10 K-pop groups taking the global music scene by storm

It wouldn't be wrong to say K-pop is way beyond music and is a global cultural phenomenon. And no one has embraced this movement quite like Gen Z has because for them, it's a lifestyle, a community, and a constant source of inspiration. So with K-pop groups delivering chartbusters one after the other, if you are new to the tribe, here are 10 K-pop bands that you must tune into.

1) BTS

BTS may have been on a planned sabbatical since 2023, but this hasn't impacted their fandom. In fact, even while the band members were serving their time in the South Korean military, the ARMY remained dedicated, with every news from the camps going viral in no time.

Since their 2013 debut, RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have captured hearts with music that breaks genre boundaries and explores mental health, self-love, and social identity. Albums like Map of the Soul: 7 and BE helped BTS top international charts and break language barriers. Sold-out stadium tours to speaking at the United Nations, BTS has done it all and remains one of the biggest K-pop sensations of all time.


2) BLACKPINK

With their debut in 2016, BLACKPINK revolutionised the girl band scene with their fierce sound and high-octane visuals. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa blend hip-hop, EDM, and pop like no other and their chart-topping hits like How You Like That, Kill This Love, and Ddu-Du Ddu-Du are top picks for Gen Zs and millennials alike.

Their fanbase, BLINKs, connects through messages of confidence, self-worth, and style, and this makes BLACKPINK cultural influencers.


3) SEVENTEEN

Since debuting in 2015, SEVENTEEN has stood out for their self-production skills and unified teamwork. With 13 members split across hip-hop, vocal, and performance units, they offer something for every kind of K-pop fan. Tracks like Don’t Wanna Cry and Left & Right show off their emotional depth and intricate dance routines. Fans love them not just for their music, but for their authenticity, humour, and undeniable chemistry.


4) IVE

IVE stormed into the spotlight with Eleven and followed it up with hits like Love Dive and I AM. In just a few short years, they’ve picked up major awards, earned Perfect All-Kills, and proven they’re a leading force in the fourth generation of K-pop, especially among Gen Z fans looking for fresh voices in the industry.

5) NewJeans

NewJeans embodies everything today's youth loves, fresh style, relatable lyrics, and effortless charm. With viral tracks like Attention, Hype Boy, and Super Shy, they’ve gained millions of monthly listeners and a huge following on social platforms. Their unique release strategy and identity-driven visuals make them a standout act, redefining what a girl band can be in today’s K-pop landscape.


6) BIGBANG

If BTS and BLACKPINK are leading today’s wave, BIGBANG helped create the foundation. Debuting in 2006, their edgy music style, daring visuals, and unique individualism reshaped K-pop forever. Songs like Bang Bang Bang and Fantastic Baby remain timeless anthems with members like G-Dragon and Taeyang becoming icons far beyond music.

7) TWICE

Formed via the survival show Sixteen, TWICE debuted in 2015 and quickly won over fans globally. Songs like Cheer Up, Feel Special, and TT reflect both their evolution and emotional range. TWICE's signature choreography and relatable lyrics resonate deeply with both Gen Z and millennials. The K-pop band’s dedicated fanbase, ONCE, spans continents, proving that positivity and persistence never go out of style.

8) LE SSERAFIM

With empowering themes and high-energy tracks like ANTIFRAGILE, LE SSERAFIM has struck a chord with Gen Z. The group's name itself is an anagram of 'I'm Fearless' and sums up their fearless approach to music, visuals, and identity. LE SSERAFIM challenges conventional norms in K-pop, making them a fresh favourite for K-pop fans.


9) TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)

Often seen as BTS’s juniors, TXT has carved out its own space with dreamy yet intense tracks like 0X1=LOVESONG and Sugar Rush Ride. Their music captures themes of adolescence, anxiety, and hope and mirrors the experiences of many Gen Z listeners. TXT’s visual storytelling and evolving sound keep them on the radar as one of the most important K-pop bands of their generation.

10) KickFlip

One of the most exciting new names on the scene, KickFlip debuted under JYP Entertainment and is already racking up millions of views. The group’s hyper-energetic style, formed through the LOUD TV talent show, appeals to fans of groups like Stray Kids and TXT. Their music is edgy and fresh, and their fast-growing international fanbase proves they could be Gen Z’s next K-pop obsession.

This list also serves a special mention to the current sensation, K-pop Demon Hunters, that the world is obsessed with. The Netflix film got all of us rooting for the fictional girl band with their songs trending and ruling charts ever since its release in June 2025.

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