The meaning of K-pop is short for Korean Popular Music whereas, it’s a form of popular music originating in South Korea as part of South Korean Culture. it includes styles and genres from around the world, such as pop, hip hop, R&B, experimental, rock, jazz, gospel, reggae, electronic dance, folk, country, disco, and classical on top of its traditional Korean music roots.
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The term “K-pop” became popular in the 2000s. Previously, South Korean pop music was called gayo While “K-pop” can be a general term for all popular music from South Korea or pop music from the country, it is colloquially often used in a narrower sense for any Korean music and artists associated with the entertainment and idol industry in the country, regardless of the genre.
In 2018, K-pop experienced significant growth and became a ‘power player,’ marking a 17.9% increase in revenue growth. As of 2019, Korean popular music is ranked number six among the top ten music markets worldwide according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s “Global Music Report 2019,” with BTS and Blackpink cited as artists leading the market growth.
In 2020, K-pop experienced a record-breaking year when it experienced a 44.8% growth and positioned itself as the fastest-growing major market of the year. As a result, South Korean artists have hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart numerous times.
The hottest K-Pop male idols without makeup
K-pop male models are famous for their aesthetics. And you cannot deny that all K-pop male models look stunningly handsome.
1. Kim Taehyung
One of the most desirable K-pop male idols, Kim Taehyung also known professionally as V. He is a singer and songwriter performing for the South Korean boy band BTS. He has released three solo songs under the BTS band’s name called Stigma (2016), Singularly (2018), and Inner Child (2020).
- Born: December 30, 1995
- Age: 26 years old
- Years active: 2013 – present
V became part of BTS as a secret member but became a full member debuting on June 13, 2013. His baritone singing voice, impressive vocal range, and husky tone make him an integral member of the popular K-pop group.
2. Jung Kook (BTS)
A notable BTS K-pop music group member, Jung Jeong-guk, is better known by his stage name Jung Kook. He is a singer, songwriter, and record producer under the record label Bit Hit Music.
- Born: September 1, 1997
- Age: 24 years old
- Years active: 2013 – present
Jung Kook made his debut as a member of BTS on June 12, 2013, with the release of the single 2 Cool 4 Skool. He has participated in various solo activities since 2015, including the One Dream, One Korea campaign in September of the same year.
3. Sehun
A South Korean rapper, songwriter, singer, model, and dancer, Oh Sehun known professionally as Sehun, He is part of the South Korean Chinese boy group, Exo, its sub-group Exo-K and sub-unit Exo-SC. The musician’s amazing looks make him a great contender for the most handsome man in South Korea.
- Born: April 24, 1994
- Age: 28 years old
- Years active: 2012 – present
The handsome K-Pop artist is also heavy into fashion. In 2017 and 2018, he attended Louis Vuitton’s fashion shows in Paris, where he was awarded the Best Dressed Man for both years.
4. Jin (BTS)
He is one of the most notable members of the BTS K-pop group that has been making a massive impact in South Korea and other parts of the world. Jin is a singer, composer, dancer, model, and stage performer.
- Born: December 4, 1992
- Age: 29 years old
- Years active: 2013 – present
Jin has been part of BTS since 2013 and is one of the four vocalists. The most interesting thing about Jin is that he can play the guitar. He also has an amazing voice with stable breath control and a strong falsetto, referred to as the silver voice. In 2019, the singer was ranked the 13th most popular idol and the 6th among girls ages 13-19 in South Korea.
5. Taemin (SHINee, SuperM)
Popular K-pop male artist in South Korea that debuted as a member of the boy band Shinee in 2008, Taemin. He is a singer, actor, and dancer with good looks. The musician’s first acting role was as Junsu in the 2009 MBC comedy Tae Hee, Hye-Kyo, Ji-Hyun.
- Born: July 18, 1993
- Age: 29 years old
- Years active: 2008 – present
The musician temporarily halted his music career to fulfill a mandatory obligation to join the South Korean military. In January 2022, SM Entertainment released a statement informing the public that the musician will complete the remainder of his military service as a public service worker.
6. Baekhyun
Baekhyun is a singer, songwriter, and actor. He is a member of the Korean Chinese boy group Exo, which he joined in 2012. On top of this, he is also part of the South Korean supergroup SuperM.
- Born: May 6, 1992
- Age: 30 years old
- Years active: 2012 – present
The singer started training when he was 11 years old, influenced by South Korean singer Rain. He was later discovered by an SM Entertainment agent while taking his entrance exams to the Seoul Institute of the Arts. The musician is also active in fashion and has participated in various fashion events.
7. Kai
One of the hottest K-Pop male idols in South Korea, Kai His real name is Kim Jong-in. He is a singer, dancer, model, and actor. Kai is a member of the South Korean Chinese music group Exo, Exo-K and supergroup SuperM.
- Born: January 14, 1994
- Age: 28 years old
- Years active: 2011 – present
Kai portrays himself as a hot and brutal idol, but he is incredibly charming and a warm-hearted individual. He is the face of the Exo K-Pop music group and is skilled in multiple dance genres.
8. Mark Lee
One of the most handsome Korean idols without surgery, Mark Lee. He is a Canadian singer, rapper, and dancer of Korean descent. Mark is a member of the boy band NCT and its sub-units NCT 127 and NCT Dream, as well as supergroup Super M.
- Born: August 2, 1999
- Age: 22 years old
- Years active: 2013 – present
Lee started his career in 2012 by joining SM Entertainment as a trainee after passing the SM Global Audition in Vancouver, Canada. Since then, he has released various songs and taken part in numerous television series.
9. BM (KARD)
A South Korean American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer signed under DSP Media, BM, whose real name is Matthew Kim. DSP Media recruited the musician after taking part in K-Pop Star.
- Born: October 20, 1992
- Age: 29 years old
- Years active: 2016 – present
10. Kim Mingyu
One of the most handsome Korean idols without surgery, Kim. He is the tallest member of the Korean pop group, Seventeen, which is under Pledis Entertainment. The group has 13 members.
- Born: April 6, 1997
- Age: 25 years old
- Years active: 2015 – present
Kim was only 14 when he started training with other teenage boys at the company. Alongside his successful music career, Kim Mingyu also models for magazines and clothing brands.
11. Lucas (NCT/WAYV/SuperM)
The most talented South Korean pop idol with great looks, Lucas Wong. He is a singer and model of Chinese and Thai descent. Lucas is part of the South Korean K-pop group NC, its Chinese sub-unit NCT U and the supergroup SuperM.
- Born: January 25, 1999
- Age: 23 years old
- Years active: 2018 – present
SM Entertainment scouted the singer in late 2015 after passing a Global Audition in Hong Kong. Lucas has been part of the group participating in various amazing projects.
12. Eunhyuk (Super Junior)
South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer, and TV host, Eunhyuk. The artist is part of the South Korean boy group Super Junior and its subgroups Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H.
- Born: April 4, 1986
- Age: 36 years old
- Years active: 2005 – present
The rapper debuted as part of the 12-member project group Super Junior 05 on November 6, 005, and has been performing under it ever since.
13. G-Dragon (BIGBANG)
G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, goes by many titles as he is super talented. He is a rapper, entrepreneur, fashion designer, singer, songwriter, and renowned as the King of K-pop. The rapper deserves the title as he has won numerous awards, including two Golden Disc Awards, seven Mnet Asian Music Awards, six Melon Music Awards, and two Korean Music Awards.
- Born: August 18, 1988
- Age: 33 years old
- Years active: 1994 – present
14. Chanyeol
Chanyeol is a singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and model. The musician is part of the Chinese South Korean boy group Exo, its sub-group Exo-K and its subunit, Exo-SC.
- Born: November 27, 1992
- Age: 29 years old
- Years active: 2012 – present
The multitalented singer joined the group on February 23, 2012, and contributes his amazing baritone singing voice. On top of being part of the popular music group, Chanyeol has taken part in various movies and TV shows.
15. Ryeowook (Super Junior)
Ryeowook is a member of the boy group Super Junior, which he joined in 2005. He is not only a singer but a songwriter and musical actor. Ryeowook started his solo career in 2016 and released his first EP, The Little Prince.
- Born: June 21, 1987
- Age: 35 years old
- Years active: 2005 – present
There you have it, a list of the hottest K-pop male idols in South Korea. Most of them started singing when they were young and were trained to become the best. That is why besides their great looks, they are incredibly talented in their craft.
