Korean singers have transformed the global music scene. From powerful ballads and emotional K-drama OSTs to explosive K-pop hits, these artists represent the very best of Korea’s music industry. In 2025, the Korean wave (Hallyu) continues to grow, with singers like IU, Taeyeon, G-Dragon, Jimin, Rosé, and many more winning fans worldwide.
This list highlights 15 of the most famous Korean singers, their music styles, biggest hits, and the incredible journeys that made them stars.
#1. IU (Lee Ji-eun)
Born: May 16, 1993
Genres: K-pop, ballad, R&B, acoustic pop
Famous Songs: “Good Day,” “Palette,” “Blueming,” “Celebrity,” “Through the Night”
Career: IU debuted in 2008 as a soloist at just 15 years old. Known for her clear voice and songwriting skills, she gradually rose to become one of Korea’s most beloved solo artists. She writes and composes much of her music and has successfully crossed into acting, starring in dramas like Hotel Del Luna. In 2020, IU’s single “Eight” (prod. by Suga) became her first to reach number one on Billboard‘s World Digital Song Sales chart.
#2. Kim Taeyeon
Born: March 9, 1989
Genres: K-pop, ballad, R&B
Famous Songs: “I,” “Fine,” “Spark,” “INVU”
Career: Taeyeon debuted in 2007 as the leader and main vocalist of Girls’ Generation (SNSD). She later built a successful solo career with her powerful vocals, earning recognition as one of K-pop’s top vocalists. Her solo albums regularly top Korean music charts.
#3. BoA
Born: November 5, 1986
Genres: K-pop, R&B, dance-pop
Famous Songs: “No.1,” “Only One,” “Atlantis Princess,” “Better”
Career: BoA, often called the “Queen of K-pop,” debuted in 2000 at age 13. She was one of the first Korean artists to break into the Japanese market and paved the way for K-pop internationally. With over two decades in the industry, she is a true pioneer. Some of her most notable albums include No.1, Love & Honesty, Outgrow, and Made in Twenty.
#4. G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong)
Born: August 18, 1988
Genres: K-pop, hip-hop, rap, pop
Famous Songs: “Crooked,” “Untitled, 2014,” “Heartbreaker”
Career: G-Dragon debuted in 2006 as the leader of BIGBANG. Known for his songwriting, producing skills, and trend-setting fashion, he helped shape modern K-pop. His solo work and collaborations have influenced a generation of Korean pop and hip-hop artists.
#5. Jimin
Born: October 13, 1995
Genres: K-pop, pop, contemporary R&B
Famous Songs: “Like Crazy,” “Set Me Free Pt.2,” “Filter” (with BTS)
Career: Jimin is a member of BTS, debuting in 2013. Praised for his expressive vocals and captivating stage presence, he launched a successful solo career in 2023 with the album FACE, which topped charts worldwide.
#6. Sunmi (Lee Sun-mi)
Born: May 2, 1992
Genres: K-pop, retro pop, synth-pop
Famous Songs: “Gashina,” “Heroine,” “Tail,” “Siren”
Career: Sunmi debuted with Wonder Girls in 2007. After going solo, she established a unique musical style often described as “Sunmi-pop,” combining retro sounds with modern beats.
#7. Jay Park
Born: April 25, 1987
Genres: R&B, hip-hop, K-hip-hop
Famous Songs: “Mommae,” “Me Like Yuh,” “Solo”
Career: Jay Park debuted with 2PM in 2008 but left the group and reinvented himself as a solo artist. He became one of the biggest names in Korean hip-hop and R&B and founded music labels AOMG and H1GHR MUSIC, helping shape the Korean hip-hop scene.
#8. Rosé (Roseanne Park)
Born: February 11, 1997
Genres: K-pop, pop, indie-pop
Famous Songs: “On The Ground,” “Gone,” “Hard to Love” (with BLACKPINK)
Career: Rosé debuted with BLACKPINK in 2016 under YG Entertainment. Known for her distinctive airy voice, she released solo music in 2021, achieving global chart success.
#9. Sohyang (Kim So-hyang)
Born: April 5, 1978
Genres: Ballad, CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), R&B
Famous Songs: “Lean on Me,” “You Raise Me Up” (covers), “Song of the Wind”
Career: Sohyang is often called the “Mariah Carey of Korea” for her incredible vocal range and power. She is widely respected for her live performances and is often invited to music shows to showcase her unmatched vocals.
#10. Baekhyun (Byun Baek-hyun)
Born: May 6, 1992
Genres: K-pop, R&B
Famous Songs: “Candy,” “UN Village,” “Bambi”
Career: Baekhyun debuted in 2012 as a member of EXO and later EXO-CBX and SuperM. He has a successful solo career, focusing on R&B-influenced pop music, and is known for his smooth, emotional vocal style.
#11. J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok)
Born: February 18, 1994
Genres: Hip-hop, K-pop
Famous Songs: “Chicken Noodle Soup,” “Arson,” “MORE”
Career: J-Hope debuted as a rapper and dancer with BTS. His solo work blends energetic rap with positive themes. His 2022 album Jack In The Box showcased his artistic versatility.
#12. RM (Kim Nam-joon)
Born: September 12, 1994
Genres: Hip-hop, K-pop, rap
Famous Songs: “Wild Flower,” “Indigo,” “Intro: Persona”
Career: RM is the leader and main rapper of BTS, known for his lyrical depth and fluency in English. His solo album Indigo (2022) was highly praised for its introspective lyrics.
#13. HyunA (Kim Hyun-ah)
Born: June 6, 1992
Genres: K-pop, dance-pop
Famous Songs: “Bubble Pop!,” “Red,” “I’m Not Cool”
Career: HyunA debuted as a member of Wonder Girls, then 4Minute, before pursuing a bold solo career. Known for her charismatic stage presence, she is considered a trendsetter in K-pop performance style.
#14. Lim Young-woong
Born: June 16, 1991
Genres: Trot (traditional Korean pop), ballad
Famous Songs: “Trust in Me,” “My Starry Love,” “Love Always Runs Away”
Career: Lim Young-woong gained national fame after winning the 2020 show Mr. Trot. He revitalized interest in trot music among younger generations and is now one of Korea’s top solo male singers
#15. Ailee (Amy Lee)
Born: May 30, 1989
Genres: K-pop, R&B, pop ballad
Famous Songs: “I Will Go to You Like the First Snow,” “Heaven,” “U&I”
Career: Ailee debuted in 2012 and quickly became one of Korea’s most powerful vocalists. Her emotional ballads are often featured in K-drama soundtracks, and her live performances are known for their strength and precision. She bridges Western-style R&B with Korean ballad traditions, appealing to both local and international fans.
