These 11 Popular K-pop Groups Receive Honest Reviews from Music Critics and Professionals
K-netizens and K-pop enthusiasts always have their opinions and reviews about K-pop artists when it comes to their potentials and success. Some of these are vague opinions, which can also have a mix of biasness.
In this regard, we cite music professionals and critics' views about these top 11 groups, sharing influence and popularity in the K-industry.
1. BTS
In 2019, music critic and analyst Kim Young Dae, who is observing US pop and K-pop for over a decade, quoted, "BTS was not made in a day, but it is very much the result of every step they took to get here." Young Dae tackles how many people are not taking BTS music seriously and treating it as simple idol music; however, he also said, "BTS are musicians. The success and incredible influence that they have is due to their music and performances."
In fact, Kim Young Dae also wrote a book titled, "BTS: The Review: A Comprehensive Look at The Music of BTS," showcasing an in-depth look to the K-pop group.
2. EXO
In a special anniversary episode of Golden Disk Awards broadcasted by JTBC in 2018, Im Jin Mo, a famous music specialist, talks about the power of EXO, in terms of physical and digital sales, as well as their vast fandom all over the world. In this sense, EXO cannot be removed from South Korean's music history.
3. SHINee
In 2012, New York Times Music critic Jon Caramanica confirmed that SHINee shines the brightest among other groups when they perform in New York in 2011, which is defined by Jon as "the most ambitious" of the night.
Six years after, the "most ambitious" group was mentioned again by a music analyst named Bae Sun Tak, quoting, "SHINee is no longer an idol group, they are a brand." This explains how the group continues to give different genres every comeback, definitely owning it upon release.
4. BLACKPINK
Kim Yoon Ha, an active music analyst of K-pop groups and songs, stated that BLACKPINK is the proprietor of a new concept in the K-industry. She said, "since BLACKPINK, the number of groups who have a girl crush concept increased." This includes group going for hip-hop and intense dance choreography, among other groups doing cute and pure concepts.
5. TWICE
In 2019, the music professional Jung Min Jae, who wrote for a music magazine, IZM, discusses the skeptic future of TWICE. He said that the girl group would most likely fail if they will not create new content different from their cookie-cutter songs and concept. "Jung then used the word 'consumptive' and 'wearisome.
However, TWICE seems to overcome this risk, as, in 2020, they attain successful and sustained popularity through "More and More."
6. Red Velvet, TWICE, and GFriend
In the K-pop industry, there is an unofficial term used by the media to define the top 3 girl groups of the new generation, the "Bermuda Triangle"; BLACKPINK, TWICE, and Red Velvet.
However, according to Choi Kyu Sang, who is a famous music critic who wrote the book "Ancestors of Girl Group," GFriend, Red Velvet, and TWICE are the leading groups in the third-generation of K-pop. In addition to this, Choi Kyu Sang stated that these are most likely the best junior line to take over the success of SNSD, 2NE1, Wonder Girls, SES Fin K.L, and Baby V.O.X.
7. IZ*One
Music Critique Kim Yoon Ha, in February 2020, reacted on the recent album of IZ*ONE, "Bloom*iz. According to Kim, IZ*One creates a music color that only the group can create. Yoon Ha also talked about the performance and the female idols' album saying, "This album is perfect."
8. MONSTA X
According to Lee Dae Hwa, the promotion of MONSTA X in the US has a huge impact on K-pop idols promoting in foreign countries. "There must have been many attempts to appear on famous TV shows before, but what changed now is that TV shows are happy to see K-pop singers."
Furthermore, Kim Young Dae also stated that the essential characteristic of Monsta X is that, "You can't identify which is the B-tracks and the title tracks, as all of it feels like title tracks. Their songs are catchy, intense, and powerful."
9. SEVENTEEN
According to a music critic, Jim Harrington, SEVENTEEN could rival other groups as the biggest group in the K-pop industry. He described SEVENTEEN as more versatile, and a group filled with strong vocal work.
10. GOT7
Kim Youngdae reviewed GOT7 "Look" as well in 2018, and according to him there are various element GOT7 possess but overall, the group sounds really well. For those who don't know Young Dae, he is a music critic who is a Korean Music Awards selection member as well.
11. NCT
Kim Young Dae also praises NCT, and commends Haechan and Taeil's vocal prowess.
An interview with NCT 127's composer DEEZ by music critic Kim Youngdae
".....not only has lots of greed, but his (Haechan's) effort are as big as his greed."
https://t.co/Cb4xdmJWXt#HAECHAN #해찬 #へチャン #แฮชาน pic.twitter.com/mpzRNBrCiN — s y a (@fuIIsun0606) March 26, 2020
Excerpt from "NCT 127의 작곡가 디즈(DEEZ)와의 인터뷰/An interview with NCT 127's composer DEEZ" by music critic Kim Youngdae "..(Taeil) has great command of his flexible mixed tone and is able to control his pace well, literally a ‘vocalist’."https://t.co/AWLQXuuqhv pic.twitter.com/Mqp0hS50tI — ³³ (@ekfxodlf) March 26, 2020
