Top 10 best K-pop boy groups of all time as selected by a Korean media outlet has been revealed recently.
Korean boy groups in each generation have contributed significantly to the influence and prevalence of Kpop and the Hallyu wave not only in Asia but also around the world. However, it is not easy to select the best groups and rank them.
Recently, the Youtube channel ‘KOREA NOW’ of the famous Korean news site Yonhap News has announced the selection of the 10 best Kpop boy groups of all time. According to Yonhap News, they considered factors such as talent, album sales, concert tour, performance ability, awards, durability, record, Hallyu influence, etc.
10th place: SEVENTEEN
The 13-member K-pop boy group debuted in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment. SEVENTEEN impresses with their uniqueness right from their debut with 3 sub-units for Hip-Hop, Vocal and Performance. SEVENTEEN also stands out as they are called ‘Producer-dols’ when all members participate in producing and composing the group’s songs. This group is currently having admirable album sales, whether with a Korean album or a Japanese album.
9th place: MONSTA X
MONSTA X was formed through the survival show ‘No.Mercy’ produced by Starship Entertainment. Despite having more popularity internationally than domestically, MONSTA X is still often praised for the members’ talents. Since their debut in 2015, this boy group has been nominated for several national and international awards. In addition, the group is gradually gaining popularity in Japan.
8th place: NCT
NCT is a boy group under SM Entertainment, and is currently considered one of the most influential Kpop boy groups. The group started promoting in 2016 and as of early 2021, NCT consists of 23 members with many sub-units. NCT‘s albums are among the best-selling physical albums released by SM Entertainment, proving their power and impact.
7th place: 2PM
2PM debuted under JYP Entertainment in 2008 and became a hit during the 2nd generation with various hit songs. The group also debuted in Japan in 2011 and achieved much success. In the past, 2PM was famous for their unique and masculine ‘beast’ idol image. Currently, they still promote together and follow an elegant gentleman concept. Regardless of the concept, no one can deny the influence of 2PM.
6th place: TVXQ / DBSK
DBSK first debuted with a 5-member lineup in 2003. The group is one of the pinnacle of Kpop’s 2nd generation, especially achieving great success in 2008 after the release of ‘Mirotic’. DBSK is also considered a monument of Kpop artists in Japan. However, after the lawsuit and the departure of members Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu in 2011, the group’s official lineup only includes 2 members, Yunho and Changmin. Despite many ups and downs, DBSK‘s impact has remained unchanged for nearly two decades.
5th place: SHINee
SHINee is a 5-member group that debuted in 2018 under SM Entertainment. They become famous not only for their hit songs but also for their unique styles. SHINee is known as a group with unbelievably sharp and synchronized choreography. After Jong Hyun passed away, the other members of SHINee are still together, and they have consistently released a lot of high-quality songs.
4th place: SUPER JUNIOR
Super Junior debuted in 2005 with 13 members. However, after 16 years, the group now has only 9 members. At first, SM Entertainment created Super Junior as a ‘project boy group. The members were chosen based on their experience in being models, actors, MCs, and radio DJs. However, after the group became famous, the company decided to keep them as an official group. Super Junior not only made their name be known with many hit songs during the 2nd generation era of KPOP but they also contributed to the global spread of the Korean Wave.
3rd place: EXO
EXO debuted in 2012 as a group with 2 units: EXO-K (in Korea) and EXO-M (in China). However, after scandals that made EXO be reformed many times, the group currently has 9 members. In 2012, EXO boosted their name with the mega hit “Growl” and was recognized as the group that opened the door to KPOP’s 3rd generation. After that, EXO continued to earn great achievements in album sales and become famous all over Asia. EXO makes comebacks almost every year and remains an active top idol group in KPOP.
2nd place: BIG BANG
Big Bang debuted under YG Entertainment in 2006. BIG BANG is one of a few groups that are famous in Korea and all over the world. Almost every song of them was hit songs, and BIG BANG is recognized as the group that brings KPOP to the world’s map. Apart from music, BIG BANG’s styles also became big trends many times. Having been through ups and downs, they are no longer active in music, but the members of BIG BANG are still admired and praised by KPOP fans all over the world.
1st place: BTS
The 1st place goes to BTS. Debuted in 2013 under Big it Entertainment, a small company that was in enormous debt at that time, BTS didn’t have a chance to hold the ‘golden spoon’ like many other groups. Although they didn’t have a beneficial start, they still became famous and gained the love of fans for their passion for music and high-quality songs. Thanks to their hard works, they earned a loyal fandom that helped them become a famous group globally. Thanks to the success of BTS, their company also changed significantly and is now one of the biggest entertainment companies in KPOP.
KPOP fans have been argued about which group would suit the title ‘best male group of all time’ since a really long time ago. No answer has been given out until recently. Netizens, media, and experts have all called out BTS. Breaking lots of records, becoming “millions seller” many times, entering Billboard Hot 100, and even being nominated for Grammy… it seems like no one can deny the truth that BTS is the No.1 male group in KPOP and one of the leading artists worldwide.
