct musical style, sold-out concerts, consistent album sales, fashion statements, and unique artistry.

The quintet consists of G-Dragon, T.O.P., Taeyang, and Daesung. Their music style includes hip-hop, dance, electronic, and R&B.

The best BIGBANG songs are “Fantastic Baby,” “Lies,” and “Day by Day.”

Girl K Pop Bands

 

TWICE

TWICE’s canorous tunes and wide-ranging mix of styles surely make them one of the best K Pop bands. With music as snazzy as their personalities, these pop princesses have been churning out hit after hit since they debuted in 2015.

Formed by JYP Entertainment, TWICE has nine members: Sana, Nayeon, Momo, Jeongyeon, Tzuyu, Chaeyoung, Dahyun, Mina, and Jihyo. 

Their debut EP, The Story Begins, included megahit “Like Ooh-Aah.” Its music video, which was the most-watched debut music video from any K Pop group, has amassed 50 million YouTube views.

TWICE developed a signature sound combining rock, R&B, and hip hop. The group also successfully incorporates modern online culture into its music and videos.

The best TWICE songs are “Feel Special” and “Fancy.”

BLACKPINK

One of the best K Pop bands and the biggest K Pop girl group in the world is BLACKPINK. The girl group debuted in 2016 and took the world by storm with their dynamic, bold songs and spectacular choreography.

Members Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa made history as the first K Pop girl band to perform at Coachella. They were also the highest-charting K Pop girl group on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2019.

On October 2020, BLACKPINK’s “Light Up the Sky” was released worldwide on Netflix. It is the group’s first documentary and Netflix’s first original K Pop content. BLACKPINK also became the first K Pop group to have a music video reach the 1 billion views mark on YouTube. 

The immensely popular girl group just kicked off their highly anticipated world tour in Seoul, South Korea, on October 15, 2022. The tour, which showcases their biggest hits and brand new studio album, Born Pink, is said to be the largest world tour by a K Pop girl group in history.

The best BLACKPINK songs are “Du Du Du Du,”, “Kill This Love,” and “Boombayah.”

 

Wonder Girls

Dubbed “South Korea’s Retro Queens,” Wonder Girls debuted in 2007 with their hit single “Irony.” They subsequently released one viral hit after another, breaking barriers in the American music industry for girl groups and all K Pop acts.

The group officially disbanded in January 2017 after an unsuccessful renewal negotiation with some of its members. Their final single, “Draw Me,” was released on February 2017 and also served as their 10th-anniversary celebration. 

Sunye, Sohee, Hyuna, Yeeun, and Sunni were the group’s original five members.

Their style is a combination of retro, ‎pop-rock‎, ‎and dance-pop. Wonder Girls’ most famous song is the 2008 hit single “Nobody,” which helped them gain international recognition.

2NE1

It isn’t possible to list the best K Pop bands without mentioning 2NE1. The South Korean girl group was active between 2009 and 2016. Their four members were Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy. 

Recognized for breaking the stereotypical K Pop girl group image, 2NE1 pioneered the “girl crush” concept. They are recognized for expanding the girl group style in the industry. 

Moreover, 2NE1 is credited as one of the foundational groups that broke ground for the genre’s current popularity. 

The best 2NE1 songs are  “I Am the Best,”  “Fire,” and “Ugly.”

 

Girls’ Generation

Also known as SNSD, Girls’ Generation is regarded as the ultimate girl group and one of the best K Pop bands.

Girls’ Generation captured everyone’s attention with their youthful, spirited songs and videos. Their signature electro-bubblegum sound eventually developed over time, transforming the girls into ladies before their audience’s eyes.

Girls’ Generation has sold over 100 million digital and physical records, making them one of the most successful K Pop girl groups. They entered the Guinness World Records in 2018 after winning 13 trophies at the MelOn Music Awards. Their members have become successful DJs, actresses, and variety show hosts in their own right.

The best Girls’ Generation songs are “Into the New World,” “Gee,” and “Lion Heart.”

Who do you think are the best K Pop bands? Did we miss any? Tell us your favorite in the comments!