[WRITER’S PICKS] Dive Into The Hallyu Wave

Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones — always focused on sound, stage and substance.

For many new fans of K-pop, it can feel overwhelming to find a group that has a sound that they enjoy from the get-go solely based on the title tracks promoted on music shows. Not to mention the amount of groups releasing music on a daily basis. We’re here to help you by providing a list of some of K-pop’s lesser known artists to explore based on some of the more popular acts that you may know. 

Disclaimer: Not all of these artists will be ‘pop’ musicians necessarily. Some may fall under the band label, or veer off into more RnB, territory and beyond. Regardless, they will be suggested based on similarities in sound and themes presented in their music. Note that while some of these acts may no longer be active, their discographies are still worth a listen as they show the diversity that exists within the industry. 

Red Velvet:

Red Velvet is a group that needs no introduction. From ‘Red Flavor’, to ‘Happiness’ and even their most recent group comeback with ‘Cosmic’, the five member group has left global audiences in awe with their synchronicity and oftentimes unmatched vocal timbre. In the same way as TWICE, they’ve inspired a whole new generation of idols to prioritise singing over all. Here are some groups that have gracefully followed in their footsteps:

BVNDIT:

Their last group EP is perhaps the most similar to Red Velvet’s music. With songs that range from pop ballads to EDM laced dance tracks, not a single bit of their talent went unseen by their fans, Bvnditbuls. Over four years of activities the members were constantly showing off their ability to sing live while doing impressive choreographies. Songs like ‘Jungle’ may sound familiar to Reveluvs who enjoy tracks like ‘Bulldozer’ from Red Velvet’s Chill Kill album. Member Jungwoo has recently been gaining fans’ attention for her strong vocal skills, much like Red Velvet’s Wendy frequently does. For fans of RnB laced B-Sides, and a group that remained dedicated to showing their versatility from debut to their (extremely untimely) disbandment in 2022, BVNDIT is definitely worth taking a listen to. 

Purple Kiss:

When they debuted with the song ‘PONZONA’, Purple Kiss immediately had the attention of fans across the globe. Known as the group to carry MAMAMOO’s torch as a vocal focused group, these women have raised the bar for what it means to be a musician. The members have developed a distinct sound that their fans, Plory, could recognise in an instant. This is due in great part to members Yuki and Swan’s distinct tones, but also Chaein’s ability to blend everyone’s vocal colours seamlessly. When it comes to dedication to showing up and showing out, it’s hard to find a group that does an album intro as attention-grabbing as Purple Kiss. If you love Red Velvet for their sultry vocals and ability to shapeshift to whatever their concept of the era is, you’ll love Purple Kiss just as much for turning the stage, and the recording booth, into their playground. 

TWICE:

Having reached ten years of activities as a group, TWICE is showing no signs of slowing down. Generally known for their preppy sound, the group has inspired hundreds of other artists and trainees to pursue various sonic paths. TWICE has a lengthy discography that does not shy away from experimental sounds and the groups they’ve inspired are no different:

cignature:

This group, despite their lineup changes, is one of South Korea’s best-kept open secrets. Their debut with ‘Arisong’ and ‘NunuNana’ left fans buzzing with its kitschy vibes and infectious vocals. Interestingly, member Semi trained for over seven years at JYP, fostering relationships with some of the company’s groups. She, along with her members, always poured their hearts into every opportunity to present fans with heartfelt music.

Of their multiple EPs, the most memorable to the author is Dear Diary Moment – this sentiment is shared by the members who at different points have referred to the B-Side ‘My Diary’ as one of the songs they love to go back and listen to. For signfan, their fanbase, cignature is just one part of a longer story that began with the group GOOD DAY and continues today with member Belle (Jin Hyeonju)’s activities as a member of UNIS. For their final bow, the members left a remarkably sweet song to remind whoever’s out there that even when the lights go out and there’s nobody left watching, still they will sing their Melody. 

CSR:

This group presents a unique concept: all of the members have the same age. Their debut, ‘Pop? Pop!’ calls back to songs like ‘Dance The Night Away’, and other earlier TWICE songs. To some, it may seem that the era for this type of music has long passed. However, for a group that debuted with all of the members being under the age of eighteen, their releases have been entirely age-appropriate and following the trajectory of what their age-mates and peers in the industry would be experiencing.

In addition to having a unique debut concept, members Duna, Geumhee, Seoyeon and Yeham were all contestants on the survival show CHUANG Asia Thailand where they were able to show just how talented they are to a wider audience. Their most recent EP, L’Heure Bleue, gave all seven members an opportunity to show a side to themselves that is more laidback. The title track ‘Pretty mob’ is an invitation to their fans, Maeum, and casual listeners to get comfortable in the unknown, and a reminder that self-discovery is a process and a journey worth sharing.

LIGHTSUM:

The group debuted in 2022 with the preppy sound reminiscent of TWICE’s ‘Cheer Up’. Their debut single ‘Vanilla’ was met with shock from fans who anticipated something reminiscent of their company seniors, idle (formerly G-IDLE). The group proceeded to make their comeback with a more chic concept for VIVACE. If you like songs like ‘The Feels’, you’ll definitely love the upbeat track ‘Popcorn’. While not entirely similar, the group has an air of elegance that is reminiscent of TWICE once they started to assert themselves and the sound that they wanted to present to their fans.

CUBE entertainment is well-known for having rappers in their groups with personalities that stand out and command attention. This time is no different. Member Sangah drew more attention to her group with her placement in the survival show Queendom Puzzle as ‘Baby Jeon Soyeon’. Her charisma and dedication to ensuring her group’s success is definitely noteworthy. ‘Pose’, the  group’s latest comeback is a fantastic place for new fans or casual listeners to start to get to know the group and what they stand for.

BLACKPINK:

Despite the long stretches between musical releases, BLACKPINK continues to draw in fans of all ages for more than just their star quality. From ‘Playing With Fire’ to ‘Pink Venom’, there’s a reason BLINKS stay tuned into their music. For lovers of the variety that the group has shown thus far, here are our recommendations:

BLACKSWAN:

The song that most reflects the similarity between these two groups also happens to be the first original song by the group’s current lineup, ‘Karma’. It features nods to member Sriya’s Indian heritage not only through the styling of the music video, but also through clever incorporations of her vocals in a carnatic-style verse sung in Korean. Member Fatou is known for her powerful raps and aura that leaves fans mesmerised. They, too, love to play around with different concepts as evidenced by viral track ‘Cat & Mouse’.

Anyone who happens upon this group is definitely left better for it. With members coming in from four different countries, capable of putting on various types of performances from dance, to rap, to final addition NVEE’s incredible Opera skills, these women have earned their place on global stages. For lovers of songs like ‘Forever Young’ by BLACKPINK, their juniors present songs like ‘Close to Me’. With what they’ve shown us so far, the group has a very bright future ahead of them.

CRAXY:

For followers of the KPop Demon Hunters hype, many of you may be familiar with member Swan’s cover of ‘Golden’ by Huntr/x. CRAXY initially debuted in the height of the COVID 19 pandemic on March 3 2020. Many other groups who debuted have struggled to maintain a dedicated fandom and thus disappeared with not much fanfare. For CRAXY, this only motivated them to succeed even more. Where fans of groups from companies with significantly more funds and fans using the word “nugudom” almost as an insult, these girls took it as a badge of honour.

In 2023 the group released their title track ‘NUGUDOM’ from the EP XX. This song is an anthem for the underdogs, for the idols who give up their education, and their youth to pursue a career that means more to them than just numbers. For that, they have a special place in our hearts and we hope that by sharing their name with our readers, you will find something to love about them too. 

LE SSERAFIM:

From their debut with well-established idols and trainees, to blowing expectations from fans out of the water over the past few years, LE SSERAFIM is what some would call a playlist staple. For fans of this group that keeps showing their detractors why it is that they are so well-loved, there is a lesser known group trying to get the same message out to a bigger audience.

MIMIIROSE:

Another group with a quaint yet enticing discography. MIMIIROSE debuted in 2022 following member Yoon Jia trying her hand at debuting through MNET’s survival show Girl’s Planet 999. Initially a five member group, Yerin and Anna were added ahead of their most recent comeback with ‘The Flowers Swayed’. While this song has a subdued summer nostalgia vibe to it, their other tracks like ‘LULULU’ and ‘Ribbon’ have more rhythmic bounce to them. Bloomii (the group’s fanbase) have unfortunately had to wade through some tough water, much like BLINKS, while waiting for releases over long stretches of time.

In the documentary announcing their two new members, and describing their time away from the stage, the members have expressed the hope that their faces and music will be remembered despite the long wait. Luckily, here at HallyuTones, we believe that every artist deserves the chance to find their audience, no matter how long it takes. For that reason, we present to you the group’s first OT7 comeback. The song shows their determination to leave their mark, no matter how hard the flowers sway in the harsh winds of navigating the music industry.

ICHILLIN :

Some listeners of “the fimmies” as they’re affectionately known, may have heard the song ‘Official’ by this group trending on social media around the same time as LE SSERAFIM’s ‘Crazy’. ICHILLIN’ is no stranger to making music that piques the interest of girl group listeners globally. Some may be familiar with member Jiyoon from her Girls Planet 999 days, while others may have followed the group since their debut in 2021 with the up-tempo ‘GOT’YA’.

With a few face changes here and there, the group has been able to maintain a cohesive identity and sound through the years. Every member is a pillar of what the group itself embodies as a whole. From the pop punk hit ‘La Luna’ to the lesser known ‘Siren’, this seven member group is bound to keep new fans fed with high tension performances and a discography that has a song for every mood. Like every other group that debuts with the hopes of capturing the audience with their dance, vocal skills and stage presence, ICHILLIN’ is not stopping their growth any time soon.

No matter what your taste is outside of K-pop, there is a hardworking, talented artist for every music lover to discover. It is only understandable that groups with an already established fanbase will draw in new fans through company promotions and fanmade playlists. However, if you scratch even just a little bit below the surface of what’s on offer, you’ll find a world of music just waiting for the right audience to reach it. It’s up to you to take that chance.