The future of music

30 Best K-Pop Girl Groups Ever

September 28, 2023
K-Pop girl groups

Navigating the vibrant world of K-Pop can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to pinpointing the best K-Pop girl groups.

These sensational bands not only captivate fans with catchy tunes but also enthrall with striking visuals and intricate choreography.

If you’re on the hunt for the crème de la crème of K-Pop’s female powerhouses, you’ve come to the right place.

Dive in as we unveil the top contenders in this musical realm.

1. 2NE1

2NE1 was formed by YG Entertainment and gained international success with hits like “I Am The Best,” “Lonely,” and “Fire.”

This iconic four-member group disbanded in 2016, but K-Pop lovers across the globe still feel its influence.

Their musical style combined hip-hop, rap, pop, and rock elements for an unforgettable sound.

2NE1 won numerous awards, including the MAMA Award for Artist of the Year in 2010 and the YouTube Music Award in 2015. 

2. Momoland

Momoland is a nine-member group formed in 2016 through a survival show called Finding Momoland. 

They debuted with the single “Welcome to Momoland” and gained nationwide recognition with their single “Bboom Bboom.” 

Their bright and cheerful music quickly earned them a large fan base, especially in South Korea and the Philippines. 

They are widely celebrated for their passionate dance covers and collaborations with various celebrities.

3. Girls’ Generation

Girls’ Generation is one of the best-selling and most influential K-Pop girl groups in history. 

Singles like “Oh!”, “The Boys” and “Genie” made them the masters of the Korean wave.

Despite disbanding in 2017, they remain one of the most memorable K-pop acts, with timeless hits that excite every K-Pop lover.

4. Baby Vox 

Baby Vox debuted in 1997 under DR Music with their single “Hair Cut.” 

Throughout their career, they released various chart-topping singles such as “Get Up” and “Killer.” 

Not only were they successful musically, but also as actresses appearing in several movies. 

5. I.O.I 

Formed through the 2016 survival show Produce 101, IOI was the first K-Pop group to succeed in South Korea and China. 

The group consisted of 11 members with a wide range of talents and quickly gained fame with their debut single, “Dream Girls.” 

Their most successful songs include “Very Very Very,” “Pick Me,” and “Downpour.” 

IOI quickly became a fan favorite despite disbanding after just one year.

6. Wonder Girls

Wonder Girls burst onto the scene in 2007 with their debut track, “Irony,” becoming an instant hit. 

They are known as one of the first K-pop groups to break into the mainstream US markets. 

Their cover of “Nobody” reached #76 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

7. Everglow

The least you can expect from a K-Pop group as good as Everglow is high-energy choreography and powerful vocals. 

And they surely lived up to the people’s expectations. 

The six-girl band debuted in March 2019 with their single “Bon Bon Chocolat” under Yuehua Entertainment. 

With their incredible stage presence and captivating concept visuals, the group won several rookie awards in their debut year. 

Their catchy discography includes singles “Adios,” “Dun Dun,” “LA DI DA,” and their first full album, “Reminiscence.” 

8. Girl’s Day

Girl’s Day debuted in 2010 under Dream Tea Entertainment and released various hit singles such as “Something,” “Expectation,” and “Darling.” 

They also made appearances in various shows and dramas, which increased their popularity. 

In 2019, the group went on hiatus due to contract expirations, but their legacy continues. 

9. f(x) 

If you’re looking for talented dancers with edgy styles, f(x) is your go-to K-Pop girl group. 

Formed in 2009, this four-member group was known for its unique style and distinct sound. 

They released hits like “La Cha Ta,” “Electric Shock,” “Nu Abo,” and “Red Light” throughout their career. 

f(x) continues to produce fantastic music despite member departures.

10. AOA (Ace Of Angels) 

Debuting in 2012 under FNC Entertainment with their song “Elvis,” AOA achieved massive success in Japan and Korea. 

Alongside their powerful performances, AOA gained fame for their quirky fashion sense and bright personalities. 

This eight-member girl group currently consists of Seolhyun, Hyejeong, Jimin, Chanmi, Yuna, Youkyung, and Mina. 

11. After School 

After School started as a five-member band in 2009 with the release of their single “AH!” 

This highly acclaimed girl group expanded to nine members before settling on seven. 

Apart from their skillful singing and dances, each member had unique charms that earned global attention.

12. GFriend

GFriend is a six-member group that debuted in 2015.

The K-Pop girl group quickly gained popularity with their hit songs “Me Gustas Tu” and “Rough.” 

Known for their clear image and powerful choreography, GFriend won the 2019 Seoul Music Awards Dance Performance. 

Their music is heavily inspired by retro sounds and folk music, making them stand out from other K-Pop girl groups.

13. BLACKPINK 

BLACKPINK quickly became everyone’s darling with its hard-hitting dance moves and chic style. 

The quartet debuted in August 2016 with its single “Whistle.” 

Since then, they’ve risen to international stardom and released multiple hits. 

The group reached 800 million views on YouTube, with their chart-topping singles such as “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” and “Kill This Love” earning global attention. 

Their collaborations with Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Selena Gomez cemented their name in K-Pop history. 

14. Red Velvet 

Think Red Velvet when you need those upbeat K-Pop songs to lift your mood. 

The K-Pop girl group rose to fame with their first mini-album, “Happiness.” 

With chart-topping songs like “Ice Cream Cake,” “Russian Roulette,” and “Peek-A-Boo,” Red Velvet has solidified its status as one of the best K-Pop girl groups around. 

Their success can be attributed to their catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and impeccable choreography.

15. APink 

APink is a South Korean girl group formed in 2011 under Plan A Entertainment, formerly A Cube Entertainment. 

The group consists of five members. 

APink has been successful in the K-Pop world, with tracks such as “NoNoNo” and “Mr. Chu.” 

The group stands out with its upbeat, cheerful music and stylish fashion. 

16. CLC 

CLC, short for Crystal Clear, has had an impressive run since its 2015 debut.

As one of the few female K-Pop groups on Cube Entertainment, CLC quickly earned themselves legions of dedicated fans worldwide. 

With hit singles such as “Black Dress,” “Hobgoblin,” and “No Oh Oh,” CLC made sure to stand out from the crowd with their synchronized dance moves and captivating raps. 

Plus, they always make sure to keep their fashion game on point. 

CLC’s newest single, “Helicopter,” will grab any K-Pop lover’s attention.

17. Mamamoo 

Mamamoo is widely known for its soulful and retro-inspired music. 

They’ve released several chart-topping hits, including “Piano Man,” “Um Oh Ah Yeh,” and “You’re the Best.” 

Each group member stands out with their solid and distinct vocal colors. 

18. WJSN (Cosmic Girls)

Formed in 2016, WJSN (formerly Cosmic Girls) consists of 13 members from various entertainment companies. 

Debuting with the song “Mo Mo Mo,” the group took off quickly and became a fan favorite due to their energetic dance moves and cutesy concept. 

Their signature hits include “Secret,” “I Wish,” and “Save Me, Save You.” 

Throughout their career, WJSN has participated in several shows, including King of Mask Singer, Knowing Bros, and Amazing Saturday. 

Plus, they are active on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes footage of their daily lives. 

19. 4Minute 

4Minute was well-known for its hip-hop, dance, and electronic dance sound. 

The group was often referred to as the female counterpart of the boy group Beast, releasing several dance-heavy club bangers like “Hot Issue” and “Crazy.”

The K-Pop group still has a strong fan base, and their songs remain influential.

20. Oh My Girl

Oh My Girl is a six-member group known for its retro and classic sound, taking inspiration from R&B and dance-pop genres. 

This K-Pop girl group stands out with its bright and colorful music and stunning choreography. 

They have released hit songs such as “Closer” and “Nonstop.”

21. EXID

EXID (short for Exceed In Dreaming) was formed in 2012 as a 5-girl K-Pop group.

After releasing two singles without success, they had a significant breakthrough when a fan cam featuring Hani went viral. 

It propelled them into fame and led to the release of their hit songs “Up & Down” and “Ah Yeah.” 

Since then, they’ve released numerous singles, albums, and solo projects, with every member showing their talent as part of EXID.

22. TWICE 

TWICE, often called the “Nation’s Girl Group,” has been going strong since 2015. 

Consisting of nine members, the group rose to fame with their upbeat singles “Cheer Up” and “TT.” 

They were the first female group to receive the Triple Crown, which means they sold more than 1 million copies of an album for three consecutive weeks. 

TWICE continues to set new records and recently marked Japan’s highest-grossing K-Pop concert tour. 

Other iconic singles from the group include “Likey,” “Yes or Yes,” and “Fancy.” 

23. fromis_9 

fromis_9 has quickly established itself as a group to watch with their addictive singles “DKDK,” “Fun!” and “Love Bomb.” 

The group debuted in January 2017 with the single “To Heart.” 

The members have charmed audiences with their unique personalities and impressive skills. 

The group has gained a lot of attention with their reality show “Idol School Trip” and their subunit “2NISE”, showing the depth of their talent. 

24. (G)I-dle

(G)I-dle first came onto the scene in 2018 with the single “Latata,” followed by “Hann (Alone)” and the mini album “I Am.” 

The sextet has received praise for its experimental concepts, particularly with the hit single “Oh My God.” 

Members Soyeon and Miyeon also have prominent solo careers, the former producing for other artists.

25. Aespa

Aespa is the first K-Pop girl group to incorporate augmented reality technology in their performances, creating a virtual world with AI avatars. 

The group’s concept revolves around duality, exploring the relationship between the real and virtual worlds. 

They’ve released several singles, such as “Black Mamba” and “Next Level,” with a large fan base to show for it.

26. Itzy 

Itzy group comprises five members: Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. 

Their debut single, “Dalla Dalla,” reached the top spot on various Korean music charts shortly after its release. 

The group’s EP “It’s Different” gained positive reviews from music critics.

27. Wonder Girls

The soothing voices of this K-Pop girl group make them unique among their peers. 

They are known for their bubbly image and lighthearted music, often tackling topics such as love, friendship, and nostalgia.

Since their debut song “Tell Me,” they’ve achieved immense success, selling over 3 million albums with hits such as “Nobody” and “So Hot.” 

They remain among the most successful female acts in Korean music history despite disbanding in 2017.

28. Brown-Eyed Girls 

This female foursome is considered one of the original K-Pop girl groups. 

Brown Eyed Girls continues to capture hearts with their impressive discography in every new release. 

Popular singles like “Abracadabra” and “Kill Bill” cemented them as legends in K-Pop.

29. Sistar 

Sistar made its debut in 2010 with the hit “Push Push.” 

With catchy tracks like “Alone” and “Touch My Body,” they quickly rose to stardom and won numerous awards. 

Their accolades include the MAMA Award for Best Female Group and Mnet Asian Music Award for Style in Music. 

In 2017, the group officially disbanded after years of enviable commercial success.

Fans were devastated by the news. 

But there’s no denying the K-Pop girl group’s legacy lives on in their beautiful compositions. 

30. Miss A 

Listening to Miss A guarantees an unforgettable experience. 

After forming in 2010, the K-Pop girl group successfully produced hit songs like “Bad Girl Good Girl” and “Hush.” 

They disbanded in 2017 after cementing their name in the K-Pop landscape. 

Wrapping Up Our List of the Best K-Pop Girl Groups

K-Pop has become a global phenomenon, and these 30 best K-Pop girl groups are some of the genre’s best. 

They’ve earned global attention with their unique styles, captivating choreography, and talented vocals (Oh! And beauty). 

Whether you’re a K-Pop fan or just discovering the genre, these girl groups are worth checking out.

Related Articles:

Best K-Pop Songs of All Time

Best K-Pop Boy Groups

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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