Most Popular K-Pop Groups Voted by Global Fans 2019

Jan 25, 2020 | Korea, POP, US

In recent years, music from South Korea has taken the world by storm. But among the hundreds of South Korean groups, who are the ring leaders? Stubhub has found out the most popular ones.

The Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, is becoming more evident day by day thanks to addicting Netflix Korean dramas, holy grail skincare products, and most of all, KPop music blasting through speakers all over the world.

Kpop, short for Korean Pop music, is known for its unique blend of melodies coupled with impressive production value and choreography. These songs are performed by attractive South Koreans who spent years training with their respective studios before being debuted. Here are the top groups that are topping charts all around the world, according to Stubhub.

BTS

BTS, short for Bangtan Sonyeondan or Beyond the Scene is one of the very few KPop groups that need no introduction. This group, garnering 51% of Stubhub votes, has continually captured global fans since their 2013 debut. Its members J-Hope, Jimin, Jung Kook, RM, V, SUGA, and Jin are also using their fame to promote advocacies such as “Love Myself Campaign” and the UN “Speak Yourself” speech.

EXO

With 23% of votes, EXO has got millions of KPop fans cheering for them. This group has nine members which include Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, Suho, Lay, D.O., Sehun, and Kai. Their music is hard to label into just one category since they pride themselves on exploring several genres such as R&B, rock, rap, EDM and even hip-hop. Whatever your music taste is, you’ll definitely find an EXO song that you’ll like.

Monsta X

A group that was formed through No Mercy, a survival show that aired in 2015, Monsta X’s rise to fame is unstoppable. The seven-member band garnered 18% of votes. They’ve surely gone a long way since their debut album “Trespass” was released. Now, the group which consists of I.M., Shownu, Wonho, Minhyu, Hyungwon, Kihyun, Joohoney are taking over the Billboard charts.

Blackpink

One of the hottest and most in-demand girl groups in the world, Blackpink has been smashing records since they released their debut single in 2016 entitled “Boombayah.” Having played at Coachella, this group is truly a phenomenon in its own right. With charismatic members that include Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé, it’s no wonder they achieved the highest-charting Kpop girl group song “Kill This Love.”

Gfriend

Gfriend has been making headlines since 2015. They have acquired a wide array of awards and chart-topping hits over the years thanks to the talent and charm of their members Umji, Eunha, Yuju, Sowon, Yerin, and SinB. With fans of all ages, nationalities, and genders, this is truly one girl group you’ll be hearing about in the years to come.

H.O.T.

H.O.T. stands for High-Five of Teenagers. Having debuted in 1996, they’re one of the first trailblazers of Kpop music. The group is a brainchild of SM Entertainment and has six members including Lee JaeWon, Kangta, Tony Ahn, Moon HeeJun, and Jang WooHyuk. The group initially disbanded in 2001 but later on had a reunion concert in 2018. Despite their absence in the music scene, their popularity is still hard to match.

**IZ*One**

This charming girl group may seem cute but they’re driven to last. Formed by 12 members who won in the Produce 48 show, this Japanese-Korean Kpop group first debuted in 2018 in Korea and 2019 in Japan. In just a span of two years, the group has managed to capture the hearts of millions of fans thanks to their catchy songs and unmistakable talent.

Mamamoo

One of the most vocally-talented groups in Kpop, listening to Mamamoo is like encountering a breath of fresh air. While other groups emphasize perfectly synchronized dance moves, this group’s impressive songs are their selling point. Thanks to their talent, the four members of the group have managed to snag back to back chart-topping hits and awards.

Nu-Est

With members Ren, Baekho, JR, Minhyun, and JR, this group debuted in 2012 and is still making headlines until now. Nu-Est has truly come so far since they served as backup dancers for After School.

Park Hyo Shin

The top-ranking solo balladeer in the Stubhub list, Park Hyo Shin is a world-class performer that conveys emotion perfectly through songs. Since he released his first song in 1999, the singer has been making women (and men!) swoon with his powerful voice.