10 South Korean Musicians To Watch In 2016 | The Odyssey Online
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10 South Korean Musicians To Watch In 2016

Be cool and get in on the Korean music scene.

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10 South Korean Musicians To Watch In 2016
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There is no denying that the South Korean music scene is booming. Between the rich selection of Kpop groups, to the bands and solo artists blowing up the scene, this is the list of Korean artists to watch out for in 2016.

1. Royal Pirates


First on the list, in no particular order, is a band by the name of Royal Pirates. Also known as RP, this band has been making waves in the Korean music scene. The band consists of Kim Moon-chul (vocals and guitar), EXSY (drums), and James Lee (bass/keys). The band is unique because all of the members are American-based. Moon and EXSY are originally from Korea, but lived in the United States for most of their lives. James is a California dude, with a past of modeling, even making an appearance on America’s Next Top Model.

The band can be described as having a fresh sound, with uplifting beats and fun lyrics. They have songs in both English and Korean, so everyone can enjoy their talent. Below is a link to RP's song "Drawing the Line."

2. Hyukoh

This band is an honorable mention, for being the first to be sighed on the label, HIGHGRND. This label is headed by Tablo (Epik High) and is a sub label to YG Entertainment. This band has had quite the 2015, with appearances on Korea’s biggest shows, and have only been active for a short two years. These four powerhouses have managed to take Korea by storm, and have transcended genres with their amazing collaborations. They are one of the biggest bands to break out of the indie scene in 2015, and so far their 2016 is looking even more promising. Check out Hyukoh's talent in the link below, with their song "Comes and Goes."

3. Zion. T

This 26-year-old old hip-hop artist was one of the biggest names in 2015. Having made several appearances on TV, in collaborations with other artists, and being spoken highly of by his contemporaries, Zion.T’s soothing voice will warm you up on a cold winter day. He often times appears in videos and collaborations with fellow Korean artist Crush. Zion.T has a distinct sound that is immediately pinpointed to him. Even though he had massive success in 2015, the buzz over his talent has not disappeared. 2016 will be an even bigger year for Zion.T. Listen to Zion.T's soothing vocals below in his song "No Make Up."

4. iKon


This was a huge debut for YG Entertainment in 2015. This seven member boy group was all the rave for Kpop lovers. Between their strong rap lines, to their soothing melodies, iKon has managed to melt hearts and dominate the scene. Even though they only have one official album as a group, they didn’t cease in dominating the award shows. These guys have huge shoes to fill. They are on the same label as BIGBANG and 2NE1. That doesn’t intimidate them though, which is why iKon will be a group to watch out for in 2016. Check out iKon's fun vibe below with their song "Dumb&Dumber."

5. Winner


This group is label mates with the previous group mentioned, iKon. Winner was the first boy group to debut from YG Entertainment since BIGBANG. Even though Winner and iKon share the same label, and even competed against each other in group competitions, Winner has a different sound. While iKon has a more upbeat, rebellious sound, Winner has an older, more mature sound. This group just had their comeback, which they call "Exit Movement." This is a much anticipated comeback for Inner Circle (Winner’s fanbase) since they had a two year hiatus. 2016 will be good for Winner and their fans.


6. CL

As the powerhouse rapper of 2NE1, and the amazing “Baddest Female” rapper of Korea, CL is about to make her official American debut. Also a fellow YG Entertainment representative, she has been rubbing elbows with major American acts. She released an English rap called "Dr. Pepper" with Riff Raff, and she has also collaborated with Skrillex and Diplo. Her unofficial American release, called "Hello Bitches," was released at the end of 2015 with a lot of anticipation for her new solo album. Even though her official American debut date has been pushed back, with no new information on a date, 2016 is the year to watch for CL.


7. Beenzino

As one of the leading names in the Khip-hop scene, Beenzino has had quite the 2015. Having collaborated with many of the artists listed on this list, he set forward a new trend in the South Korean music scene. While many underground rappers only become a big name through becoming an Idol (being a member of a k-pop group), Beenzino has avoided all of that. His deep voice, and lyrics, have captured the attention of music lovers of all genres. Beenzino has even managed to break onto the American scene by having a short tour in the states that wrapped up in December.


8. Zico

Zico, another Khip-hop artist, is also part of Block B, a k-pop group. With touring the states with his group, and also producing his two new ep’s, Zico has been on fire. His newest EP "Break Up 2 Make Up" was released January 25. This followed his other EP, Gallery, which was released at the end of 2015. Despite being an idol, Zico has broken barriers of the kpop scene, and has been respected by his elders of Khip-hop. Like Beenzino, Zico has also collaborated with many artists listed on this list. A few include: Suran, Zion. T, and Mino of WINNER. Even though Block B fans want to see the group comeback with new music, nonetheless, they are very happy with Zico’s new music. If it’s just with Zico, or with both Zico and Block B, 2016 is going to be a very active year for this amazing artist.


9. Dean

Dean was hidden behind the scenes of the K-pop scene as a producer, but soon grew to new heights when he started singing and posting his own music. At only twenty years old he became a producer. By twenty-three, he has built a very large repertoire. He has written songs for huge groups in Korea, a few include: Uniq, Exo, and VIXX. Before he started doing Korean exclusive music, he was producing English songs for himself. Whether he sings in English, or Korean, there is no denying that Dean is a HUGE star rising. In 2015 he worked with Eric Bellinger on a song called "I'm Not Sorry." Dean has also been photographed with Justin Bieber, and has even gotten some publicity from him here as well. Dean’s first Korean single, and official Korean debut, was with rapper Dok2 with the song I Love It. Another single to soon follow featured Zico, "Pour Up." Between his deep American producer roots, soon to be one of Korea’s hottest solo artists, Dean is a major name to watch out for in 2016.


10. Lee Hi

This little powerhouse debut under YG Entertainment in 2012 at the age of 16. Now at the age of 19, she has announced her comeback after a three year hiatus. Tablo (HIGHGRND) has taken the role of helping Lee Hi with her new album and comeback. This isn’t the first time Tablo has produced Lee Hi’s amazing bluesy vocals. They are so powerful, and so polished, it’s hard to believe that she’s so young. This will be the year of powerful female artists, and Lee Hi will be at the forefront of it.


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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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