K-Pop stars and their American counterparts

Lee Hyori, CL , Taeyang, G-Dragon, Zico, , Tiffany, Shinhwa, IU, Hanbyul, Ailee

Sometimes when words fail you, it's easy to explain your favorite K-Pop idol to your friends as the "Korean version" of a global, American pop star. But ever wonder what your favorite K-Pop idol would actually be like if they competed in the music industry across the world?�

Here are our guesses! 10 K-Pop stars and their American counterparts, let's go.�

Hyorin/Ailee�?�Beyonce

We've heard this comparison many times before. Both Hyorin and Ailee have been heralded across the Korean media for being the 'Korean Beyonce,' and not without good reason. Equipped with amazing vocal talent and a sense of sass, Hyorin and Ailee can take the stage and own it with a diva-like confidence parallel to that of the Queen B herself.

Taeyang�? Usher

Taeyang has always been acknowledged for his dancing and singing talent and is known for his smooth R&B style. It's no wonder we would match him up with Usher, who is considered one of the kings of dance with an equally sweet voice.�

Lee Hyori�? Britney Spears

Lee Hyori has often been compared to Britney Spears ever since the beginning of her solo career. Both known as sex icons who can mesmerize any audience with their dancing, Lee Hyori and Britney Spears were considered pop princesses at the peak of their fame. Nothing can stop these starlets--not age, not family life--as the two ladies continue to pump out pop hits and stay relevant to this day.

Hanbyul�? Bruno Mars

Although Hanbyul may not be as famous in Korea as Bruno Mars is in America, he has the vocals that could take him there someday. In fact, Hanbyul is known among his fans to sound exactly like Bruno Mars--to the point that when he performs Bruno Mars covers, the resemblance is amazingly uncanny.�

CL�? Missy Elliott

A female rapper who doesn't need to rely on her body or looks to sell,�CL can be comparable to America's intelligent and creative swagmaster,�Missy Elliott. Who knows, maybe once CL makes her U.S. debut, she could have a crazy collaboration with the rapping legend herself! Two of the baddest females taking over the music world? They'd make one sick pair.�

Shinhwa ? Backstreet Boys

Shinhwa is to Korea as Backstreet Boys is to America fosho. Two supreme sunbae groups, Shinhwa and Backstreet Boys stick to their respective groups through thick and thin--even over a decade after their debuts! Shinhwa and Backstreet Boys are living proof that boy groups can survive the years and that friendships in the music industry can last.

Tiffany�? Ariana Grande

With her sweet eye smile, girly fashion, yet ambitious personality, Tiffany reminds us of none other than the American pop star,�Ariana Grande. Although Ariana Grande is rumored to be a diva, she is definitely a driven musician with a talent for belting them high notes. Tiffany similarly impresses with her vocal delivery and her constant strive towards being better and better as an artist--making these two a perfect match.�

Zico�? Eminem

A man with a passion for rapping and speaking his mind, Zico is easily our pick as Korea's Eminem. Both known for their spitfire-like rapping, Zico and Eminem have a similar flow as they shoot their words fearlessly at the public. They're both confident and charismatic; they know how to light up a stage with their energy and, as skilled rappers, they can definitely freestyle, letting their thoughts easily roll of the tongue even when put on the spot.�

IU�? Taylor Swift

Once known as the 'Nation's Little Sister,' IU ran into a scandal that seemed as if it would cripple her career. Similarly, Taylor Swift was once considered to be 'America's Sweetheart' until she ran into multiple relationship troubles herself. Both women were ridiculed for their scandals at first, but in the end, both emerged victorious as they continue to wow the world with their singing and clever songwriting, ultimately proving themselves to be true artists worthy of our respect.�

G-Dragon�? Kanye West

G-Dragon's huge sense of confidence, creative fashion choices, song-producing talent, and overwhelming sense of swag leads us to compare him to the American star with the equally big ego, Kanye West. Although deemed ridiculous by some, G-Dragon and Kanye West are undeniably two musical geniuses who are simply unafraid to boast about their own skill and speak their minds.