This 2016 is said to be a bustling year for Korean Pop (K-Pop) fans in the North America. Billboard reported that various K-Pop bands are set to conquer the stage across the continent this year. In fact, several K-Pop cons and festivals will be held in Canada and the United States.
Japanese, Taiwanese and Chinese boy bands are also well-received not only in Asia, but also across other continents. However, the popularity of K-pop groups are towering above Asia for several years in a row. Some Asian music experts believe that Hallyu helped K-Pop make their way on American, Australian and European soil. According to ACM Group, an Asian-Australian website, here are three of the hottest Asian groups this 2016:
- Big Bang
Major US news agencies believe that Big Bang is the biggest band in Asia. The Washington Post reported that “they’re one of the biggest boy bands in the world.” Big Bang was also compared with One Direction, and it seemed that 1D’s shows are poorly attended when weighed up against Big Bang’s concerts.
The group made its debut on August 2006. Big Bang’s fame started with their song “Lies”, which received several accolades such as Song of the Year. G-Dragon, Seungri, Daesung, T.O.P and Taeyang make up the hit K-Pop boy band.
- 2Ne1
This female quartet is one of the biggest girl groups in the world to date. Their first debut single was launched in 2009, which marked the beginning of the group’s career. Among 2Ne1’s popular songs are “Fire”, “I Don’t Care” and “I am the Best.”
In 2012, The New York Times dubbed 2Ne1’s New Jersey Concert as the “Best Concert of 2012.” This female group is composed of CL, Dara, Bom and Minzy. However, it was confirmed that Minzy left 2Ne1 earlier this year.
- BTS
BTS or Bangtan Boys started their career in 2013. Since then, they have received several awards such as Best World Performer in MNet Asian Music Awards. This seven-member K-Pop boy band has a large social media following. In fact, Twitter introduced their first K-Pop emoji accenting Bangtan Boys.
BTS had performed in Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and South America. The group released their Japanese single “Run” earlier this year. Jin, Suga, Jungkook, V, Jimin, Rap Monster and J-Hope form BTS.