Top 10 Asian Pop Groups You Should Be Listening To
Asian pop groups, K-pop groups, BTS, BLACKPINK, SB19, Mayday, TFBOYS, ATEEZ, NiziU, Mirror, Trinity, FIRST5, Korean pop, Japanese pop, Chinese pop, Filipino pop, Thai pop, Hong Kong pop, Indian pop, Asian music, pop music, Music, Pop, watchmojo, watch mojo, top 10, list, mojo,
Top 10 Asian Pop Groups You Should Be Listening To
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most talented and impactful pop bands from all over Asia that you won’t regret stanning.
India is no stranger to pop groups but with this band, the country is making a bid for global stardom. YouTuber and musician Aksh Baghla is investing in, mentoring, and managing FIRST5, a four-member boy band, reinterpreting the pop formula with their unique sensibilities. Rather than impressing with glossy Bollywood song and dance, FIRST5 focuses on stripped-down authenticity. Their self-written music reflects the colors of youth and makes for easy listening. Through complementary content like vlogs and covers, the members have been able to connect with their audience organically and are well on their way to garnering a loyal fandom.
Hailing from the Land of Smiles, Thailand, this boy band has established itself as one of the pioneers of T-Pop. Trinity was formed with three members from the project group Nine by Nine – Third, Porsche, and Jackie. A fourth member, James, joined the trio for a while before leaving to focus on his solo endeavors. Throughout their career, Trinity promoted globally and even collaborated with the famed Japanese band BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE. They came to be known for their versatile discography, spanning genres like hip-hop, R&B, and pop as well as their energetic choreographies. TNT also gained attention for singing in English as well as Thai, amplifying their popularity among international fans. As they continue activities, their popularity will only rise.
Created through the competition show “Good Night Show - King Maker”, Hong Kong’s premier boy group has burst onto the global music scene in recent years. Mirror ignited an unparalleled craze for Cantopop that has spread worldwide and is bringing attention to the rich culture of Hong Kong. The members, who all have their solo careers, are also highly sought-after talents, with several ad campaigns, endorsements, and brand ambassadorships to their name. Above all else, Mirror’s music is what propelled them to success. We get dynamic dance tracks as well as emotional odes to love and loss, rap-heavy anthems, retro bops, ballads, and more. What’s not to love?
The esteemed K-Pop company JYPE joined hands with Sony Music Japan to create this beloved J-Pop group. The members were handpicked by J.Y. Park, who put them through rigorous challenges on the reality show “Nizi Project”. During the contest, the girls trained under the K-Pop model in South Korea, honing their talents to perfection. As expected, NiziU soared to commercial success with their debut in 2020 and dominated the charts. They even earned a coveted spot in the 71st NHK Red And White Year-End Song Festival – a huge feat for a rookie group. The team’s bright and empowering music resonated with fans of J-Pop and K-Pop alike, opening the way for them to go global. The best thing is, they’re just getting started.
If you enjoy digging into a group’s artistic lore, exploring their conceptual universes, and deconstructing music videos to find hidden messages, this is the group for you. Ateez is a K-Pop boy band that marches to the beat of their own drum. Rather than following trends, they set new ones and are quite used to breaking records and making history. In 2024, they became the first K-Pop boy group to play Coachella and locals couldn’t stop singing their praise for days afterward. The group is known for their intense, hard-hitting performances, unconventional rap styles, and mighty vocals. With the complete package, Ateez is an experience you don’t want to miss.
It is a widely acknowledged fact among fans and non-fans alike that this group is the face of Mandopop. Karry Wang, Roy Wang, and Jackson Yee came together to form The Fighting Boys when they were in their early teens. With their blood, sweat, and tears, they created an empire that stands strong over a decade later. The group is considered one of the most profitable idol acts in China, with each member raking in millions of dollars through merch alone. Their undeniable talents and optimistic music in the bubblegum pop genre have cemented their high position in the Chinese music scene and beyond.
‘The Beatles of the Chinese-speaking world’ – that’s how this Taiwanese band is known. Mayday has legendary status in Asia, owing to their extensive career and accomplishments. They have provided soundtracks to beloved movies and shows, like “Migratory Bird”, “Love of May”, and “The First Frost” and have won several awards. They spearheaded the rock movement in Taiwan and are revered for their seminal work. With fans all over the world, the band has held concerts across Asia, North America, Oceania, and Europe. From 1997 to now, the command Mayday has on rock aficionados remains unchanged and their influence is not fading anytime soon.
Not many artists can boast that they put their genre on the map. SB19, the trailblazers of P-Pop, have that achievement under their belt, with Billboard fame and international accolades aplenty. From the fertile soil of the Philippines, SB19 soared to unbelievable heights, popularizing Filipino art and culture around the world. One of their most popular songs, “Gento”, sparked a global dance challenge that had celebrities attempting their viral steps. New listeners turned into fans when they discovered their diverse body of work, ranging from EDM to rap, love songs, and rock. The members are undoubtedly multitalented performers but their deep involvement in the creative process makes them even more impressive. In conclusion, all the cool kids are listening to SB19, are you?
The name speaks for itself. Icons among icons, the BLACKPINK girls broke new ground for female pop groups on the world’s stage. They conquered the hearts of fans in South Korea, where the group was formed, while building a die-hard fandom overseas. Each member, with their unique charms and talents, added something very special into the mix, which ultimately created the recipe for lasting glory. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa are femme fatales with fearless spunk and in their hands, the girl crush concept transformed into a liberating vision of strong, independent women. Musically, they played with different genres without straying from their sonic aesthetic. As a result, the BP sound became instantly recognizable, though not replicable.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
No conversation about the best Asian pop groups would ever be complete without K-Pop’s very own Bangtan Boys. This entirely self-made group is a cultural phenomenon who made the world dance to their beat. No matter your musical preference, BTS has something for everyone’s taste. So, whether you’re craving a club banger or a cathartic cry, these young men have got you covered. Their unbeatable flair for performance has taken them to the world’s most prestigious stages like the Grammys and the VMAs. Similarly, the message in their lyrics, which touch upon issues like mental health, societal pressures, and prejudices, poised them as the voice of a generation. Most importantly, though, BTS made millions love themselves. No wonder their fans, ARMY, are inseparable from them!
Which of these pop groups are you a fan of? Show your faves some love in the comments section down below!
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most talented and impactful pop bands from all over Asia that you won’t regret stanning.
#10: FIRST5
India is no stranger to pop groups but with this band, the country is making a bid for global stardom. YouTuber and musician Aksh Baghla is investing in, mentoring, and managing FIRST5, a four-member boy band, reinterpreting the pop formula with their unique sensibilities. Rather than impressing with glossy Bollywood song and dance, FIRST5 focuses on stripped-down authenticity. Their self-written music reflects the colors of youth and makes for easy listening. Through complementary content like vlogs and covers, the members have been able to connect with their audience organically and are well on their way to garnering a loyal fandom.
#9: Trinity
Hailing from the Land of Smiles, Thailand, this boy band has established itself as one of the pioneers of T-Pop. Trinity was formed with three members from the project group Nine by Nine – Third, Porsche, and Jackie. A fourth member, James, joined the trio for a while before leaving to focus on his solo endeavors. Throughout their career, Trinity promoted globally and even collaborated with the famed Japanese band BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE. They came to be known for their versatile discography, spanning genres like hip-hop, R&B, and pop as well as their energetic choreographies. TNT also gained attention for singing in English as well as Thai, amplifying their popularity among international fans. As they continue activities, their popularity will only rise.
#8: Mirror
Created through the competition show “Good Night Show - King Maker”, Hong Kong’s premier boy group has burst onto the global music scene in recent years. Mirror ignited an unparalleled craze for Cantopop that has spread worldwide and is bringing attention to the rich culture of Hong Kong. The members, who all have their solo careers, are also highly sought-after talents, with several ad campaigns, endorsements, and brand ambassadorships to their name. Above all else, Mirror’s music is what propelled them to success. We get dynamic dance tracks as well as emotional odes to love and loss, rap-heavy anthems, retro bops, ballads, and more. What’s not to love?
#7: NiziU
The esteemed K-Pop company JYPE joined hands with Sony Music Japan to create this beloved J-Pop group. The members were handpicked by J.Y. Park, who put them through rigorous challenges on the reality show “Nizi Project”. During the contest, the girls trained under the K-Pop model in South Korea, honing their talents to perfection. As expected, NiziU soared to commercial success with their debut in 2020 and dominated the charts. They even earned a coveted spot in the 71st NHK Red And White Year-End Song Festival – a huge feat for a rookie group. The team’s bright and empowering music resonated with fans of J-Pop and K-Pop alike, opening the way for them to go global. The best thing is, they’re just getting started.
#6: Ateez
If you enjoy digging into a group’s artistic lore, exploring their conceptual universes, and deconstructing music videos to find hidden messages, this is the group for you. Ateez is a K-Pop boy band that marches to the beat of their own drum. Rather than following trends, they set new ones and are quite used to breaking records and making history. In 2024, they became the first K-Pop boy group to play Coachella and locals couldn’t stop singing their praise for days afterward. The group is known for their intense, hard-hitting performances, unconventional rap styles, and mighty vocals. With the complete package, Ateez is an experience you don’t want to miss.
#5: TFBoys
It is a widely acknowledged fact among fans and non-fans alike that this group is the face of Mandopop. Karry Wang, Roy Wang, and Jackson Yee came together to form The Fighting Boys when they were in their early teens. With their blood, sweat, and tears, they created an empire that stands strong over a decade later. The group is considered one of the most profitable idol acts in China, with each member raking in millions of dollars through merch alone. Their undeniable talents and optimistic music in the bubblegum pop genre have cemented their high position in the Chinese music scene and beyond.
#4: Mayday
‘The Beatles of the Chinese-speaking world’ – that’s how this Taiwanese band is known. Mayday has legendary status in Asia, owing to their extensive career and accomplishments. They have provided soundtracks to beloved movies and shows, like “Migratory Bird”, “Love of May”, and “The First Frost” and have won several awards. They spearheaded the rock movement in Taiwan and are revered for their seminal work. With fans all over the world, the band has held concerts across Asia, North America, Oceania, and Europe. From 1997 to now, the command Mayday has on rock aficionados remains unchanged and their influence is not fading anytime soon.
#3: SB19
Not many artists can boast that they put their genre on the map. SB19, the trailblazers of P-Pop, have that achievement under their belt, with Billboard fame and international accolades aplenty. From the fertile soil of the Philippines, SB19 soared to unbelievable heights, popularizing Filipino art and culture around the world. One of their most popular songs, “Gento”, sparked a global dance challenge that had celebrities attempting their viral steps. New listeners turned into fans when they discovered their diverse body of work, ranging from EDM to rap, love songs, and rock. The members are undoubtedly multitalented performers but their deep involvement in the creative process makes them even more impressive. In conclusion, all the cool kids are listening to SB19, are you?
#2: Blackpink
The name speaks for itself. Icons among icons, the BLACKPINK girls broke new ground for female pop groups on the world’s stage. They conquered the hearts of fans in South Korea, where the group was formed, while building a die-hard fandom overseas. Each member, with their unique charms and talents, added something very special into the mix, which ultimately created the recipe for lasting glory. Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa are femme fatales with fearless spunk and in their hands, the girl crush concept transformed into a liberating vision of strong, independent women. Musically, they played with different genres without straying from their sonic aesthetic. As a result, the BP sound became instantly recognizable, though not replicable.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
JKT48
AKB48’s Indonesian Sister Group Has Much to OfferWayV
This Chinese NCT Sub-Unit Has Mastered VersatilityPretzelle
This T-Pop Girl Band Is Talented and EndearingNewJeans a.k.a NJZ
Their Brand of K-Pop Is a Total Vibe#1: BTS
No conversation about the best Asian pop groups would ever be complete without K-Pop’s very own Bangtan Boys. This entirely self-made group is a cultural phenomenon who made the world dance to their beat. No matter your musical preference, BTS has something for everyone’s taste. So, whether you’re craving a club banger or a cathartic cry, these young men have got you covered. Their unbeatable flair for performance has taken them to the world’s most prestigious stages like the Grammys and the VMAs. Similarly, the message in their lyrics, which touch upon issues like mental health, societal pressures, and prejudices, poised them as the voice of a generation. Most importantly, though, BTS made millions love themselves. No wonder their fans, ARMY, are inseparable from them!
Which of these pop groups are you a fan of? Show your faves some love in the comments section down below!
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