Top 10 Best Leaders of K-Pop Groups
A great K-pop leader is the one you notice even when they are not fighting for center time. They keep the group steady through comeback chaos, live-stage nerves, variety show mayhem, and the occasional fandom meltdown over a haircut.
You look for someone who can speak for the team without stealing the spotlight, guide younger members without sounding like a school principal, and turn pressure into clean choreography, sharp vocals, and actual teamwork. The best ones balance charisma with patience, which is harder than hitting a high note after a dance break. Vote for the leader who makes you think, yes, that group would be lost without them.
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Kim Hyun-joong ~ SS501
Kim Hyun-Joong (Korean: 김현중, Hanja: 金賢重, born June 6, 1986) is a South Korean entertainer, actor, singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is the leader and main rapper of the boy band SS501.
He has also played roles in the Korean dramas Boys Over Flowers and Playful Kiss, which gained him international... read more
I would not comment on Kim Hyun Joong's leadership since I am not Korean nor do I live with them. We are just outsider fans, not their family or friends. We would never know. Only the SS501 members know about his leadership.
What I do know is that he led his group to become a famous boy band, and he has sacrificed a lot for himself through illness, injury, and collapse, etc. He is a hardworking artist that I've ever seen. I really admire him because he works hard to improve himself and become stronger.
He always gives his best through each performance. He is a talented artist and good-looking. I love his 4D personality and great character. He is not perfect because nobody is perfect. Though people always say he can't sing, for me, he can sing really well. I love his sexy voice. Every time I hear his soft and deep voice, I feel calm. He says he is not number one because that can be replaced, but he is the only one: Kim Hyun Joong.
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Leeteuk ~ Super Junior
Park Jeong-su, better known by his stage name Leeteuk, is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actor.
He is the leader of the boy band Super Junior, which debuted in 2005 and became one of the most successful K-pop groups. Leeteuk has also hosted a variety of television programs and is known for... read more
Just see how Super Junior has gone through all the ups and downs - accidents, controversies, loss of family members, etc. - and still thrives as they do now. One of the main reasons for the group's close bond and success is due to their leader.
Not to mention, Super Junior is filled with members who have huge personalities and a touch of craziness. Leeteuk is probably the only one who can manage them.
After what he went through in 2014, you can't help but wonder what this man's heart is made of. However, I'm pretty sure having the members stay beside him is also one of the reasons he could survive the tragedy. A leader and members who are as close to each other as family - what can be better than that?
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Onew ~ SHINee
Lee Jin-ki, better known by his stage name Onew, is a South Korean singer, actor, and MC. He debuted in 2008 as the leader and main vocalist of the boy group SHINee under SM Entertainment. Onew has also pursued solo music projects and has appeared in various television dramas and musicals.
Onew is the kindest and most caring leader among all others in K-pop, without a doubt! He is so cute and lovely. His cute eye smile can make your day brighter. He is like the sun - so warm and bright.
He is just too cute to resist. He is very clumsy, even on stage, and that's what makes him even more adorable. He always looks out for the other members, is very responsible, and is incredibly caring. He is also very clever. He got second place in his whole school.
Despite having amazing hot abs, he still doesn't show off. Onew is a very down-to-earth person! Though he is the eldest in the group, he is actually like a baby. He has an angelic voice that can melt your heart. His eye smile and his laugh are the best in the whole world.
If you've had a bad day, just look at a picture of Onew smiling, and it will definitely put a smile on your face. He has that effect on people! He is the cutest, sweetest, kindest, most caring, loveliest, clumsiest yet most responsible, cleverest, and most talented leader in K-pop. SHINee is certainly very lucky to have him as a leader. A Shawol and an MVP forever!
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Taeyeon ~ Girls' Generation
Kim Tae-yeon (born March 9, 1989), known mononymously as Taeyeon, is a South Korean singer and actress. She debuted in August 2007 as leader and main vocalist of the girl group Girls' Generation, which became one of the best-selling K-pop acts. She has released several solo albums and EPs and appeared... read more
At first, it may seem like she isn't always there for her members, which is why I initially didn't think she was a good leader. But after much observation, I came to realize that she is always quietly looking out for them and knows them very well. She just doesn't express it openly.
She never wanted to become a leader, but after assuming the role, she has done a marvelous job.
Taengoo is the best kid leader in the world! She is always trying to put up a strong front and lets her fellow members take the spotlight. She treats her members like sisters, rather than just as girls who need to follow her instructions.
She cares for them equally. She stands up for her members and fans while maintaining composure and acting leader-like when she needs to. She is an approachable, respectable, friendly, dependable leader. She's also silly, cute, adorkable, lovable, and just everything!
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G-Dragon ~ BIGBANG
G-Dragon (real name Kwon Ji-yong (권지용), born August 18, 1988) is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer. He is a member of the K-pop boy group BIGBANG.
G-Dragon initially debuted as a child hip-hop artist in 2001 participating in the album 2001 Daehanminguk Hip Hop Flex. He was... read more
He has a good fashion sense compared to other leaders. He is always creating new things and introducing fashion styles that haven't yet appeared in this world. He is good at producing quality music and leads the group well. He once said that he had met a good maknae, so I think he views himself as a member as well, whether in games or in everyday life.
However, when it comes to music, he leads effectively. I find his charisma in leading inspiring. He cares not just about his fashion but also about his members. When making songs for Big Bang's albums, he understands well and knows which part of the music suits each member's voice. So what if he has been involved in a drug matter before? It doesn't spoil the fans' image of him. What he needs is encouragement, not discouragement, from the fans. So, no matter what, he is the best!
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RM ~ BTS
Specifically, with regard to leadership, I feel like he knows what he's doing. I don't know what's on his mind when he's on the job, but I hope he himself knows he's very good at leadership. I'm not concerned about how he cares for his members or his looks right now.
What catches my attention is his job as a leader specifically. I notice his leadership skills more than I notice him having fun with the members. I find that he only rests when the other members are not busy. But I still have a feeling that he can't rest because leadership has become somewhat of a paranoia for him.
I can't explain it, but I hope he rests well. I may be overthinking it, but I'm a 20-year-old male with no sleep time due to my job and taking care of my family and kids. So, I can see it, but if I'm wrong, then I guess I'm wrong.
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Suho ~ EXO
Kim Jun-myeon, born on May 22, 1991, is known professionally as Suho. He is a South Korean singer and actor and serves as the leader of the South Korean-Chinese boy group EXO and its sub-unit EXO-K. Suho has also appeared in television dramas and musical theater productions.
Our super leader, you've worked hard to reach this point. Your wait for the debut has finally paid off. Thank you for being born as a nice person, a humble individual. Your kindness never fades. You're the nation's pick now. Eris are proud of you. We love you so much.
Thank you for always taking good care of your members, especially Sehun. He said that even though he comes home late, you always wait for him, and you always ask him to come home early. Thank you for staying up late when a member needs you. You're always with them through thick and thin.
When there was a time on M Countdown where you were alone to receive the award after the storm, you tried your best not to cry in front of everyone. Thank you for always being strong, despite all those dark memories. Thank you for being a good and supportive leader. We love you!
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Yunho ~ TVXQ
Jung Yun-ho, also known by his stage name U-Know Yunho or simply U-Know, is a South Korean singer, actor, and a member of the pop duo TVXQ. He debuted with TVXQ in 2003 under SM Entertainment. Yunho has also released solo music and appeared in numerous Korean dramas.
Yunho isn't just an ambassador to the media, which is where expectations for group leaders often end. He wasn't appointed leader because of age, popularity, or good looks. He is humble and resilient. He is respected by his members and effectively keeps the group in line, handling their problems as much as he can.
While other idol leaders worry about getting camera time or resting in between tasks, Yunho is busy relieving some of the burdens off managers and staff. He may be clumsy and aloof sometimes, but he is excellent at reading people and situations. This innate skill has come in handy over the years when he has acted as a crisis negotiator between friends or other celebrities.
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Victoria ~ f(x)
This goofy, flexible Chinese leader is like a mother to her members! She takes better care of them compared to other groups. Victoria, fighting!
Victoria is so perfect to be the leader of f(x), and she's my bias like Sulli. I support her in every K-drama she has. I totally love Victoria and f(x), and I'm very proud she's the leader of f(x).
Victoria, fighting, guys! Fighting, F(x)! More love and support from me! Love you!
She's very kind to the members and is like a mom to them. Instead of being snippy about being so much older, she takes care of them and has befriended all of them.
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Jonghoon ~ FTISLAND
I think people mistake Hongki for the leader because he is the main vocal and always energetic. Jonghun is shy if you really pay attention. I have noticed that. He is a fantastic leader who works quietly "behind the scenes," but you can feel his powerful aura.
He takes care of the members and knows them well enough to know how to calm them down. He has a strong sense of responsibility and is very sexy. I could go on, but what I am saying is that Jonghun is the multi-talented, caring, and sexy leader of FTISLAND.
Why isn't Hongki the leader? That's what most people say, but Primadonnas know that Jonghun is just as deserving of this title as Hongki is. He is shy, awkward, and cheesy, but I think that's part of his charm. He is an excellent guitarist, pianist, and keyboardist.
While I will admit that he ranks low in vocals in the group, it seems like lately he has gotten much better. Listen to his piano performance of Beautiful World with Seunghyun.
He can be sweet, sexy, cute, and handsome. Jonghun Oppa, please keep on being amazing. You may not get a lot of recognition for your work, but Primadonnas support you. Primadonnas are FTISLAND's pillar. Five Treasures, one goal: to protect and support FTISLAND.
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Bang Chan ~ Stray Kids
Bang Chan and the rest of Stray Kids have worked so hard. He always puts the other members before himself. While this may not directly relate to his capabilities as an amazing leader (although he is one), he is always incredibly kind to Stays.
I'm proud of you and the boys not just for your talent, but for remaining humble and wonderful people.
- A (very) proud Stay
He works really hard, writing and producing their songs with Changbin and Jisung. Chan is talented. He can sing, rap, and dance really well. He cares deeply for the team and is not overly strict, even acting like the maknae sometimes.
He even did a series of V-lives where he shared his favorite music with us and talked about any difficulties we were experiencing. Overall, he is just a super talented, kind guy with a sexy accent.
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Jihyo ~ TWICE
She always cares for her members. She does not ignore any members, even though she needs to take care of eight members. She always puts the members in the best positions so that people can see them. She cares for all the members as if they are her family.
She always stays beside them and helps them because she does not want any of them to get hurt. She is the best leader I have ever seen. Of course, TWICE members know she always cares for them, so they also care for her when she needs them.
TWICE is always the best. They have good teamwork, they always take care of each other, and they are the best girl group in this world! TWICE fighting!
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Yonghwa ~ CNBLUE
He has his share of frustration, disappointment, and drama in life, but when he faces his members, he never shows any signs of it. Instead, he shows them a strong, reliable, and dedicated leader they can rely on. This is to inspire his members and not discourage them in any way.
Faced with the complicated entertainment industry, he becomes an even stronger, more passionate, and determined leader of his band.
As an artist, he is always appreciative towards both his own fans and those of the band. As an individual, he is mature for his age, talented, charming, charismatic, passionate, responsible, and kind-hearted. His cheerful personality adds to his charm. A bonus factor is that he is extremely handsome.
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CL ~ 2NE1
CL is younger than Bommie and Dara, and yet when she was appointed the leader, she took charge like a boss. She doesn't baby the girls or mistreat them. She gets work done. She encourages them without coddling them and knows when to push and when to let her group members work things out themselves. All this can be seen if you've watched 2NE1 TV.
CL put up a strong front at 17 or 18 years old just so she could be the strong hand when her group members needed it. I have no doubt that if things didn't go the way YG wanted, CL was the one taking the blow for the group, as also shown on 2NE1 TV during their first big concert.
She's just an amazing leader who is respected, admired, and loved by Bom, Dara, and Minzy (yes, I know she left).
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Doojoon ~ BEAST
Doo Joon is the best leader. I thought he should be on a higher ranking than this. I really love how he takes care of the other members of BEAST. He's mature, and that's why he can lead BEAST very well.
Doo Joon also has open-minded thinking and a bright personality, especially when people mention his weaknesses. There's no doubt he's one of the best leaders. I support Doo Joon and I love BEAST!
The best appa of the group, he always worries about his members and their welfare. He loves surprising and teasing them, which makes the whole group lively and enjoyable. He knows when it's time to be serious and when to goof around with his members.
Charismatic, charming, good-looking, and with a voice to die for.
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S.Coups ~ SEVENTEEN
He does so much to make sure the other members are healthy and happy. He always goes out of his way to ensure they are taking care of themselves. He never forgets to thank them for believing in him, even though he feels like he's not a good leader.
Whenever there's a situation where someone could get hurt, he always volunteers. He would rather get hurt himself than risk anyone else getting injured.
S.Coups, whose real name is Seungcheol, allows twelve other boys to lean on his shoulder whenever they need to. They struggled to debut, but they are now a well-known name in K-pop and around the world. Seungcheol suffered from anxiety during the tour and took a break. He is now back and better.
People make fun of his anxiety - why? Mental health is not something to joke about. He loves his members and has said before that his members are more important to him than the agency. Not only does he love his members, but he also loves Carats.
Yes, Seventeen is my ultimate group, and I might be coming off as biased, but it's truly hard to lead a group with so many members, with many looking up to him. He brings himself down at times, but the members and Carats love him for who he is, and we thank him a lot for being one of the greatest leaders.
Thank you, Seungcheol, for everything you've done for Seventeen and Carat. Please support Seungcheol and Seventeen.
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Sunggyu ~ INFINITE
Sunggyu, in my opinion, is the best leader. Although he may be stern and strict at times, especially when it comes to performing on stage, he is actually very sweet and thoughtful towards his members. He would even notify the manager if the members are feeling stressed.
In addition, he is very easy-going and goes with the flow of the other members, rather than just caring about himself. He doesn't even mind being called nicknames like "Last Gyu" during Ranking King. Beyond his wonderful personality, he also has charming looks and a beautiful voice, which he uses for singing. Sunggyu really tries his best at dancing and can even rap. As a multi-talented leader, Sunggyu definitely wins over other leaders.
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Eric Mun ~ Shinhwa
When it comes to the title of "Best Leader," there is no one else in K-Pop I could possibly think about besides Eric Mun. Being a good leader has nothing to do with the talent you have. Rather, it's about the qualities and unwavering support they provide for their members. In this way, Eric Mun defines what it means to be the best leader.
Eric has proven time and again his loyalty to his members. He has selflessly given up contracts, roles, and overall career advancements, all in the name of Shinhwa. Not once has he regretted it. In fact, he's stated in previous interviews that these decisions were some of the best he has made because he was able to stay with those he considers brothers.
He isn't the type who commands respect from his members. Rather, his members hold such high respect for him because of everything he has done to ensure that Shinhwa and its members remain together for over 17 years. His members respect and trust him because he has shown time and again that Shinhwa is, and will remain, his first priority.
While there are leaders on this board who have definitely held their own, there is no one like Eric Mun. Regardless of the years, his loyalty, and unwavering love and dedication to his members and Shinhwa Changjo prove that this lovable 4D leader deserves the title of Best Leader.
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JR ~ NU'EST
No doubt, he never fails to impress me. He became NU'EST's leader at the age of 16 and has held his head up high, regardless of all the struggles and obstacles thrown his way. He's truly an amazing leader.
He's proven why his country gave him the title of Korea's National Leader, indeed.
He's just very humble and selfless. NU'EST has gone through a lot due to circumstances beyond his control, yet he blames himself for not taking care of his group well. He's the nation's leader!
I love JR so much. He's a humble and caring leader! He's mature but also really cute at the same time.
Truly a national leader!
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Shownu ~ Monsta X
The reason I became a Monbebe is because of Shownu. Rarely do I see a leader in K-pop groups who is so talented, patient, kind, humble, and selfless like Shownu. He knows when to be strict with his members and when to have fun. His members adore him and have literally zero complaints about his leadership.
For example, he even gave some of his lines in their song 'Beautiful' to Hyungwon because he thought it would make the song better. In the competitive K-pop industry, getting lines in a song is akin to a lifeline. Members rarely give their lines to others without being prompted, yet Shownu voluntarily gave up his. That is why Shownu is one of the best leaders out there.
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Kahi ~ After School
She wasn't just the former leader, main dancer, main rapper (when Bekah graduated), lead vocal, and co-choreographer of After School. But she was the one who hand-picked the original members of After School. She teaches the members their routine if they have a hard time.
She waited for ten years to finally become a singer. She abandoned everything, even her own family who didn't approve of her dream, to reach her goal. She's even one of the foundations of Pledis Entertainment, together with their CEO Han Sung-so and the first artist under the agency, Son Dam Bi. If there's a leader who embodies being a real leader, not just for the label and image, it's Park Kahi.
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Hyolyn ~ SISTAR
Actually, all of the girls in Sistar are so friendly! They are just like real sisters to each other! Hyolyn is the real leader! She hides her weaknesses and shows real power and energy! Fight on, Sistar! And take care of your leader!
She is the best when we speak of a leader. She has the whole package of an artist and also worries about each of her members, and defends them with everything she has, as demonstrated in Unpretty Rapstar.
She is very nice in dancing and singing. I like her.
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Seungho ~ MBLAQ
This handsome, charismatic, multi-talented man has amazing leadership skills. He always puts the group before himself. He may be strict, but he is equally kind, and the members all look up to him.
He was MBLAQ's manager before they were officially provided with one, and he would even make appointments and drive the members around. He is capable of reining in the members and is able to put up with all their madness, and at times, joins up with them.
He is honest, reliable, and has been a constant source of support. They have a wonderful relationship with each other, and that teamwork has provided satisfactory results.
I strongly believe that being a leader is to be able to understand your members. Seung Ho is a man who believes in discipline while working and in the respectful ways of daily life.
He's got the strong charisma to keep the members in line and the easygoing attitude to make them feel comfortable around him. He promotes teamwork, believes in honesty, and makes sure his team abides by it.
He is a caring, protective leader, but he still works them hard. He is the backstage leader, always making sure that everything is perfect and safe.
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JAY B ~ GOT7
JB once cried to 2PM's Nichkhun because he felt like he was lacking as a leader. GOT7 had just reached their second year as a group then, and he could feel that his members were feeling depressed and homesick. After that day, the group has only reached new heights, and their friendship is goals, for lack of a better word.
The group's bond is unique. They're more than just friends. They're family. JB doesn't just offer his support. He helps them, sweats beside them, and encourages them. I remember when Jackson was getting a lot of hate, JB said that he looks at Jackson and wishes he could do his China schedules for him. If that's not the definition of a leader, then I don't know what is.
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Kris ~ EXO-M
I like Kris. He seems like he has emotions and feelings like an ice block, but he's really worried about his boys.
He really takes care of his members.
I hope you and all the EXO members are going to get back into ONE! Because all of you are ONE! EXO ARE ONE!
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Boram ~ T-ara
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Sunye ~ Wonder Girls
She is the best leader! She is very kind and takes good care of the members. She is really respectful to her fans.