Underrated K-Pop Acts That Deserve More Hype

In the past decade, K-pop music has witnessed an immense surge on a global scale. Out of hundreds of new music acts that make their debut, only a few are able to make a name for themselves from the start. Others, while they are just as talented, don’t get the same exposure, and their amazing music stays under the radar.

In order to shed light on the matter and introduce you to great releases, here are some underrated K-pop acts that deserve more hype.

1. MEGAMAX – “Painted Love”

MEGAMAX is a six-member boy group comprised of Iden, Ha.El, Rohan, Kan, Jaehun, and Jini. They debuted on September 8, 2021 with the mini-album “Painted Love.” The title track of the same name was released both in Korean and in English. The members’ soulful voices are quite hypnotizing and make you want to listen to more of their music!

2. lilli lilli – “Barcode”

Rookie idols Luce and Grita debuted as the female duo lilli lilli on November 11, 2021. Their first release is a digital single titled “Barcode” and shows the girls’ edgy style in abundance. The pair also released two OSTs, both titled “You Are My Destiny” for the dramas “Jinxed At First” and “River Where the Moon Rises.” The two ladies have great potential and show great promise as idols.

3. DIOS – “Touch Me”

Introduced as a pre-debut quartet, DIOS launched their pre-debut single titled “Touch Me” on August 21, 2021. The members are Woojung, Hyun, Loki, and Jay. In their only MV to date, the group shows incredible synergy, and their vocals combined are literal music to the ears. In this first impression, the variety of scenery and energy will give you an idea about what they could deliver for their official debut.

4. EZE – “Reminisce”

Once part of now-disbanded groups SHA SHA and H2L (previously SUS4), EZE made her official solo debut on May 14, 2021. Her debut single is “Reminisce,” which she followed with “Blossom” in 2022. She has a delicate voice that is so soothing that it will make you want to play her songs on repeat.

5. DreamNote – “Ghost”

Another group that is worthy of your attention is DreamNote. The group debuted with eight members originally on November 7, 2018 with the single album “Dreamlike” and the title track “Dream Note.” Only Youi, Boni, Lara, Eunjo, Sumin and Miso remain, and their latest release “Ghost” is an absolute bop. Listen for yourselves and spread the word!

6. NOIR – “Lucifer”

NOIR is a nine-member group that debuted on April 9, 2018 with the title track “Gangsta” from their first mini-album “Twenty’s Noir.” Members Seunghoon, Yeonkuk, Junyong, Yunsung, Siheon, Hoyeon, Siha, Minhyuk, and Daewon exude incredible charisma that perfectly fits their group name. Their latest release to date, “Lucifer,” is a powerful track that deserves to be put in the spotlight.

Which underrated K-pop act do you think deserves more hype? Let us know in the comments below!

Esmee L. is a Moroccan lively dreamer, writer, and Hallyu enthusiast.