10 K-pop Girl Groups Taking the Scene by Storm

By: Isla Brevant  | 
BLACKPINK regularly sells out massive stadiums. nurulmust / Shutterstock

The K-pop girl groups taking over the world right now aren't just topping charts; they're redefining what it means to be a global pop act.

From powerhouse vocals to groundbreaking concepts, each girl group on this list brings something unique to the K-pop genre. Whether you're a huge fan or new to the scene, these groups are worth watching.

Advertisement

1. BLACKPINK

Managed by YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK has become a global phenomenon. The group's mix of pop, rap, and fierce fashion has led to chart-topping hits and sold-out world tours.

BLACKPINK’s members have broken numerous records individually – for instance, Lisa’s “Lalisa” music video set a 24-hour YouTube view record for a solo artist (73.6 million views), and Jisoo became the first Korean female soloist to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify.

Advertisement

As a group, BLACKPINK have also set new benchmarks for K-pop girl groups, being the first to achieve million-selling albums.

2. Girls' Generation (SNSD)

Considered one of the first girl groups to truly globalize K-pop, Girls' Generation brought amazing vocals and sleek choreography to the forefront. Managed by SM Entertainment, the group helped define the genre and still has an active fanbase.

Some members have resumed activities in acting and music, proving their lasting popularity.

Advertisement

3. Red Velvet

Known for their diverse concepts and genre-spanning music, Red Velvet delivers both vocal talent and visual performance.

Their "Red" side leans into pop and dance, while the "Velvet" side explores R&B and ballads. Joy and the rest of the group have crafted a distinct identity within the K-pop landscape.

Advertisement

4. LOONA

LOONA introduced a new format to the idol world: debuting each member with a solo before forming the full group.

This live idol group gained attention for its creative storytelling, subunits, and intricate music videos. LOONA members like Kim Lip bring serious vocal and dance skills, making the group a favorite among dedicated fans.

Advertisement

5. LE SSERAFIM

Formed under Source Music and HYBE, LE SSERAFIM made waves with their debut and quickly rose in popularity.

With members like Kim Chaewon leading the charge, they combine elegance with edgy choreography. Their style blends high-fashion visuals with hard-hitting dance, appealing to fans across genres.

Advertisement

6. (G)I-DLE

This self-producing group stands out in the industry for writing and composing much of their own music. Songs like "Tomboy" and "Queencard" showcase their bold concepts and strong stage presence. Their music often blends pop with rock band elements, adding to their dynamic sound.

Advertisement

7. IVE

IVE's quick rise is no accident. With viral hits and a polished image, this group has captured fans worldwide. Their songs climb the Gaon Digital Chart, and each comeback showcases a more refined concept.

IVE’s members are known for their confident stage presence, which has helped set the group apart from other rookies. For example, 18-year-old Jang Wonyoung has been widely praised for her exceptional stage charisma and 'born-to-be-idol' visuals.

Advertisement

8. NewJeans

NewJeans debuted with a distinctly Y2K-inspired, laid-back style that broke from the flashy norms of K-pop. Their debut wasn't just one song but a full package that felt fresh and different.

With no fixed leader, they offer a more fluid group dynamic that resonates with younger fans.

Advertisement

9. Aespa

Aespa blends reality and virtual with their AI group concept, introducing virtual counterparts to each member.

Backed by SM Entertainment, aespa is known for futuristic, cyberpunk-style visuals and genre-blending songs that reinforce their virtual concept. Their virtual girl group concept adds a new layer to how fans engage with K-pop.

Advertisement

10. BABYMONSTER

Prior to their official debut, YG’s BABYMONSTER had already amassed a massive following online.

The seven-member group is multinational—three members are Korean, two are Thai, and two are Japanese—positioning BABYMONSTER as YG’s next big global act. Their diverse background hints at a group capable of dominating multiple markets.

Honorable Mention: HUNTR/X

This fictional girl group from the Netflix hit "KPop Demon Hunters" has all the ingredients of a real K-pop breakout. HUNTR/X fuses idol visuals with supernatural action.

Their sound mixes synth-pop with rock and trap influences, creating tracks that feel as intense as their on-screen fights. All the members are designed to represent different archetypes, from the quiet strategist to the bold leader.

Even though they're animated, the fandom is real, and the group has inspired fan art, covers, and cosplay across the internet.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Advertisement

Loading...