These 11 Groups Are K-pop's 'Royalties' [Updated 2022]

These K-pop artists and groups are the Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, and Representatives of K-pop!

Without further ado, the following K-pop artists carry honorific titles, just like royalties!

1. BoA - 'Queen of K-pop'

BoA is an artist under SM Entertainment who opened the door for K-pop idols in the Japanese market, as well as in other Asian countries. Her impact in the early 2000's to date remains massive, maintaining her influence and popularity even after 20 years.

In January of 2021, BoA celebrated her 20th anniversary since debut with her 10th studio album "Better."

Then, in November of the same year, the "Queen of K-pop" commemorated her 20th anniversary in Japan by releasing her Japanese digital single "My Dear."

2. Girls' Generation - 'Nation's Girl Group'

Girls' Generation's impact is indeed significant in the widespread of Korean culture and Hallyu!

Because of their gigantic influence, they have been referred to as "Nation's Singers," and their importance in the industry remains recognized that they even became the first Korean artist to have their official postage stamps!

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The girl group will celebrate their 15th anniversary in August and is speculated to make a full group comeback. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.

Meanwhile, member Hyoyeon is slated to make her solo comeback with her 1st mini-album "Deep."

3. Red Velvet - 'Nation's Representative Group'

Also called the "Best Idol Group Alive" by Billboard, Red Velvet truly broke the girl group stereotypes by experimenting with various music genres.

Their music versatility also captured the attention of North Korea, the first group to perform in the capital since 2003!

The quintet just made their much-anticipated comeback to the music scene with their mini-album "The ReVe Festival 2022 [Feel My Rhythm]."

4. BLACKPINK - 'K-pop Queens' and 'Biggest Girl Group in the World'

There's no doubt that BLACKPINK is currently one of the most prominent acts in the K-pop industry with multiple records that helped in spreading the music genre and Korean culture around the world.

Their influence and power are also listed in numerous media, such as in Forbes, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and many more.

On April 26, 2022, the quartet took over various social platforms and trends lists after it was reported that they are gearing up for a comeback in June. Member Jisoo also revealed she will finally make her solo debut this year!

5. TWICE - 'Asia's No. 1 Girl Group'

TWICE is the No. 1 Girl Group of Asia!

This noble group's song played a key role during the campaign for the South Korean Presidential Election, both candidates using and modifying their song, "Cheer up."

In Japan, TWICE is also the artist who helped on mending the relationship between Japan and Korea, opening the door of K-pop in Japan for girl groups once more.

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The nine-member girl group just wrapped up their 4th World Tour "III" in Japan on April 25. They will hold their Encore on May 14 to 15 in Los Angeles, California.

6. TVXQ - 'Emperor of K-pop'

TVXQ is one of the proprietors of K-pop who contributed to the massive success of the music scene!

The group's name means "Rising Gods of the East," and they lives up to this name as they are truly the superior idols looked up to by the newer generation.

In February, member Yunho released his 2nd Japanese mini-album "Kimi Wa Saki e Iku."

Meanwhile, in October 2020, Changmin married his non-celebrity girlfriend.

7. BIGBANG - 'Kings of K-pop'

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The honorific nickname for "Kings of K-pop" is debatable, but BIGBANG's massive influence is an indicator of how deserving they are for the title.

They are also cited as "K-pop icons" as they are known for producing their own songs that inspired the younger generation of idols.

On April 4, 2022, BIGBANG finally broke their four-year hiatus and returned as a group with their heartfelt single "Still Life."

8. Super Junior - 'King of Hallyu Wave'

Super Junior's greater contribution in the K-pop industry as one of the first second-generation groups gained them the title of "Hallyu Wave Kings."

From music and fashion, the group always receives recognition for their influence.

On February 14, 2022, it was revealed that the group will come back with a special album. Then, on February 28, they released "The Road : Winter for Spring."

9. SHINee - 'Princes of K-pop'

Called the Princes of K-pop, SHINee is not only popular for their wide music spectrum but also because of their fashion style.

To this day, their debut song "Replay" is one of the most iconic," and their outfits skinny jeans, high-top sneakers, and sweaters became a massive trend among Koreans, called, "SHINee trend."

In February 2021, they returned as full group with their 7th studio album "Don't Call Me."

In April 2022, member Onew made his solo comeback with his second EP "DICE."

10. EXO - 'Nation's Pick,' 'Global Pick' and 'Kings of K-pop'

The group is a huge asset of the industry in spreading the genre and culture of Korea. In 2013, EXO, who just debuted at the time, ended the 12-year drought in physical album sales by becoming a million-seller with their first studio album "XOXO."

Their peak even gained SM Entertainment 31% of $188 million, their total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2018.

In 2021, the nonet reached the "Sextuple Million Seller" status after their special album "DON'T FIGHT THE FEELING" surpassed one million pre-orders.

11. BTS - 'Princes of Pop'

BTS, the Princess of Pop, is known for doing and achieving things that no name in their genre can.

They had achieved jaw-dropping records, including topping Billboard's "Hot 100" for the first time in the Korean music industry.

BTS also paved the way for K-pop to become the mainstream in the US, one of the first groups to successfully enter the global market as well.

The septet is currently gearing for a new album, set for release on June 10, 2022. The amazing news is confirmed by BIG HIT through a video teaser.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.