It is no surprise that Koreans, alongside international fans, indulge in the thrills of K-Pop survival programs and competitions. Over the years many shows have graced our TVs and produced some of the most epic groups and artists to date - but do you know them all? After debuting, aren't you curious which ones are the most popular, too?
Thanks to Mnet, one of the masterminds behind KCON, many budding stars find fame and influence through their competition shows like 'Produce 101,' 'Show Me the Money,' 'I-Land,' 'Girls Planet 999,' and now 'Boys Planet.' It's a deviation from the usual way that idol groups are formed through the scouting and training process, but through their competition shows, Mnet can launch even more successful K-pop groups since the participants' pre-debut exposure gets them fans even before they release any music.
Now, you may already be a fan of these famous groups and an adamant viewer of all K-Pop survival competitions, but there are some fabulous artists that may not have made it on your radar! Check out our top 10 list and see if you know K-Pop artists who won competitions and debuted on survival programs!
1. Stray Kids (Stray Kids (2017))
Stray Kids have become such a sensational group who are known for their edgy dances, rowdy instrumentals, and heart-throbbing visuals. Today the group has over 13.5 million followers on TikTok alone!
2. ENHYPEN (I-LAND (2020))
ENHYPEN completely wowed us since their debut. Having many international members who have been fans of K-Pop themselves, the group is quite polished and always dazzles us with each of their comebacks. Like Stray Kids, the boys have garnered over 12.5 Million likes and over 305.5 million views!
3. Kep1er (Girls Planet 999 (2021))
Kep1er is a girl group that, just like ENHYPEN, bridged together international K-Pop fans who dreamed of becoming an idol. With the success of Girls Planet 999, Kep1er is a powerhouse group sporting members of many talents and over 4.7 million followers on TikTok!
4. Jeon Soyeon of (G)I-DLE (Produce 101 (2016))
(G)-IDLE started off big and kept getting bigger. The powerful vibes and energy of this killer girl group continued to manifest with every release but member Jeon Soyeon really steals the show. They group has remained a highly anticipated act at KCON and Soyeong personally continues to wow their 3 Million fans on TikTok.
5. Jang Wonyoung, An Yujin of IVE (Produce 48 (2018))
IVE have continued to hypnotize K-Pop across the globe - from their trendy fashion to their irresistable dances. With over 2.8 Million followers on TikTok, the numbers speak for themselves.
6. Miyawaki Sakura, Kim Chaweon, Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAFIM (Produce 48 (2018))
Despite the drama, LE SSERAFIM are a stellar K-Pop group who are "FEARLESS" on and off the stage. With over 3 Million followers on TikTok (and growing!) these girls are international and ready to dominate.
7. Yiren, Sihyeon of EVERGLOW (Produce 48 (2018))
EVERGLOW are no strangers to KCON and members Yerin and Sihyeon really know how to shine! The girls have over 1.8 Million followers on TikTok and continue to illuminate the stage with their trendy songs.
8. TO1 (TO BE WORLD KLASS (2019))
Handsome, charming, plus memorizing vocals? It is no surprise that TO1 have over 1.5 million fans on TikTok and continue to capture the hearts of many. Perhaps they will start more overseas promotions as many of the other members of our list have? Here is hoping!
9. Jungmo, Minhee, Hyeongjun of Cravity (Produce X 101 (2019))
Cravity are a refreshing boy group as they deliver such sweet, delicate visuals and boy-next-door vocal charms. With 1.5 Million fans on TikTok, the boys continue to race into our hearts and our news feed!
10. Kim Yohan, Kim Donghan, Jang Daehyun, Kang SeokHwa of Wei (Produce X 101 (2019))
The "Produce" series continuously shelled out some major talent in the K-Pop scene. An unforgettable bunch are certainly WEI. The talented boys have garnered over 1.5 million TikTok fans and continue to impress us with their outrageous performances.
Which artist on this list surprised you? Perhaps you are a super K-Pop fan who already knew them all? Hopefully, this list could introduce some new, amazing talent to your playlist. Don't forget to check out more from these artists on Mnet's Official YouTube and even watch them in person at this year's KCON!
