K-Pop Idols to Watch, Part 2

Formed in 2020 through reality competition show I-Land, Enhypen consists of 7 members: Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki. With their outstanding visuals and catchy bops, the group – formed jointly by Hybe (BTS’ parent company) and CJ ENM – quickly rose through the ranks of elite K-Pop groups. With hits like “Bite Me”, “Polaroid Love”, and “Drunk-Dazed”, Enhypen continues to grow their fan base, Engene, all around the world.

Since their 2014 debut, the SM Entertainment quintet has dazzled with their cheerful aesthetic, powerful vocals, and striking beauty that made them dubbed the “original visual” of K-Pop. With hits like “Psycho”, “Red Flavor”, “Bad Boy”, and “Queendom”, Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy And Yeri continue to win over fans both at home and abroad – officially called Reveluvs. They also had the distinction of being the rare K-Pop artists to ever perform in North Korea.

The group, which consists of Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and HueningKai, debuted in 2019 from Big Hit Music, BTS’ label. Naturally, they were dubbed BTS’ “Little Brothers” which certainly boosted their cred early on. Since then, the group has proven their own mettle with hits like “Sugar Rush Ride”, “Chasing That Feeling”, and “Back For More” in collaboration with Anitta.

Originally a 9-member girl group like its name suggests, the group now consists of 8 members: Roh Ji-sun, Song Ha-young, Lee Sae-rom, Lee Chae-young, Lee Na-gyung, Park Ji-won, Lee Seo-yeon and Baek Ji-heon. In 2022, Jang Gyu Ri left to pursue acting. Since their 2018 debut, the group’s had to face multiple behind-the-scene restructuring, but they continue to showcase impressive performances with singles like “DM”, “WE GO”, and trending TikTok hit “Love Me Back”.

Hailing from JYP Entertainment, the 5-member girl group arguably kick started the Fourth Generation of K-Pop with their explosive 2019 debut. Young, gorgeous, and multitalented, the group - made up of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna - immediately captured attention with hits like “Dalla Dalla” and “Wannabe”. The group continues to grow their fan base Midzy with promotional activities both in Korea and the US.

With their signature hip hop, trap, and EDM-infused beats, Ateez managed to set themselves apart from their contemporaries. The 8-member group comprises of Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho. With hits like “Crazy Form” and “Bouncy”, Ateez has amassed a huge number of worldwide fans who call themselves Atiny. The group has been called the “Fourth Generation Leaders” by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and is set to make their Coachella debut this year.

When you think of K-Pop, you rarely think of bands who play instruments, but quartet The Rose – consisting of Woosung, Dojoon, Jaehyung, and Hajoon – is different. This alt-pop band garners attention not only with their singing and visuals, but also their instruments playing. Their most beloved tracks include “She’s In The Rain” and “sorry”.

Since 2015, Monsta X has captivated even before its original 7 members officially debuted. Born from a 2014 survival show, the members were selected out of 12 hopeful trainees to form what became Monsta X. They are Jooheon, Shownu, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Wonho, I.M, and Minhyuk. In 2019, Wonho departed the group and Monsta X carried on as six.

Ballad and pop rock don’t exactly scream mainstream K-Pop, but Day6 shattered the norm with just that. With searing anthems like “You Were Beautiful” and “Congratulations”, Day6 proves the relevance of rock ballads in the industry.

The talented 4-member group consists of Sungjin, Young K, Wonpil, and Dowoon. They are notable for composing and producing their own music. Originally a six-person band, Day6 lost two personnels, Junhyuk and Jae, in 2016 and 2021 respectively. The band carried on with a comeback in 2023 after all of its remaining members completed mandatory enlistments.

With powerful live vocals, captivating dance skills, and anti-mainstream aesthetics, MAMAMOO checks all the boxes of what makes true idols. Together, they released hit singles like “HIP” and “Egotistic”. The quartet of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein and Hwasa are also just as strong individually: all the members have each had successful solo careers. Thankfully, ten years on, MAMAMOO remains solid – a remarkable feat for a girl group.