Top 15 Most Famous Korean Singers of All Time (2025 Edition)

Korean singers have become global icons, redefining pop culture with their electrifying stage performances and chart-topping hits.

In this guide, we shine a spotlight on 15 famous Korean singers whose voices are far beyond the K-pop stage, celebrating their journeys, milestones, and lasting impact on the music world.

Get ready to meet the legends behind the sound of a generation!

15 Famous Korean Singers

15: Rosé

Date of Birth: February 11, 1997, Auckland, New Zealand

Best Songs:

• On The Ground
• Gone
• Number One Girl
• Gameboy
• 3am

Accolades:

• Asia Artist Awards
• Asian Pop Music Awards
• Hanteo Music Awards
• MTV Video Music Awards Japan
• Korea First Brand Awards

Career Journey:

Roseanne Park, known as Rosé, developed her musical skills at a young age, performing in church choirs and playing guitar and piano. She was featured on G-Dragon’s 2012 track Without You before debuting with BLACKPINK.

Breakthrough:

Her 2021 solo debut album R sold over 448,000 copies in its first week, the highest for any Korean female soloist. The lead single On the Ground made her the first solo artist to top the Billboard Global 200 and the first Korean female soloist to enter the UK Singles Chart.

Singing Style:

Known for her breathy yet powerful and emotional vocal tone, Rosé seamlessly blends pop, indie, and soft rock with introspective lyrics, making her stand out as one of the most famous Korean singers.

Recent Work:

In 2024, she signed with The Black Label and Atlantic Records, releasing the Billboard Global 200 number-one hit Apt. with Bruno Mars. In 2025, she was named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People and is the second-most followed Korean individual on Instagram.

14: One

Date of Birth: March 29, 1994, Seoul, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Heyahe
• Gettin’ By
• Hard to Love
• Who You?

Career Journey:

Jung Jae-won, known by his stage name One, began his career as part of the hip-hop duo 1Punch alongside Kim Samuel. He gained further recognition by appearing on the fourth and fifth seasons of Show Me the Money.

Breakthrough:

One debuted as a solo artist with his single album One Day (2017), which peaked at number 6 on the Gaon Album Chart. Beyond his musical talents, he made his big-screen debut in the romance film Goodbye Summer (2019), attracting attention from audiences.

Singing Style:

One is known for his smooth vocal tone and versatile delivery, effortlessly blending hip-hop with R&B and pop influences. His expressive style allows him to convey deep emotions, making his music relatable and engaging.

13: V

Date of Birth: December 30, 1995, Daegu, South Korea

Best Songs:

• It’s Definitely You
• Winter Bear
• Sweet Night
• Christmas Tree
• Fri(end)s

Accolades:

• Hanteo Music Awards
• Korea Grand Music Awards
• MAMA Awards
• Seoul Music Awards

Career Journey:

Born Kim Tae-hyung, professionally known as V, he aspired to become a professional singer from a young age. In 2013, V debuted as a member of the South Korean boy band BTS.

Breakthrough:

V gained recognition through his unique voice and performance in BTS’s discography. He released three solo songs under BTS’s name: Stigma (2016), Singularity (2018), and Inner Child (2020), each of which charted on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart.

In 2023, he made his solo artist debut with the singles Love Me Again and Rainy Days, both of which received critical and commercial acclaim.

Singing Style:

V is known for his deep, soulful baritone voice, which sets him apart in BTS’s vocal line. His style blends R&B, jazz, and indie-pop elements, often showcasing emotional depth and smooth vocal delivery.

Read Also: Top 15 Richest African Singers

12: Sohyang

Date of Birth: April 5, 1978, Gwangju, South Jeolla Province, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Love You, I Love You
• Someday
• Rhapsody For Sorrow
• Going Home
• The Song Begins

Accolades:

• Seoul Success Awards
• MBC Entertainment Awards
• Korea Day Awards
• K-Model Awards

Career Journey:

Kim So-hyang, known as Sohyang, made her singing debut in 1996 with the song Mr.

Breakthrough:

Since 2012, Sohyang has gained widespread recognition by participating in various television music competition programs such as Immortal Songs 2, King of Mask Singer, and I Am a Singer 2. She has won three times on Immortal Songs 2.

In 2014, she became the first non-American artist to perform the American national anthem at an NBA game.

Singing Style:

Sohyang’s singing style is characterized by a blend of CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), gospel, and pop genres, showcasing her powerful and emotive vocal ability.

Recent Work:

She continues to maintain a strong presence in the music industry with the releases of Diva (2024) and Blessing (2024).

Additionally, she contributed to soundtracks with Beneath The Moonlight (2024) for Love Song For Illusion OST and That Day (2025) for Wongyeong: The Queen Who Crowns OST.

11: Baekhyun

Date of Birth: May 6, 1992, Bucheon, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Bambi
• UN Village
• Cry For Love
• Candy
• Love Again

Accolades:

• Asia Artist Awards
• Asian Pop Music Awards
• Gaon Chart Music Awards
• Golden Disc Awards
• Mnet Asian Music Awards

Career Journey:

Byun Baek-hyun, also known as Baekhyun, made his music debut in 2012 as a ninth member of the South Korean-Chinese boy group EXO. In 2015, Baekhyun released his first solo song, Beautiful, as the soundtrack for Exo’s web drama Exo Next Door.

Breakthrough:

In 2019, he made his solo artist debut with the release of his EP, City Lights, which topped the charts and garnered critical acclaim. His continued solo releases, including Delight (2020) and Bambi (2021), solidified his status as a leading solo vocalist in K-pop.

Singing Style:

Baekhyun is renowned for his tenor voice and versatility across various genres, including R&B, pop, and ballads.

Recent Work:

In 2025, Baekhyun released his latest EP, Essence of Reverie, which received positive reviews and further solidified his position among famous Korean singers.

10: Sunmi

Date of Birth: May 2, 1992, Iksan, North Jeolla, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Time is Up
• Siren
• Heart Burn

Accolades:

• Seoul Music Awards: Bonsang
• Mnet Asian Music Awards
• Korean Brand of the Year Awards

Career Journey:

Lee Sun-mi, known as Sunmi, made her debut in 2007 as a member of Wonder Girls but left in 2010 to focus on her studies. She returned as a solo artist in 2013 with the hit single 24 Hours, reaching number two on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart.

Breakthrough:

When Wonder Girls reunited in 2015, Sunmi co-wrote and produced their final album, Reboot. She continued her solo career with the release of Gashina in 2017, which was later featured as the lead single for her second Korean-language EP, Warning, in 2018.

Singing Style:

Sunmi’s style blends pop with retro and synth influences, often incorporating quirky choreography and strong storytelling in her performances.

Recent Work:

In 2024, she released the single Balloon in Love, maintaining a strong presence in the K-pop scene.

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9: Jay Park

Date of Birth: April 25, 1987, Edmonds, Washington, USA

Best Songs:

• Mommae
• All I Wanna Do
• Me Like Yuh

Accolades:

• Korean Hip-Hop Awards
• Golden Disc Awards
• Asia Model Awards

Career Journey:

Jay Park began his career in 2003 with the Seattle-based b-boy crew Art of Movement (AOM). He later moved to South Korea, trained under JYP Entertainment, and debuted as the leader of 2PM.

Breakthrough:

His solo debut EP Count on Me (2010) topped Korean charts, and his 2011 mini-album, Take a Deeper Look, reached number three on the Billboard World Albums chart, marking his rise as a global Korean-American artist.

Singing Style:

His music combines smooth R&B vocals with raw hip-hop flow, shaping Korea’s indie hip-hop scene.

Recent Work:

In addition to his music, he hosted the Korean reality competition show Universe League in 2024. In 2025, he embarked on the Serenades & Body Rolls World Tour.

8: J-Hope

Date of Birth: February 18, 1994, Gwangju, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Arson
• On the Street
• Daydream

Accolades:

• Hanteo Music Awards
• iHeartRadio Music Awards
• Golden Disc Awards

Career Journey:

Born Jung Ho-seok, J-Hope began as a street dancer with NEURON before debuting with BTS (one of the famous K-pop groups) in 2013 as the main dancer and lead rapper. He released his first solo rap track, 1 Verse, in 2015 and gained recognition for his high-energy performances and choreography skills.

Breakthrough:

His solo breakthrough came in 2019 with Chicken Noodle Soup, featuring Becky G, which blended Korean, Spanish, and English lyrics.

He launched his solo career in 2022 with the album Jack in the Box and became the first BTS member to headline a U.S. festival at Lollapalooza.

Singing Style:

J-Hope is renowned for his dynamic dance moves, versatile rap flow, and bright, expressive stage presence, often incorporating elements of hip-hop, funk, and old-school pop.

Recent Work:

In 2025, he became one of the headliners at Lollapalooza (American Music Festival) in Berlin, which further cemented his place among famous Korean singers.

7: Taeyeon

Date of Birth: March 9, 1989, Jeonju, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Rain
• Fine
• Something New
• Stay
• Why

Accolades:

• Circle Chart Music Awards
• Asian Pop Music Awards
• Seoul Music Awards
• Golden Disc Awards

Career Journey:

Kim Tae-yeon, known as Taeyeon, debuted in 2007 as the leader of Girls’ Generation in 2007. She launched her solo career in 2015 with the EP I and released her first full-length album, My Voice, in 2017.

Breakthrough:

She’s also known for drama OSTs If for Hong Gil-dong (2008) and Can You Hear Me for Beethoven Virus (2008).

Singing Style:

Taeyeon is praised for her emotive and powerful vocals, which blend pop, R&B, and ballads with clarity and depth.

Recent Work:

In 2024, Taeyeon released the single Heaven, further showcasing her evolution as a solo artist with a mature sound.

In 2025, she launched her sixth concert tour, titled The Tense, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her solo debut. The tour, which kicked off in Seoul, marks a major milestone in her career.

Read Also: Top 15 Australian Male Singers

6: RM

Date of Birth: September 12, 1994, Seoul, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Forever Rain
• Moonchild
• Wild Flower
• Come Back to Me
• Lonely

Accolades:

• American Music Awards
• Hanteo Music Awards
• Korean Hip-hop Awards
• Music Awards Japan
• UK Music Video Awards

Career Journey:

Kim Nam-joon, better known as RM (Rap Monster), started his music career in the underground Korean hip-hop scene as a teenager. In 2013, RM made his debut as a member of the South Korean boy band BTS, and subsequently became the band’s leader.

Breakthrough:

In 2015, RM released his first solo mixtape, RM, revealing his inner struggles, pursuit of identity, and themes of self-acceptance. His solo projects showcased his depth as an artist beyond BTS, dealing with personal growth, philosophy, and the pressures of fame.

Singing Style:

While rooted in hip-hop, he frequently experiments with alternative rock, jazz, R&B, and electronic sounds, pushing the boundaries of K-pop.

Recent Work:

In 2024, RM released the music video for Come Back To Me, directed by Lee Sung Jin, marking another milestone in his solo artistry.

5: HyunA

Date of Birth: June 6, 1992, Seoul, South Korea

Best Songs:

• How’s this?
• Bubble Pop
• Cause I’m God Girl
• Change
• Red

Accolades:

• Asian Pop Music Awards
• Golden Disc Awards
• Mnet Asian Music Awards
• Seoul Music Awards

Career Journey:

Kim Hyun-ah, popularly known as Hyuna, began her music career in 2007 as a member of the girl group Wonder Girls, later joining 4Minute in 2009. Her debut solo single, Change (2010), peaked at number two on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart.

Breakthrough:

Hyuna gained major recognition with her 2011 single Bubble Pop!, which made her the first female K-pop solo artist to achieve over 100 million views on a single YouTube video.

Singing Style:

Hyuna is renowned for her bold, high-energy performance style, which seamlessly combines elements of K-pop, dance, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Recent Work:

In 2024, Hyuna released her ninth extended play (EP) titled Attitude. Furthermore, she released a new single in 2025 titled Mrs. Nail, solidifying her status as one of the most famous Korean singers.

4: Lim Young-Woong

Date of Birth: June 16, 1991, Yeoncheon-gun, South Korea

Best Songs:

• If We Ever Meet Again
• Do or Die
• Grain of Sand

Accolade:

• Seoul Music Awards
• Asia Artist Awards
• Golden Disc Awards

Career Journey:

Lim Young-woong signed with Mulgogi Music in 2016 and made his debut with the single Hate You, marking the beginning of his rise as a prominent figure in the K-pop industry.

Breakthrough:

Lim Young-woong rose to fame after winning the 2020 Mr. Trot competition out of 17,000 applicants. In 2021, Lim Young-woong achieved his breakthrough moment with My Starry Love, which became his first number-one hit on the Gaon Digital Chart.

Singing Style:

He is celebrated for his diverse musical abilities, blending emotive ballads, catchy pop tunes, and traditional trot music with modern appeal.

Recent Works:

In 2024, he released a double single album, Warmth, featuring the tracks Home and Warmth, further establishing his place among renowned Korean singers.

Read Also: Top 10 Canadian Male Singers

3: BoA

Date of Birth: November 5, 1986, Namyangju, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Girls on Top
• Only One
• Listen to My Heart
• Double

Accolades:

• Seoul Music Awards
• Mnet Asian Music Awards
• Billboard Japan Music Awards
• Seoul Music Awards
• MTV Video Music Awards Japan

Career Journey:

Kwon Bo-ah, professionally known as BoA, released her debut album in 2000, ID; Peace B, at the age of 13. Widely regarded as the Queen of Korean Pop, she has sold over ten million records throughout her career.

Breakthrough:

BoA began her Japanese music career performing at Avex’s club Velfarre. Her Japanese debut album, Listen to My Heart (2002), was a breakthrough, becoming the first Korean artist’s album to top the Oricon chart and earn RIAJ million-seller certification.

Singing Style:

BoA’s singing style blends pop, R&B, and dance genres. Her ability to sing in various languages, including Korean, Japanese, English, and Chinese, helped her break cultural barriers and expand her fanbase across East Asia.

Recent Work:

She collaborates with high-profile artists, including the band Westlife, M-Flo, Kumi Koda, and Mondo Grosso. She has continued to tour internationally, most recently with the BoA: One’s Own Live Tour (2024), maintaining her influence in the global music scene.

2: Jimin

Date of Birth: October 13, 1995, Busan, Korea

Best Songs:

• Promise
• Like Crazy
• Alone
• Who

Accolades:

• Asian Pop Music Awards
• Seoul Music Awards
• Hanteo Music Awards
• MAMA Awards
• MTV Europe Music Awards

Career Journey:

Park Ji-min, widely known as Jimin, gained worldwide fame as a member of the K-pop sensation BTS. He debuted with the group in 2013, quickly gaining attention for his vocal strength and exceptional dance skills.

Breakthrough:

Within BTS, Jimin gained individual recognition through his solo tracks Lie (2016), Serendipity (2018), and Filter (2020). Each song highlighted his versatility and emotional depth, with all-surpassing 50 million streams on Spotify showcasing his global appeal.

Singing Style:

Jimin is known for his powerful ballads, expressive vocal range, and intricate dance routines.

Recent Work:

Jimin is currently doing his mandatory military service and is set to be discharged on June 11, 2025. His return is highly anticipated, with fans eagerly awaiting new solo and BTS projects that will continue his legacy as one of Korea’s leading artists.

1: IU

Date of Birth: May 16, 1993, Seoul, South Korea

Best Songs:

• Good Day
• Love Poem
• Lilac
• Boo
• Beautiful Dancer

Accolades:

• APAN Music Awards
• Asia Artist Awards
• Asian Pop Music Awards
• Korean Music Awards
• Mnet Asian Music Awards

Career Journey:

Lee Ji-eun, known as IU, began her music career at the young age of 15 with the release of her extended play, Lost and Found, in 2008.

Breakthrough:

IU gained national prominence with the release of Real in 2010, particularly through its lead single, Good Day, which topped the Gaon Digital Chart for five consecutive weeks.

Her 2011 album, Last Fantasy, and her songwriting debut with Hold My Hand further cemented her versatility and growing influence in the industry.

Singing Style:

IU is known for her emotive vocal delivery, poetic lyrics, and musical evolution. Her third studio album, Modern Times (2013), showcased her expertise in blending elements of jazz, bossa nova, and swing styles.

Recent Work:

Beyond her musical expertise, she starred in screenwriter Lim Sang-choon’s TV series When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025).

In 2025, she returned as a singer, releasing the cover album A Flower Bookmark 3, which made her one of the most famous Korean singers.

Read Also: Top 10 Korean Music Festivals