K-Pop – the upbeat and sometimes quirky music genre that originated from South Korea, has become a global sensation in the last few years. K-Pop is a mix of many genres including, rock, R&B, hip hop, jazz, and electronic dance music (EDM). It’s no surprise K-Pop has gained major traction; the music can cater to anyone’s personal taste. Along with the music, K-Pop has brought people together by the unique music videos and the different dances that go along.

It’s a fast-growing music industry that has even landed some artists in American music awards. 2020 has been a big year for some artists and has even got some existing artists back on the map. In this article, I will touch on a few names you may already know, and some newer artists who have gained followers in the last year.

BTS

It’s no surprise that we mention BTS first, they have been a catalyst in bringing the unique sound that K-Pop is known for worldwide. This seven-member South Korean band got their start in 2013 with their debut album “2 Cool 4 Skool”. They found moderate success with that album, but it wasn’t until 2016 that they became known how the world sees them today. In 2016 they had two songs that really put them on the map, “Wings” and later, “DNA” which had a music video that broke records. If you are new to BTS and looking for song recommendations, I would say start with “DNA” and then make your way to their other hits such as “Blood Sweat & Tears” and a recent song called “Dynamite”.

They have a diverse sound that includes a mix of EDM and hip-hop, but they do have more soulful songs that are slower and just as enjoyable. BTS is the first K-Pop group to be featured on an American music award show. They currently have over 20 million followers on Twitter and to top that, they have over 30 million subscribers on Youtube. BTS has played a major role in getting the sounds of K-Pop the international attention it deserves.

Blackpink

To start, Blackpink became the top-charting female Korean group on the Billboard 100, with their song “Ice-cream”, that debuted this year 2020. This fierce and catchy tune has brought over 300 million Youtube views since its release in ATo start, Blackpink became the top-charting female Korean group on the Billboard 100, with their song “Ice-cream”, that debuted this year 2020. This fierce and catchy tune has brought over 300 million Youtube views since its release in August. Their sound features a blend of rap, powerful feminine vocals, but they draw you in with their chic attitudes and appearance. The four women of Blackpink got their start in 2016 with their multilingual performance that brought fans together around the border.

Blackpink also made history with their performance at Coachella in 2019. Although, they aren’t the first Korean group to make it to the infamous music festival, they are the first K-Pop group to perform at their caliber. Given all the attention they have gained this past year, Blackpink is only getting started! ugust. Their sound features a blend of rap, powerful feminine vocals, but they draw you in with their chic attitudes and appearance. The four women of Blackpink got their start in 2016 with their multilingual performance that brought fans together around the border. 

Blackpink also made history with their performance at Coachella in 2019. Although, they aren’t the first Korean group to make it to the infamous music festival, they are the first K-Pop group to perform at their caliber. Given all the attention they have gained this past year, Blackpink is only getting started! 

BIBI

BIBI is a solo singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer that has also gained some traction within the last two years. Her first appearance in 2019 with her song “Binu” has gained 3.5 million views on Youtube. BIBI does have a different sound than traditional K-Pop music, her sound has a more R&B flow, nonetheless an artist to put on your radar. Right now, she doesn’t have any signs of a new song release but given the popularity she has gained that is sure to change.

EXO

This nine-member boy band got their start with an album named “XOXO” released in 2013 with two versions, one in South Korea, and the other in Mandarin. In the early years of EXO’s career they had additional members who ended up leaving, which is how we got the nine members here today. Fast forward to 2015 the band then released their album, “Exodus”, that spent weeks on multiple music charts and won them Album of the Year at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

EXO also featured at the ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Since then, they have gained recognition not only in their countries but also in the United States and Canada. They continue to streamline right alongside BTS in terms of popularity. The latest word on this group is they have the potential to make another comeback since their last album release in 2019. There’s also been word that some of the members are focusing on solo projects in 2020, but we hope to see the group come together to produce another record-breaking album.

Se So Neon

K-Pop isn’t all about the upbeat and catchy tunes that has brought it center stage- until recently, South Korean indie rock bands have taken the backseat. This isn’t the case for Se So Neon, the three-member band that has rebelled against the status quo to produce their music. They gained attention back in 2017 with their single “A Long Dream”. Later that year, they released their first album “Summer Plumage”, which launched them into the spotlight. Their album went on to win both Best Rock Song and Rookie of the Year at the 2018 Korean Music Awards.

Se So Neon released their second album earlier this year called “Maladaptive”. Their new album is exciting and showcases the bands natural talent.

Evergrow

Everglow got their start in February 2019 when Yuehua Entertainment revealed that they would debut a new girl group. About a month after their announcement their first album Arrival of Everglow released. Since then, they have released a few mini albums that have gained them success. One of their lead songs “Adios” reached over 100 million views- a feat of accomplishment for this six- member girl group. 

Everglow was scheduled to start their tour this Everglow got their start in February 2019 when Yuehua Entertainment revealed that they would debut a new girl group. About a month after their announcement their first album Arrival of Everglow released. Since then, they have released a few mini albums that have gained them success. One of their lead songs “Adios” reached over 100 million views- a feat of accomplishment for this six- member girl group.

Itzy

Itzy is a powerful group of feminine queens that promote the image of self-love and confidence. They had a roaring start when just nine days after their debut of “Dalla Dalla”they earned their first music video win. Itzy is the first girl group to achieve this so quickly in the industry! Over the past year they have gained popularity for showcasing their talent- even landing them a number 2 spot on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart.

Itzy also was awarded at the 2020 Korean Music Awards, earning two nominations – Rookie of the Year and Best Pop Song of the Year. They are an empowering group of women that are sure to rock the music world with their distinctive flair.

Red Velvet

This South Korean girl group got their start in 2014 with their single “Happiness”. Their sound includes a mix of electronic, funk, and hip hop while also having a hint of R&B. Red Velvet is a group of five women who give you the best of all worlds. Each member brings forward their own unique style- you can describe these girls as bold, sweet, and sparkly. They have shaken up charts with their unexpected new concepts and sounds, and even English version of their hits!

With talent like we talked about above- it’s no surprise that K-Pop has gained worldwide attention. K-Pop is a refreshing music genre that brings people across borders to share their same love of music. With the rise of new talent and existing artists' comeback, this music genre will continue to grow every year. With more and more recognition of these groups, we can continue seeing them on award shows and even see them perform at well-known music festivals.