KOREAN POP

Here are some influential K-Pop groups for beginners:

 

BOY GROUPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXO 
EXO is a  popular group with ages ranging from 21 to 26 years old. EXO was originally a 12 member group, with two subunits- EXO-K and EXO-M. EXO-K focused on the Korean audience and EXO-M focused on the Chinese audience. Unfortunately, 3 Chinese members left EXO-M because of unethical treatment, which leaves the group standing as 9 members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIGBANG
BIGBANG is a group of 5 members which debuted in the year of 2006. The are a major leader in the Korean Pop industry, as the success of the group had led to member’s individual solo activities and world tours. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GOT7
GOT7 is a multinational Korean group that debuted in 2014. They have members from the United States, China, Thailand, and Korea. The continue to create a path in the industry by being a diverse group and acknowledge issues that affect young teens. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHINee
SHINee is a group that was formed by SM Entertainment in 2008. Since their debut, they have released 3 full albums, and have become quite popular within Japan. They are known for the “SHINee trend,” which is wearing bright colors and skinny jeans. 

 

 

GIRL GROUPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2ne1
2ne1 was made to be the female version of the male group, BIGBANG. They debuted in 2009, partnering in a song with BIGBANG. From there, the success of the group grew as the leader, CL, has been doing her own solo activities. They have been successful within the American youth, with special appearances on The Bachelor and America’s Next Top Model.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Girl’s Generation (So Nyuh Shi Dae)
Girl’s Generation is a group composed of 8 members with ages ranging from 24 to 26. They debuted in 2007 with nine members, but one member’s schedule conflicted with the group’s schedule and was released from the company. Girl’s Generation was around for two years until they hit it big with the single “Gee.” There is also a subunit called TaeTiSeo which is composed of three members to work on separate projects and still be in the group. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXID
EXID debuted in early 2012 with little public success. When the single “Up & Down” was released, EXID gained popularity over a course of a few months. EXID was formed through trial and error on the past of Gangak and JYP Entertainment. EXID started with 6 members, but 3 members left on the account of other opportunities. From there, 2 members were added before EXID’s debut. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4Minute
4Minute debuted in 2009 by Cube Entertainment. They are known for being too sexual in some of their songs, and have been banned from specific radio stations for the song “Won’t Give You.” They are a 5 member group with a unique fashion style that influences trends in fashion, and have starred with other Korean idols. A well-known member, Hyun-a, starred in the popular “Gangnam Style” music video created by a PSY.