With K-Pop groups, every single position is important as each element, vocals, rap, and dance, merges to form a well-rounded team. Focusing solely on vocals, we have seen many K-Pop idols across all generations hone their skill level in this position and deliver jaw-dropping vocal performances that regardless of how many times we have watched or listened to it, still gives us chills and goosebumps.
One of the aspects that we all love and often get stunned by is the range of an idol and his ability to hit high notes that defies the concept of science and human capabilities. While notably many male idols can hit a high note at different moments, some make it look so easy and have the sheer ability to always deliver high notes countless times and with the same level of clarity and power (sometimes even higher). These idols who fall in the latter are who we call the kings of high notes.
Cutting across generations here are our picks of the kings of high notes.
Fans often comment that SM Entertainment is the home of the best vocalists in K-Pop and when you have idols like ChangMin in your rooster, we fear that statement might just be true. ChangMin’s vocal range is as immaculate as it is outstanding. Often easily dubbed the King of high notes in K-Pop, there are perhaps over a thousand videos of him on YouTube just about his high notes, which garner millions of views as it is simply the kind you just cannot stop watching or listening to. Filled with power, rawness, and yet clarity, ChangMin belting a magnificent high note is as normal as breathing air, and even though we have come to expect it in his songs, we are still amazed by it every time.
Whenever anyone mentions or makes a list of “legendary K-Pop vocalists”, Chen is always a mention, a top mention at that, because he simply is the epitome of the phrase. We’ve all watched the ‘Wolf‘ performance on tour, the ‘Tears‘ cover on “Knowing Bros” or even the ‘Drop That‘ performance at “MAMA“. One thing all these performances and so MUCH MORE all have in common is the amazing Chen high-note moment. Moments that leave us thoroughly stunned and amazed by his outstanding vocal abilities.
Now we know BaekHyun is a vocal king armed with a mastered technique that always makes him slay every vocal performance. Since his debut, BaekHyun has steadily grown into an artist that many can draw levels of inspiration from as his hard work and consistency have aided his talents to become one of the best the industry has ever produced. When it comes to his high notes, there is a level of power and stability that BaekHyun has in his delivery that is simply as shocking as the high note itself. It often makes us beg the question “How is his throat not in shambles after that?”
Like HongJoong said, JongHo is the singing master! JongHo has been steadily showing that in this department called vocals, he is not just a team leader but also on the stellar track to becoming the CEO. Forgive our office pun but when it comes to JongHo and his vocal abilities, we believe he has duly earned the tag as one of the best (if not the actual best) vocalists of this generation of K-Pop idols. Every time JongHo hits a high note, we often get the same reactions as Stray Kids Han’s exclamation and BTOB MinHyuk’s facial expressions from “KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR“. And unlike others, perhaps what makes JongHo stand out, even more, is the fact that with every live performance, his mic is ON and he is hitting those notes with so much power and clarity that makes us simply awestruck and amazed every single time.
RyeoWook for eons to come will no doubt still be recognized as one of the top vocalists to have ever come out of Korea. His vocal colors and technique are simply incredible and his range?! There are simply no proper words to describe the feeling one can derive when RyeoWook hits his high notes. To put it loosely, it feels like he just skates with so much ease on songs. Like, he knows and understands his capabilities and never fails to show off his prowess with a level of confidence and flair that adds so much flavor and appeal to his performances. RyeoWook is a true artist, a one-of-a-kind type.
A viral sensation, we thank the K-Pop gods that HweSeung is finally getting a high level of recognition for his amazing vocal abilities. It is definitely not even close to what he truly deserves yet, but this is a good start. For years, Yoo HweSeung has shown he is beyond just an amazing vocalist, as that tag doesn’t even begin to describe the power and skill level he possesses. From songs to performances at variety shows or contests, Yoo HweSeung is ready to take on any song, on any key and range, and vividly showcase his vocals in a manner that leaves you thoroughly fascinated and filled with a deep sense of satisfaction after his performance.
There is a funny comment about EunKwang’s singing that always gets us “he sings like the rent is due”. Albeit funny, this statement is true as watching EunKwang’s performances, he sings like in that very moment, his life depends on this performance. It is the fiery passion he exudes that evokes a deep sense of respect and admiration for him. EunKwang is a vocal master in every sense of the word as he has gotten to the point where he doesn’t just slay a performance but imbibe his knowledge on others, who also deliver amazing performances as well. His technique is quite outstanding and his range is impeccable. With every performance that calls for a breathtaking high note, EunKwang is front and center ready to bless our ears and blow our minds with his range. Besides, it’s what we can expect from an idol who can belt notes with his cheekbone voice.
JinHo’s vocals are simply magical! There are multiple feelings or reactions you can derive from watching JinHo sing or perform and some of them will include; levels of awe, intense heart race, tears slowly dripping down your face, jaw dropping to the floor, or an instant rush or high that makes you feel something greater and refreshingly new. His voice is simply transcending as he elevates your mood and takes you on an emotional journey with him. In our opinion, JinHo is an artist whose vocal caliber is unique and priceless. His voice is simply pitch-perfect, a rare breed, and one we deserve to give all his flowers.
What can we say about YongHoon?! Just pure genius! It is quite easy to get lost in every content about YongHoon’s vocals or singing as he has the ability to transmit you to a blissful plane where everything is serene, soft, and wonderful. Perhaps because bands do not get the same level of recognition or popularity as idols do, but YongHoon is a criminally underappreciated vocalist who deserves more eyes, opportunities, and respect. His vocal texture is as sweet as honey and whenever he hits those glass-breaking high notes with such ease and clarity, we just have to acknowledge his gift, a gift that he has clearly honed and refined to perfection with years of hard work and consistency.
Having listened to MONSTA X’s discography for the umpteenth time, some of the words that come to mind whenever we hear KiHyun’s voice is “fantastic”, “amazing”, “wow” and phrases like “okay KiHyun!”, “the stability!”, “well come through vocal king!”. This might be the funniest statement you would read in this article but it is a real reaction that this writer often gets thanks to the incredible range and amazing technique KiHyun infuses into his songs. KiHyun is clearly an excellent vocalist who doesn’t just belt high notes with power but with a level of stability and clarity that just makes you recognize and respect his talent. P.S listen to ‘Re:Verseday‘, its one of the many songs where KiHyun’s vocals shine.
We all need to take a collective moment to appreciate the outstanding vocal talent that is Lee HongGi. Every now and then, there is just that one artist who comes along and displays a level of talent that doesn’t just leave many stunned or in awe, but also serves as a blueprint, a point of reference if you will, for the kind of qualities that makes for an incredible artist. And Lee HongGi is that blueprint. His vocal range is over and beyond amazing as he doesn’t just thrill hearts with his impeccable range occasionally, he does it every single time he performs and somehow, each performance always feels and sounds even better than the last.
Which of these idols is your vocal bias? Let us know in the comments section.