![[Korean Rap] Popular K-hip hop rappers and artists to watch](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/UuV2BmJ1p_I/maxresdefault.webp)
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 (1–10)
Any song(아무노래)ZICO
Zico, who enjoys fervent support from music fans for his exceptional songwriting, started in the underground and went on to lead Block B.
His uncompromising, straight-ahead attitude toward music—often described as stoic—is undeniably cool.
His representative tracks include Any song (2020), which went viral in Korea and Japan through the Amnore Challenge centered on TikTok, and New thing (Feat.
Homies) (2022), which became a hit as a mission track on the survival show STREET MAN FIGHTER.
He spent part of his middle school years in Japan, and it was actually listening to Japanese hip-hop that inspired him to start making music.
From solid and polished to fluid and laid-back, his adaptability to any musical mood and the addictive quality that makes you want to hit repeat are his biggest draws.
TMIGLAY
If you keep listening to K-hip hop, you’re bound to arrive at the artist Gray sooner or later.
He started producing music in his first year of high school and debuted in 2012.
You’ll often come across his name not only in his own releases but also through numerous collaborations, features, and songwriting credits.
He’s signed to AOMG, a major label in the Korean hip-hop scene, and he’s highly active as a producer as well.
He gained the spotlight on Show Me The Money 5, where he appeared alongside Simon Dominic.
In 2019, he also made waves by releasing the track TMI, a term that had become popular in Korea meaning “trivial info, behind-the-scenes tidbits.” Overall, his music—melodies and raps included—feels very approachable, so he’s recommended even for those who usually prefer pop.
The passionate flow paired with a relaxed vibe, all delivered with his handsome looks, is fantastic.
Stay With Me (Feat. Skinny Brown)ASH ISLAND
ASH ISLAND is a young rapper leading the K-hip hop scene.
Born on August 11, 1999, he made a remarkable impact on the high school hip-hop survival show High School Rapper 2.
He made a fresh debut in 2018 with How R U and has since gained many fans with songs that stir the emotions.
In particular, DEADSTAR conveys the image of young people who live powerfully despite carrying sadness and suffering, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
He also draws major attention for his fashion—fans are always watching the sneakers and accessories he wears.
Experience the emotional allure of ASH ISLAND’s music for yourself!
낮 밤 (feat. 박재범)Lee Young Ji
Lee Young-ji broke out in her senior year of high school by becoming the first female winner of the survival show High School Rapper 3.
She’s definitely a rapper to watch! In 2022, she also won SHOW ME THE MONEY 11, Korea’s flagship rap competition.
Many people may have discovered her through her collaboration with BSS, a unit of SEVENTEEN.
Her rich, low register is incredibly cool and gives a smooth impression.
With a playful sense of humor and a bright personality, she’s also a star on variety shows.
You can get a feel for who she is on her YouTube talk show, “차린건 쥐뿔도 없지만” (I Didn’t Prepare Much).
INFJ (Feat. B.I, BANG YEDAM)BIG Naughty
Big Naughty brims with the charm of singing-rap.
His breakthrough on Show Me the Money 8 led to his debut in 2019.
A standout recommendation is Vancouver 2, a love song that shines with devotion, released in September 2023.
Its emotional chorus resonates with listeners, and the lyrics empathetically reflect everyday struggles.
With a fully relaxed vibe, it’s a top pick even for newcomers to hip-hop.
Smoke (Prod. Dynamicduo, Padi)GAEKO,CHOIZA (Dynamic Duo)
Gaeko and Choiza of Dynamic Duo have supported the golden era of the Korean hip-hop scene.
Since their debut in 2004, they have created works that fuse a wide range of genres—based on rap and hip-hop—with R&B, ballads, and rock.
They launched their own music label, Amoeba Culture, and won the Best Rap Award at the Melon Music Awards.
In 2024, Smoke became a huge hit and gained popularity among younger generations.
Their lyrics are notable for deep insight and social awareness, and their rap style is emotionally rich.
Beyond their prowess as artists, they have had a significant influence on many junior musicians and are a key presence that has helped shape the mainstream of Korean hip-hop.
Their appeal lies in the combination of comfortable melodies and intelligent lyrics, making them highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore the depth of Korean hip-hop.
Counting Stars (Feat. Beenzino)BE’O
In the 2020s, a rising rapper named BE’O looks set to lead the Korean hip-hop scene.
He belongs to the so-called Gen Z and debuted in 2020.
Though he didn’t receive much spotlight when he appeared under his real name on the survival show High School Rapper 3, his popularity surged on Show Me The Money 10.
Songs he performed on the show, like Counting Stars and Limousine, became hits.
BE’O’s appeal lies in his smooth, melodic flow and lyrics that convey a sense of lyricism, as heard in LOVE me, released in 2022.
For these reasons, he’s a hip-hop artist who’s especially likely to resonate with listeners who enjoy mainstream hit songs.