K-pop is full of underrated girl groups whose talent has been hidden away from the world. These groups are more popularly known as nugu groups. About thousand of new groups debut each year in the Korean music industry, but only 5% of them show some kind of success. Unlike those who luckily are able to debut under big names such as HYBE LABEls, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, Cube Entertainment, and so on, these nugu groups have to start on a rough patch from the start. Even though they are pretty talented, they do not get as much fame because of their company not being very popular.
In spite of that, some groups have made their name in the K-pop industry despite not being very popular in their debut days. Their emotional and inspirational stories have been brought to light through many now-popular artists like BTS, Mamamoo, IU, etc., who had to endlessly keep trying to make their name in the harsh world of K-pop. In this article, we will be listing down some of these nugu/ underrated K-pop girl groups that you would be stunning in seconds. In fact, you would think that it’s quite outrageous that they are not known enough in the industry!
1. Nature
We cannot talk about underrated Kpop girl groups without including ‘Nature’. Furthermore, ‘Nature’ is a Kpop girl group managed by n. CH Entertainment. Nature consists of nine members originating from Korea, Japan, and China. Lu, Aurora, Sohee, Saebom, Chaebin, Haru, Loha, Uchae, and Sunshine.
The group has a very intriguing style. They debuted with a single album titled ‘Girls and Flowers’ back in 2018. Nature does not have a single bad song, once you start listening to them, there is no going back. Their songs ‘Some’ ‘Girls’ and ‘Oopsie’ are some of their most solid tracks.
2. Favorite
When we say that ‘Favorite’ will become your favorite, you need to trust us 100%. This Kpop girl group consists of six members- Gaeul, Saebom, Seoyeon, Sugyeong, Jeonghee, and Ahra. The six girls are the definition of powerful. They have one studio album, three extended plays, and four singles.
You will fall in love with their amazing choreography and catchy songs. Although not very popular in Korea, Favorite has a loyal fanbase in Japan. Favorite debuted back in 2017 under ASTORY Entertainment. Their songs ‘LOCA’ and ‘Catch Me’ will have you become a devoted fan of the group.
3. Purple Beck
Another hidden gem among Kpop girl groups is Purple Beck. Furthermore, Purple Beck is a Kpop girl group under Majesty Entertainment. It consists of five talented members named Yeowool, Yerim, Mini, La Yeon, and Seyeon. Yeowool is the leader of the group. They made their debut with their amazing song ‘Crystal Ball’.
All the members of the group have killer vocals and hit every single note without breaking a sweat. Most of their songs revolve around the concept of dreams and imagination. Their fandom’s official name is Beckies. And we guarantee that after you listen to their songs, you will become a Beckie too.
4. CRAXY
One of the coolest Kpop girl groups to ever exist! CRAXY was formerly known as Wish Girls and is managed by S.A ITAINMENT. Furthermore, this talented girl group consists of five members named Wooah, Karin, Hyejin, Swan, and ChaeY. Wooah is the leader of the group. They debuted in 2020 with a full-length album titled ‘My Universe’.
Furthermore, the official name of their fanbase is Crown. They have very powerful choreographies, catchy beats, and the chorus of their songs will live in your head rent-free. Among their best releases is the debut track of their album titled ‘Aria’ and ‘Trigger’.
5.DreamNote
DreamNote is a Kpop girl group under iMe KOREA. Furthermore, the group consists of six members named Youi, Boni, Lara, Miso, Sumin, and Eunjo. This girl group debuted on the 7th of November in 2018 with their album ‘Dreamlike‘.
Although their debut track failed to make a place in the listeners’ hearts, the group really outdid themselves with ‘Hakuna Matata’ in 2019. Among their best releases is their track ‘Ghost’, which has spooky vibes, and ‘Wish’, which has a catchy beat. Make sure to check them out and become a member of ‘Page’, which is their official fan page name.
6. Lusty
Lusty is a five-membered girl group under BabaPlay. The members Harin, Junhui, Isol, Yoonji, and Yeryung. had debuted with the single I’m Thirsty in the June of 2019. The group’s name actually has a special meaning behind it.
Lusty stands for Lively, Sturdy, and Robust. Unfortunately, due to not being very popular, the group has not released any more musical continent ever since their debut. Do not let such talent go to waste, and start stanning Lusty right now!
7. Woo!ah!
After discovering the brilliant songs of this girl group, you will go Woo!ah!. Additionally, Woo!ah! is a Kpop girl group under NV Entertainment. Moreover, NV Entertainment is a rookie entertainment company with Woo!ah! Being their first and only Kpop girl group.
Originally they debuted as a six-membered group but currently have only five members named Nana, Wooyeon, Sora, Lucy, and Minseo. They released their first-ever digital single, ‘Catch The Stars’, this year. The group shares creative videos and is very popular on the Tiktok. A must-listen for all Kpop fans.
8.GIRLKIND
This summery group debuted under Next Level Entertainment on the 17th of January. Furthermore, the group consists of four members named JK, Medic Jin, Xeheun, and Ellyn. Xeheun is the leader of the group, and if you watched Produce 101, you may recognize her as a contestant.
Their songs ‘FANCI’ and ‘Good Vibes Only’ are among their best works. Apart from stellar music, each member of the group is very entertaining and has hidden talents. They are also active on their YouTube channel, and every members posts fun content such as trying out new snacks, makeup looks and unboxing. Once you become a part of their fandom, you will never experience boredom.
9. Alice
Alice is most popularly known by their former name Elris. They changed their name to Alice on the 11th of April in 2022. Furthermore, the group was formed back in 2017 under Hunus Entertainment and is currently managed by IOK company. Although it debuted as a five-member group, Alice currently has seven members after the addition of two new members in February of 2020.
The members of the group are Bella, Yeonjae, Yukyung, Sohee, Karin, EJ, and Chajeong. All the members of Alice are very young, with the eldest being 25 years old. The group debuted with an extended play titled ‘We, First‘, which had a cutesy concept and then transitioned to a more quirky theme. Alice is a hidden treasure in the wonderland of underrated Kpop girl groups!
10. HeyGirls
Originally known as the Black Queen, HeyGirls is a Kpop girl group under Moai Entertainment. You may also recognize the group from their appearance on the famous talent show Superstar K3.
Although the group debuted back in 2012, it has had several lineup changes and currently consists of only three members. Sulhee, Jein, and Chaerin are the talented members of HeyGirls. The group is a must-listen for fans of the dance-pop genre. Just listening to their debut track ‘Good Girls’ is enough to make you stan them.
11. S.I.S
S.I.S is a Kpop girl group that debuted under Double x Entertainment in the year 2017. Furthermore, the group originally had six members but now stands at four after J-Sun and Dal left in 2019. The members of the group are Minzy, Gaeul, Anne, and Sebin. Their name ‘S.I.S’ is an acronym for ‘Serendipity In Stars’, which means they aim to shine in the darkness.
Each member of the girl group act as SISters with contrasting personalities. Both their music videos and songs are intriguing. If you are a fan of music videos with a fun concept and the dance-pop genre, then this underrated Kpop girl group is the one for you.
12. Fanatics
Fanatics is a seven-membered kpop girl group under FENT. Furthermore, they debuted with a mini-album titled ‘The Six’ back in 2019. The group now consists of six members named Doi, Chaelin, Chiayi, Via, Yoonhye, Rayeon, and Doah, after Sika left the group in October 2021. Fanatics has one of the most entertaining and power-packed dance chores in (dare we say) all of Kpop!
According to some critics, Chiayi is one of the best dancers in the entire industry. In one of their choreographies, they do a jump rope flip which will leave you gaping at your screen. Apart from a power-packed choreography the members of the group have the best vocals. Fanatics is an all-kill, and you should definitely check them out.
13. Hashtag
The group debuted in the October of 2017 with their track ‘The Girl Next Door’. Furthemore, the group consists of seven members named Hyunji, Dajeong, Sua, Seungmin, Subin, Sojin, and Aeji. Among the members, Dajeong had participated on the hit survival show Produce 101’s first season.
A huge reason to trust us on this recommendation is the fact that their music is produced by Kan Mi Youn. Furthermore, Kan Mi Youn is a former member of Baby V.O.X. Their single ‘My Style’ has the ability to make you energized on the most tiring of days. They are managed by Luk Factory.
14. Redsquare
More popularly known as RQS, Redsquare is a Kpop girl group managed by ICONIC MnE. Furthermore, the group debuted in 2020 with their bopping single album Prequel. It has five members named Green, Lina, ChaeA, Ari, and Bomin. Moreover, the group was originally formed by About Entertainment but changed labels in 2020. Their song ‘Colorfull’ is one of their best acts.
15. Girl Crush
GIRL CRUSH is a highly underrated Kpop girl group managed by DAM Entertainment. Furthermore, the group debuted with their single ‘Memories’, which is also one of its best works. All the members of Girl Crush are total girl crush materials. The members of Girl Crush are Bomi, Taeri, Zia, and Yuka. Their music videos are bold and brave. They are also active on their Youtube channel, where they share fun content revolving around their lives.
16. Violet
One Kpop girl group that really needs to be brought into the limelight is none other than Violet! Violet is a five-membered K-pop girl group consisting of Gu Seul, Do Yeon, Yeo Ri, Doon Kyung, and Da Da.
The group had initially debuted as a six-membered group under AfreecaTV through the survival program show The Best Of The Best. They went on to debut with a single Pang Pang or The Best Of The Best on September 1 of the year 2019. Sadly, the group has not released more songs ever since their debut.
17. Pink Fantasy
Pink Fantasy is another underrated K-pop girl group that you should not be missing out. The group consists of the talented members Daewang, SeeA, Yechan, Harin, Momoka, Arang, Miku, and Heesun. The girl group had debuted in the year 2018 with the single Iriwa. Fun fact: Their music video for Iriwa had been directed by the popular Super Junior member Shindong! Ever since Pink Fantasy has debuted, the group has undergone many lineup changes. Another interesting fact about this group is something related to a member named Daewang. Daewang hides her face by a mask which makes the group unique in an aspect!
The group had received attention lately for their album Alice In Wonderland in 2021. Their album had debuted at the 39th position in the Gaon Album Chart. Bet they will be making it big sooner or later! Go ahead and stan this truly underrated K-pop girl group!
18. Saturday
Saturday is a five-membered girl group under SD Entertainment. Initially containing an original lineup of seven members, Saturday known consists of Haneul, Juyeon, Yuki, Ayeon, and Minseo. The members of Saturday had showcased their talents with their debut song MMook JJi BBa on July 18 in the year 2018. Since then, the girl group has released three single albums, two digital singles, and two special singles. Their single album D.B.D.B.DIB is their highest-charting album yet. Just a listen to their music will make you understand why they need to get popular asap!
19. ICU
Debuting under Liz Entertainment, ICU has been promoting its songs in Korea as well as Japan. Currently, the group consists of five members which are Abin, Naye, Chae-i, Hayu, and Ella, who had debuted on October 22, 2019, with the digital single Cupid. The agency of ICU has planned to add more members to the group soon enough.
Also Read: Top 8 K-pop Idols Who Can Have A Successful Solo Career
