K-Pop Artists
K pop artists are wrapped in a meticulously-crafted package designed to reel in droves of adoring fans. This includes everything from hairstyles, outfits and public profiles to relationships.
Members are scrutinized and monitored even after they debut, and the eldest member is often designated as the leader (for example, BTS’s Leeteuk). They also have main, lead, and sub vocalists.
1. SURAN
Suran has wowed audiences around the world with her mind boggling abilities. Whether she’s been called “mentalist”, “mind reader”, or even a “demon we should burn with fire just to be safe”, Suran is a force to be reckoned with. Her virtual show ‘Reconnected’ was a hit and received critical acclaim from the Washington Post, People Magazine, and New York Times, with attendees including Edie Falco, Julianna Margulies, and KT Turnstall.
Previously, Suran has performed at venues around the globe including Alice Tully Hall, Jordan Hall, Symphony Hall, Concert Noble, CNSMDP, Helsingborg Concert House, and Berwaldhallen. She has also performed with orchestras at the Gothenburg Concert House and Dalasinfoniettan. Check out our upcoming concerts to see Suran live. Join Songkick to get concert alerts when she’s performing near you.
2. Colde
South Korean musician Colde (koldeu) is renowned for enthralling audiences with his sincere lyrics and infectious beats. With this latest EP, he reflects on the concept of Love and Idealism.
Having started his career as a member of the duo offonoff, Colde is also part of the crew Club Eskimo and has collaborated with artists such as MISO, 0Channel, Millic, Punchnello, Rad Museum and Chek Parren.
His MBTI type is ENFJ-A, which means that music is a big part of his life. He is an avid collector of CDs and LPs and spends a lot of time thinking, making, and listening to music.
For his latest extended play, Wave, Colde decided to explore sonorities that were different from the ones he usually uses with OFFONOFF. This allowed him to add a more visual dimension to his compositions. Jumbled scenes from old movies, biking disaster videos and crumbling buildings serve to further accentuate the song’s presented notions.
3. Epik High
A trio of MCs who rap about real-life issues, Epik High were among the first Korean artists to incorporate multiple genres into their music. Their lyrically complex songs cover topics like love, education and society in a way that makes them stand out from the typical pop-infused, idol-driven sounds of mainstream K-pop.
They debuted in 2001 and helped develop the hip hop scene in Seoul at the time. They’re known for their experimental approach to the genre, which has led them to experiment with several different styles and varying production techniques.
Their first album, Map of the Human Soul, saw them collaborate with big names in the industry like CB Mass and Drunken Tiger. They continued to make waves with their next two releases, High Society and Swan Songs. The latter even made its way into the FIFA ’07 video game!
Following a hiatus to allow one member to serve his mandatory military service, Epik High returned with their 2019 EP Sleepless in _________ before embarking on their heady, two-part tenth studio album Epik High Is Here (2021 & 2022). Their new project showcases the band’s ability to shift gears and keep their music fresh.
4. Kim Hee-soo
K-Pop is an internationally renowned music genre that’s sweeping the globe. From massive girl groups to emo-stylized bands like F.T. Island, there’s a band or artist to satisfy every taste.
The genre combines traditional Korean music with pop, rock, dance, hip-hop, R&B, and electronica. Idols, or members of a band, undergo a rigorous audition and training regimen starting as young as 10 years old. After a lucky few graduate from the rigorous program, they launch into the world as K-Pop superstars.
Some have even become global phenomena like BTS, who broke records with their AMA performance and Carpool Karaoke appearance, charting in the US Billboard Hot 100 and winning over America with their infectious energy and chemistry. Other artists have taken a more socially conscious stance, with women like Sunmi rejecting societally prescribed definitions of femininity and instead embracing their power in their video for Heroine. And then there’s the 21-member group NCT, who are a force to be reckoned with for their stunning videos and powerful songs.