[Introduction to Male Korean Artists] A Collection of K-POP Groups, Singers, and Bands

EnergeticWanna One

Wanna One (워너원) – 에너제틱 (Energetic) MV

Wanna One debuted in 2017 with the top 11 contestants from the popular audition show PRODUCE 101 Season 2.

They dazzled with overflowing energy and youthful charm, presenting a sparkling world.

Because national producers voted and passionately supported their picks to debut until the very end of the show, the group exploded in popularity with a momentum unlike other idols.

Their time-limited activities ended in 2019, but each member has continued to thrive in new groups or as solo artists.

Many of them were not trainees from major agencies, but that’s precisely why their talents felt recognized through the program.

FanfareSF9

[MV] SF9(에스에프나인) _ Fanfare(팡파레)

This is “Fanfare,” the hit song by SF9, who debuted under FNC Entertainment, the same agency as CNBLUE, and have also made their debut in Japan.

With each new release, they’re becoming regulars on Korean music countdown shows.

I think they’re one of the young male groups in Korea whose popularity is likely to soar in the future.

Their upbeat hip-hop sound is cool, and they’re a group with high-level rap and dance skills.

Fate (The Chance of Love)Tōhōshinki

TVXQ! 동방신기 ‘운명 (The Chance of Love)’ MV

A track from TVXQ’s 2018 release “New Chapter #1: The Chance of Love,” with both Yunho and Changmin having completed their military service and still leading the K-pop scene well into their thirties.

Even a classic, fated-romance type of song is handled with impressive poise by these two.

Be sure to check out the music video too—you’ll swoon over Yunho’s always full-throttle cool and Changmin’s chic suit style!

Ko Ko BopEXO

EXO 엑소 ‘Ko Ko Bop’ MV

EXO, who debuted in 2012 under SM Entertainment—home to K-pop heavyweights like TVXQ and Girls’ Generation—have seen a few member departures since their debut, yet each member continues to shine through solo and acting work alongside group activities.

This track is from their 2017 album THE WAR.

Released in the summer, it’s a sultry, high-energy song that evokes a tropical beachfront club vibe.

Its addictive quality makes you feel intoxicated by the atmosphere, the drinks, and the allure of the other person.

ZUTTERGD&TOP

BIGBANG(GD&T.O.P) – 쩔어(ZUTTER) M/V

This is the unit track “ZUTTER” by G-DRAGON and T.O.P, included as the fourth installment of the “MADE” series.

Its Korean title is ‘Chul-ro,’ a word that conveys a nuance like “super dope.” It’s a work that showcases YG’s signature style to the fullest, and the music video really drives home the coolness and charisma of a unit that reigns over the K-pop scene.

DamDaDiGolden Child

골든차일드(Golden Child) “담다디 (DamDaDi)” Official MV

They are a large-member group that debuted in August 2017 under the same agency as INFINIT.

From the very start they go full throttle with an up-tempo sound, and the highlight is their perfectly synchronized group choreography.

Their sense of rhythm is excellent, and once you start watching, you’ll find yourself glued to the screen until the end—it’s an MV bursting with energy.

Only OneJYJ

Only One (인천아시아드송)

This is the theme song ‘Only One’ for the 17th Asian Games.

The music video reflects JYJ’s natural selves, which is heartwarming.

As the theme song, it includes cuts in the stadium, and you get to see them looking really cool.

Since it’s a sports festival, the sound is very refreshing and listening to it is energizing.