Top Five K-Pop Artists to Watch in 2013

by Allen Huang

2NE1
By WW MUSIC STAFF

2NE1 (pictured)
Mysteriously quiet for the bulk of 2012, YG Entertainment’s 2NE1 are one of a thimbleful of Korean groups to have performed in the U.S. The group hopes to reclaim home territory in 2013, with a comeback on the way and a solo album for its multilingual, bona fide superstar leader, CL.

RaNia

The group was initially formed with help from Blackstreet's Teddy Riley, and was built for overseas success. When it arrives in America this summer, the group will be followed by an MTV video crew and Britney Spears' tour managers, and will feature guest appearances by Snoop Lion and 2 Chainz.

 

A Pink

After a steady stream of releases, hot demand for the acting talents of band members Eunji and Son Naeun derailed promotions for the rest of the group. Now, after some lineup changes, A Pink is set to return to the music stage.



IU

She's been active on television and variety shows but hasn't released a new single in some time. Her principal songwriters have found tons of success behind fellow singer Son Ga-In, so their potential return to the "Nation's Little Sister" is highly anticipated.


Exo

The 12-member boy band—actually just two six-member boy bands mirroring the same songs but in different languages—generated a lot of hype across Asia with only one EP to its name.

 

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