The Korean Business Research Institute has released its brand reputation rankings for K-Pop groups for the month of July. To determine which groups make the list, they analyzed trends such as consumer participation, community awareness, and news coverage
These are the 25 Most Popular K-pop groups for the month of July:
25. ASTRO
ASTRO is a six-member boy group that debuted in 2016 under Fantagio Entertainment. The group consists of members: MJ, Cha Eunwoo, Moobin, JinJin, Rocky, and Sanha. During their debut, they were named as one of the best new K-Pop groups of 2016. In 2018, the group went on a hiatus due to internal issues at their label, Fantagio.
24. HIGHLIGHT
HIGHLIGHT originally debuted a BEAST under CUBE Entertainment, but they left the company in 2017 and re-branded and are now signed to Around U.S. Entertainment. The group was a commercial success and received overwhelmingly positive support from music critics. They are among the most awarded groups of all time, winning numerous awards in Korean awards.
They are currently four members: Yoon Doojoon, Yang Yoseob, Lee Gikwang, and Son Dongwoon. They originally debuted as six, but member Jang Hyunseung left in 2016 and Yong Junghyun left in 2019.
23. DIA
DIA debuted in 2015 under MBK Entertainment. The line-up current consists of seven members: Eunice, Jueun, Huihyeon, Yebin, Chaeyeon, Eunchae, and Somyi. Former member Seunghee left in April 2016, Eunjin left in 2018, and Jenny left in 2019. The group recently had a comeback last May, but members Chaeyeon and Somyi were absent from all promotions.
22. Super Junior
Super Junior debuted in 2005 under SM Entertainment and are known as the "Kings of the Hallyu Wave", thanks to their contributions to the Korean wave. They gained international recognition for their single "Sorry, Sorry" in 2019. Over the years, Super Junior has divided into smaller groups to target certain audiences. The members have also branched out to do their own solo work.
The group currently consists of Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun. They originally had three more members, but they have left the company. Former Chinese member Han Geng filed a lawsuit against the company and won, formalizing his departure from the group and the company. Kibum announced via personal SNS that his contract with the company had expired, and he departed from the group and company. Lastly, member Kangin left Super Junior in 2019 but is still signed to S.M. Entertainment.
Sungmin is currently an inactive member of Super Junior.
21. SHINee
SHINee debuted with five members (Onew, Jonghyun, Minho, Key, and Taemin) in 2008 under SM Entertainment. Due to their impact in their native country and their contributions to the spread of the Hallyu Wave, they have been dubbed as the "Princes of K-Pop" by numerous media outlets.
During their debut, they gained attention for their unique fashion style known as the "SHINee Trend" popular amongst students. Their songs "Ring Ding Dong" and "Lucifer" gained them popularity both locally and globally. The latter track's choreography is also known as the dance to inspire K-Pop groups to take choreography seriously, setting the standard for K-Pop dances to come. The group has been included in the Forbes List of Korea Power Celebrity in 2014 and 2018. The group has been praised as one of the best live vocal K-Pop groups in the game and is also known for their synchronized and intricate dance routines.
On December 18, 2017, member Jonghyun sadly passed away in an apparent suicide. After talks of disbandment, the four remaining members of SHINee decided to stick together. The group decided to push through with their series of Japan concerts in February of 2018 despite the recent events, commemorating Jonghyun in their stages. In March 2018, they released their Japanese single "From Now On," posthumously featuring Jonghyun.
The group's last comeback was on May 2018 with the song "Good Evening." The group has been on a hiatus following the member's military enlistments. Taemin is active as a member of SuperM and as a soloist. Onew is the first member to have completed his mandatory military service.
20. NU'EST
NU'EST debuted in 2012 under Pledis Entertainment. The group consists of five member: JR, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren. The group's debut was a commercial success and they had promoted the track worldwide. In 2014, they debuted in Japan.
The group saw a decrease in popularity over the years, but that changed when member JR, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren participated in "Produce 101 Season 2"; their appearance on the show caused their albums and songs to reappear on the Korean charts. Minhyun ended up making it to the final line-up, and he debuted with Wanna One. During Minhyun's absence, the other NU'EST members promoted as sub-unit NU'EST W, which debuted in 2018. Following Wanna One's disbandment, Minhyun rejoined NU'EST, and they now promote as five members.
19. APRIL
APRIL debuted in 2016 under DSP Media. The group debuted with six members, but in 2015, leader Somin left the group and is now promoting with co-ed group KARD under the same company. In 2016, member Hyunjoo left the group. That same year, two new members were added. The current members of APRIL are Chaekyung, Chaewon, Naeun, Yena, Rachel, and Jinsol.
18. WJSN
WJSN, also known as Cosmic Girls, is a South Korean-Chinese girl group that debuted in 2015. Starship Entertainment and Yuehua Entertainment formed them, with all the Chinese members from Yuehua, while the Korean members from Starship. The group originally debuted as twelve members with Seola, Xuanyi, Bona, Exy, Soobin, Luda, Dawon, Eunseo, Cheng Xiao, Meiqi, Yeoreum, and Dayoung. In 2016, Yeonjung was added into the group following her appearance on Mnet's "Produce 101", where she made the final line-up and debuted with I.O.i.
Members Xuanyi, Meiqi, and Cheng Xiao are currently inactive. Xuanyi and Meiqi appeared on the show "Produce 101 China" and made the final line-up, debuting with Rocket Girls. They are currently promoting as members of the group. Cheng Xiao is also promoting in China.
17. MAMAMOO
MAMAMOO debuted in 2014 under RBW Entertainment. Their debut was considered one of the best K-Pop debuts of 2014 by music critics. They are widely recognized for their retro, jazz, and R&B concepts, as well as their strong vocal performances. The group consists of four members: Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa.
16. ITZY
ITZY debuted in 2019 under the "Big 3" agency, JYP Entertainment that consists of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. Before the group's official debut, members had appeared on media. Ryujin was a contestant on Mix Nine and placed first amongst the girls in the competition. Yeji appeared on SBS's "The Fan". Both Ryujin and Yuna appeared on BTS's Love Yourself highlight reels. Chaeryeong was a contestant on "K-Pop Star" and "SIXTEEN". All the members except for Lia appeared on the show "Stray Kids".
15. SF9
SF9 debuted in 2016 under FNC Entertainment and are the company's first male idol group, as they had previously only house male bands and girl groups. The group consists of nine members: Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Rowoon, Zuho, Taeyang, Hwiyoung, and Chani.
The group was formed by the FNC Entertainment reality "d.o.b (Dance or Band)", in which SF9 (then known as NEOZ Dance) competed against NEOZ band (later known as Honeyst) at the chance to debut.
14. NCT
NCT is an umbrella group that has numerous sub-units, with their first sub-unit - NCT U - debuting in 2016. The group is known for their unique concept of having unlimited members in their groups divided into sub-units, in which some groups can have member shifts throughout comebacks and some can be permanent groups. As of now, the group has 21 members and 4 sub-units: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV.
NCT has topped the Billboard's Emerging Artists Chart, and is the first K-pop act to do so. NCT 127 also spent their 2018 promoting in Korea and the United States.
NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV all successfully dropped their comebacks recently. NCT 127 with "Neo Zone" and repackage "Neo Zone: The Final Round," NCT Dream with their "Reload" E.P. that sold over 500,000 copies during pre-orders, and WayV with their "Awaken The World" that soared to no. 1 in Korean, Chinese, and world charts.
The current 21 members are Taeil, Taeyong, Jonghyun, Ten, Mark, Doyoung, Kun, Yuta, Winwin, Haechan, Johnny, Jungwoo, Lucas, Renjun, Jeno, Jaemin, Chenle, Jisung, Hendery, Yangyang, and Xiaojun.
13. Apink
Apink debuted in 2011 under Play M Entertainment. The group has won numerous awards on music shows, and award shows such as Golden Disc Award, the Seoul Music Awards, and the Mnet Asian Music Awards. They have released nine Korean mini-albums, three Korean studio albums, and Japanese studio albums. They currently consist of seven members: Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Jung Eunji, Son Naeun, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung. They were originally eight, but member Hong Yookyung left the group in 2013 to focus on her studies.
12. Weeekly
Weeekly debuted in 2020 under Play M Entertainment. The group consists of Soojin, Jiyoon, Monday, Soeun, Jaehee, Jihan, and Zoa. Before their debut, they were under FAVE Entertainment and were known as FAVEGIRLS. Following the merging of FAVE Entertainment and Plan A Entertainment, the company was now known as Play M Entertainment, causing the group's name to change to PlayM GIRLS.
11. ONF
ONF debuted in 2017 under W.M. Entertainment. Since their debut, they have released four Korean E.P.s and two Japanese singles. They recently gained recognition for their appearance on Mnet's "Road to Kingdom," where they won second place. The group currently has six members: Hyojin, E-Tion, J-Us, Wyatt, MK, and U. They originally had another member, Laun, but he left ONF and the company in 2019 after terminating his contract due to personal reasons.
10. (G)I-DLE
The group debuted in 2018 under Cube Entertainment, with members hailing from China, Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea. Upon their debut, they were dubbed as "monster rookies" and one of the top girl groups to not come from a Big 3 company. They are highly regarded for being involved in their music, with member Soyeon writing and co-producing all their material. They also gained lots of attention after appearing on Mnet's "Queendom"
9. Oh My Girl
Oh My Girl debuted in 2015 with originally eight members, but now promote as seven after JinE left the group in 2017 due to health issues. The group won their first win three years after their debut, in 2018, with "Secret Garden". Since then, their popularity has only been growing. They received even more love from the Korean public after they competed on Mnet's "Queendom", where they finished first runner-up. Their latest comeback, "Nonstop", is considered their breakthrough track, peaking at number 2 on the Gaon Digital Chart.
The group consists of: Hyojung, Mimi, YooA, Seunghee, Jiho, Binnie, and Arin.
8. EXO
The group debuted in 2012 originally with 12 members divided into two sub-units. There was EXO-K, who sang in Korean and promoted in South Korea, as well as EXO-M, who sang in Mandarin and promoted in China.
EXO has been ranked as one of the top five most influential celebrities on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, the Korean government officially awarded the group the title "The Nation's Pick" and has been the face of Korean tourism ever since. They also performed at the prestigious Pyeongchang Olympics, and have been involved in various political meetings and the Blue House. In 2017, they were the recipient of the Prime Minister's Commendation.
They broke the 12-year physical drought in Korea when their debut album sold one million copies, and they are presently quintuple million-sellers.
They are dubbed as one of the biggest boy bands in the world, while media outlets and the industry call them "Kings of K-pop" and a legendary group.
The group's current line-up is Suho, Kai, Chanyeol, Sehun, D.O, Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chen, and Lay. They are currently on a hiatus since members Suho, D.O, and Xiumin are currently serving the military as a part of South Korea's mandatory military training, while member Lay is promoting in China. The other members are pursuing their solo careers.
7. SEVENTEEN
The group debuted in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment. There are three sub-units within the 13-member group: Performance unit, Hip-Hop unit, and the Vocal unit. SEVENTEEN is dubbed as a "self-producing idol group," as all the members have been involved in songwriting, choreographing, composing, and other aspects of their performance. In 2018, Time Magazine named SEVENTEEN as one of the best K-pop groups.
This fantastic group recently unveiled their new album "Heng-garae," selling over 460,000 copies on the first day of release. Their latest title track "Left and Right" also topped various music charts, locally and internationally.
The members are Seungkwan, Vernon, Woozi, Mingyu, Jeonghan, Wonwoo, Joshua, Dino, Hoshi, S.Coups, Jun, The8, and D.K.
6. GFRIEND
GFRIEND debuted in 2015 under Source Music. During their debut, they won several female rookie awards and gained a huge following despite coming from a small company. The group had their first concert and Asia tour in 2018. In July 2018, they made their Japanese debut. GFRIEND consists of six members: Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji.
5. IZ*ONE
The group was formed following the girl's appearance on Mnet's "Produce 48," in which girls from the Korean entertainment agency and the AKB48 groups competed for a spot in the final line-up. They debuted in 2018 and were an instant commercial success, subsequently winning them the "New Artist of the Year" award at several awards ceremonies. In late 2019, the group halted activities due to the Mnet vote manipulation investigation. They returned to their activities in 2020.
The group consists of: Jang Wonyoung, Kwon Eunbi, Kim Minju, Kang Hyewon, Ahn Yujin, Choi Yena, Lee Chaeyeon, Kim Chaewon, Jo Yuri, Miyawaki Sakura, Hondi Hitomi, and Yabuki Nako.
4. TWICE
TWICE was formed by the Mnet x JYP Entertainment survival show "SIXTEEN," in which the finalists selected seven members, while Park Jinyoung himself selected two members. Tzuyu was added to the group for being the fan favorite, and Momo, who was eliminated in a previous episode, was chosen for her dance skills by the A&R team and the trainers. They joined Jihyo, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Mina, Chaeyoung, and Sana.
The group debuted in 2015 and rose to fame with "Cheer Up." TWICE is the first Korean girl group to earn a Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. They also ranked third in the Top Artist category of Billboard Japan's 2017 Year-End ranking.
Further, they are also the first K-pop act to hold a Japanese dome tour. They have since expanded to promote in the United States.
3. Red Velvet
The group debuted as four members in 2014 with "Happiness" with members Irene, Seulgi, Joy, and Wendy. Member Yeri would join the group in 2015 for their "Ice Cream Cake" comeback. Red Velvet is highly regarded as one of the most popular K-pop groups worldwide by Time and Billboard, and are known as major contributors and one of the country's most talented groups who help spread the Hallyu wave.
The girls have two sides to their music - the Velvet, which has more sensual, sophisticated feelings with R&B and strong 90s influences, and the red, which is mostly pop and electronic and more colorful compared to their velvet side.
Their first sub-unit, consisting of Irene and Seulgi, debuted in July with their first single "Monster."
2. BLACKPINK
The group debuted in 2016 under Y.G. Entertainment with "BOOMBAYAH," which also happens to be their first number-one hit. BLACKPINK consists of four members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa. The group saw early commercial success, subsequently winning the "New Artists of the Year" at the 31st Golden Disc Awards and the 26th Seoul Music Awards. They are the highest-charting female K-Pop act on the Billboard 100 and Billboard 200 with "Kill This Love." They are the first and only K-Pop group to enter the Billboard "Emerging Artists" chart and are the first female K-pop group to have four number-one singles on the Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart. BLACKPINK is also the most subscribed music group on YouTube.
The group released "How You Like That" in June 26, Friday. It is their first comeback in a year and 2 months.
1. BTS
BTS debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment are known for co-writing and producing most of their material. They touched the hearts of their audience with their lyrics, which usually focus on personal and social commentary, mental illness, troubles of adolescence, loving and being oneself.
With "Wings" being BTS's first album to sell one million copies in South Korea, the boys were able to bring their music to the West, leading the Hallyu Wave into the United States and breaking numerous records. They are the first Korean group to receive certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. They are the first Korean act to top the Billboard 200 with "Love Yourself: Tear" and have hit the top of the U.S. charts numerous times. They are the fastest group since the Beatles to earn four number one albums in less than two years.
Further, BTS is the best-selling artist in South Korean history and was the second bestselling artist of 2018. Media outlets have dubbed then as the "Princes of Pop" and were in Time's 100 most influential people in the world list in 2019
They are the youngest ever recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit from the President of South Korea.
The group consists of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.
