International Survey Reveals The Top 10 K-Pop Groups People Over 50 Years Old Like The Most

Many outsiders make the mistake of thinking only young people listen to K-Pop, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. K-Pop listeners around the world span all age groups, including the over 50s demographic. However, different age groups often have different preferences, and the Korea Tourism Organization’s survey of over 12,000 worldwide K-Pop fans reveals a lot of interesting insights into fans over 50.

For example, while many people may think that most K-Pop fans over 50 have been listening for generations, the majority in this age category became interested in their favorite K-Pop artists between 2016 and 2018.

over50skpop_0a — BLACKPINK debuted in 2016.

Most fans over 50 said they first found out about K-Pop through television, but now the majority use social media to keep up with their favorite idols.

Groups like BTS use Twitter to communicate with fans. | *@bts_twt/Twitter*

over50skpop_0b — Groups like BTS use Twitter to communicate with fans. | *@bts_twt/Twitter*

Over 75% of K-Pop fans over 50 are also interested in K-Dramas, Korean culture, and Korean food. Over 50% are fans of Korean beauty, fashion, and language too.

*Crash Landing On You* is a recent K-Drama that was popular with international viewers of all ages. | *tvN*

over50skpop_0c — *Crash Landing On You* is a recent K-Drama that was popular with international viewers of all ages. | *tvN*

Of course, the most interesting insight to most people is which groups and artists K-Pop fans over 50 years old listen to the most—here’s the definitive result.

10. Girls’ Generation

Girls’ Generation is the 10th most popular group among people aged 50 and over, loved by 1.9% of the survey pool.

9. Shinhwa

Shinhwa is the 9th most popular group among people aged 50 and over, loved by 2.1% of the survey pool. Shinhwa is the oldest group on the list, debuting over 20 years ago in 1998.

8. SHINee

SHINee is the 8th most popular group among people aged 50 and over, loved by 2.9% of the survey pool.

7. IU

IU is the 7th most popular group among people aged 50 and over, loved by 2.9% of the survey pool.

6. TWICE

TWICE is the 6th most popular group among people aged 50 and over, loved by 3.6% of the survey pool. TWICE is the most recently debuted group on the list, arriving on the scene in 2015.