This is the finale of a three-part series on K-pop, check out the first of the three, “5 Factors that made Kpop Light Up Like Dynamite” and the second “The Brilliant Marketing Strategies of the K-pop Industry”.

I’m going to be honest, I have been looking forward to writing this article for a few weeks now and I am finally here. After diving into what has made K-pop become such a global phenomenon, I’ve decided to make this article to show you which groups hooked me to the genre and could bring you in, too.

The following ranking is completely biased so if your favorite groups are not on here, I’m sorry, but I’m always discovering new groups. The following does not include other genres nor soloists–it is mainly K-pop groups. With that, let’s begin:

8. NCT127

Debut: 2016

Fandom name: NCTzens (pronounced N-citizens)/ “Seasonies.” (“Seasony saying that the fans are precious like the four seasons,”

Label: SM Entertainment

NCT 127 is the second sub-unit of NCT, and they made their debut as a seven-member boy group but have grown into ten. The number 127 from their name refers to the longitude for Seoul, where they are based.

A few weeks ago, I wouldn’t have thought of them making it on my ranking but I’ve recently been stuck with their current hit “Sticker” and another famous song, “Kick It.” I’ve gotten to know the members until recently and have loved them so far; they are ranked eighth though because this a new group that I’m currently discovering, and I can’t wait to find out more!

7. Itzy

Debut: 2019

Fandom name: MIDZY (Korean words that mean trust/to believe in someone).

Label: JYP Entertainment

Although I’ve started to get more into girl groups like StayC and Twice, there is something that captivated me about the five-member group, Itzy, and that is their rebellious but feminine style–there is a better word to describe it but we, the Royal Courier, like to keep it PG. Unlike other girl groups where they try to show off a cutesy school-girl look, Itzy does the opposite by singing and dancing to more powerful songs alongside strong looks. I’ve also heard their music everywhere like “LOCO,” “In the Morning,” and “SWIPE” which, may I say, are great workout songs. They’ve gone on to win tons of Best New and Rookie Artist awards and have made a huge impression as one of the best 4th generation rookie Kpop girl groups.

6. Seventeen

Debut: 2015

Fandom name: Carats

Label: Pledis Entertainment

The biggest group on this list by far–ironically, not 17 members but 13– have made a gradual climb into my playlists from current hits like “Anyone” to some of their classic throwbacks, “Pretty U”. The group is made up of three units: hip-hop, vocal, and performance. They are known as a self-producing idol group as they are involved in the composition and production of their own discography and choreography.

Although I’m still getting to know them, I’ve noticed they are a fun and multitalented group who have shown incredible diversity in their concepts through the years from cute and charming to (recently) rock and edgy–what can I say? I’m a sucker for groups who show range.

5. Ateez

Debut: 2018

Fandom name: Atiny (Ateez + destiny)

Label: KQ Entertainment

I was between Seventeen and Ateez for my fifth place rank but the reason Ateez surpassed the previous is that they have recently gone on tour, and thanks to the millions of videos surfing the internet, I’ve begun to appreciate their music even more. They are also the first in this list where I know all the members’ names so that in itself says a lot. The song that got me into them was “Deja Vu” which is a song that they are recently well known for but they are also known for their viral dance video to Famous Dex’s song “Pick It Up” featuring A$AP Rocky from their trainee days. It’s been really cool to see how much they have grown throughout the course of 4 years, showing different sides to their music, choreography, and personalities. With their powerful songs and dances, they have made their way up to my top five.

4. Stray Kids

Debut: 2017

Fandom name: Stays (take out the r from Stray to create Stay, “r” is the reason they stay)

Label: JYP Entertainment

What’s very interesting about this eight-member group is that they were created through a 2017 reality show of the same name–Stray Kids. They competed to be able to debut together as a group and that is how we ended up with the current members. Their group name expresses their determination to break the existing mold and go one step forward to be out of the ordinary. They are widely known for their songs “God’s Menu” and “Back Door” but recently have had success with their newest song, “Thunderous”–all-powerful with fast rhythms, strong rap verses, and catchy melodies. When I first started listening to them, I was caught off guard by the intensity of their songs but slowly have grown to love them, as they make me feel a sense of power. 

3. ENHYPEN

Debut: 2020

Fandom name: ENGENE (“engines” that lets them grow/”gene” as they both share the same DNA)

Label: BeLift Lab

We have made it to the top three and I had no hesitation when putting this seven-member boy group. They was formed through the 2019 reality show I-LAND where they worked to be able to debut together amongst tons of other trainees. Their name, which was given in the show, is described as hyphens that connect different words to make new meanings; the members will connect, discover each other, and grow together.

This was actually the group that got me heavily into K-pop with their most famous song “FEVER” that took TikTok by storm. They were formed in the show I-LAND which I watched and enjoyed when I discovered them. It allowed me to see how these boys, around the same age as me, put tons of work into fulfilling their dreams from dancing up to eight hours and training their vocals in order to become K-pop idols. It was quite inspiring and awe-striking seeing how much they’ve grown to become one of the best 4th generation rookie Kpop boy groups. Although they’ve only recently released their first studio albums and two mini-albums, they have gained success unlike any other debut group I’ve seen. Personally, I believe all the albums are “no-skip” albums and they will continue to grow and flourish with the early success they have met at such a young age.

2. BTS

Debut: 2013

Fandom name: ARMY

Label: BigHit Music

BTS (Beyond the Scene), also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a seven-member Kpop boy group that honestly needs no introduction because they are currently known as the biggest Kpop group in the world right now. In my article, “BTS: Not Only a Group, But A Movement” as well as the past two articles of my series have dived into what made BTS become a phenomenon, so I’m going to break down why I personally like them. Apart from marking a historic path for future Kpop groups, this is a group that has seriously impressed me. Although I was always aware of who they were and how they kept surging throughout the media, it did take me a while to get into their music but I was always attracted to the kind of people they were. I would see their interviews and see that these are seven men who are making their mark in the world with a good message, a good heart, and amazing music. Now that I’m way more into their music, I’m so astonished by the range of genres they discovered from ballads to R&B to rock, they have never stopped growing and I don’t think they will stop for a while. I suggest checking them out because there is for sure at least one song from them for everybody. If not, there is no denying they are hugely talented people who have earned the place they are in right now.

BTS has had a lot of famous well-known song but I’ve decided to share with you one of my current favorite songs from them.

1. TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Debut: 2019

Fandom name: MOA (Moments of Alwaysness)

Label: BigHit Music

We have finally reached my number one and that is the five-member group: TOMORROW X TOGETHER (read as Tomorrow by Together; commonly known as TXT). I know it may be surprising that BTS was not my number one but I have made a strong connection with TXT’s music and love who they are as people especially with the relatability that they are near my age. My favorite aspect about this group is their storyline. As a writer, I’m a sucker for a really good storyline especially when it is done through music. They tell the story of a friendship between five boys who go through a series of confusing events, from growing fantasy body parts to visiting a magic island and revisiting memories. But they are constantly threatened by a mysterious odd-eyed cat and reality, both trying to separate them.

This has led fans to not only listen to the songs with a different perspective but also relate to certain feelings young adults go through like not feeling understood by your friends anymore or facing situations where one must choose to “fight or escape” as their most recent album “The Chaos Chapter: Fight or Escape” narrates the latter through songs like “LO$ER=LO♡ER” and “Dear Sputnik”. Overall, I’m captivated by who they are as people and, honestly, all their songs and their messages. The next goal for me is to one day see them in concert if circumstances but for now I will continue to enjoy their music as I recommend you do too.

And that is it for my ranking as well as the finale to my K-pop series. To anyone who has reached this part of the article, thank you. Even if it’s just one person, it warms my heart to know someone enjoyed my series, what I had to say, and, maybe, even gained something from it. I’m glad I was able to create a series of something I love so much and was able to share it with you all. I only hope you continue to keep up with the Royal Courier and, maybe…just maybe be open to exploring more of this world I have introduced you to because the best thing we can do in life is open ourselves up to new experiences.