We are all aware that today, K-pop culture is sweeping in globally. So it is a significant deal that Korean artists are increasingly becoming international megastars. Many bright stars shine as members of popular bands, while others shine as solo performers.

Korean music has been quite a in demand recently. Since then, the nation’s singer advanced to prominence in fashion, music, and creative art. The artist often combines modern fashion statements, well-thought-out messages, distinctive jeweled accents, and vivid colors while creating an atmosphere that appeals to pop culture.

Top Singers in Korea

Here in this blog, we will discuss the Top 10 Most Famous Singers from Korea.

#1 Jeon Jungkook

Jeon Jung-kook performing “Fake Love” during Love Yourself tour in Berlin, 16 October 2018 photo by I DARE U JK Wikimedia

The ‘golden maknae’ of the famous group BTS, he is the lead singer and one of the most renowned members of the band. Jungkook was born in Busan, South Korea. He began his journey to music when he was only in middle school. He was named the Top K-pop Star in 2019, 2020, and 2021 due to his popularity. The group’s fame is increasing daily, and Jungkook is one of the top singing sensations.

He received several offers after going popular on the South Korean talent program ‘Superstar K.’ Finally, he decided to join Big Hit Entertainment as a trainee.

In 2013, the group made its debut, and since then, they have been giving out songs on Top Charts. Because of singer’s enormous effect on almost everything he reads, consumes, wears, or recommends, whether on purpose or not, he is also known as ‘Sold Out King.’

#2 BoA

A concept image for BoA‘s upcoming single “Nega Dola” (S.M. Entertainment)

Born as Kwon Bo Ah, she was chosen by SM Entertainment when she was 11. She is known as the ‘Queen of K-pop.’ The major reason behind it is due to her immense success in Korean music. In addition, boA is quite fluent in singing, not only in Korean but also in Japanese, English, and Mandarin. It is because this gift helped her elevate her international acclaim.

She also became one of the first Korean singers to debut at the top of the Oricon chart with her first album in Japanese, ‘Listen To My Heart.’ She released the all-English album BoA in 2009. In 2013, she got her first Hollywood leading part in the movie ‘Make Your Move.’ BoA is a K-pop celebrity success story that is now well-known on a global scale.

#3 Lim Young-Woong

Singer Lim Young-woong in a musical ad in June 2020 photo by oral deer Wikimedia

Lim Young-Woong, a trot singer, won the TV program ‘Mr. Trot’ in 2021. He was born in Pochean. His net worth was roughly $4 million after he became an overnight musical success. While working as a solo artist, the artist has a peaceful, laid-back, and romantic aesthetic.

After BTS, Lim is widely known and had the second-highest streams in 2020. He also received several awards throughout Asia. The singer also had two #1 hits on South Korea’s Gaon charts. The artist also topped three different monthly charts with ‘Drunken Confession,’ his solo debut OST, with more than a million copies sold.

#4 Rain

South Korean singer RainImage Credit: instagram.com/rain_oppa/

Born as Jung Ji-hoon, he is one of the first K-pop stars who broke onto the western scene. He has shown his appearance in the Hollywood blockbusters Ninja Assassin (2009) and Speed Racer (2008).

In 2007, TIME magazine listed him as of the ‘100 People Who Shape Our World.’ Dance has been one of Rain’s dreams. He joined JYP Entertainment after spending hours dancing for Park Ji-Young, the company’s founder. He also made his acting debut in 2002 with ‘Bad Guy.’

After the release of the third album and his playing lead in the K-drama Full House,’ Rain became an instant sensation across Asia. After completing his military service in 2013, he joined Cube Entertainment while his fans waited for his release from the military camp.

#5 PSY

Psy Gangnam Style performs at Marquee, The Star, Sydney, Australia in 2012. photo by Eva Rinaldi Wikimedia

He is one of the most famous South Korean singers, producers, and rappers, born in Park

Jae-sang in Gangnam District, Seoul. Psy’s most famous song, Gangnam style, released in 2012, became one of the most viral songs with 4.6 billion views.

Psy rose to fame worldwide and got invited to the parties that celebrated Chinese New Year’s Eve. He performed at the customary all-Chinese event as the first non-Chinese ever. Psy’s upbeat song ‘Daddy’ was released in 2015, and the latest album, Psy 9th, was released in 2022, with ‘That That’ being its lead single featuring Suga of BTS.

#6 Hyuna

Hyuna at a fansigning event on July 22, 2018. photo by Dazzling you Wikimedia

Kim Hyun-ah, better known by her stage name Hyuna is a model, rapper, songwriter, and singer born in Seoul. She made her K-pop debut in 2007 with the Wonder Girls female group going to perform with groups like 4Tomorrow, Trouble Maker, and 4Minute.

Hyuna launched her solo career and made waves with her songs Ice cream, Change, and Bubble pop. However, it was after singing with P Nation. In 2021, she marked her comeback with the song I’m Not Alone, which amassed 46 million views on YouTube. Throughout her career, Hyuna charted in South Korea and the US while selling over 12 million records.

#7 Taeyang

Taeyang of Big Bang attends the “Mademoiselle Prive” exhibition at the D-Museum on June 21, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)

Known as a rapper, singer, and actor, Taeyang has also been the main vocalist for Big Band. In addition, he is a skilled musician who plays the piano and signed under YG Entertainment.

He is also trilingual, speaking Korean, English, and Japanese. Additionally, Taeyang represents the luxury brands Fendi and Lexus.

Since he began to rule the music industry in 2008, Taeyang’s music has brought him distinction for Best Album, Best Male Artist, Song of the Year, and many more honors.

#8 Ailee

Ailee performing Lonely Lover photo by idollove Wikimedia

Born as Amy Lee in Denver, Colorado, she is known by her stage name ‘Ailee.’ Raised in New Jersey, she began to work with musicians in New York City. It is because she wanted to pursue a music career before launching her music channel on YouTube, where she also found success.

Ailee made her solo debut in 2012, and since then, her EPS and singles have often topped the Goan digital download charts. It also helped her gain recognition in the digital music industry.

#9 Kai

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – SEPTEMBER 26: Kai of boy band EXO-K attends the “POLO RALPH LAUREN” Photocall on September 26, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)

Born Kim Jong-in, Kai is known as a lead dancer and singer in the K-pop hit band EXO. He is also a part of the Super M group that debuted in October 2019. He started his professional training career at 13 when he signed with SM Entertainment in 2007.

Kai was the first of the group’s 12 members and made his public debut in a movie teased in December 2011. He is well-known for his good looks, dance prowess, and charms. He was number 51 among 2018’s top 100 Most Handsome Faces. For his rendition of ‘Deep Breath,’ he also received the ‘Asia’s First Love’ moniker.

The artist is known to release two mini-albums, one of which surpassed 113 million YouTube views. It made him one of the solo artists from South Korea to do it most quickly.

#10 G-Dragon

G-Dragon on Infinite Challenge Yeongdong Expressway Music Festival 2015 photo by 8thGravity Wikimedia

G-Dragon is one of the highly influential fashion designers and singers. He is known as the ‘King of K-pop’ born Kwon Ji-Yong in Seoul.

He made his acting debut in 2006 as the frontman of the famous boy band Big Bang. It went on to sell more than 150 million records worldwide.

While he stopped making music during his military enlistment, he started again while penning at least 23 songs. These charted at #1 songs on the Goan Digital charts. In addition, Forbes rated him the #1 most important person under 30 in Asian entertainment.