Whether you're new to the world of K-Pop or have been listening for years, it's likely that you haven't listened to every single album, song, or artist that exists in the genre, a truth with any medium that never feels good to acknowledge. Your next favorite artist could be right around the corner, especially in a genre as widespread and sonically diverse as K-Pop. After all, its roots may be grounded in the pop genre, but there are branches reaching out towards everything from rap to reggaeton.
An ever-changing and sometimes oversaturated genre such as this can be difficult to navigate. New groups and soloists are constantly vying for an audience's attention, with those from larger entertainment companies often taking the cake, but there are underrated K-Pop gems to be found in all corners of the genre's landscape. From dreamy, angelic girl groups to swoon-worthy boy groups, you're sure to find something that suits your taste.
10 BTS
LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘Tear’ (2018)
No matter how familiar you are with K-Pop, BTS should be a name that rings a bell. The seven-member boy group grew to global superstardom after performing their track "DNA" at the American Music Awards in 2017. A year later, they released LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘Tear,' the second installment of BTS' LOVE YOURSELF album trilogy, featuring the high-impact title track "FAKE LOVE." As a whole, the album jumps between genres, including EDM, Latin pop, hip-hop, and elements of jazz.
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There is a devastating quality to the first half, which is filled with soulful vocal delivery on tracks like "Intro: Singularity" and "The Truth Untold," that stands in stark contrast to the latter half's high-energy atmosphere. "So What" will have you jumping alone in your room like you're at a festival while "134340" will have you gently swaying. The range that BTS shows on this album alone is a fantastic starting point for getting into their music or the wider K-Pop genre.
9 Red Velvet
'The ReVe Festival 2022 - Feel My Rhythm' (2022)
As far as girl groups go, Red Velvet is a staple in the K-Pop world. After debuting in 2014, the quintet consistently flipped between their signature "Red" (poppy, upbeat) and "Velvet" (dark, sultry) concepts, providing fans with an exciting surprise for each release. Their 2022 mini-album 'The ReVe Festival 2022 - Feel My Rhythm' is a prime example of how the "Red" concept can venture into more whimsical territory while also tying into their "Velvet" side throughout the other tracks.
The "Red" concept can venture into more whimsical territory while also tying into their "Velvet" side throughout the other tracks.
The album's title track, "Feel My Rhythm," is a fantastical song that displays the ' enchanting vocals through its harmonized chorus. Each of the additional tracks builds on the original concept, with "In My Dreams" and "BAMBOLEO" taking listeners on a goosebump-inducing journey of heartache and embracing everyday imperfections. "Beg For Me" is the standout "Velvet" track on this album. The switch on their sultry tones with practiced perfection, urging listeners to do as they say. Who are we to say no?
8 EXO
EXODUS - The 2nd Album (2015)
Another K-Pop staple emerging just a year before BTS is EXO. Beyond the success of the group, their lineup has introduced several incredibly popular soloists in between EXO releases, including Baekhyun, D.O., and Kai, two of the group's lead vocalists and their lead dancer respectively. The highlight track of this album, "CALL ME BABY," is one of the most catchy songs I've personally ever heard. It starts off, quite literally, with a bang. Paired with the ridiculously fun and high-energy choreography featured in the music video, it makes for a great K-Pop jumping off point.
The rest of the album is just as strong. The group's trained vocals and clean harmonies shine on tracks such as "EXODUS" and "HURT." "PLAYBOY" is a peek into the sultry ability of boy groups to capture the attention of listeners with just their voices, while "MY ANSWER" and "BEAUTIFUL" will have you blushing for much more innocent reasons. EXO are an impressive vocal-driven group with a lengthy catalog of near-perfect albums you shouldn't miss out on.
7 KAI
Rover - The 3rd Mini Album (2023)
Hailing from EXO, KAI is one of the most promising soloists in K-Pop. He first debuted as a soloist with his self-titled mini-album in 2020, quickly gaining attention for the title track "Mmmh," and its sensual energy. Since then, he's released two more mini-albums and recently completed his mandatory military service, so it's likely that he's already hit the studio. His latest release, "Rover," came out just before he enlisted in 2023, and has kept fans wanting more. The title track of the same name is a reggaeton-infused earworm that's elevated by KAI's vocal delivery.
Every South Korean male citizen between the ages of 18-35 must complete 18 months of mandatory military service.
The rollout for this release was accompanied by a highlight medley featuring high-production teasers and detailed choreography for each track. As one of the most highly praised dancers in the industry, KAI brought fans into the world of his album through his performance and visible dedication to carrying out the meaning of each song. Along with the Afro-Latin reggaeton beats of "Rover" and "Bomba," the album ties itself to a particular brand of R&B common to Korean artists. This album is a prime example of the abilities of K-Pop idols to come into their own.
6 IVE
I've IVE (2023)
IVE is a newer group, but they bring an experienced air to their music that makes them feel particularly seasoned. Debuting in 2021 under Starship Entertainment, IVE pride themselves on the elegant concept that follows them through even their grittier tracks. I've IVE is their first full-length album, and it's a thing of beauty, allowing the to lean into their signature style and expand into new territory. The album's main track, "I AM," is an anthem of self-love, encouraging listeners to follow their dreams. Listening to the glass-shattering vocals in the pre-chorus will have you thinking anything is possible.
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"Kitsch" was a pre-release track that saw the six-member group in a more youthful light, embracing the edge that comes with being young and successful. Upon first listen, it was a departure from their usual style, but it fits into this album smoothly. Other tracks like "NOT YOUR GIRL" and "Shine With Me" feel reminiscent of girl groups past, tapping into a tasteful Disney Channel Original Movie soundtrack style that might bring tears to your eyes if you're feeling nostalgic.
5 ENHYPEN
DIMENSION : DILEMMA (2021)
DIMENSION : DILEMMA is a perfect boy group album. ENHYPEN comes from the same company as BTS, and are powerhouses in their own right. Formed on a Korean survival show, similar but more brutal than our talent competition shows in America, ENHYPEN possesses a perfectly molded stage presence and clean live vocals. 2021's DIMENSION : DILEMMA was one of the first K-Pop albums I listened to in full, and it still stands several years later as one of my favorites.
ENHYPEN possesses a perfectly molded stage presence and clean live vocals.
"Tamed-Dashed" and "Upper Side Dreamin'" are classic K-Pop summer anthems, perfect for lying on the beach and snacking on salty boardwalk fries. "Just A Little Bit" is a charming love song placed on the tracklist just before "Go Big or Go Home," an EDM track that'll have you moving no matter your level of dance skills. ENHYPEN is a group that tries new sounds, but still feels deeply connected to the traditional K-Pop sound.
4 BOYNEXTDOOR
19.99 (2024)
19.99 was based on a concept thought up by the of BOYNEXTDOOR, most of whom are in their early 20s. Their youngest member was still 19, and they wanted to release a project that celebrated, challenged, and harped on the loss of their last months as teenagers. BOYNEXTDOOR's company, KOZ, is headed by Zico, a member of boy group Block B, so it's no surprise that the first group under his name would be as creatively-driven as him.
As an album, 19.99 feels like a close friend sharing their feelings with you. The opening track, "Dangerous," is the group's first rap-centered song, and it's filled with teenage rebellion. From there, the album takes a quick yet seamless dive into the melancholic, using closing tracks "20" and "Call Me" to reach a welcome hand out to listeners who are experiencing similar internal challenges.
3 STAYC
YOUNG-LUV.COM (2022)
2022's YOUNG-LUV.COM is a cohesive, beautiful collection of songs by a girl group who continues to coast as a highly respected leader of K-Pop's 4th generation (groups who debuted after 2018). They're the only group under their company, High Up Entertainment, and put themselves on the map of K-Pop for good with their 2021 hit "STEREOTYPE."
ittedly, the title track of this album, "RUN2U," took a couple of listens to click for me, but once it did, boy did I get it.
The synth-pop instrumentals twist around their voices in just the right way, leaving you no choice but to have the "RUN2U" chorus stuck in your head for weeks. There are a plethora of K-Pop songs with the title "BUTTERFLY," but STAYC's gets the trophy from me. The group's main vocalist's talents shine here as well as in the chorus of "YOUNG LUV," showing Sieun's powerful side in one and a softer side in the other. Their raps are catchy, their energy is fresh, and this album is gorgeous.
2 TAEYEON
INVU - The 3rd Album (2022)
If there's a female soloist that'll have you in awe of the talent within the K-Pop industry, it's Taeyeon. She stood out vocally in Girl's Generation, one of the first major K-Pop girl groups that debuted in 2007, but her solo debut in 2015 proved that the attention she received within the group was well-deserved. 2022's INVU is a groundbreaking feat in an industry that often pushes its more experienced female idols out of the spotlight after they reach a certain age.
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She uses her well-known, flawless voice to belt her heart out on "Can't Control Myself" and "Heart," piercing right through until you feel each word. The title track, "INVU", stands as one of the most widely-loved solo tracks where nobody seems to hate it. There's little, if anything, to dislike about the way her vocals burst through the pre-chorus and reel back in through the verses like it's nothing.
1 ATEEZ
THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL (2023)
ATEEZ are one of the most exciting groups to come out of the genre since their 2018 debut. The boy group is known for their intense stage presence and music worthy of blasting the roof off of any building, both characteristics of their 2023 full-length album THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL. As the finale to their THE WORLD trilogy, EP.FIN : WILL drops listeners into the group's fictionalized dystopian landscape present in past releases.
Sirens and constant background noise are present in "WE KNOW" and "Emergency," while "Crazy Form" and "ARRIBA" feel like a victory lap. "Crescent Part 2" transitions the album away from the intensity and into four unit tracks where the individualism of each member shines. Between the four, they present a heated rap track, a sultry R&B track, a melancholic study of friendship, and a stunning ballad. If you're looking for a group that does it all, look no further.