The 15 Best K-Pop Groups Of 2021, Ranked By Seventeen Magazine
You'll want to listen to these groups ASAP.
With the end of the year coming soon, Seventeen magazine shared their list of the fifteen best K-Pop groups of 2021. Whether you're a new or veteran K-Pop fan, here are the groups you'll want to listen to before the year is over—or kick off your new year with.
15. SuperM
They kicked off the list with none other than "The Avengers Of K-Pop," SM Entertainment's supergroup formed with members of EXO, SHINee, NCT 127, and WayV.
SuperM | @superm/Twitter
14. TVXQ
As a group that's been promoting for almost twenty years, TVXQ is a timeless duo that not only keeps selling out concerts but has inspired many idols to become singers—such as the next group on the list.
TVXQ's Changmin and Yunho. | @TVXQ/Twitter
13. NCT 127
With the release of their full-length album Sticker, NCT 127 debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, making it the highest-charting K-Pop album for a boy group for 2021.
NCT 127 | @NCTsmtown_127/Twitter
As one of the most popular girl groups, TWICE also charted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart with their full-length album Formula of Love: O+T=<3, making them the only girl group to do so for 2021.
TWICE | @twicetagram/Instagram
Although the seven-member boy group didn't renew their contracts with JYP Entertainment, GOT7 is still going strong with their solo music and roasting each other on Twitter.
GOT7 | @GOT7Official/Twitter
10. TXT
Although they had major expectations placed on them before they even debuted, TXT made a name for themselves with their creativity and talent, breaking records and becoming a force to be reckoned with.
9. Red Velvet
Coming up on seven years, the five-member girl group Red Velvet is well-known for being ambassadors for luxury brands and setting records with their music, like topping the Billboard World Albums chart not once or twice but three times.
Red Velvet | @RVsmtown/Twitter
When it comes to K-Pop girl groups, Girls' Generation is a veteran group that everyone should know and has inspired at least nine popular girl groups that debuted in the past ten years. Their music helped place K-Pop on a global scale from their success.
Girls' Generation's Oh!GG unit. | @GirlsGeneration/Twitter
7. BIGBANG
Debuting a year before Girls' Generation, BIGBANG is yet another veteran group that's still popular today for their timeless music and worldwide success. In fact, a canceled Coachella comeback still has fans waiting for the group's reunion.
BIGBANG | YG Entertainment
6. (G)I-DLE
Ever since the debut of Cube Entertainment's girl group (G)I-DLE, they've gained fame for their talent and musical sound and are now focusing on their solo activities—after a member's departure.
5. ENHYPEN
Taking after their HYBE seniors TXT, ENHYPEN hit the ground running after their debut by snatching up multiple awards, continuing to gain popularity, and cementing themselves as solid artists.
4. ITZY
Though it's only been nearly two years, ITZY has broken records such as being only the second K-Pop girl group to chart two songs on the Billboard Global 200 chart, thanks to "In the morning" (also known as "Mafia In the morning").
ITZY | @ITZYofficial/Twitter
3. SEVENTEEN
Reaching the achievement of selling over five million albums, the thirteen-member group SEVENTEEN isn't willing to let go of their title "Million Sellers" by selling over one million copies of each of their albums Attaca and Your Choice in 2021.
SEVENTEEN | @pledis_17/Twitter
Between earning brand deals with luxury brands all over the world and collaborating with well-known overseas artists, BLACKPINK is a girl group that not only makes history but are trendsetters—musically and fashion-wise.
BLACKPINK | @Mst_com/Twitter
1. BTS
From being one of the most inspirational groups and achieving things they hadn't even dreamed of, BTS has earned their status as a household name and continues to set records left and right with their music.
BTS | @bts.bighitofficial/Instagram
Source: Seventeen Magazine and Forbes