In K-pop, a group’s name is more than just a label—it’s a carefully crafted identity that conveys the group’s concept, sound, and cultural impact. Choosing the right name is one of the most critical and strategic decisions an agency makes when launching a new act. A well-chosen name can significantly impact a group’s success and recognition in this highly competitive industry.

Over the years, many K-pop groups have embraced unique themes to stand out, with one effective strategy being the incorporation of color names into their group identities. As dozens of new groups debut each year, an eye-catching, meaningful, and memorable name is essential for gaining attention and building a strong brand presence.

Not only do group names play a vital role in establishing a group’s identity, but they also often inspire fandom names, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among fans.

Two of the most popular and iconic girl groups, BLACKPINK and Red Velvet, are both named after colors, with deep meanings behind their names. YG Entertainment's representative stated that ‘BLACKPINK’ stands for “pretty isn’t everything” and symbolized that “they are a team that encompasses not only beauty but also great talent.” In Rosé’s words, “We kind of felt like there’s two colors that represented us the most, ‘cause we’re very girly, but at the same time we’re very savage too.”

The name ‘Red Velvet’ symbolizes the duality of their concept: "Red" represents their bold, energetic, and more experimental side, often reflected in upbeat and vibrant songs like "Dumb Dumb" and "Happiness." On the other hand, "Velvet" represents their classy, smoother, and more sophisticated side, as seen in tracks like "Be Natural" and "Automatic." Additionally, “Russian Roulette” and “Rookie” fall in both “Red” and “Velvet” concepts.

Here’s a list of some other K-pop groups and sub-units with colors in their names, representing their identity and concepts.

ABLUE

BTOB-BLUE

CNBLUE

Golden Child

BLACK PEARL

WJSN THE BLACK

AOA BLACK

BLACKSWAN

Brown Eyed Girls

Golden Girls

Apink

Pink Fantasy

PINKVERSE

PURPLE KISS

VIOLET

ORANGE CARAMEL

PEACH A

Rainbow

Whiteday

Yellow Bee

The use of colors in K-pop group names is more than just a creative choice—it often speaks to the group’s identity, concept, and style. These color-based names help shape the group's brand in the minds of their fans.