Feature on South Korean male bands. Noteworthy bands in the K-pop scene.
We’re going to feature Korean male bands!
When you think of Korean music, many people probably picture K-pop idol groups.
In that context, it can be tough to start from scratch if you want to discover band artists.
So we’ve put together a list of bands you should know and some that are getting attention lately.
While the culture may seem more limited compared to Japan, there are some incredibly accessible and outstanding artists!
We’ll introduce not only bands active in the more visible K-pop scene, but also fresh new bands drawing attention with their clean-cut looks.
If you’re interested, be sure to read to the end.
- [Introduction to Male Korean Artists] A Collection of K-POP Groups, Singers, and Bands
- Spotlight & Popular! A special feature on bands energizing South Korea’s rock and pop scene
- CNBLUE’s classic and popular songs
- Popular Band Songs Ranking [2026]
- K-pop that touches the heart: masterful ballads by Korean male artists
- [Exquisite Ballad Songs] K-pop that touches the soul. Korean Ballads
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- [Korean Rap] Popular K-hip hop rappers and artists to watch
- [2026] Cool! K-pop dance tracks that make you want to move
- [Solo Singer Special] K-POP & Korean Male Solo Artists
- A J-POP song highly popular in South Korea [with a Korean-language cover too!]
- Ranking of popular songs by Crush, a leader in South Korea’s R&B scene
- [Youth Songs] Various K-POP & Korean Youth Anthems
Special feature on Korean male bands. Notable bands in the K-pop scene (1–10)
MALHALKEB.R.T (Blue Rock Thrush)
Blue Rock Slash is a band that began its musical activities in 2021.
The members are leader and vocalist G1, bassist 8K, drummer Sei, keyboardist Iku, and guitarist Gon.
G1, 8K, and Sei have experience as musical theater actors.
They favor a Japanese band style, resulting in an approachable sound that incorporates a variety of genres.
They came to Japan in 2019 and have been active since, offering a fresh take as a Korea-origin band based in Japan.
They also upload various videos, including J-pop reaction videos, so be sure to check them out.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a relaxed, laid-back vibe in a band!
SourThe Rose
A four-piece band that debuted in 2017.
Their alluring vocals and piano melodies are captivating, and you can’t help but be enchanted by the ensemble of the band’s performance.
It’s also wonderful that every member can write lyrics and compose! They exude a mature mood, and it seems likely many people will fall for their blend of elegance and sexiness.
A band to watch closely!
Every DaySURL
One Korean band I definitely want you to keep an eye on is SURL.
They debuted in 2018 and quickly picked up numerous rookie awards, drawing attention both at home and abroad.
Their work showcases a wide range of styles rooted in the Britpop they admire.
In interviews, they’ve said they listen to Japanese music as well, and they continue to pursue borderless activities such as opening for Nulbarich’s live shows and performing overseas.
Their airy resonance and pleasant soundscapes are wonderful, so if you like that kind of vibe, give them a listen.
Feature on South Korean male bands. Notable bands in the K-pop scene (11–20)
It is U2Z
2Z, who debuted in 2020 with the mini-album “WE Tuzi.” Amazingly, all the members are over 180 cm tall and come from modeling backgrounds! The group consists of main vocalist Ho Jin, rapper Hyunwoong, guitarist and sub-vocalist Ji Sub, bassist Jung Hyun, and drummer Bum Jun.
Their group name is said to carry the meaning of ‘fighting spirit,’ but both their visuals and songs have a refreshing, pleasant clarity that’s seriously addictive.
Since their debut during the COVID era, they’ve continued to push forward positively, earning them the affectionate nickname from fans: ‘the ones who sing hope.’ Listening to their music will brighten your mood and make you feel happy!
GRIPPIN’THEGREENJANNABI
Jannabi is a band formed by friends in 1992.
Perhaps influenced by the fact that they were all born in the Year of the Monkey when they formed, they chose a band name that means “monkey.” The vocalist, Choi Jung Hoon, apparently once had plans to debut with N.Flying.
They made their debut in 2014 after appearing on the audition program Superstar K.
The title track “For lovers who hesitate” from their 2019 album Legend (전설) became a huge hit, even topping BTS for a time, which greatly boosted their popularity.
Their music blends a retro vibe influenced by classic musicians like Queen and The Beatles with a soft, gently enveloping soundscape.
Still SunsetNELL
The band Nell, successful on South Korea’s major scene, was formed in 1999.
It consists of vocalist/guitarist Kim Jong-wan, guitarist Lee Jae-kyoung, bassist Lee Jung-hoon, and drummer Jung Jae-won.
Discovered by Korean music legend Seo Taiji, they made their major debut in 2003.
It also became a hot topic when Chris Martin of the British rock band Coldplay posted their song “Gray Zone” as one of his favorites on social media.
Influenced by music they listened to in childhood, including Coldplay, their sound is notable for its delicate and dreamlike quality.
You’re sure to be intoxicated by the beautiful sense of space and resonance, such as the lingering reverberations.
Highly recommended especially for fans of UK rock!
EVERYTHINGThe Black Skirts
The Black Skirts began activities in 2008.
While Cho Hyu-il, who was born in Seoul and raised in New Jersey, is the sole permanent member, it currently seems to function as a solo project.
They’re known for OSTs such as Romance Is a Bonus Book and for Everything, which was highly praised by BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON and HYUKOH.
In 2021, they made their debut in Japan.
A recent highlight is Cho’s involvement in writing the lyrics for NewJeans’ smash hit Ditto.
Their sound is characterized by a warm, gentle, dreamlike quality.
Give it a listen when you want comforting, soothing music.