15 Underrated K-Pop Boy Groups That Deserve Recognition

In the vibrant landscape of K-pop, there exists a myriad of talented groups waiting to be discovered beyond the glitz and glamor of the mainstream spotlight. Here are 15 extremely talented underrated K-pop boy groups deserving of greater recognition and appreciation.

A.C.E

Label: Beat Interactive
Members: Lee Donghun, Park Junhee, Wow, Kim Byeongkwan, and Kang Yuchan
Debut date: May 23, 2017
Debut single: “CACTUS”

The majority of A.C.E’s discography, or at least their most popular songs, lean more toward EDM than pop. However, the group released a new album titled “My Girl: My Choice,” and in terms of loudness, the songs are on the quieter side. With hints of R&B and pop, “My Girl” serves as the perfect title track. Containing one ballad song titled “Angel,” this album might be the perfect introduction to the musicality of the group.

ATBO

Label: IST Entertainment
Members: Oh Junseok, Ryu Junmin, Bae Hyunjun, Seok Rakwon, Jeong Seunghwan, Kim Yeonkyu, and Won Bin
Debut date: July 27, 2022
Debut album: “The Beginning : 開花”

“Next To Me” is ATBO’s signature track, seamlessly blending hip hop and R&B. The opening verse shines with its crisp, clean, and bright delivery, setting the tone that resonates throughout the song. What truly elevates this track, however, is the chorus—Ryu Junmin’s vocals truly stand out. Another standout from ATBO is their EDM-inspired hit song “Attitude,” a stark contrast to “Next To Me.” With its repetitive “That’s my atti-tude, atti-atti-tude” in the chorus and the pulsating beats in the background, this song is bound to stay stuck in your head.

BXB

Label: WOLFBURN
Members: Jihun, Hyunwoo, Siwoo, and Hamin
Debut date: January 30, 2023
Debut album: “Intro: Flight and a new beginning”

BXB’s most popular song on their Spotify is actually a cover of TURBO’s “The Black Cat Nero.” Even though the original version holds the test of time, BXB’s rendition fits the modern K-pop sound. The boy group’s original songs are also worth noting. “Planet,” a song that members Hyunwoo and Siwoo took part in writing, has a moderate tempo. While the song does get louder in the chorus, the focus always remains on the clear vocals.

BZ-BOYS

Label: Chrome Entertainment
Members: BON, Choi Taewoong, Lee Hamin, Double.D, and Jeong Seunghyun
Debut date: June 17, 2019
Debut single: “question”

Since their debut, BZ-BOYS has been consistently producing bright, upbeat pop songs. Their most recent album “OUTLAW” follows this tradition with the songs “Close Your Eyes” and “Find You,” along with a hip hop-leaning track “OUTLAW,” and more.

DRIPPIN

Label: Woollim Entertainment
Members: Lee Hyeop, Hwang Yunseong, Joo Changuk, Kim Dongyun, Kim Minseo, and Cha Junho
Debut date: October 28, 2020
Debut album: “Boyager”

With a group boasting five vocalists and one rapper, DRIPPIN naturally places a strong emphasis on vocal-heavy songs, and it works! The boy group’s newest mini album “Beautiful MAZE” recently surpassed 100,000 album sales, and it is not difficult to understand why. While the entire album is filled with one bop after another, the title track of the same name, “Beautiful MAZE,” takes the crown. Everything from the whistle in the intro to the light vocals, catchy instrumentals, and well-made music video make this song one of the best releases of 2024.

E’LAST

Label: E Entertainment
Members: Choi In, Seungyeop, Rano, Baekgyeul, Romin, Won Hyuk, Wonjun, and Yejun
Debut date: June 9, 2020
Debut album: “Day Dream”

E’LAST’s discography needs only one word to describe it: grand. From layered orchestras to harmonious symphonies in the background, most of E’LAST’s songs sound straight out of a fantasy world. Their recent album “iDENTIFICATION” features more R&B and hip hop sounds, which could mark the start of a new genre for the boy group.

EVNNE

Label: Jellyfish Entertainment
Members: Keita, Park Hanbin, Lee Jeonghyeon, Yoo Seungeon, Ji Yunseo, Mun Junghyun, and Park Jihoo
Debut date: September 19, 2023
Debut album: “Target: ME”

EVNNE is one of those groups that create noise music that, despite the loudness of the track, sounds pleasant to the ears. “Trouble,” a song from the group’s first mini-album, combines loud instruments with rhythmic rap. EVNNE’s recent album “Un: SEEN” is quite versatile in terms of songs, featuring a rap-focused track like “UGLY” as well as “K.O. (Keep On),” a pop-leaning song with a focus on vocals, and much more.

FANTASY BOYS

Label: PocketDol Studio
Members: K-Soul, Kang Minseo, Lee Hanbin, Hikari, Ling Qi, Hikaru, Kim Wooseok, Hong Sungmin, Oh Hyeontae, Kim Gyurae, and Kaedan
Debut date: September 21, 2023
Debut album: “NEW TOMORROW”

Although FANTASY BOYS is a fairly new group with a limited number of songs in their discography, the ones they do have are predominantly pop, with a few leaning toward noise music. One song that deserves to be heard by all is “Potential.” Beginning with a melodious whistle, its uniqueness lies in the light and airy vocals throughout, particularly before the chorus.

GHOST9

Label: Maroo Entertainment
Members: Shin, Son Jun Hyung, Lee Kang Sung, Choi Jun Seong, Prince, Lee Woo Jin, and Lee Jin Woo
Debut date: Septemper 23, 2020
Debut album: “PRE EPISODE 1 : DOOR”

GHOST9’s most popular song “Think Of Dawn” shares similarities with ATEEZ’s and Stray Kids’ signature noise music style, but their discography transcends one genre. “RUCKUS,” the title track of their latest album “ARCADE : O,” seamlessly blends pop with layered vocals and loud instruments in the pre-chorus and chorus. Moreover, the entire album incorporates acoustic instrument sounds, ranging from bass to classical guitar to piano. “ARCADE : O” is a delightful auditory experience.

LUMINOUS

Label: SE Group Entertainment
Members: Youngbin, Suil, Steven, and Woobin
Debut date: September 9, 2021
Debut album: “YOUTH”

LUMINOUS debuted with the song “RUN,'” which features melodic rap, angelic vocals, and a mid-tempo vibe. Most of their discography follows the same pattern. LUMINOUS’s most recent album “LUMINOUS in WONDERLAND” is filled with songs that showcase the vocal abilities of the members, along with rhythmic rap seamlessly blending into the tracks.

LUN8

Label: Fantagio Entertainment
Members: Jinsu, Chael, Takuma, Junwoo, Dohyun, Ian, Ji Eunho, and Eunseop
Debut date: June 15, 2023
Debut album: “CONTINUE?”

LUN8’s discography is consistently upbeat, featuring a bright sound. Their recent album “BUFF” follows suit. The title track “SUPER POWER” is upbeat and pop-oriented. The song has two versions: the original and the Korean version, and the chorus of both versions is equally catchy. With a music video emphasizing their boyish charisma, “SUPER POWER” will serve as a perfect introductory song to the group. Their recent single “PASTEL” is also a great song. It maintains a pop essence but introduces a violin in the intro. With layered and airy vocals and a slower tempo, it focuses more on the members’ vocal abilities.

ONE PACT

Label: Armada Entertainment
Members: Jongwoo, Jay Chang, Seongmin, TAG, and Yedam
Debut date: November 30, 2023
Debut album: “MOMENT”

Once contestants on the “Boys Planet” survival show, ONE PACT recently debuted as a permanent group, and considering their musical skills, this is not a surprise. The group’s debut album “Moment” is a perfect blend of songs, from loud pop to low-tempo tunes. This album has it all, showcasing their vocal power.

ONF

Label: WM Entertainment
Members: Hyojin, E-Tion, Seungjun, Wyatt, Minkyun, and U
Debut date: August 3, 2017
Debut album: “ON/OFF”

ONF shines the most in ballad songs like “If We Dream,” “Alarm,” and “86400,” to name a few. But they do not confine themselves to one genre. Their recent hit, “Bye My Monster,” is a song that starts with a beautiful piano harmony. Even as the instruments grow louder, the clear and strong vocals of the main vocalists, Seungjun and E-Tion, remain prominent.

The KingDom

Label: GF Entertainment
Members: Dann, Arthur, Mujin, Louis, Ivan, Jahan, and Hwon
Debut date: February 18, 2021
Debut album: “History Of Kingdom : Part Ⅰ. Arthur”

If there was one K-pop boy group whose name describes their entire discography, it would be The KingDom (formerly KINGDOM). The group does have songs with a more trendy K-pop sound, but usually, every album contains grand songs like “COUP D’ETAT,” “Song of the Wind,” “Long Live The King,” and “Ascension” that sound like they would fit perfectly in a historical K-drama or a movie. The grand sound is not merely a gimmick; the songs actually sound incredible.

YOUNITE

Label: Brand New Music
Members: Eunho, Steve, Hyunseung, Eunsang, Hyungseok, Woono, DEY, Kyungmun, and Sion
Debut date: April 20, 2022
Debut album: “YOUNI-BIRTH”

Most of YOUNITE’s songs are mid to high-tempo pop songs, including but not limited to “Love It,” “F!zzy Soda Love,” and “WATERFALL.” What makes these songs stand out are the soft and texturous, yet quite prominent vocals. However, YOUNITE also has songs like “Bad Cupid,” which is an EDM-inspired track with loud instruments, perfect for playing at a party.

 

cr: Soompi