K-pop, short for Korean pop music, has taken the world by storm, captivating fans with its infectious beats, intricate choreography, and vibrant visuals. From girl bands to kpop boy groups, the industry continues to evolve, blending genres and pushing boundaries.
In 2025, K-pop groups, both male and female, are dominating charts and breaking records globally. This blog post dives into the top 20 most popular K-pop groups of 2025, highlighting their members, achievements, and why they’re loved by fans worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of kpop female idols or kpop male idols, this list covers the best of both worlds across kpop generations.
1. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK remains a powerhouse among female kpop groups, known for their fierce style and global impact. Their 2025 world tour, “DEADLINE,” solidified their status as one of the most popular kpop girl bands. Their music, like “Pink Venom,” blends catchy hooks with bold visuals, making them a staple in kpop music.
Why They Shine: As kpop female idols, BLACKPINK’s charisma and record-breaking achievements, like being the first K-pop group to headline Coachella, keep them at the top.
2. BTS
BTS, the biggest kpop boy group globally, continues to dominate despite their 2025 hiatus due to military enlistments. Known for their meaningful lyrics and self-produced music, they’ve redefined what it means to be kpop male idols.
Why They Shine: BTS’s global influence, including topping the Billboard charts, makes them a cornerstone of kpop boy bands.
3. IVE
IVE has quickly risen as a leading kpop girl group in the fourth generation. Their hits like “I Am” and “Kitsch” showcase their versatility and charm.
- Genre: Girl Group
- Debut: 2021
- Agency: Starship Entertainment
- Members: Gaeul, Yujin, Rei, Wonyoung, Liz, Leeseo
Why They Shine: IVE’s “chaebol” concept and polished performances make them a favorite among korean girl bands.
4. SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN, a kpop boy group known for their self-producing skills, continues to impress with their intricate choreography and emotional tracks like “Don’t Wanna Cry.”
- Genre: Boy Group
- Debut: 2015
- Agency: PLEDIS Entertainment
- Members: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino
Why They Shine: Their unity and hands-on approach to music make them a standout in kpop groups male.
5. TWICE
TWICE, a nine-member girl band, continues to captivate with their colorful concepts and catchy hits. Their longevity proves their staying power in kpop generations.
- Genre: Girl Group
- Debut: 2015
- Agency: JYP Entertainment
- Members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu
Why They Shine: TWICE’s global tours and vibrant discography make them a beloved kpop girl group.
6. aespa
aespa’s futuristic concepts and high-energy tracks have made them a leader among female kpop groups in the fourth generation.
Why They Shine: Their innovative visuals and songs like “Savage” resonate with fans of kpop music.
7. LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM’s ethereal sound and empowering messages in songs like “ANTIFRAGILE” have made them a rising star among korean girl bands.
- Genre: Girl Group
- Debut: 2022
- Agency: Source Music/HYBE
- Members: Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Hong Eunchae
Why They Shine: Their harmonious musicality sets them apart in the kpop girl scene.
8. Stray Kids
Stray Kids’ dynamic performances and self-produced tracks like “God’s Menu” make them a force in kpop boy groups.
- Genre: Boy Group
- Debut: 2018
- Agency: JYP Entertainment
- Members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N
Why They Shine: Their innovative music and relatable lyrics resonate with fans of kpop male idols.
9. (G)I-DLE
(G)I-DLE’s unique sound and involvement in songwriting, seen in hits like “Queencard,” make them a standout girl group.
- Genre: Girl Group
- Debut: 2018
- Agency: Cube Entertainment
- Members: Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, Shuhua
Why They Shine: Their bold themes and diverse musical style elevate their status among kpop female idols.
10. ENHYPEN
Formed through I-Land, ENHYPEN’s powerful performances and global appeal have cemented their place among kpop guy groups.
- Genre: Boy Group
- Debut: 2020
- Agency: BELIFT LAB/HYBE
- Members: Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, Ni-ki
Why They Shine: Their genre-blending tracks and intense choreography make them a fan favorite.
11. NewJeans
NewJeans’ Y2K-inspired aesthetic and hits like “Hype Boy” have made them a sensation in kpop music.
Why They Shine: Their fresh, nostalgic sound defines the fifth generation of kpop girl bands.
12. Red Velvet
Red Velvet’s dual “red” and “velvet” concepts offer versatility, making them a staple among female kpop groups.
Why They Shine: Hits like “Bad Boy” showcase their unique style in kpop generations.
13. BIGBANG
BIGBANG, pioneers of the korean boy band scene, continue to influence with their bold style and hits like “Bang Bang Bang.”
Why They Shine: Their creative control and iconic legacy make them timeless kpop male idols.
14. ITZY
ITZY’s message of self-confidence in songs like “Dalla Dalla” resonates with fans of kpop female idols.
- Genre: Girl Group
- Debut: 2019
- Agency: JYP Entertainment
- Members: Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna
Why They Shine: Their bold energy defines the fourth generation of kpop girl groups.
15. EXO
EXO’s powerful vocals and hits like “Love Shot” keep them among the top kpop boy bands.
- Genre: Boy Group
- Debut: 2012
- Agency: SM Entertainment
- Members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay Zhang, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun
Why They Shine: Their global fanbase and chart-topping success solidify their legacy.
16. NMIXX
NMIXX’s experimental sound and powerful performances make them a rising girl band in 2025.
- Genre: Girl Group
- Debut: 2022
- Agency: JYP Entertainment
- Members: Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, Kyujin
Why They Shine: Their unique “mixx pop” genre sets them apart in kpop music.
17. TXT (Tomorrow X Together)
TXT’s genre-blending tracks like “Blue Hour” make them leaders in the fourth generation of kpop guy groups.
- Genre: Boy Group
- Debut: 2019
- Agency: HYBE
- Members: Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun, Hueningkai
Why They Shine: Their innovative concepts keep them relevant among kpop male idols.
18. Girls’ Generation (SNSD)
Known as “The Nation’s Girl Group,” SNSD’s timeless hits like “Gee” make them legends among korean girl bands.
- Genre: Girl Group
- Debut: 2007
- Agency: SM Entertainment
- Members: Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, Seohyun
Why They Shine: Their influence on the Hallyu Wave is unmatched in kpop generations.
19. ATEEZ
ATEEZ’s electrifying performances and self-written music make them a standout kpop boy group.
- Genre: Boy Group
- Debut: 2018
- Agency: KQ Entertainment
- Members: Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, Jongho
Why They Shine: Their global tours and energetic stage presence captivate fans.
20. BABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER’s international lineup and debut single “Glow” mark them as a promising kpop girl group.
- Genre: Girl Group
- Debut: 2024
- Agency: YG Entertainment
- Members: Rami, Ahyeon, Rora, Chiquita, Pharita, Ruka, Asa
Why They Shine: Their diverse backgrounds and YG’s backing make them a fifth-generation powerhouse.
