Underrated Groups You Should Be Listening To

By Rachael Lovette

The term "underrated" is a pretty broad and oftentimes pretty subjective term. Depending on where you live, what your Spotify or AppleMusic recommends, or what your friends are listening to, chances are some groups are slipping through the cracks. When it comes to K-Pop it’s even more subjective because not every band “makes it” to America. So without further ado, here are, in my opinion, the most underrated K-Pop groups.

SF9

Debut Date: October 5, 2016

Members: Youngbin, Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Zuho, Rowoon, Yoo Taeyang, Hwiyoung, and Chani

Fandom: Fantasy

Lastest Album: Special History Book

From ballads and R&B to Pop and EDM, this handsome and wholesome group of nine are not getting the hype or recognition they deserve.

Lovelyz

Debut Date: November 12, 2014

Members: Baby Soul, Jiae, Jisoo, Mijoo, Kei, Jin, Sujeong, and Yein

Fandom: Lovelinus

Lastest Album: Unforgettable

Since debut this girl group has faced more than its fair share of difficulties (thanks internet trolls), but have never given up or given in, instead deciding to continue on their path of making beautiful music.

Golden Child

Debut Date: August 28, 2017

Members: Daeyeol, Y, Jangjun, TAG, Seungmin, Jaehyun, Jibeom, Donghyun, Joochan, and Bomin

Fandom: Goldenness

Lastest Album: Pump It Up!

Consisting of 10 members between the ages of 20 and 27, this group effortlessly blends youthful pop flavor with major themes and bassy-EDM undertones.

iKON

Debut Date: September 15, 2015

Members: Bobby, Jay, Ju-ne, Song, DK, and Chan

Fandom: iKONIC

Lastest Album: I Decide

Whether you're looking for great vocals, insane raps, a great stage presence, or a solid discography that compliments their abilities, iKON seemingly has it all.

LOONA

Debut Date: August 20, 2018

Members: Haseul, Vivi, Yves, JinSoul, Kim Lip, Chuu, Heejin, Hyunjin, Go Won, Choerry, Olivia Hye, and Yeojin

Fandom: Orbit

Lastest Album: [12:00]

With a discography collection bigger than their oldest members and choreography that rivals the best of them, it’s surprising that this group has been largely overshadowed in the industry.

ASTRO

Debut Date: February 23, 2016

Members: JinJin, MJ, Rocky, Cha Eunwoo, Moonbin, and Sanha

Fandom: Aroha

Lastest Album: Gateway

You name it this multi-talented group does it. Sing (check), Act (check), Dance (check) releases an entire album with no promotions just for fans (check)

MAMAMOO

Debut Date: June 18, 2014

Members: Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa

Fandom: Moomoo

Lastest Album: Reality in Black

This girl group doesn't stick to any one genre and instead try a little bit of everything. They also refuse to do any lip-syncing and instead belt it out during any live performance.

VERIVERY

Debut Date: January 9, 2019

Members: Dongheon, Hoyoung, Minchan, Gyehyeon, Yeonho, Yongseung, and Kangmin

Fandom: VERRER

Lastest Album: Face Us

Don’t let the youthful 20-something cuteness fool you, this group is anything but. With mature dance moves and lyrics to match, how is this energetic and innovative group not huge?

Dreamcatcher

Debut Date: January 13, 2017

Members: JiU, SuA, Siyeon, Handong, Yoohyeon, Dami, and Gahyeo

Fandom: InSomnia

Lastest Album: Dystopia: Lose Myself

From unique and creepy concepts to great songs along with each member representing a nightmare of fear, this unique alternative girl has a sound that is addictive.

Pentagon

Debut Date: October 10, 2016

Members: Hui, Jinho, Hongseok, Shinwon, Yanan, Yeo One, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok

Fandom: Universe

Lastest Album: We:th

They write their own music, choreograph most of their own dances, and are genuine in everything they do.

A.C.E

Debut Date: May 23, 2017

Members: Donghu, Jun, Wow, Kim Byeongkwan, and Chan

Fandom: CHOICE

Lastest Album: HJZM: The Butterfly Phantasy

Standing for “Adventure Calling Emotions” this group came together to pursue their dreams against adversity and become heroes in the music scene.

(G)I-DLE

Debut Date: May 2, 2018

Members: Miyeon, Minnie, Soojin, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua

Fandom: Neverland

Lastest Album: Dumdi Dumdi

With killer raps and angelic vocals, their songs are BOPS. What more do you expect from a girl group that is self-produced, self-composed, and self-written?

THE BOYZ

Debut Date: December 6, 2017

Members: Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, New, Q, Juhaknyeon, Sunwoo, and Eric

Fandom: The B (Pronounced in Korean as Deo Bi)

Lastest Album: Chase

Seductive and dark are just two of the many words used to describe this group’s eye-catching visuals, enticing lyrics, and well-executed choreography.

Victon

Debut Date: November 9, 2016

Members: Seungwoo, Seungsik, Heochan, Sejun, Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin

Fandom: ALICE (Always We Love the VoICE)

Lastest Album: Mayday

After almost disbanding due to poor public response, this all-around talented group has proven they have what it takes through reality TV shows, live streams, and other appearances.

WayV

Debut Date: January 17, 2019

Members: Kun, Ten, WinWin, Lucas, Xiao Jun, Hendery, and YangYang

Fandom: WayZenNi

Lastest Album: Awaken the World

The 1st subunit of NCT Korea and 4th subunit of NCT China, this boy group is turning heads by showing the world unedited versions of themselves.

Rachael Lovette is the Digital Director at Flower Bomb Media with a passion for everything K-Pop, fashion, model advocacy, and pop culture. Make sure you follow her on Instagram as she journeys through the fashion industry from behind the lens.