In the constellation of K-pop, hundreds of shining stars are waiting to be discovered, each twinkling with their unique brilliance and potential. Following our feature on underrated K-pop boy groups, this list highlights 15 underrated K-pop girl groups that deserve more recognition and support on their journey to stardom.
ALICE
Label: IOK Company
Members: EJ and Chaejeong
Debut date: June 1, 2017
Debut album: “WE, first”
No matter the season, ALICE (formerly known as ELRIS) has the power to bring summer with their music. One of their most popular songs, “DANCE ON,” with its catchy hook and pulsating synth in the background, serves as a great introduction to the group’s discography. Another popular and slightly whimsical-sounding song, “You and I,” also follows the same formula of soft vocals and a catchy beat that will remind you of spring, summer, and everything nice.
Billlie
Label: MYSTIC STORY
Members: Moon Sua, Suhyeon, Haram, Tsuki, Sheon, Siyoon, and Haruna
Debut date: November 10, 2021
Debut album: “the Billage of perception : chapter one”
Billlie is one of those groups whose music is surrounded by lore. Basically, the entire concept of Billlie revolves around a mysterious event that the members must keep secret. The mystery unfolds slowly through their music. To understand the lore, you need to start listening to listen to their music in the order of release. However, “BYOB (bring your own friend)” has a whimsical and melancholic vibe and is perfect for causal listeners.
BLACKSWAN
Label: DR Music
Members: Fatou, Nvee, Gabi, and Sriya
Debut date: October 16, 2020
Debut album: “Goodbye RANIA”
Members of RANIA re-debuted as BLACKSWAN, which is now a multinational K-pop group consisting of Gabi from Brazil, Fatou from Belgium, Sriya from India, and Nvee from the United States. Despite multiple lineup changes, BLACKSWAN is still standing strong. Their recent song “Karma” showcases the members’ strong vocal skills. While every member is full of talent, Fatou’s sassy rap voice stands out the most.
cignature
Label: J9 Entertainment
Members: Chaesol, Jeewon, Seline, Chloe, Belle, Semi, and Dohee
Debut date: February 3, 2020
Debut album: “NUN NU NAN NA”
While cignature does not have a huge catalog of music, most of the popular songs from their small discography are upbeat and bright. For example, songs like “Smooth Sailing,” with a mixture of soft and bright vocals, will teleport you to a summer beach picnic. The group also has some relaxed songs like “Mess With My Mind” and melancholic masterpieces like “Little Me.”
CSR
Label: CSR E&M, POPMUSIC
Members: Geumhee, Sihyeon, Seoyeon, Yuna, Duna, Sua, and Yeham
Debut date: July 27, 2022
Debut album: “Sequence : 7272”
As CSR has a cute and innocent concept, the debut title track “Pop? Pop!” encapsulates the group’s sound and vibe extremely well. One of the best albums for a new fan is definitely “DELIGHT,” which features four songs with different vibes: two upbeat pop songs like “Eighteen (Signal)” and “Picnic,” a bright and rather optimistic song like “Shining Bright,” and a melancholic song “Dandelion.”
CRAXY
Label: SAI Entertainment
Members: Woo-Ah, KaRin, HyeJin, and Swan
Debut date: March 6, 2020
Debut album: “My Universe”
CRAXY’s discography leans heavily toward rap-centric songs, and it works! The group’s most popular song on Spotify, “NUGUDOM,” begins with an eerie piano and violin instrumental, followed by a strong and confident rap verse by Woo-Ah. Another great song from CRAXY’s discography is “Poison Rose,” which, similarly to “NUGUDOM,” starts with a piano sequence but is focused more on the vocals.
Dreamcatcher
Label: Dreamcatcher Company
Members: JiU, SuA, Siyeon, Handong, Yoohyeon, Dami, and Gahyeon
Debut date: January 13, 2017
Debut album: “Nightmare”
Dreamcatcher is another one of those groups whose music has a story and lore behind it. One word to explain their music would be “grand.” Through their strong vocals, loud instrumentals, and ethereal high notes, every song sounds like a doorway into a fantasy world. Their recent hit “BONVOYAGE” showcases everything great about Dreamcatcher’s music.
DreamNote
Label: iMe KOREA
Members: BoNi, YOUI, Lara, MISO, Sumin, and Eunjo
Debut date: November 7, 2018
Debut album: “Dreamlike”
DreamNote is one of the groups whose growth was stalled due to the pandemic, but four years and they are still standing. The group boasts a diverse discography, ranging from relaxed and laid-back tracks like “Bittersweet” to upbeat and bright songs like “Lemonade.” DreamNote definitely has something for everyone.
EL7Z UP
Label: Apple Monster
Members: Kei, Yeeun, Yeoreum, Yeonhee, Nana, Hwiseo, and Yuki
Debut date: September 14, 2023
Debut album: “7+UP”
Formed from the variety show “Queendom Puzzle,” EL7Z UP is a supergroup (consisting of members who already debuted under other groups in the past). While they may not be a permanent group, their small discography is too good to skip. One of their most popular songs on Spotify, “Die for You,” with its dreamy, light, and airy vibe, might be the group’s best song. “CHEEKY” also follows the same formula but features a faster tempo and a more pop-vibe.
fromis_9
Label: PLEDIS Entertainment
Members: Lee Saerom, Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Roh Jisun, Lee Seoyeon, Lee Chaeyoung, Lee Nagyung, and Baek Jiheon
Debut date: January 24, 2018
Debut album: “To. Heart”
Formed from the survival program “Idol School” in 2017, fromis_9 made their official debut in 2018 and has been captivating fans’ hearts ever since. Currently under HYBE’s acquired label PLEDIS, the members of fromis_9 boast a colorful vocal palette and solid performance skills. “Love Me Back,” which fromis_9 sang for the OST of a webtoon, showcases the group’s lovely vocals.
H1-KEY
Label: GRANDLINE GROUP
Members: Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo, and Yel
Debut date: January 5, 2022
Debut album: “Athletic Girl”
H1-KEY creates noise music that is pleasant to the ears. The instruments are loud, and you can notice the EDM influence in most of their songs, but the melodious vocals make their music stand out among songs of similar genres. Their most streamed song on Spotify, “Rose Blossom,” with its sweet vocals blending with loud music, is the perfect example of their discography. However, the group also has low-tempo songs like “Thinkin’ About You” that focus more on their beautiful vocals.
ICHILLIN’
Label: KM Entertainment
Members: Jiyoon, E.Ji, Jackie, Joonie, Chaerin, Yeju, and Chowon
Debut date: September 8, 2021
Debut album: “GOT’YA”
The name ICHILLIN’ is a compound of the words “aisling,” meaning vision and dream, and “chillin,” meaning relaxing, which perfectly describes their music. One of their currently popular songs “ON MY LIPS” from their recent album “Feelin’ Hot” has relaxed vocals and a repetitive beat that will tattoo the song in your brain. “DEMIGOD” is another extremely memorable song with relaxed vocals, dreamy falsetto, and a memorable anti-drop chorus that perfectly complements the song’s vibe.
PIXY
Label: ALLART Entertainment
Members: Lola, Dia, Sua, Dajeong, and Rinji
Debut date: February 24, 2021
Debut album: “With My Wings”
With airy vocals and often dark music videos, PIXY’s music leans towards the sensual and moody side. The best example of their style from their recent releases is “Hide & Seek.” The song starts with light and airy vocals, includes ethereal background vocals, and features an anti-drop chorus that adds to its moody vibe.
PURPLE KISS
Label: RBW
Members: Goeun, Dosie, Ireh, Yuki, Chaein, and Swan
Debut date: March 15, 2021
Debut album: “Ponzona”
For a girl group with a dark, witchy, and Halloween-esque concept, the PURPLE KISS members sure sound like angels. Though every member is blessed with great vocals, Goeun’s and Swan’s vocals, in particular, make all of their songs a no-skip. PURPLE KISS’s most recent song “BBB,” with strong vocals and a relaxed tone, is a great listen to get into the group.
WOOAH
Label: SSQ Entertainment
Members: Nana, Wooyeon, Sora, Lucy, and Minseo
Debut date: May 13, 2020
Debut single: “EXCLAMATION”
WOOAH’s music fluctuates between girl crush and bad girl concepts, which means their discography is quite diverse. One common thing among most of their songs is the upbeat, bright, and pop sound, which is evident in their recent hit “BLUSH.”
Hello K-pop lovers! Are there any underrated K-pop girl groups that you think deserve more recognition? Let us know in the comments below.
Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres but believes no one can top the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.
Currently watching: “The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection,” Lovely Runner,” and “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon.”
Looking forward to: “Chief Detective 1958” and “Dare to Love Me“