Among other male idol groups, these K-pop groups are the most successful! On June 26, netizens and K-pop enthusiasts opened a discussion on an online Korean community, listing down the 10 K-pop Idols that left a significant impact on the K-pop history.
Based on the list ranked according to its debut year, here are the top 10 K-pop male groups that dominate the music industry and its success can't be compared to any groups.
1. H.O.T (1996)
H.O.T, the very first group launched by SM Entertainment is one of the proprietors of extreme idol culture following Seo Taiji and Boys that disbanded on the same year of their debut.
Their popularity is truly incredible, as, upon debut, they immediately got the Rookie award during the 1996 Korea Record Award followed by 16 major awards from 1997-2000. The peak of their popularity lasted for five years, selling out over 6.7 million records throughout their career until its disbandment in 2001.
2. SHINHWA (1998)
The longest-running K-pop group up-to-date, SHINHWA is no doubt one of the most successful K-pop group in history. They debuted in 1998 under SM Entertainment (now former agency.) Since their career, they were able to record sales reaching 3. 45 Million copies, through some of their hit songs, "T.O.P," "Yo!" "Perfect Man," etc.
For 22 years, SHINHWA already received 30 major awards, including their Daesang during 2004's Seoul Music Awards.
3. g.o.d (1999)
Groove overdose or prominently known as g.o.d debuted in 1999 under JYP Entertainment. As soon as they debuted, they became one of the most popular K-pop male group and became the greatest rival of H.O.T. The group was able to set a record of 5. 13 million sales through their songs, "An Ordinary Day," "Friday Night," and many more. Most of their major awards are daesangs or the grand prize, among the 17 awards they received.
4. TVXQ (2004)
With over 11.8 million record sales, the K-pop group is still one of the most iconic idols who created hit songs including "Mirotic," "Rising Sun," and many more. Through TVXQ, K-pop became widely known in Japan, leading them to becomes the "Emperor of K-pop." They are also given 21 major awards.
5. Super Junior (2005)
"Hallyu Kings" is definitely in the list! The K-pop group who made popular songs such as "Sorry Sorry," "Mr Simple," "Miracle," and so on are still some of the most legendary songs in K-pop history. They are also the group who was able to promote in the middle east, which culture is very sensitive, just proving their influence. From 2006 to 2018, Super Junior was able to take home 27 major awards from SMA, MAMA, GDA and won Daesang at 2012 Seoul Music Awards.
6. BIGBANG (2006)
BIGBANG is indeed the Kings of the K-pop industry! Their impact is massive not only in Korea but as well as in international countries, with their unique and wide-spectrum of concepts including K-pop, J-pop, hip hop, dance, EDM, pop, funk and many more. With their ability to create a trend in each of their activity and songs, they are labelled as one of the most influential K-pop group, with 41 major awards. They didn't only influence the music industry but is also the most successful in the industry of art, fashion, and others.
7. SHINee (2008)
Known as the "Princes of K-pop," SHINee's power is also amazing! As an experimental group under SM Entertainment, the success of their debut in 2008 through "Noona Neomu Yeppeo," is praiseworthy-note that up until now this is still the most legendary debut song.
Throughout their career, they were able to record over 40 major awards, including their title of being the first group to achieve the "Rookie Grand Slam," or the rookie group who was able to take home all the rookie awards.
Some of their notable works include, "Ring Ding Dong," "Lucifer," "Sherlock," "Everybody," "Juliet" and more.
8. EXO (2012)
Coming from an agency who produced successful K-pop groups, EXO's start is not that easy with their nature and dark concept. However, when the idol group changed their image and released their track, "Growl," they eventually rose to success and becomes one the most popular group since 2013 up to date. Currently, they are the most awarded male group, a quintuple million-seller, and chosen by the Korean government as the "Nation's Pick."
9. BTS (2013)
It is a debate if who's the real K-pop group who paved the way for K-pop, but admit it or not, BTS impact to the whole world is truly extreme! BTS paved the way to international charts after entering the Billboards together with international artists, and the first K-pop group to attend the top ceremony, including Grammys. Their record sales peak at 1 with approximately 23 Million sold copies and holds over 360 awards. Note that their popularity starts only in mid-2015 to 2016 up to date, that's why their achievement is no doubt, legendary.
10. SEVENTEEN (2015)
Most music critics, may it be domestic or international critics, are claiming that SEVENTEEN has the huge potential to become the next biggest K-pop group; and we are not even complaining! Recently, they joined the list K-pop groups who are million-sellers, creating this record on their first week sales!
Now that they are being recognized all over the world due to their achievement, synchronized dancing, amazing vocals and team works, it is expected that SEVENTEEN will make even greater records.
