K Penny: My Favorite K-POP Groups

Dear Pennies & Pens, 

In this post, K Penny: My Favorite K-POP Groups, I am going to share my favorite K-POP groups. I have been an avid K-POP fan for four years now and over the years, I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly as far as K-POP groups. 

Throughout the past four years, I have had time to explore Korean Pop Music and learn about a variety of different groups. One thing that a lot of non K-POP fans don’t realize is that the genre is extremely diverse. K-POP songs/albums can be R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop, or Jazz focused and sometimes all of the above. It’s one of the most creative genres I’ve ever heard which is why I like it so much. 

The groups I’m going to talk about are some of the most established and popular groups in the genre. These artists have the ability to sing, rap, dance, write and produce better than anybody else in my opinion. But since they are classified as K-POP which again is just Korean Pop Music i.e, what is popular in Korea, they just don’t always get celebrated the way they should. 

Please note, this post is LONG so be sure to take water and bathroom breaks. You’ll need it. 

MONSTA X 

MONSTA X has the best discography in K-POP

MONSTA X has the best discography in all of K-POP. What is so iconic about MONSTA X is that they have a no skip discography. There is not a single MONSTA X song or album that I don’t like. Keep in mind they have 12 mini albums, 3 full Korean albums, and 2 full English albums. So umm, that’s a lot of no skips. 

MONSTA X is one of the most influential groups of all time. This is important to note because they are NOT the oldest K-POP group. So in half the time, they’ve been able to become true music influencers. MONSTA X is just like their member JOOHONEY said, “Hashtag, fact check, yea MONSTA X we the best, best.” 

There is no one like MONSTA X. They are seven of the most talented vocalists, rappers, dancers, songwriters and producers in the entire music industry. SHOWNU, WONHO, MINHYUK, KIHYUN, HYUNGWON, JOOHONEY and I.M are truly music icons. Like not just in K-POP but in music. They have the ability to do anything and everything. 

My MONSTA X Live Concert Experience

The first and only time I saw most of the group (SHOWNU and WONHO were enlisted – if you’re an OT7 MONBEBE you know what I mean by pretending WONHO’s enlistment is the only reason he wasn’t there), in June of 2022 during their U.S. Tour, I was in awe. 

I seriously couldn’t not sleep afterwards. I thought I was tripping but then other MONBEBEs said the same thing. Even casual stans ran to social media after seeing MONSTA X live to talk about what an incredible experience it was. 

MONSTA X’s members as Songwriters and Producers

MONSTA X’s members are also accomplished songwriters and producers. Members WONHO, JOOHONEY, HYUNGWON and I.M have written countless tracks for the group as well as their solo projects and subunit projects. Furthermore, they’ve also contributed songs to CRAVITY and AB6IX.

Also let me add in the members’ solo and subunit projects. MONSTA X is forever uploading something new to the internet. First with I.M’s Duality, then Kihyun’s Voyager, then Kihyun’s Youth, then Joohoney’s Lights, then I.M’s Overdrive and most recently The Unseen with SHOWNU X HYUNGWON. There’s never a boring day in MONBEBEland. Each of these albums are fantastic. 

I’m a biased MONBEBE but I highly recommend that you take some time to listen to MONSTA X. They are THE KINGS OF K-POP. As Hyungwon wrote, “24/7, I love you BEBE.” 

MAMAMOO 

MAMAMOO and their iconic discography

MAMAMOO’s discography is untouchable. MAMAMOO is iconic because not only do they have 12 mini albums, 2 full albums, and a best of MAMAMOO album, all four members have multiple solo albums. There’s also MAMAMOO+ – a subunit consisting of Solar and Moon Byul. 

With that being said, as a MOOMOO, there is no room or time to get bored. It seems like every other day a new MAMAMOO group, solo or subunit song/album is being uploaded to the internet. No one can keep up with THE QUEENS OF K-POP. 

However, they are sometimes overlooked or disregarded. Add that to the fact that they are women, and things get even shadier. People are more likely to name groups that have disbanded before MAMAMOO. And while MAMAMOO’s members are currently focusing on solo projects, that’s unacceptable to me. I mean they did a full group mini album in October of 2022, that wasn’t even 2 years ago. Why do people act like they are no longer relevant? 

Doesn’t anyone understand that it takes longer to create an album than it does to post on your Instagram stories?! Does anyone read books anymore?! Let’s move on. 

MAMAMOO’s influence in K-POP

MAMAMOO’s influence in the industry is undeniable. When I think of what a modern girl group looks like, all I can think about is MAMAMOO. It’s like someone took what made The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, En Vogue, and TLC extraordinary and recreated it in the form of MAMAMOO. Four absolutely phenomenal Korean women. As a Black woman, I never thought I’d dig a group of Korean women over anyone else. But that’s life for ya, it throws surprises at ya. 

And let me not forget to mention that all four members of MAMAMOO, Solar, Moon Byul, Whee In and Hwasa have countless songwriting and production credits for their group albums, solo albums and subunit projects.

MAMAMOO SLAYS

Furthermore, Solar is currently taking the musical theatre world by storm with starring roles in Mata Hari and The Notre Dame of Paris. Moon Byul just released her first full solo album which sold 100,000 copies as a pre-order. Whee In is about to embark on a solo world tour. And Hwasa just won the New Icon of the Year award at the Circle Music Awards.

If all of these accomplishments were not enough, MAMAMOO is known for being the best live performers in the industry. These women can actually sing live. Their live vocals are not to be underestimated.

To wrap this up, any MAMAMOO album whether it’s group, solo or subunit is so satisfying. This is why I don’t have a bias (that’s a K-POP term for favorite member of the group) because there is no need to pick a favorite. They’re all good at everything. That’s why their solo albums are just as great as the group ones. 

So please consider putting your phone down, logging off of social media, buying the actual CD, then playing the actual CD while you vibe to MAMAMOO. As they sang, “I SAY MAMA MAMAMOO.” 

CRAVITY

CRAVITY, a 4th Gen Group taking over the industry

In completely and utterly shocking news, CRAVITY, a brand new group that will celebrate their fourth anniversary on April 14, 2024 deserves to be on this list. I refer to them as a brand new group because four years isn’t a very long time.

CRAVITY deserves to be on this list because like their seniors, they really do have a flawless discography. I’ve never heard of such a young group with so much talent and potential. I can honestly say that every CRAVITY album is worth buying and listening to. In the modern age of streaming, I’d rather play their CDs. 

My CRAVITY Live Concert Experience

CRAVITY is amazing live. I mean the first time I saw them, I was SHOCKED. I mean I’ve seen icons like Janet Jackson, Beyonce`, Jay Z, New Edition, Nas, Lauryn Hill, and George Clinton live so my standards are quite high. I really don’t play around when it comes to live music. If you can’t entertain me in-person then you’re not that great. 

And CRAVITY exceeded my expectations. I honestly originally bought a ticket to their Seoul concert because I wanted to experience a K-POP concert in Seoul. So when they came out and slayed the stage, I had to admit they are one of the best groups of all time. 

CRAVITY has a discography that stands out

With six mini albums (and the seventh on the way) as well as a full album, CRAVITY has a discography that stands out. But again like their aforementioned seniors, not having the sales and streams of other groups sometimes causes people to put them on the back burner. 

However, if you actually listen to CRAVITY, they become your happy place. Most of their music is pretty upbeat and fresh. And yet, they have the ability to pull off a mature sound and style. And for young Gen Zers, this is no easy feat. I mean the oldest members Serim and Allen are only 25. 

Listen to CRAVITY because Ready or Not, they are in the booth making noise with a Megaphone. 

Super Junior 

Super Junior, The Most Senior Group on this list

Super Junior is the most senior group on this list. These guys have been together for eighteen years. Seriously, that is beyond iconic. When a group surpasses not just their 10th anniversary but is inching up to their 20th, that deserves to be celebrated. 

What is so cool about Super Junior is their influence. They made it cool to be a K-POP group. I mean most of the artists on this list were children when Super Junior was formed. So that means the artists on this list grew up watching them. So if you think that’s not a big deal then I’m sorry, but you’re wrong. 

Super Junior also has an incredible discography. I can’t expand much more than that because I haven’t heard all of it. Y’all keep in mind that they have 18 years worth of group and most recently solo and subunit projects so there are not enough hours in the day to listen to all that. Please forgive me, Elves (Super Junior fans). 

Super Junior made it cool to be a K-POP Group

Super Junior deserves to be on this list because of their seniority. After all these years, they are all still so cool. I mean all nine of them are artists you can look up to. They’re not perfect by any means but to still be active in the industry and creating cool music is admirable. 

I’m literally in love with L.S.S. – their new subunit of Leetuk, Shindong and Siwon. Those songs are funny yet thought provoking. It’s cool to see men in their 40s still slaying. And then Yesung and Ryewook’s vocals will make you melt on their solo albums. 

SHINee 

SHINee still shining after 16 years

SHINee is also one of the most senior groups on this list. They have been together for sixteen years. I have only listened to one group album and that’s 1 of 1 which dropped in 2016. To me, that’s important because 2016 was 8 years ago!!! 

That means an album the group dropped 8 years ago still sounds good in 2024. Basically, it means their music is timeless and iconic. It never gets old or boring. In the days of only being as relevant as your last Instagram post, that is no easy feat. 

SHINee is always honest and funny

Another thing I love about SHINee is the way the members interact with each other and Shawols (their fans). These dudes are kinda insane. But in a funny and positive way. I mean they are just their silly, weird selves and it’s so lovable. 

Between our star in the sky Jonghyun and the members ONEW, Key, Minho and Taemin, you can’t help but love SHINee. Each and every one of them is so talented and I just adore them. Like Super Junior, I haven’t dived into their full discography but I love what I have heard. 

SHINee Group and Solo Albums

Also SHINee has full group albums and each member has his own solo project. These dudes take over the internet almost every single day. I’ll never forget when Taemin dropped Guilty, every artist and fan was all over social media pretending they can dance like Taemin. It was awesome. 

Anyway, I have big plans to become an active Shawol, I just need to figure out how to add more hours to the day. I’ll need time to dive into 16 years worth of group music and solo albums. Pray for ya girl! 

Red Velvet 

Red Velvet: What a Chill Kill

Red Velvet will celebrate their 10th anniversary this year and they are just a phenomenal group. I have only listened to one album of theirs: A Chill Kill and it does not disappoint. I originally discovered the group because of Seulgi’s collaboration with Moon Byul (of MAMAMOO) on the song Selfish. 

In late 2022, Seulgi dropped her first solo album, 28 Reasons and it has stayed in constant rotation. So I’ve always known I’d eventually become a Reveluv (fan of Red Velvet). When A Chill Kill dropped in November of 2023, I knew I had to at least check it out. 

And that album is incredible! Each song is so unique and original. Especially the title track A Chill Kill. I’ll admit, I didn’t like it at first because it’s such a weird song. The verses are very dark and edgy while the chorus is bright and happy. So you really have to give it time to marinate and then it slowly but surely grows on you. 

Red Velvet got me like Iced Coffee

Like many of the senior groups on this list, Red Velvet has a wonderful discography. I haven’t heard the majority of it but trust me, they’ve got an established fandom. So that could only mean one thing, they are worth listening to. 

Plus like their contemporaries, MAMAMOO, Red Velvet is a girl group that doesn’t always get celebrated the way that they should. It’s weird how people ignore women and act like they’ve contributed nothing to the industry. And get this, Wendy (of Red Velvet) and Solar (of MAMAMOO) share the exact same birthday which is today (as I write this) February 21st! I mean come on, that’s seriously cool! 

What I love about Red Velvet is that they are all incredible vocalists and dancers. And Irene and Yeri are fabulous rappers. I really dig this group and they are one of my favorites. I play A Chill Kill all the time on repeat. 

EXO 

EXO: THE K-POP GROUP EVERYONE WANTS TO BE

EXO is the last senior group on this list but trust me, they are widely considered to be THE K-POP GROUP. Their influence on the industry is uncanny. Here in the west and amongst K-POP fans, there really is too much focus on other groups because of their social stats and fame but the truth is, EXO is the group everyone wants to be. 

Beyond their album sales and ability to break the internet by uploading a selfie, they’ve just got it. You can try to come for EXO but the truth is, you should just log off the internet and sit in time out to think about EXO and their impact. 

Seriously, as they sing, “Hear me out, hear me out, hear me out.” When I first heard that song, I thought I was going to lose my mind. And Let Me In makes me cry every single time I hear it. I’ll be honest and say, I didn’t love the Exist album as a whole but those two songs: Hear Me Out and Let Me In are modern classics. 

What I love about EXO

For me, the best thing about EXO is how unique each of the members are. Suho, Baekhyun, Xiumin, Chanyeol, Chen, D.O., Kai, and Sehun (honorable mention to Lay Zhang) are just dope. They made it cool to be a soloist and a member of an active group. 

Baekhyun and Kai have basically ruled the internet for sometime now. Baekhyun is about to embark on a solo tour and yet he hasn’t released a solo album in four years. In internet time, that is a lifetime, yet he’s just as relevant as ever. With Kai, everyone wants to be Kai. His smooth vocals and fluid dance moves are swoon worthy. Someone get that guy out of the military so he can do a comeback. 

Suho, EXO’s leader, is known for his acting skills and fantastic vocals. He’s got tons of acting credits and a solo album. Chen and D.O. are both incredible vocalists with multiple solo projects. Their voices will make you melt. Chanyeol dropped one digital single and sold out multiple fan meetings all over Asia. So there’s that. 

Xiumin stole MONBEBE’s hearts by supporting Hyungwon when he guest starred on CHAESSI PYOLYUGI and then coming to see Hyungwon off when he enlisted. That was huge for us because Hyungwon’s enlistment marked the fifth member of MONSTA X to be enlisted. It was a rough day for us so seeing a member of a more senior group come to support him meant the world. 

In regards to his talent, Xiumin is a wonderful vocalist and his unique look is one you can’t forget. I’m hoping for a solo record soon. Sehun had me on the edge of my seat waiting for a solo but instead he enlisted in the military. So I’ll just have to wait for that. 

An EXO and MONSTA X Fun Fact

One last EXO and MONSTA X fun fact. Kai (of EXO) and Hyungwon (of MONSTA X) birthdays are one day apart in the same year. Seriously, Kai’s birthday is January 14, 1994 and Hyungwon’s birthday is January 15, 1994. 

Mind you, EXO debuted in 2012 whereas MONSTA X debuted in 2015. What are the odds?! If someone doesn’t get these over 6 feet, gorgeous Korean men together on a song, I will scream. Hyungwon knows how to write and produce so make it happen already! 

Anyway, I’m a proud EXO-L. Do what the internet says, and stan EXO for clearer skin. 

aespa 

aespa: The Young Girl Group with Swag

Last but certainly not least, on this list is aespa. Like CRAVITY, aespa is a new group that deserves to be on this list. Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning are special. With incredible vocals, cool raps, and stylish dance moves, all four of them are IT girls. 

As aespa sang, “Some people are so mean, All behind a phone screen, When we’re tryna live our lives, Why you gotta be so vicious, Be about your business, ‘stead of getting up in mine”. Seriously, the amount of problematic people masquerading as MYs really need to get out of the comment section. 

When aespa dropped DRAMA – their fourth mini album in November 2023, I ran to Target to buy a copy. Y’all I was so early, Target hadn’t even put the album on the shelves yet. The Target associate had to go to the back to get me a copy and since then I haven’t seen a copy on the shelves. 

How I Discovered aespa

I discovered aespa right before my May 2023 trip to Seoul. I wanted to attend a Lucky Draw Event (it’s an event where you buy a copy of the album for a chance to pull a photocard of one of the members) so I looked up who was doing a comeback in May. Somehow, I came across aespa and I haven’t left the fandom ever since. 

I played their MY WORLD album out for months. I couldn’t believe these young Gen Z women could slay music like that. I was like where did you come from?! Another thing that got me was their pre-release single WELCOME TO MY WORLD because young K-POP girl groups normally do fast/uptempo tracks so when they slayed a ballad, I said hold up, I wasn’t ready. 

But seriously, aespa’s discography is flawless. While they may not have written and produced their own music, I can honestly say their team chooses the best tracks to fit their style. aespa has swag, something about their music is just it. As they sing, “I’ve got better things to do with my time.”

Alrighty, that’s it for the world’s longest blog post ever written on Korean Pop Music.

Thanks for reading de la Pen…All Pen Everything and checking out my YouTube channel, Penny Black! 

And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.