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10 most famous Korean singers to add to your playlist; BTS’ Jungkook, BLACKPINK’s Rosé, IU, EXO’s Baekhyun, and more
From BTS’ Jungkook, BLACKPINK’s Rosé to EXO’s Baekhyun, MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, and more. Here are 10 of the most famous Korean singers to listen to!
K-pop idols have become a global force, dominating the music scene with their infectious beats, electrifying performances, and fashion-forward styles. From powerhouse groups like BTS, EXO, and BLACKPINK to solo stars like Lim Young Woong and IU, these artists have won hearts and minds around the world, leaving a lasting imprint on music history.
The rise of K-pop has shattered boundaries, taking their sound beyond borders and connecting with fans everywhere. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 10 of the most legendary Korean singers who’ve revolutionized the industry.
Here are the top 10 most famous Korean singers
1. BTS’ Jungkook
Jungkook, the charismatic golden maknae of the K-pop group BTS, isn't just a singer, he's a symphony of talent. With a voice that serenades the soul and dance moves that paint poetry in motion, he's captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
Date of Birth:
September 1, 1997 (age 27 as of May 2025)
Best Songs:
Seven (feat Latto) -
My You -
Still With You
Awards:
People's Choice Awards 2024: Male Artist of the Year
Billboard Music Awards 2024: Top K-Pop Album for GOLDEN, Top Global K-Pop Song for “Standing Next to You”
Top 50 Music Awards 2024: Quintuple victory in five categories, including Best Song and Best Album
iHeartRadio Music Awards 2024: K-Pop Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for “Seven”
Melon Music Awards 2024: Best Male Solo, Top 10 Artist (Bonsang)
Mnet Asian Music Awards 2024: Best Male Artist, Best Dance Performance (Male Solo) for “Standing Next to You”
From his solo hits like Euphoria to groundbreaking collaborations with global icons, Jungkook's star shines bright, illuminating the path for Korean artists to conquer new horizons. His melodies aren't just music; they're a universal language of passion and artistry.
2. BLACKPINK’s Rosé
Rosé, the ethereal songbird of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK under YG Entertainment, casts a spell with her melodic enchantments. Hailing from the scenic landscapes of New Zealand and Australia, she embodies a fusion of cultures, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Date of Birth:
February 11, 1997 (Age: 28)
Best Songs:
APT. (with Bruno Mars)
Gone
On The Ground
Number One Girl
Toxic Till The End
Awards (2024–2025):
2024 MAMA Awards: Performed “APT.” alongside Bruno Mars.
2024 Asia Artist Awards: Won the Daesang (Grand Prize) for “APT.” with Bruno Mars.
2025 Gold House A100 List: Recognized as one of the most impactful Asian Pacific Islander leaders in entertainment.
2025 American Music Awards: Made history as the only K-pop idol nominated in non-K-pop categories.
With her mesmerizing debut as a soloist led by songs like On the Ground and Gone, she soared to unprecedented heights, breaking records and captivating hearts effortlessly. Beyond her musical prowess, Rosé's influence transcends borders, gracing prestigious events and shaping trends in the realm of fashion. She's not just a singer; she's a muse, an icon, and a beacon of boundless talent.
3. EXO’s Baekhyun
Baekhyun, the luminary voice of EXO, transcends the realms of music and artistry. With his heavenly vocals and captivating presence, he orchestrates symphonies that resonate deep within the soul.
Date of Birth:
May 6, 1992 (Age: 32)
Best Songs:
“PARANOIA”
“Do What You Do”
“For You”
“Bambi”
Awards (2024–2025):
Tencent Music 2024 Year-End Awards: Won K-Pop Artist of the Year and K-Pop Solo Artist of the Year.
2024 MAMA Awards: Nominated for Artist of the Year (Daesang), Best Male Artist, Fans’ Choice Male, and Album of the Year for Hello, World.
2024 HANTEO Music Awards: Nominated for Artist of the Year (Daesang).
2024 China Year-End Awards: Hello, World won Best Selling Solo Male Album.
Venturing into a solo career, Baekhyun lit up the charts, setting milestones with each release. Crowned the Genius Idol, his accolades and influence paint a portrait of unparalleled talent. Baekhyun isn't just a singer; he's a maestro crafting melodies that etch themselves into eternity.
4. Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon
Taeyeon, the enchanting voice behind Girls' Generation, paints a symphony of emotions with each note. From the heights of K-pop stardom to the depths of soulful ballads, she captivates audiences worldwide.
Date of Birth:
March 9, 1989 (Age: 36)
Best Songs:
“INVU”
“Can't Control Myself”
“Four Seasons”
“11:11”
“I” – Her debut solo single, which became a significant hit and established her as a solo artist.
Awards (2024–2025):
2025 Golden Disc Awards: Won Digital Bonsang and Digital Daesang for “To. X”.
2024 Melon Music Awards: “To. X” won the Millions TOP10 award.
2025 Seoul Music Awards: Nominated for Digital Bonsang for “To. X”.
Her solo ventures with songs like Fine, INVU, and more, she's carved a path of her own, topping charts and stealing hearts with her heavenly melodies. Taeyeon isn't just a singer; she's a musical journey, weaving tales of love, longing, and resilience.
5. Stray Kids’ Han
Han, the fiery talent of Stray Kids, under JYP Entertainment, ignites the stage with his raw passion and lyrical prowess. From his humble beginnings to soaring solo endeavors, he's a force to be reckoned with in the world of K-pop.
Date of Birth:
September 14, 2000 (Age: 24)
Best Songs:
“Miserable (You & Me)”
“Hold My Hand”
“Truman
Awards (2024–2025):
2024 Korean Grand Music Awards: Stray Kids won the Best Song award.
2024 Asia Artist Awards (AAA): Stray Kids won the Best K-Pop Record award.
2025 Billboard Music Awards: Stray Kids won Top K-Pop Album for 5-STAR.
2025 Japan Gold Disc Awards: Stray Kids won Best 3 Albums (Asia) for Giant.
2025 Seoul Music Awards: Stray Kids won Artist of the Year (Daesang).
With each verse, he paints a portrait of emotion, captivating listeners with his authenticity and depth. Han isn't just a singer; he's a storyteller, weaving tales of love, longing, and self-discovery with every beat.
6. MAMAMOO’s Hwasa
Hwasa, the mesmerizing talent of MAMAMOO, commands the stage with her sultry vocals and captivating presence. From her debut with the powerhouse girl group to her solo endeavors, she's a force to be reckoned with in the K-pop scene.
Date of Birth:
July 23, 1995 (Age: 29)
Best Songs:
“Maria”
“TWIT”
“I Love My Body”
“Don’t”
“Chili”
Awards (2024–2025):
2024 Circle Chart Music Awards: Won New Icon of the Year for “I Love My Body”.
2024 Asia Star Entertainer Awards: Nominated in the Female Solo category.
2024 Korean Grand Music Awards: Recognized for her contributions to the music industry
With her solo hits like TWIT and María, she's proven her versatility and artistry, earning accolades and admiration worldwide. Hwasa isn't just a singer; she's a trailblazer, breaking boundaries and inspiring fans with her boldness and confidence.
7. Lim Young Woong
Lim Young Woong, the illustrious voice of trot, has charmed audiences with his soulful melodies and heartfelt performances. From his humble beginnings to his triumphant victory on Mr. Trot, he's become a beacon of inspiration in the Korean music scene.
Date of Birth:
June 16, 1991 (Age: 33)
Best Songs:
“Do or Die”
“Grain of Sand”
“Polaroid”
“Our Blues, Our Life”
“Love Always Runs Away”
Awards (2024–2025):
2024 Hanteo Music Awards: Won the Whose Fandom Award alongside OH MY GIRL .
2024 Asia Star Entertainer Awards: Won The Best Solo and Fan Choice Artist .
2024 KOMCA Copyright Awards: “Do or Die” won Song of the Year .
2024 Melon Music Awards: Won Million TOP10 for “Grain of Sand” .
2024 K-Brand Index: Named the top artist in the K-Brand Index for 2024
With his powerful vocals and diverse musical style, Lim Young Woong has captured the hearts of millions, earning him a place among the most revered singers in South Korea. He's not just a performer; he's a symbol of perseverance and passion, igniting hope and joy with every note he sings.
8. IU
IU, aka Lee Ji Eun, the quintessential darling of South Korean music, captivates audiences with her angelic voice and versatile talents. From her chart-topping hits like Good Day to her critically acclaimed acting roles, she's a true icon of the industry.
Date of birth: May 16, 1993, Seoul, South Korea
Best songs:
Good Day (2010)
Love Poem (2019)
Lilac (2021)
Awards:
Korea First Brand Awards (2024)
Visionary Award (2022)
Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards (2015
With her captivating performances and soul-stirring ballads, IU has carved a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, solidifying her status as one of the most influential and beloved Korean singers of her generation.
9. SHINee’s Jonghyun
Jonghyun, the soulful voice of SHINee, enchanted fans with his emotive performances and heartfelt lyrics. As a solo artist, he bared his innermost thoughts through his music, earning praise for his artistic vision and vocal prowess.
Date of Birth:
April 8, 1990 (Age: 35)
Best Songs:
“Lonely”
“Shinin’”
“Moon”
“Love Belt”
“Diphylleia Grayi”
Awards:
2011 Seoul Music Awards: Won Bonsang and Popularity Award with SHINee.
2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards: Nominated for Best Asian Artist as a solo artist.
2017 Korean Music Awards: Won Best R&B & Soul Song for “Déjà-Boo”.
2018 Golden Disc Awards: Won Digital Song Division for “Shinin’”.
Though his untimely passing left a void in the industry, his legacy lives on through his timeless melodies and the charitable foundation established in his honor, embodying the enduring impact of his artistry and compassion.
10. Ailee
Ailee, the powerhouse vocalist from America, found her home in South Korean music industry, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and emotive performances. With chart-topping hits like Heaven and I Will Go to You Like the First Snow, she's earned acclaim and accolades, solidifying her status as one of the most revered singers in Korean music.
Date of Birth:
May 30, 1989 (Age: 35)
Best Songs:
]
“Heaven”
“U&I”
“Singing Got Better”
“If You”
“I Will Go to You Like the First Snow”
“Don’t Teach Me”
“I’ll Hold You”
Awards (2024–2025):
2025: Released her seventh extended play, [Me]moir.
2024: Married actor Choi Si-hun, known for his appearance on Single's Inferno.
2022: Signed with A2Z Entertainment after her contract with The L1ve expired.
2018: Won the Best OST Award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards for “I Will Go to You Like the First Snow”.
2013–2016: Won Best Female Vocal Performance at the Mnet Asian Music Awards for “U&I”, “Singing Got Better”, “Mind Your Own Business”, and “If You”.
2012: Won Best New Female Artist at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.
A testament to talent transcending borders, Ailee continues to leave her mark on the industry with her remarkable artistry and undeniable presence.
To sum it up, these ten icons—BTS' Jungkook, BLACKPINK's Rosé, EXO's Baekhyun, Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, Stray Kids' Han, MAMAMOO's Hwasa, Lim Young Woong, IU, SHINee's Jonghyun, and Ailee—aren’t just names, they’re legends. Together, they’re constantly reshaping the South Korean music scene, leaving an indelible mark with their unmatched talent, unforgettable performances, and a global influence that keeps growing.
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