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

The world of K-Pop can often feel overwhelming for beginners due to the huge amount of groups and artists to learn about, not to mention all the concepts and ideas which are unique to this industry. This guide will help you by providing a short introduction to some K-Pop groups and their style, as well as a starting point to explore their music. For each group, there will be a list of three songs and an album to check out to start, as well as a few more songs if you want to dig deeper. These aren’t necessarily their best or most popular tracks, but a way to show the range of styles covered by each artist.

Here there will be a guide to ten groups (five boy groups and five girl groups), who are a good introduction to the genre for beginners. If you want to learn about more K-Pop artists, read the following articles:

Introduction to K-Pop girl groups
Introduction to K-Pop boy groups
Introduction to K-Pop co-ed groups
Introduction to K-Pop female soloists
Introduction to K-Pop male soloists

BTS

Type: Boy group
Company: Big Hit Music (subsidiary of Hybe)
Debut: 2013
Members: Jin, Suga, J‑Hope, RM, Jimin, V, Jung Kook
Fandom: Army

Introduction:
If you’ve only ever heard about one K-Pop group, it’s almost certainly BTS. The seven-member band made its debut in 2013 as a hip‑hop‑leaning group, and slowly expanded to incorporate various genres into their musical style, growing into one of the most influential and recognized artists in the world. An important factor that led to their success is how their music often deals with real‑life themes such as growing up, pressure, mental health, ambition, and self‑acceptance, while including thoughtful lyrics, strong storytelling, and a clear artistic identity. Meanwhile, their precise and expressive performances captivated millions, and each member’s unique personality helped them form a deep connection with their dedicated fanbase, known as Army. As they became more and more popular, BTS broke all kinds of records in sales, streaming, and views, topping charts all over the world, and they are now the best-selling musical act in South Korean history.

Listen to BTS if you like:
Emotional storytelling, polished pop with hip‑hop roots, strong vocals and rap, and performances that balance intensity with sincerity.

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Blackpink

Type: Girl group
Company: YG Entertainment
Debut: 2016
Members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, Lisa
Fandom: Blink

Introduction:
“Blackpink is the revolution” isn’t simply a line from their song “Forever Young”, but a true statement of the massive impact that this group had on K-Pop and beyond, breaking barriers and smashing records with numerous chart-topping hits. Since their debut in 2016, Blackpink has built their identity on the so-called “girl crush” concept, which features high‑impact visuals and a musical style that blends pop, EDM, and hip‑hop, with strong hooks and a clear sense of attitude. Their songs often focus on confidence, independence, and self-expression, and are accompanied by powerful performances. This eye-catching style led Blackpink to become not only one of the leaders of the K-Pop expansion, but also the most popular girl group in the world. While making history and breaking countless records, all four members of Blackpink also built a solid solo career (you might have heard about Rosé’s song “APT.”), showing off their distinct vocal colors, musical styles, and personalities.

Listen to Blackpink if you like:
Bold, high‑energy pop and EDM with hip‑hop elements, strong visuals, and a confident, performance‑driven style.

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Twice

Type: Girl group
Company: JYP Entertainment
Debut: 2015
Members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu
Fandom: Once

Introduction:
Twice might be the quintessential K-Pop group, showing a perfect example of the bright and catchy pop music that many expect to see from Korean bands. However, Twice can do much more than this, and while their early music leaned into cheerful and upbeat concepts, over time they shifted toward a more mature dance‑pop sound, without losing the melodic hooks that made them popular. They’re known for being one of the most consistent groups in K‑Pop, thanks especially to the memorable choruses and choreographies of their songs, which are fun to follow even if you’re new to the genre. This factor played a large part in making Twice one of the most successful K-Pop acts of all time, and growing their international reach. Over a decade after their debut, Twice shows no signs of slowing down, and in 2025 they became viral once again thanks to their participation in the hit Netflix movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, which introduced the group to a new generation of listeners.

Listen to Twice if you like:
Catchy melodies, upbeat pop, refined dance‑pop, and a bright, approachable style that’s easy to follow.

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aespa

Type: Girl group
Company: SM Entertainment
Debut: 2020
Members: Karina, Giselle, Winter, Ningning
Fandom: MY

Introduction:
When aespa entered the K-Pop scene, it looked like they had just stepped off of a time machine, traveling to 2020 from several decades in the future. They were introduced with the idea that each member had a virtual counterpart living in a digital world known as Kwangya, and they immediately stood out from the pack thanks to their captivating futuristic and sci-fi-oriented concept. Even though over time they moved on from the more lore-heavy elements, aespa kept their clear identity with sharp electronic production, strong vocals, and a confident, modern edge. Their sound often leans into heavy synths, bold beats, and an outstanding intensity, while their action-packed music videos could rival the quality of Hollywood movies. Meanwhile, their performances are tight and focused, and while they often play with cyberpunk and high-tech themes, they have also explored a wide and ever-growing range of musical styles, especially in their unmissable b-sides.

Listen to aespa if you like:
Electronic pop and hyperpop, futuristic and sci-fi concepts, and a sophisticated, modern sound with a bit of edge.

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Stray Kids

Type: Boy group
Company: JYP Entertainment
Debut: 2018
Members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N
Former member: Woojin (2018-2019)
Fandom: Stay

Introduction:
Among countless other K-Pop groups, Stray Kids definitely stands out, not only for their bold and edgy sound that immediately captivates listeners, but also for how they built their identity around producing their own music. Their songs often feature heavy beats, fast rap, and unconventional structures, giving their tracks a raw and distinctive edge, which provides some of the best examples of hard‑hitting hip-hop in the K-Pop world. Much of this style comes from 3Racha, the producing trio within the group consisting of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, whose work shapes everything from the lyrics to the overall tone of each album. In their music, they often explore themes like individuality, ambition, and the pressure to define yourself, while always delivering their message with much intensity and confidence. The group is also known for their powerful performances, strong stage presence, and a willingness to push their sound in new directions.

Listen to Stray Kids if you like:
Loud and heavy beats with experimental production, strong rap, high‑energy performances, and a rebellious edge.

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Red Velvet

Type: Girl group
Company: SM Entertainment
Debut: 2014
Members: Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, Yeri
Fandom: ReVeluv

Introduction:
One of the most unique and universally beloved groups in K-Pop, Red Velvet is known for their dual concept, which splits their music into two contrasting styles: the bright, quirky “Red” side and the smooth, R&B‑influenced “Velvet” side. This structure gives them one of the most diverse discographies in K‑pop, ranging from playful and cheerful pop to elegant and atmospheric tracks, and including some of the best b-sides of any Korean act. Their sound is often experimental, flawlessly bending unexpected genres to create something unique, and this makes every single Red Velvet song worth listening even just to know which direction the track will take. Meanwhile, their music videos are also always worth a watch, as they might lean into bold and artistic visuals, or take a more fun and light-hearted approach. Red Velvet thrives on this contrast, jumping from energetic and catchy summer hits to more refined and moody songs with darker tones, and this versatility is a big part of their appeal.

Listen to Red Velvet if you like:
Versatile pop, creative and experimental concepts, strong vocals, and music that shifts between bright energy and smooth, elegant R&B.

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Seventeen

Type: Boy group
Company: Pledis Entertainment (subsidiary of Hybe)
Debut: 2015
Members: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino
Fandom: Carat

Introduction:
With nicknames such as “Performance Kings” and “Kings of Synchronization”, it’s easy to understand why Seventeen is one of the most popular groups in K-Pop. Known for their self‑produced music, tight choreography, and a team‑oriented approach, Seventeen stood out since their debut, quickly gathering a loyal fanbase that only grew larger over the years. With thirteen members divided into three units, Hip‑Hop, Vocal, and Performance, they cover a wide range of styles while still maintaining a cohesive and distincitve sound. Their music often blends bright pop, emotional storytelling, and dynamic arrangements, giving their albums a sense of variety without losing their identity. They’re also recognized for their energetic performances and the way they incorporate humor, personality, and teamwork into everything they do. Thanks to the consistency of their music and performances, Seventeen has earned countless accolades, becoming one the best-selling Korean artists.

Listen to Seventeen if you like:
Tight harmonies, explosive choreographies, bright pop with emotional depth, and songs that feel both heartfelt and larger than life.

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Itzy

Type: Girl group
Company: JYP Entertainment
Debut: 2019
Members: Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna
Fandom: Midzy

Introduction:
Confidence, self-love, individuality, and independence are just some of the terms that best describe Itzy’s style and the message they want to convey with their music. Since their debut, they explored these themes with a distinctive high-energy style that blends bold pop music with strong beats, sharp choreography, and catchy hooks that make their songs instantly recognizable. Their bright and youthful sound mixes attitude with fun, while their performances often highlight powerful dance breaks and show a strong group presence. Over the years, Itzy’s music evolved to include different genres, such as EDM and hip-hop, but their songs are always wrapped up in a bright and energetic style that matches their fearless image. Meanwhile, their self‑empowering message and the authenticity and genuineness of the members helped them quickly connect with fans, making Itzy one of the leaders of their generation and a leading example of the so-called “teen crush” concept.

Listen to Itzy if you like:
Youthful and upbeat energy, empowering pop, bold choreography, and songs built around confidence and self‑expression.

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Exo

Type: Boy group
Company: SM Entertainment
Debut: 2012
Members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun
Former members: Luhan (2012-2014), Kris (2012-2014), Tao (2012-2015)
Fandom: Exo-L

Introduction:
Exo is one of the most influential K-Pop groups of all time, and thanks to their powerful vocals, flawless performances, and cinematic style, they helped define the genre in the 2010s. Their music blends pop, R&B, and dance with strong melodies and rich harmonies, often paired with dramatic and atmospheric visuals and a deep storytelling. Meanwhile, their sound ranges from smooth, vocal‑driven tracks to bold, high‑energy hits, and they’re especially praised for delivering impressive live performances and some of the strongest vocal lines in K‑Pop. Another defining aspect of Exo is the unique structure they had at the time of their debut. The group was initially divided into Korean and Chinese sub-units, known as Exo‑K and Exo‑M, who promoted in both Korea and China, contributing to their international reach. Over time this concept was abandoned, due in part to some lineup changes, but the global popularity of Exo has never waned, and they remain among the best-selling K-Pop artists.

Listen to Exo if you like:
Pop‑R&B anthems focused around dramatic concepts and strong vocals, with powerful sounds and performances.

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Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

Type: Boy group
Company: Big Hit Music (subsidiary of Hybe)
Debut: 2019
Members: Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, Hueningkai
Fandom: MOA

Introduction:
Tomorrow X Together, commonly abbreviated as TXT, is known for a musical style which features a deep emotional storytelling, and a sound that combines youthful pop with alternative, rock, and electronic influences. Their music often explores themes like growing up, friendship, self‑discovery, and the challenges of finding your place in the world, supported by powerful and expressive performances and striking visuals. They’re often praised for the cohesiveness of their albums, which feel like chapters in a coming‑of‑age story, and show their evolution and versatility. Their style shifts from dreamy and nostalgic to energetic and experimental, but always with a strong sense of narrative. Merging melodic pop with emotional depth and a modern sound, they balance vulnerability with confidence, coming across as honest and relatable. Thanks to their sincerity, creativity, and consistency, TXT quickly became one of the leaders of their generation.

Listen to TXT if you like:
Coming‑of‑age themes, dreamy and melodic pop with emotional depth, and groups that blend vulnerability with a modern and experimental edge.