Influenced by American hip-hop culture, Korean rap has been making waves internationally for quite some time, becoming a genre of its own. Although Korean rappers are deemed as “sell-out” for debuting in idol groups instead of cultivating the underground rap culture, there are many idols who are respected for their rap skills. Here’s the list of top 10 most popular male rappers from K-pop groups.
1. Suga – BTS
One of the fastest Korean rapper, Min Yoongi, better known as Suga from BTS is one of the most respected rappers in the industry. Suga has a fast flow and versatility on various beats as evidenced by the group’s songs like Idol, Dope and Spring Day as well as his solo songs like Agust D, Daechwita and What Do You Think?
2. Mark – NCT
Canadian-born K-Pop idol Mark is getting very popular in the Korean rap scene. English fluency is a very in-demand skill when it comes to rapping and thanks to his American root, Mark has been flourishing with his flow and stage presence. Part of four groups in SM, his skills are visible in songs like Mad City, Cherry Bomb, Misfit and Jopping.
3. G-Dragon – BigBang
G-Dragon has establishes himself as one of the most talented rapper in the industry and shows a lot of love for the skill which he has been cultivating since childhood. His style and technique is unrivaled in the industry as heard in songs like Replay, This Love and Wonderful.
4. Chanyeol – EXO
EXO is known for their soulful songs with strong vocals. Chanyeol is known for both his vocals and rapping with a unique soft style and flow which are especially emotional and touching. His skills can be heard in EXO song “Lightsaber”, OST for Goblin, “Stay With Me” or his solo works.
5. Han – Stray Kids
Considered an all-rounder in the industry, Han Ji Sung, better known as Han from Stray Kids can rap, sing and dance amazingly well. He can rap fast and can even deliver emotions well through his verses as heard in songs like Thunderous and Back Door.
6. Zico – Block B
Zico is popular as a solo rapper as well as in his group Block B. He is known for his accuracy in pronunciation as well as songwriting. Despite his cute looks, he shows his bad boy side in his rap style as heard in songs like NalinA and Nillili Mambo as well as his solo works like Any Song and Freak.
7. Mino – Winner
Formerly a member of the underground rap scene, Mino from Winner is known for his creativity and unique style. He has a great rhythm and versatility in rapping and has also won second place in reality TV rapping competition, “Show Me the Money”. His skills can be heard in songs like Run Away and Movie Star.
8. Bobby – iKON
Kim Ji Won, better known as Bobby from iKON is considered an all-rounder with his vocals, rapping, songwriting and producing. He has a realistic and authentic style of rapping as evidenced by songs like Killing Me and Love Scenario.
9. S.Coups – Seventeen
With a deep voice in contrast to his cute visuals, the leader of Seventeen S.Coups is the group’s main rapper. He is known for his dynamic style and flow as heard in songs like Getting Closer and Trauma.
10. Jinjin – Astro
Park Jin Woo, better known as Jinjin is the leader and main rapper of Astro. Originally known for his dance, he also has powerful rap skills that is both charismatic and beautiful. His skills can be heard in Just Breathe and Mad Max.
