A simple starter guide to K-Pop for beginners: co-ed groups explained

<< K‑Pop groups explained: a simple starter guide for beginners

This is an extension of the earlier introductory guide to K-Pop groups, which you can read about here. The same format will be used in this guide, which will introduce additional artists, focusing on co-ed groups (groups with both male and female members). This is a work in progress, and more artists will be added over time. All artists are listed in alphabetical order.

See also:
Introduction to K-Pop girl groups
Introduction to K-Pop boy groups
Introduction to K-Pop female soloists
Introduction to K-Pop male soloists

If you want to know where the names of these artists come from and their meaning, read this: The origin and meaning of the names of K-Pop co-ed groups.

AKMU

Former name: Akdong Musician (2014-2019)
Company: YG Entertainment (2014-2025), Fountain of Inspiration (2026-present)
Debut: 2014
Members: Lee Chanhyuk, Lee Suhyun
Fandom: Akkademy

Introduction:
AKMU is anything but a typical K-Pop group, as the duo of siblings Lee Chanhyuk and Lee Suhyun has stood beyond the ordinary boundaries of the genre since their debut. Rather than dance-inspired tracks and complex choreographies, they are defined by acoustic warmth, literary lyricism, and genre‑fluid songwriting. The duo writes, composes, and arranges their own music, and they were universally praised and regarded as musical geniuses since they were just teenagers. Their sound blends acoustic pop, folk, jazz, soft rock, and experimental storytelling, often built around Chanhyuk’s introspective writing and Suhyun’s expressive vocals. Centering their music on narrative rather than spectacle, AKMU’s songs often explore themes like youth, faith, loneliness, family, and the quiet complexities of everyday life. Meanwhile their performances are intimate, their music videos are often minimalistic or symbolic, and their artistic identity is rooted in sincerity, which makes them feel very relatable.

Listen to AKMU if you like:
Acoustic pop with elements of jazz, folk, and pop-rock, warm harmonies, and introspective songwriting with poetic lyrics.

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Kard

Company: DSP Media
Debut: 2017
Members: J.Seph, BM, Somin, Jiwoo
Fandom: Hidden Kard

Introduction:
At a time when co-ed groups struggled to get any recognition in the K-Pop world, Kard came in like a breath of fresh air, breaking stereotypes and succeeding where many others had failed. With two male members and two female members, Kard has a dynamic that’s unlike anything else in the industry, and this is reflected in their music, which is instantly recognizable. Their sound draws heavily from Latin pop, EDM, and hip‑hop, creating a catchy rhythmic style that easily gets stuck in your head. After starting their pre-debut project in late 2016, the group made their official debut a few months later, quickly gathering a large international following, especially in Latin America. Showing off a style completely different from what other Korean artists were doing at the time, Kard istantly became the emblem of the tropical house genre in K-Pop, although they later expanded their range. Meanwhile, the interplay between male and female vocals, the strong rap lines, and the balanced choreographies made them stand out even more.

Listen to Kard if you like:
Latin‑inspired pop, tropical house, rhythmic EDM with reggaeton influences, and music with a bold and international sound.