[Korean Rap] Popular K-hip hop rappers and artists to watch
In this article, we’ll introduce popular rappers who are energizing South Korea’s hip-hop scene!
K-hip hop became much more widely embraced thanks to the audition program Show Me The Money, which began in 2012, and High School Rapper, which has featured high school students since 2017.
In recent years, collaborations with a variety of artists—from K-pop idols to musicians in Japan and around the world—have become common, offering many ways to enjoy the genre.
From handsome male rappers to talented female MCs, there are plenty of recommended artists.
Beyond the rap itself, it can also be fun to pay attention to your favorite artists’ fashion sense and lifestyles!
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- Stylish K-pop and Korean songs. Songs with a nice vibe.
- Famous DJs in Korea | A must-see for club music lovers!!!
- [2026] Cool! K-pop dance tracks that make you want to move
- A hip-hop love song. A rapper’s tale of love.
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs
- Popular K-pop and Korean songs that brighten up YouTube Shorts
- Jay Park Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [Introduction to Male Korean Artists] A Collection of K-POP Groups, Singers, and Bands
- Popular songs on Korean TikTok & K-pop and trending tracks
- Epik High Popular Song Rankings [2026]
[Korean Rap] Popular K-hip hop Rappers and Artists to Watch (11–20)
잠수이별 (Ghosting) (Prod. 코드 쿤스트) with meenoiWoo
Woo, also known as Woo Won-jae, gained attention on the hip-hop survival show SHOW ME THE MONEY 6 in 2017.
He later signed with the label AOMG and began releasing music actively.
He also appeared as a rap master in episode 6 of the audition program Girls Planet 999.
His signature style centers on laid-back tempos that convey a languid, moody, and darker atmosphere.
He’s praised for artistic yet down-to-earth messages drawn from his own experiences.
Representative tracks include We Are, which reached No.
1 in 2017.
In 2022, Ghosting, a collaboration with Meenoi that exquisitely captures the natural fading of a romantic relationship, became a hit.
His smile is incredibly charming!
1,2,3,4,5Coogie
Born in Daejeon, South Korea, Kugi is a prodigy who began exploring overseas hip-hop and writing lyrics from his elementary school days.
He released his debut single in March 2018 and appeared on Show Me the Money 777.
His appeal lies in a sound that skillfully weaves together trap, R&B, and lo-fi elements, paired with catchy melodies.
His collaboration track with CHANGMO and songs featuring Paloalto and others won Collaboration of the Year at the 2021 Korean Hip-Hop Awards.
In 2022, he signed with AOMG, one of Korea’s leading hip-hop labels, propelling his career even further.
Blending energetic beats with smooth melodies, his music is perfect for those who enjoy a pop-leaning vibe.
주지마 (Above Live)Loco
Loco, a hip-hop star with a friendly, next-door-brother vibe, leaves a strong impression.
Because he collaborates so often, people who frequently listen to K-pop idols have likely come across him many times.
He won the very first season of the popular hip-hop audition show “Show Me The Money” and debuted in 2012.
He’s signed to major label AOMG and is active on multiple fronts, including running the burger shop THE FAMOUS BURGER.
He has released many collaborations with MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, his ideal type, and their 2018 track “Above Live” was a huge hit.
His knit caps and bold primary-color outfits show great style, and his fashion is cool as well.
With his easy-to-follow flow and sweet vibe, he’s a recommended artist for anyone looking to dive deeper into K-hip hop.
We don’t talk together (Feat. 기리보이 (Giriboy)) (Prod. SUGA)Heize
Rapper Heize, who has roots in classical music, is also known for establishing a unique style that incorporates dialect into her rap.
Her collaboration with Giriboy resulted in “We don’t talk together (Feat.
Giriboy) (Prod.
SUGA).” It also drew attention for being produced by Suga of BTS.
I hope you’ll listen closely to the poignant lyrics depicting a couple’s parting.
party(SHUT DOWN)(feat. 크러쉬(Crush))Sik-K
Sik-K drew attention with his appearance on the music show Show Me the Money 4, which produced many popular rappers in South Korea.
In 2017, he joined H1GHR MUSIC, founded by Jay Park, and has released numerous collaborative tracks with rappers such as pH-1.
With rap skills that make full use of his cool vocals, he gained popularity through a variety of songs about love and life.
He’s an artist whose impressive rhymes and unique lyrics are irresistibly catchy.
