Who Are We?
Hi! My name is Yoosong, and I am a typical Korean fangirl who is in love with Korean music. Currently, my favorite group is BTOB, and my favorite solo artist is IU. This article is a follow-up to our previous article. Check it out if you haven’t already!
Hi! My name is Haeji and I am a Korean American who loves listening to Korean music on a daily basis. Currently, my favorite group is Red Velvet and my favorite solo artists are IU and K.Will (who isn’t included in this article). I hope that I can give you all some good song suggestions and that you can enjoy them as much as I do! And now… let’s get this article started!
Rising Groups
NCT
NCT is a 23-member boy group that debuted in 2016 under SM Entertainment. Their group name, NCT, stands for SM Entertainment’s new motto called “Neo Culture Technology.” Openness and expandability are the two main focuses of NCT. It is a new group concept that allows free recruitation of members without a number limit. As its greeting “TO THE WORLD” suggests, NCT endeavors to spread the K-POP culture around the globe. Under one brand (NCT), there are multiple units that are based in different cities around the world. Members are from different backgrounds, as well. NCT U collectively names all the active units of NCT and aims to showcase a wide variety of music and concepts through different combinations of members during each release.
NCT is unique in its expansive and fluid membership. The selection of NCT U members for each album is based on the genre and aesthetic of the album; which means that each release can be surprising and new to its fans.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Dunk Shot (NCT DREAM):
Welcome To My Playground (NCT 127):
Make A Wish (NCT U):
- English Version:
Haeji’s Recommendations
The 7th Sense (NCT U):
Cherry Bomb (NCT 127):
Seventeen
Seventeen is a 13-member boy group that debuted in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment. Due to the English notation of the number 17, their group name is often misunderstood to have 17 members, but it actually means 13 members + 3 units + one team = 17 (SEVENTEEN).
The representative image of SEVENTEEN is cool and refreshing. Since their debut, they have proven their talents as idols through their outstanding performances on stage.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Don’t Wanna Cry:
Haeji’s Recommendations
VERY NICE:
Meet the Rookies
ITZY
ITZY is a 5-member group that debuted in 2019 under JYP Entertainment. Unlike their sister group TWICE, ITZY adopts a “girl crush” concept. Although they are a rookie group, they have shown promise as an up and coming “it” awards such as the Rookie of the Year award at the 34th Golden Disc Awards and Best Female Artist at the 2019 Melon Music Awards, as well as at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. As such, they have secured themselves as a top contender to lead the next generation of K-pop girl groups.
Members:
Yeji: Leader, Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist, Sub Rapper
Ryujin: Main Rapper, Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Center
Lia: Main Vocalist, Sub Rapper
Chaeryeong: Main Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper
Yuna: Lead Rapper, Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Visual, Maknae
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Surf:
- Cover by IU & ITZY:
- Live Performance:
Haeji’s Recommendations
DALLA DALLA:
G(I)-dle
(G)I-dle is a 6-member multinational girl group that debuted in 2018 under Cube Entertainment. Although they are a rookie group, they gained immediate popularity with their debut song LATATA, and the unique concepts of their music have contributed to the steady growth of their fandom.
Members:
Soyeon: Leader, Main Rapper, Sub Vocalist, Center
As the leader and rapper from Korea, she is known for her excellent diction and rhyming. As an official composer of the group, she has written and composed most of the songs, including the title tracks, with distinctive concepts.
Miyeon: Main Vocalist, Visual
As a main vocalist from Korea, she is known for her strong vocalization. Her powerful singing voice has a distinctive color and sounds stable during live performances. When singing, she utilizes various vocal techniques and her wide vocal range.
Minnie: Main Vocalist
As a main vocalist from Thailand, she has a wide vocal range and a uniquely dreamy singing voice that evokes emotions in the audience. Moreover, despite being a foreigner, her Korean pronunciation is very accurate. She also writes songs that are unique and full of personality.
Soojin: Main Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper
As a sub vocalist from Korea, she has a very delicate singing voice that blends well in every song. As the main dancer, she is known for her smooth dance moves. She is exceptional at controlling the dynamics and expressing emotions through her eyes. When dancing, she becomes a perfectionist as she never misses even the minutest details.
Yuqi: Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper, Face of the Group
As a lead dancer and sub vocalist from China, she has a low, calm, and husky singing voice. Although she can sing the low notes stably and freely, she is also skilled at singing high notes. Like Minnie, her Korean pronunciation is accurate.
Shuhua: Sub Vocalist, Visual, Maknae
As a sub vocalist from Taiwan, she often sings the most impactful parts of each song.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
LION:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Oh my god:
- English Version:
DUMDi DUMDi:
TxT
TOMORROW X TOGETHER is a 5-member multinational boy group that debuted in 2019 under HYBE LABELS (formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment). The abbreviation is TXT.
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There are four Korean members (Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun) and one Korean American member (Heuning Kai).
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The average height of the members is relatively high compared to other idol groups.
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All members can speak English.
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Except for the leader Soobin, the members do not have any official positions.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
CROWN:
Run Away:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Blue Hour:
One Hit Saved These Groups
Momoland
Momoland is a 6-member girl group that debuted in 2016 under MLD Entertainment. The group was formed through a survival reality show called Finding Momoland.
Our Recommendations
BBoom BBoom:
Yoosong’s Recommendations
BAAM:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Ready Or Not:
Pentagon
Pentagon is a 9-member multinational boy group that debuted in 2016 under CUBE Entertainment. This group was formed through a survival show called Pentagon Maker.
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It consists of seven Korean members (Wooseok, Hongseok, Hui, Kino, Jinho, Yeo One, Shinwon), one Japanese member (Yuto), and one Chinese member (Yanan).
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Seven out of nine members write and compose songs.
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All members are trilingual (can speak three languages) and have good vocal skills.
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The average height of the members is relatively high compared to other idol groups.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Spring Snow:
- Road to Kingdom Performance:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Shine:
Classic K-Pop Groups
BTOB
BTOB is a 6-member multinational boy group that debuted in 2012 under Cube Entertainment. Their talents are recognized by everyone.
Members:
Eunkwang: Main Vocalist, Leader
Minhyuk: Main Rapper
Changsub: Lead Vocalist
Hyunsik: Sub Vocalist
Peniel: Lead Rapper, Main Dancer
Sungjae: Sub Vocalist
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Their songs are very difficult to sing.
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It consists of five Korean members and one Korean American member.
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They have the ability to captivate the audience without much performance
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Members write their own songs.
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All members have very loud voices (above average).
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They were planning to debut as a band.
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They were not very successful in the beginning, but they have gradually become popular after their promotion of “Beep Beep.” They are an example of a late bloomer.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
It’s Okay:
Call me:
SHINee
SHINee is a 4-member group that debuted in 2008 under SM Entertainment.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
View:
I Want You:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Replay:
Super Junior
Biggest Hit
SORRY, SORRY:
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Devil:
Haeji’s Recommendations
MAMACITA:
Mamamoo
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Starry Night:
AZE GAG:
Haeji’s Recommendations
HIP:
woo hoo:
iKon
Yoosong’s Recommendations
LOVE SCENARIO:
MY TYPE:
Haeji’s Recommendations
RHYTHM TA:
AOA
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Heart Attack:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Good Luck:
Short Hair:
Apink
Yoosong’s Recommendations
NoNoNo:
Haeji’s Recommendations
FIVE:
GFriend
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Rough:
Haeji’s Recommendations
NAVILLERA:
WJSN
Yoosong’s Recommendations
HAPPY:
As You Wish:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Secret:
Dreams Come True:
Oh My Girl
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Secret Garden:
Dolphin:
Haeji’s Recommendations
The fifth season:
WINDY DAY:
Nonstop:
LOONA
Haeji’s Recommendations
Heart Attack:
Eclipse:
Egoist:
Korean Bands
Day6
Day6 is a 5-member boy band that debuted in 2015 under JYP Entertainment.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
You Were Beautiful:
Zombie:
- English Version:
N.Flying
N.Flying is a 5-member boy band that debuted in 2013 under FNC Entertainment.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Rooftop:
Oh really.:
Korean Soloists & Duos
Taeyeon
Taeyeon is among one of the most popular female solo artists in Korea. With eight years of experience with her group Girls’ Generation, Tayeon released her first EP I, which became a great success in Korea reaching number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart. She then went on to release well-received albums. My Voice and Purpose.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
I:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Something New:
11:11:
IU
IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, is one of the most famous female solo artists in Korea. She debuted in 2008, with “Lost Child,” and got her first big break with her single, “Good Day.” Since then she has released several albums, which have consistently charted well on music charts, and has established herself in the Korean acting scene.
Yoosong’s Recommendations
Celebrity:
Blueming:
Haeji’s Recommendations
Ending Scene:
Through the Night:
AKMU
AKMU is a Korean sibling duo that consists of Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun. They have found great success, with one of their albums Play, which won Best Pop Album in the 12th Korean Music Awards, and with their follow-up albums Spring and Winter.
Members:
Lee Chanhyuk: Main Rapper, Lead Vocalist
Lee Suhyun: Main Vocalist, Maknae
Yoosong’s Recommendations
DINOSAUR:
Haeji’s Recommendations
200%:
RE-BYE: