Updated date:

Feb 1, 2021

Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups (2021)

Author:: Diana

Diana has been writing on Spinditty for over 3 years. She is a K-pop enthusiast with a deep love for Korean culture.

The following boy bands are considered to be the most popular and successful in the world. Since “Gangnam Style” went viral in 2012, numerous K-pop bands have taken the world by storm! So let’s check out these top 10 most popular K-pop boy groups!

Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups (2019)

BTS
EXO
Wanna One
NCT
Got7
SEVENTEEN
Monsta X
Stray Kids
WINNER
ASTRO

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite boy group in the poll at the end of the list. If your favorite group isn’t included on the list, leave a comment in the comment section below!

BTS | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

1. BTS

Members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, Jungkook

Years Active: 2013–present

Label: Big Hit Entertainment, Pony Canyon, Def Jam Japan, Columbia

The first K-pop group to perform at the American Music Awards and win a Billboard Music Award, and the first South Korean act to reach 10 million followers on Twitter, BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys and Beyond the Scene, has put the world under the K-pop spell! They are considered to be the most tweeted about celebrity in 2017: they were liked and retweeted more than half a billion times worldwide! The band is comprised of seven members: RM, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jin, Suga, and Jungkook. BTS blend dance-oriented K-pop with hip-hop influences; they compose, produce, and write lyrics for performances themselves.

Another trophy, my hands carry 'em
Too many that I can't even count 'em (turn it up now)
Mic drop, mic drop
Be careful of your feet, be careful of what you say
Somebody stop me, I'm 'bouta pop off
Too busy, you know my body ain't enough (turn it up now)
Mic drop, mic drop
Be careful of your feet, be careful of what you say

— BTS ("Mic Drop")

EXO | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

2. EXO

Members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun

Years Active: 2012–present

Label: SM Entertainment, Avex Trax

EXO was formed by S.M. Entertainment in 2011. The band made their debut in 2012 with twelve members – they were separated into two subgroups, EXO-M and EXO-K, performing music in different languages (Mandarin and Korean respectively). The K-pop boy band was considered the "most influential celebrity" by Forbes Korea Power Celebrity in both 2014 and 2015! Currently, EXO consists of nine members: Xiumin, Baekhyun, Suho, Lay, Chen, Chanyeol, Sehun, D.O., and Kai.

I’m a bit hot-tempered
I’m not very tenderhearted (I hated you)
I hated you but I want you
That’s right, my type
The heart does not lie

— EXO ("Monster")

Wanna One | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

3. Wanna One

Members: Yoon Ji-sung, Ha Sung-woon, Hwang Min-hyun, Ong Seong-wu, Kim Jae-hwan, Kang Daniel, Park Ji-hoon, Park Woo-jin, Bae Jin-young, Lee Dae-hwi, Lai Guan-lin

Years Active: 2017–present

Label: YMC Entertainment, Stone Music Entertainment, Swing Entertainment

Wanna One has been formed by CJ E&M, and it’s the second group in this list that was formed through the 2017 series Produce 101 Season 2! Wanna One has been chosen as the Best New K-Pop Act of 2017 (Billboard). With their electro-pop tracks and highly-stylized choreography garnering a lot of attention, the boy band became a top act in Korea from its very formation on Produce 101 in 2017. Even though they are planned to disband by the end of 2018, after which its members plan to focus on their solo careers, there’s still time left for the group to impress their fans. Wanna One consists of eleven members: Ji Seong, Sung Woon, Min Hyun, Seong Woo, Ji Hoon, Woo Jin, Jae Hwan, Kang Daniel, Jin Young, Dae Hwi, and Kuan Lin.

Cover me like a blanket, yeah yeah
With this endless joy, yeah yeah
When your lips are close
My heart feels like it’s about to stop
When I saw you today
The feeling of butterflies was bigger than the familiar feeling

— Wanna One ("Light")

NCT | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

4. NCT

Members: WinWin, Jeno, Jisung, Yuta, Jungwoo, Johnny, Haechan, Doyoung, Ten, Mark, Jaehyun, Jaemin, Renjun, Chenle, Taeil, Lucas, Taeyong, and Kun

Years Active: 2016–present

Label: SM Entertainment, Avex Trax

NCT is a highly popular k-pop boy group, an interesting concept with an unlimited number of members. NCT stands for “Neo Culture Technology”. It consists of 21 members (!) now. One more interesting fact is that the band is divided into many sub-units that are based in many various cities of the world! NCT U was the first group’s unit to debut (in April 2016) and was introduced as the main group of NCT. At first, it announced only two members - Mark and Jaehyun, only later adding 7 other members. NCT 127 was the second sub-unit, NCT Dream and WayV appeared later. Oh? And do you know that NCT127 is based in Seoul, while other sub-unit, WayV, is located in China?

We’re on trend of U.S. hip-hop, I listen to Post Malone and Amine. We’re all pretty on the new. We get pieces inspired by other artists, and we use those inspirations to turn them into our own ways, we’re making it into our own style.

— Taeyong

Got7 | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

5. Got7

Members: Jinyoung, Yugyeom, BamBam, Mark, Youngjae, JB, and Jackson

Years Active: 2014–present

Label: JYP Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment

Got7 is a K-pop boy band formed by JYP Entertainment. It is composed of seven multinational members who come from the US, Thailand, South Korea, and Hong Kong: JB, BamBam, Mark, Jackson, Yugyeom , Jinyoung, and Youngjae. Debuting at the beginning of 2014 with mini-album “Got It?”, the band gained popularity pretty fast. Their performances on stage often incorporate street dancing and various elements of martial arts tricking, so it’s never boring!

SEVENTEEN | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

6. SEVENTEEN

Members: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino

Years Active: 2015–present

Label: Pledis Entertainment

Despite the group’s name, Seventeen (also stylized as SVT) consists of only thirteen members: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, Vernon, and Dino. However, sometimes, the boy band did consist of 16 members! So then what does the name Seventeen signify? It turns out that the number signifies the medium age of the members at the time of band formation! The group is divided into three teams, each with a different area of specialization: vocal, hip-hop, and performance. Moreover, they are involved in composition and production of their own choreography and discography, so they even have been given the nickname of a “self-producing” idol group. The group was formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2015.

I do not mean that.
If you ever
I'm tired.
I was worried.
I have my heart
I need you no other
You are like a summer jeh
You've been feeling
The densest point of loneliness
I can not sleep with you.

— SEVENTEEN ("Oh My")

Monsta X | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

7. Monsta X

Members: I.M, Jooheon, Minhyuk, Wonho, Shownu, Kihyun and Hyungwon

Years Active: 2015–present

Label: Mercury Tokyo, Maverick, Starship, Epic, Columbia UK

Formed through the TV talent show “No. Mercy”, Monsta X debuted in 2015 with their first album “Trespass”. It didn’t take long for this seven-member Korean hip-hop band to take over North America! “The Clan”, their first full-length studio album, took the number one spot on Billboard’s World Albums in the US! The band consists of 7 members: Minhyuk, Shownu, Wonho, Hyungwon, Kihyun, Joohoney, and I.M.

Stray Kids | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

8. Stray Kids

Members: Lee Know, Hyunjin, Felix, Seungmin, I.N, Woojin, Changbin, Bang Chan, and Han

Years Active: 2017–present

Label: JYP

This K-pop group didn’t get its name just for no reason. Stray Kids is how the reality competition show is called! After going through the competition, the chosen boys formed the K-pop boy group of the same name. It debuted in 2018 with 9 members: Woojin, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Lee Know, Felix, Seungmin, I.N, and Bang Chan. With their super carefree and wild image, the band became a global hit with their first album being number one in iTunes Charts in multiple countries!

Winner | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

9. Winner

Members: Mino, Seunghoon, Seungyoon, Jinwoo

Years Active: 2014–present

Label: YG

Winner was also formed through a reality survival show! The show was called Win: Who Is Next and it revolved around two teams who compete against each other in who is best in performing, songwriting, and choreography. Fans determined the winners, so that’s basically how the Winner was born! Their debut in 2014 was epic; they even were called “Monster rookies” for their unprecedented success. The K-pop boy band consists of 44 members: Seunghoon, Mino, Jinwoo, and Seungyoon.

Astro | Top 10 Most Popular K-Pop Boy Groups

10. Astro

Members: Sanha, Jinjin, MJ, Moonbin, Eunwoo, and Rocky

Years Active: 2016–present

Label: Fantagio

Astro is a K-pop boy group that consists of 6 members: Jinjin, Moonbin, Sanha, MJ, Rocky, and Eunwoo. Before debuting, they all were iTeen Boys while training in a talent development program under Fantagio iTeen. Soon, they starred in a web drama series “To Be Continued”, and only after that, they debuted with the mini-album Spring Up in 2016. Billboard even named them one of the best new K-pop groups of the year!

Great Albums by These K-Pop Groups


Artist	Essential Album	Year Released
BTS	"Dark & Wild"	2014
EXO	"XOXO"	2013
Wanna One	"1X1=1 (To Be One)"	2017
NCT	"Empathy"	2018
Got7	"Just Right"	2015
SEVENTEEN	"Love & Letter"	2016
Monsta X	"Rush"	2015
Stray Kids	"Mixtape"	2018
WINNER	"2014 S/S"	2014
ASTRO	"Spring Up"	2017

Check Out:

Comments

Nalinee kumre on September 10, 2020:

I love bts in 2019 i am in love with bts boy band they are amazing so cute. And they have respect and love for bts army .i am in army i love bts forever forever❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sumtae on September 10, 2020:

BTS forever

Ikonic on September 09, 2020:

Ikon must be included

Lupe on September 09, 2020:

#ASTRO

Aly on September 09, 2020:

ASTRO ✡️

Claudia on September 09, 2020:

ASTRO BEST GROUP

Roha1 on September 09, 2020:

ASTRO

Kowshitae on September 09, 2020:

I purple u bts

Jeevajothi on September 09, 2020:

I purple BTS

Nabz on September 09, 2020:

SF9 ❤️

Nana on September 08, 2020:

NCT DESERVE THE MOST VOTE

Jahnavi Acharjee on September 08, 2020:

NCT DESERVE THE MOST VOTE

Hani.m on September 08, 2020:

Bts and Stray kids

Sethmi on September 07, 2020:

BTS and EXO

DK on September 07, 2020:

BTS, Seventeen, Monsta X

Klara on September 04, 2020:

Bts saranghae...always been my favourit... Saranghae from

Angela Sergio on September 04, 2020:

Winner and Exo! ❤️ but Big Bang is missing tho

Sugandi fernando on September 04, 2020:

May be all the groups are good but in Male idol group EXO team is my one & only favourite group

JI WOO on September 04, 2020:

BTS,GOT7 AND NTC IS THE BEST❤️❤️❤️

ARMY on September 03, 2020:

no bbhot100 #1, no opinion.

Prasha Shah on September 03, 2020:

I purple BTS

Jungkook

Jimin

So much love for them

leevia on August 31, 2020:

I think got7 is the best

Siham on August 30, 2020:

BTS , EXO & GOT7

Bts×skz on August 30, 2020:

BTS AND STRAY KIDS❤❤

Indian Bts army on August 30, 2020:

I learn korean language for bts l purple you bts and bts army

Bts army on August 29, 2020:

Bts for sure THEY'RE THE KINGS borahae,annyeong.

Aura on August 28, 2020:

Seventeen.

Aroha on August 27, 2020:

Astro

Aroha on August 27, 2020:

A-S-T-R-O !!

bts+exo on August 26, 2020:

Exo and bts

Jesun espinoza on August 26, 2020:

ASTRO!!!!

Yongwaespinoza on August 25, 2020:

Stan ASTRO!!! #ASTRO + #MJ + #JINJIN + #EUNWOO + #MOONBIN + #ROCKY + #SANHA + #아스트로 + #엠제이 + #진진 + #차은우 + #문빔 + #라키 + #윤산하 & @offclASTRO

Ximena. on August 24, 2020:

Stan Arte, Stan Astro :3.

Ivania Mejia on August 24, 2020:

ASTROOOOOOO

Isabela on August 24, 2020:

ASTRO ES EL MEJORS

Chida on August 24, 2020:

Astro

Patri on August 24, 2020:

#ASTRO

Paula on August 24, 2020:

STAN ASTRO

Jhul on August 24, 2020:

#Astro

Felicitas on August 24, 2020:

#ASTRO

Rex on August 24, 2020:

Astro

Valeria on August 24, 2020:

I love astro

Irene sanchez on August 24, 2020:

Amo a astro

Rosalia on August 24, 2020:

EXO is best."no doubt"

mae on August 24, 2020:

astro

Nozomi on August 24, 2020:

#ASTRO

melany on August 24, 2020:

astro el mejor

Leya on August 24, 2020:

Astro is the best

KIEHL ANNE on August 24, 2020:

SARANGHAE YO ASTRO ✡

Lore on August 23, 2020:

Astro bbu

Ana on August 23, 2020:

Adoro a #ASTRO

ariana on August 23, 2020:

astro

Constanza on August 23, 2020:

The Best Band Boy is @offclASTRO They are ART AND PURE TALENT

Kasna Ebrahim on August 23, 2020:

#ASTRO forever

Caro on August 23, 2020:

#ASTRO

Skaksksk on August 23, 2020:

Got7

Angelica duran on August 23, 2020:

Astro

beattrice on August 23, 2020:

DK from IKON i love you

Sky on August 23, 2020:

I Love ASTRO!

karen fuentes on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO los amo

Astro on August 23, 2020:

Astro son los mejores siempre tan humildes y talentosos❤

Helen on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO

Sam on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO

Marcela on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO forever

Pamela on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO

always for them.

Irene on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO

Nin on August 23, 2020:

astro

Kim Mary on August 23, 2020:

ASTROO ✡

Momito on August 23, 2020:

Vamos astro

YULIT on August 23, 2020:

Vamos ASTRO

SofhiaDan on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO

Ya mi la on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO

Astro on August 23, 2020:

Is the best group

Jinjinpuppy on August 23, 2020:

My boys ...finally getting the recognition

G_G.rada on August 23, 2020:

ASTRO

Beso on August 23, 2020:

Astro I lovve YYou

ASTRO ✡️ on August 23, 2020:

I love You Astro

ASTROHA on August 23, 2020:

Proud of you boys ASTRO

AROHA FOREVER.

Arohaaaind on August 23, 2020:

Wowww Astro. Soo proud of them.

Dewanshi Dalwani on August 23, 2020:

I love you BTS

Officialkara on August 22, 2020:

I love BTS and ASTRO!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

I HATEEEEEEEEEEE BTS on August 21, 2020:

I Hate bts

Maire on August 21, 2020:

I'm a forever EXO stan, not because they're all good looking but also how quality their group is.

Sanduni Sewmali on August 21, 2020:

I love youuuuuuu BTS. My sensational boys. I purpul you handsome boys. I am really lucky to be a crazy, unconditional Army.

Saniya on August 21, 2020:

EXO...as always but I want kris wu to come back

Bts ARMY on August 20, 2020:

BTS FOREVER

Barbi on August 20, 2020:

I'm a big fan of bts i.e. I'm an army and also a big fan of seventeen ( Svt ) but I'd like to vote for SVT because bts get more vote than other boy bands. .... So I vote for SVT. But also I love BtS

mawi on August 20, 2020:

bts saranghae

BTS FOREVER ❤︎❤︎❤︎ ఌ︎ on August 20, 2020:

BTS FOREVER ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Bts lover on August 20, 2020:

I love Bts

BTS FOREVER

Anonymous on August 19, 2020:

Army forever

Army beloved on August 19, 2020:

I love you BTS

EXO-L on August 18, 2020: