After nearly twenty years, K-pop has shown its ability to endure, constantly evolving to absorb new music forms and trends. And with more K-pop bands than ever coming out of Korea’s music labels, big and small, there’s no doubt that K-pop will endure for years to come. No one knows the future, but here are some up-and-coming bands that have the potential to become the next Big Bang or Shinhwa.

One pattern is clear in this list—the importance that American Idol-style television audition shows now have in Korea. But you should know that talent shows are not really new in Korea. Back in the late 1970s, they were all the rage as Korea’s biggest TV stations showcased talented young people, turning them into stars. One thing is for sure, though, as long as K-pop continues to thrive, there is going to be no shortage of contenders.

History A five-man group introduced by Loen Entertainment in 2013. With a Queen-like vocal-and-piano intro, History’s “Dreamer” shows that History could be more than just another boy band. It could have the diversity to push K-pop’s boundaries.

VIXX A six-man group signed to Jellyfish Entertainment. VIXX turned a lot of heads with its rather gothic and mysterious “Hyde” in 2013. Group leader N made a comment online about not wanting to become an idol, which confused a lot of fans about what he’s doing in a K-pop group.

Boys Republic In another sign of how K-pop is growing internationally, Boys Republic is a group put together by Universal Music Korea. The five-member group, launched in June 2013, has already made quite a splash, thanks in part to Universal teaming up Boys Republic with some of the most talented producers in K-pop.

Wonder Boyz A four-man group led by talented rapper Bak Chi Gi. The group’s single “Tarzan” featured a reggaeton sound that’s pretty unusual in K-pop. The question is, how will they harness their talents to find a niche in the crowded pop music market?

Lee Hi Lee Hi finished second in the first season of K-Pop Star, but for YG Entertainment she was their winner. Just seventeen years old (she was born in 1996), Lee is one of the youngest stars in K-pop, but she made a strong professional debut in late 2012, winning Best Rookie awards from several leading award shows.

15& This duo features Park Ji-min, the winning of K-Pop Star season 1, and Baek Ye-rin, who has been training with JYP Entertainment since she was just ten years old. Together, they made their debut in 2012 when they were both fifteen, hence the group’s name.

Akdong Musicians A young brother/sister team who lived for many years in Mongolia, Akdong Musicians has quickly become a favorite in Korea, thanks to winning K-Pop Star season 2. More like Busker Busker than “pure” K-pop, the duo’s unique style is a sign of how Korean popular music is broadening and becoming more varied these days. Their songs are undeniably fun and witty, such as the very cute “Don’t Cross Your Legs.”

Roy Kim The winner of Superstar K4, Roy is one of the fastest rising stars in Korean pop music, with a sound that is more folksy and organic than typical K-pop. He has only released a couple of singles since his 2012 TV win, but the sky is the limit for this young singer.

Crayon Pop This five-woman group made a quiet debut in 2012, but thanks to an unusual, low-budget video for “Bar Bar Bar” that went viral in 2013, it is suddenly one of the hottest groups around. The video features the girls in bright but basic clothing, and all wearing safety helmets as they bounce and perform ridiculously simple dance moves. The odd look caught on, causing the song to slowly climb the charts all the way to No. 1. The group was even invited to perform at Korea’s version of the Global Gathering electronic music festival.