Underground Korean Boy Groups that Deserve Your Love

BXB. Image: Wolfburn Entertainment. Edited by Chelsea Cheetham for Cherry Chu Magazine.

Falling into the rhythm of listening to Spotify’s “K-Pop ON!” or your day-to-day playlist of boy groups is often therapeutic and fun. Though, sometimes the daily mix can get too repetitive or we just find ourselves ready for something new. When this happens, it’s time to step out of the comfort zone of mainstream K-pop and try to find what is waiting to be discovered.

Waker

New to the K-pop scene as of 8 January 2024, WAKER debuted under HOWLING Entertainment with six members: Kohyeon, Kwon Hyeop, Ijun, Leo, Saebyeol, and Sebum. 

They made a bold entrance with a charm that isn’t seen often in debuts anymore; they’re all adults. Ranging in age from 21 to 29, the members all have experience either in other groups, on survival shows, or as backup dancers. WAKER is sure to brighten your playlists with their light concept and bright voices. 

Our WAKER song recommendations: 

1. ATLANTIS 

2. DASH 

3. SPIRIT 

DKB

Having debuted in February of 2020, DKB has been around for a while and they know a thing or two about making unskippable K-pop songs. 

With eight members, there’s someone for everyone, and they all hold unique talents besides performing. Members Junseo and Yuku are known for their DJing, GK for his producing, and D1 for his acrobatics. Other members include E-Chan, Heechan, Lune, and Harry-June who are all vocalists or dancers for the group, with E-Chan also being a co-leader with D1. 

Their most recent album, HIP, came out in November, so it’s best to get into them now as their fans, BB, are anxiously awaiting a comeback. 

Our DKB song recommendations: 

1. Rollercoaster 

2. Sober 

3. I Need Love 

The Wind

Coming up on one year since their debut, The Wind has taken the hearts of many as their fun and bubbly concept makes it feel like summer all year long. Their exuberant nature is infectious and they are absolutely filled with youth, possibly due to the young ages of the members who were born between the years 2004 and 2008. Known for their astounding live vocals and swift dance moves, they’re certainly not lacking in any aspect. 

Many of their songs are focused around a warm vibe and the feeling of being with friends. If you need a pick-me-up or a personal soundtrack to keep the energy high The Wind is a perfect match. 

Our The Wind song recommendations:

1. ISLAND  

2. With US 

3. WE GO 

BXB

Standing for Boy By Brush, BXB is creating their own version of youth and being through music and exploration of who they want to become. The five members come mostly from previous boy groups, but are now under Wolfburn Entertainment where they can further express what they love, be it acting, cycling, Hapkido, sound engineering, and of course performing. All their songs tend to have an individual, theatrical quality about them that you won’t hear anywhere else.

Their latest release, Chapter 2. Wings, has been receiving a lot of love from old and new fans alike, with songs featuring gospel, RnB, and Latin influence. 

Our BXB song recommendations:

1. Fly Away 

2. HOLA!

3. Planet

ALL(H)OURS

ALL(H)OURS have already started to gain a following since their debut in January this year by captivating many with their darker concept and incredibly strong presence. With only five songs released thus far, they’ve gained over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify only two months after their debut and over 22 million views on their debut music video on YouTube.

Even though their music is primarily hip-hop, the majority of members are vocalists, which gives their music a flow reminiscent of earlier generations of K-pop and K-hip-hop. ALL(H)OURS is delivering visuals, impeccable concepts, and fresh talent to the world of K-pop, and they certainly won’t be underground for long. 

Our ALL(H)OURS song recommendations:

1. GOTCHA 

2. WAO WAO 

3. Racer

If there are any other under appreciated boy groups you think deserve more love, let us know in the comments below.

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