The "Kings and Queens of K-pop" aren't official titles but popular fan designations for top groups; BTS (Kings) and BLACKPINK (Queens) are the most common contemporary pairing, while older generations often credit BIGBANG & Super Junior (Kings) and Girls' Generation (SNSD) or 2NE1 (Queens) for their immense influence and impact on the Hallyu wave. These titles reflect global dominance, sales, influence, and longevity, though fans debate who holds the crown for different eras.
BTS and Blackpink - The Kings and the Queens of K-POP - The guide to your favorite Kpop Biases with profiles, tours, fun facts and more!
The 7 Kings of K-pop: RM, Jin Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, JungKook 🐨🐹🐱🐿🐥🐻🐰💜🔮
BoA is regarded as one of South Korea's most influential singers and is widely referred to as the "Queen of K-pop", in recognition of her contributions in spearheading the Korean wave into Japan.
Originally a five-piece band, Seungri retired from the entertainment industry in March 2019 and T.O.P left the group in May 2023. Dubbed the "Kings of K-pop", they helped spread the Korean Wave internationally and are considered one of the most influential acts in K-pop.
The No. 1 spot goes to SEVENTEEN and its 13 members, with consistent performance in the U.S., global and Korean markets. SEVENTEEN's decade-long career reached new heights this year, cementing its status as one of the most powerful K-pop groups.
The difference between the followers of these bands on social media is less than a million. However, BTS was in the music scene 3 years before BLACKPINK. So, it can be said that BLACKPINK has truly paced up and almost caught BTS in terms of BTS. Thus, it is impossible to say who is better as a K-pop music band.
With 40 billion streams and 20 million records sold worldwide, Blackpink is one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
Holland is known as "the first openly gay K-pop idol". He is an only child. His parents found out about his sexuality after he discussed it in an interview.
Kwon Boa, commonly stylized and known by her stage name BoA, which is a backronym for Beat of Angel, is a South Korean singer and actress active in South Korea, Japan, and the United States. She is referred to as the Queen of Korean Pop. BoA was born and raised in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
The Big Three in K-pop refers to the three South Korean entertainment companies YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and SM Entertainment. These companies dominated the K-pop industry from the late 1990s to today.
Hwang explained that he wanted to cast someone who had stopped working due to drug-related issues, and T.O.P had retired from K-pop and left BigBang over a marijuana conviction.
The group's musical impact in their native country has earned them numerous accolades and the title "Princes of K-pop", and their music has been listed among the greatest boy band songs of all time. Shinee debuted in May 2008 with their first extended play (EP), Replay, fronted by the single of the same name.
BLACKPINK is a globally renowned South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, who debuted in 2016.
The first winner was Park Ji-min, who chose to sign with JYP Entertainment.
Generation Two of K-pop starts around 2001 and ends around 2011. Many more idol groups debuted, such as Big Bang, Girls Generation (SNSD), Shinee, 2NE1, Wonder Girls, and Super Junior. The choreography of each generation became more intricate over time.
Widely known as the "Queen of K-pop," BoA's music and the influence has transcended generations and cultural barriers. Her presence marks a clear before and after in the K-pop industry. Throughout her 25-year career — a milestone she will be commemorating on Aug.
Image: Photo: Instagram / @official_marykiko. K-POP star Hansol recently came out as asexual. Hansol, of the group ToppDogg, came out via an Instragram livestream, Gay Star News has reported. “I have been thinking a lot,” Hansol said.
For decades, K-pop fans dreaded the “seven-year curse.” Under Korea's standard entertainment contract, the maximum term for exclusive deals is capped at seven years. As groups approached that mark, breakups, member departures or label changes became common. The curse claimed some of the industry's biggest names.
While K-pop is generally a difficult industry for overt LGBTQ+ expression, pioneers like Holland (openly gay solo artist) and recent examples like Bain (of JUST B, who came out in 2025) are notable, alongside figures like Jiae (former WASUP, bisexual) and Harisu (pioneering transgender entertainer), showcasing increasing visibility despite societal challenges in South Korea. Many other idols show LGBTQ+ support or hint at fluidity, but these individuals are known for their public declarations.
Top K-Pop Groups You Should Know – Your Ultimate Guide to Popular Korean Bands
Stray Kids Beat BTS's All-Time Record. ByHugh McIntyre, Senior Contributor.
Jimin of BTS is the one who all members admire and praise him. His personality is gentle helpful and warm. Now his fame is in every poll and ARMYs communicate to each other to hold their hands stream for him . Absolutely the good news come for him .
Name. BTS stands for the Korean phrase Bangtan Sonyeondan (Korean: 방탄소년단; Hanja: 防彈少年團), which translates literally to 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts'. According to J-Hope, the name signifies the group's desire "to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets".