Major entertainment companies such as SM Entertainment and HYBE, along with smaller agencies, are introducing new K-pop girl groups to follow in the footsteps of super girl groups like BLACKPINK, TWICE, aespa, IVE, NewJeans, and NMIXX. This has sparked the “5th Generation Girl Group Battle.”
Although 4th generation girl groups like NewJeans, IVE, and NMIXX continue to maintain their popularity, agencies are preemptively debuting new girl groups to reduce performance risks during the transition from the 4th to the 5th generation of K-pop. They aim to shorten the time needed to build fanbases, which typically takes less time for girl groups compared to boy groups.
KATSEYE
HYBE was the first to debut a 5th generation girl group, KATSEYE. After debuting in the U.S. with Geffen Records, they plan to expand their fanbase in Korea and Asia. Their initial goal has always been the global market rather than just Korea. The group is already seeing results, such as ranking first on the weekly fandom chart of K-pop Radar, a chart show dedicated to K-pop.
They have also achieved a notable Billboard result. According to the latest Billboard chart on the 21st, their debut EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) with the double title track Touch ranked 22nd on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, increasing their chances of entering the Hot 100.
MEOVV
The Black Label, a subsidiary of YG Entertainment, recently introduced MEOVV, a multinational girl group produced by Teddy, who is known for producing for 2NE1 and BLACKPINK. MEOVV, which debuted on the 6th, quickly garnered attention, topping the K-pop Radar weekly fandom chart for two consecutive weeks with their song MEOW.
IZNA
IZNA, a girl group formed from members selected through CJ ENM’s Mnet audition program I-LAND 2, also holds high expectations. Teddy participated in producing for this group, and they have already gained recognition through the popular show. Slated to debut later this year, IZNA is expected to follow a success story similar to I.O.I, a girl group that gained immense popularity through the Mnet audition program Produce 101.
SAY MY NAME
Former TVXQ member Kim Jaejoong is also stepping into the production scene with his girl group SAY MY NAME. The seven final members were recently revealed, and their fairy-tale-like concept has been generating buzz on social media. SAY MY NAME is set to debut in October.
SM Entertainment
Meanwhile, SM Entertainment is preparing to debut a new girl group in the second half of this year, marking their first new girl group in four years since aespa. While details remain scarce, the lack of information has only heightened anticipation for this new group.
