Music

Korean pop culture hits that made it big worldwide

Explore the global phenomenon of Korean pop culture that has transcended borders. Discover how K-pop and K-dramas have captivated international audiences, influencing music, fashion, and cultural trends worldwide. This Hallyu wave has transformed the perception of South Korea, making it a powerhouse exporter of content. Delve into the impact of Korean cultural exports that have redefined global entertainment. Learn about the successes that have solidified Korea's positive image on the international stage.

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  1. 1

    Parasites

    248 Global Votes
    • Winner of four Oscars

      (+4)

    The film "Parasite" is a global Korean pop culture hit, acclaimed for its social critique and twisted plot about class struggle. Its global impact was cemented by multiple Oscar wins, including Best Picture.

  2. 2

    Train to Busan

    217 Global Votes
    • It set a record as the first Korean film of 2016 to reach an audience of over 10 million viewers.

      (+4)

    This South Korean zombie film became a worldwide phenomenon, notable for its fast-paced action and emotional narrative centered on survival on a train.

  3. 3

    Squid Game

    119 Global Votes
    • It quickly became Netflix's most-watched series.

      (+4)

    Squid Game is a drama and suspense series that became a worldwide phenomenon, notable for its unique premise of deadly children's games and its social commentary.

  4. 4

    BTS

    1 Global Votes
    • Energetic mix of dance-pop and hip-hop

      (+1)

    BTS is a South Korean K-pop band that has achieved massive global success, breaking records and leading the wave of Korean pop culture internationally. Their influence extends beyond music, impacting South Korea's fashion, tourism, and soft power.

  5. 5

    Gangnam Style

    0 Global Votes
    • He paved the way for other bands

      (+4)

    PSY's song "Gangnam Style" is a cultural phenomenon that broke world records and became the epitome of K-pop globally, paving the way for other artists.

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  7. 6

    IU (Lee Ji-eun)

    0 Global Votes
    • He established himself as a formidable force on the music charts.

      (+4)

    IU is one of K-pop's most influential and popular female solo artists, recognized worldwide for her multifaceted talent as a singer, songwriter, and actress, leaving an indelible mark on Korean pop culture.

  8. 7

    BLACKPINK

    0 Global Votes
    • Leadership in the Global 200 chart

      (+4)

    BLACKPINK is a South Korean K-pop girl group that has achieved immense worldwide popularity, becoming a symbol of Korean pop culture thanks to their successful songs and performances.

  9. 8

    BIGBANG

    0 Global Votes
    • SK's highest-ranking group of all time

      (+4)

    BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that has become one of the most influential groups in Korean music, being called the National Idols of Korea and achieving a huge impact worldwide.

  10. 9

    EXO

    0 Global Votes
    • Commercial success with her album XOXO

      (+3)

    EXO is an influential K-pop group formed in 2011 and has achieved massive global success, dominating charts and fans' hearts since their debut. Their music, which incorporates dance pop, hip-hop, and R&B, has marked a new era in music video production and has transcended borders.

  11. 10

    Good

    0 Global Votes
    • Multilingual skills contributed to his commercial success in Asia

      (+2)

    BoA is a K-pop pioneer, known as the 'Queen of K-pop,' who has had a significant global impact on Korean pop music and broken numerous records throughout her career spanning more than two decades.

  12. 11

    TWICE

    0 Global Votes
    • Cultural expression that is a global trend today.

      (+1)

    TWICE has achieved a significant global impact with their catchy songs and choreographies, establishing themselves as one of the most successful K-pop girl groups internationally. Their music has topped charts in various countries, accumulating millions of streams and sales, and making a major contribution to the wave of Korean pop culture popularity worldwide.

  13. 12

    J-Hope

    0 Global Votes
    • Reached number 1 on iTunes in 61 countries

      (+4)

    As the lead rapper, lead dancer, and songwriter of BTS, J-Hope has been instrumental in K-pop's global success, notable for his captivating energy and ability to blend genres like hip hop, funk, and pop into his solo performances and releases.

  14. 13

    G-Dragon

    0 Global Votes
    • Visionary shaping the spirit of our time

      (+1)

    G-Dragon is a central figure in Korean pop culture, recognized worldwide as the "King of K-pop" for his innovative work as a rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer, as well as his leadership of the influential boy group BIGBANG.

  15. 14

    Rain (Bi)

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the most influential artists in K-pop

      (+4)

    Rain is an iconic K-pop figure, recognized worldwide for his successful career as a singer and actor, and a pioneer in the global expansion of Korean culture.

  16. 15

    I Am

    0 Global Votes
    • It surpassed 300 million views on YouTube

      (+2)

    The song "I Am" by the group IVE became a worldwide hit, notable for its powerful production and the distinctive voices of its members, cementing itself as a benchmark in K-pop.

  17. 16

    NewJeans

    0 Global Votes
    • Korean pop group fastest to reach 1 billion Spotify streams

      (+4)

    NewJeans is a South Korean girl group that has achieved instant global success with their Y2K aesthetic and 90s and 2000s-inspired pop and R&B melodies. Their songs like "Attention," "OMG," and "Super Shy" have dominated the charts and established them as a pop culture phenomenon.

  18. 17

    Lee Min-ho

    0 Global Votes
    • He gained widespread fame

      (+1)

    Lee Min-ho is a South Korean actor who has achieved worldwide fame for his roles in Korean dramas. He is considered a key figure in the international expansion of hallyu and nicknamed the "King of Hallyu." His sustained popularity for over a decade and his ability to star in successful series make him a pillar of Korean pop culture.

  19. 18

    Bored

    0 Global Votes
    • Leads innovation in its sector worldwide.

      (+1)

    Sunmi is an iconic figure in Korean pop culture, recognized worldwide for her successful solo career and former member of Wonder Girls, with hits like "Gashina" that catapulted her to international fame.

  20. 19

    HyunA

    0 Global Votes
    • First Korean artist to reach 100 million views on YouTube

      (+2)

    HyunA is an iconic figure in Korean pop culture, recognized worldwide for her successful solo career and her participation in groups like Wonder Girls and 4Minute. Her music videos, such as "Bubble Pop!" and "I'm Not Cool," have surpassed 100 million views, cementing her status as one of the most influential K-pop artists globally.