KATSEYE, VCHA, XG and more: Global groups using the Korean formula but are not K-pop

In recent years, there has been a rise in international and multinational K-pop groups. While groups like BLACKSWAN—DR Music's 4-member global K-pop girl group—are not from Korea but sing in Korean and promote in South Korea, many multinational and global 'K-pop' groups follow the K-pop formula of training, song creation, and more, but sing in the languages chosen for them.

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Here's a look at some of the groups that have successfully debuted and remained relevant, while others struggled under criticism from fans—mostly non-Korean—who wish to keep the "K" in K-pop alive.

VCHA

Members: Lexi, Camila, Kendall, Savanna, KG, and Kaylee

Agency: JYP Entertainment and Republic Records

Debut date: January 26, 2024

Fandom name: VLIGHTS

VCHA is an American girl group based in Los Angeles, formed by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records through the reality competition show A2K (America2Korea). The name "VCHA" symbolizes illuminating and shining for fans around the world. The show's goal was to create the first American girl group using the rigorous K-pop training system. The series can be viewed on JYP Entertainment's YouTube channel.

Dear Alice

Members: James, Dexter, Olly, Reese, and Blaise

Agency: Moon&Back Media and SM Entertainment

Debut date: -

Fandom name: -

BBC One has released release a new reality show titled "Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience" on Saturday, August 17, which features the first global English boy group, co-produced by K-pop giant SM Entertainment. The six-episode series will follow these 5 English boys as they travel to South Korea and receive intense training in K-pop. The group's name, "Dear Alice," was inspired by a visit to a restaurant in Itaewon called "Dear Alice." The "Dear" represents a message to their fans, while "ALICE" stands for 'A Love I Can't Explain.'

KAACHI

Members: Nicole, Chunseo, Dani and Coco 

Agency: FrontRow Records

Debut date: April 15, 2020

Fandom name: Uni-K

This was the first K-pop girl group based in London. The group's final lineup consisted of two members: Nicole and Chunseo. They debuted on April 15, 2020, with the single "Your Turn," and their Korean debut followed on April 29, 2020. Over time, two members left the group—Dani departed on July 23, 2021, and Coco on September 2, 2022. On February 28, 2023, it was officially announced that KAACHI had disbanded. However, Nicole, Chunseo, and Coco later re-debuted as an independent group named "ATTI."

KATSEYE

Members: Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae

Agency: Geffen Records and HYBE

Debut date: June 28, 2024

Fandom name: EYEKONS

The 6-member global girl group was formed in collaboration between HYBE and Universal Music Group through the survival show "The Debut: Dream Academy". Auditions were held across South Korea, the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom in 2022. Their formation and journey toward debuting were documented in the series "Pop Star Academy: Katseye", which premiered on Netflix on August 21, 2024, showcasing their preparations for their debut EP.

EXP Edition

Members: Sime Kosta, Frankie DaPonte, Koki Tomlinson, Hunter Kohl, David Wallace, and Tarion Anderson

Agency: IMMABB (I’m Making a Boy Band)

Debut date: April 17, 2017

Fandom name: BB

In 2015, Bora Kim, a master's student at Columbia University, created a K-pop boy group with six non-Korean members for her thesis. After releasing their first single, the group decided to pursue the project seriously. In 2016, with two members leaving and $30,000 raised via Kickstarter, the remaining four members moved to Seoul to chase their K-pop dream. However, their debut received mixed reactions from K-pop fans, and despite releasing a few more singles, the group never gained significant traction.

XG

Members: Jurin, Chisa, Cocona, Hinata, Maya, Juria, Harvey

Agency: XGALX

Debut date: March 18, 2022

Fandom name: ALPHAZ

Xtraordinary Girls (XG) is a global girl group from Japan known for their unique musical style called X-POP, a genre that transcends borders by blending J-pop, K-pop, and Western music. Formed through the X-GALAXY project, the group has been preparing for their debut since 2017. Unlike typical K-pop or J-pop groups, XG operates outside of these traditional systems. They are signed with AVEX, and XGALX CEO Simon Jakops collaborates with AVEX to promote XG both in Korea and internationally.

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