K-pop, or Korean pop music, has been a global phenomenon for decades, but it has reached new heights of popularity and influence in recent years. With the success of groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, and TWICE, K-pop has become a dominant force in the music industry, breaking records and barriers across the world.
But as the third generation of K-pop groups reaches its peak, a new wave of talented and diverse acts is emerging to take over the scene. The fourth generation of K-pop consists of groups that have debuted since 2018 until the present day. These groups are characterized by their innovative concepts, creative music styles, and global appeal.
Top 10 Most Popular 4th Gen Kpop Groups in 2023
So who are the most popular 4th gen K-pop groups in 2023? Based on various criteria such as album sales, digital streaming, social media followers, awards, and fan votes, here are the top 10 4th gen K-pop groups that you should know:
10. STAYC
STAYC, or “Star to a Young Culture,” is a six-member girl group that debuted in 2020 under High Up Entertainment. The group consists of Sieun, Sumin, Seeun, Isa, Yoon, and J. STAYC has impressed fans and critics alike with their catchy songs, powerful vocals, and charming personalities.
STAYC’s debut single album Star to a Young Culture peaked at number six on the Circle Album Charts. The music video of the lead single “So Bad” garnered over two million views in the first 24 hours of its release. In 2021, the group released their first EP Young-Luv.com which topped the Circle Album Chart. In 2022, STAYC won their first music show trophy with their hit song “ASAP” and released their second EP Staydom which sold over 100,000 copies.
In 2023, STAYC continued their rise to fame with their third EP Stay With Me which featured their most successful single yet, “Stereotype”. The song reached number one on several music charts and earned them multiple awards and nominations. STAYC also expanded their global fanbase by holding online concerts and participating in various collaborations and events.
9. Treasure
Treasure is a 12-member boy group under YG Entertainment. The group was formed through the survival competition Treasure Box and was initially set to debut in 2019, but a postponement led to their official debut in August 2020. Treasure consists of Choi Hyunsuk, Bang Yedam, Jihoon, Yoshi, Asahi, Junkyu, Doyoung, Haruto, Yoon Jaehyuk, Mashiho, So Junghwan, and Park Jeong-woo.
Treasure’s debut single album The First Step: Chapter One was number one on both the Circle Album Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart. The group followed up with three more single albums in their The First Step series which sold over one million copies combined. Treasure also won several rookie awards in 2020 and became one of the most streamed K-pop groups on Spotify.
In 2021, Treasure released their first full-length album The First Step: Treasure Effect which broke their own record for the highest first-week sales by a rookie group. The album included their smash hit “My Treasure” which topped various music charts and earned them their first music show win. Treasure also made their Japanese debut with the single “Beautiful” which was used as the ending theme for the anime Black Clover.
In 2022, Treasure returned with their second full-length album The Second Step: Treasure Island which showcased their musical growth and diversity. The album featured their chart-topping singles “MMM” and “I Love You” as well as new tracks that explored different genres and concepts. Treasure also embarked on their first world tour which sold out venues across Asia, Europe, and North America.
In 2023, Treasure continued to dominate the K-pop scene with their third full-length album The Third Step: Treasure World which cemented their status as one of the top groups of their generation. The album included their mega-hit “Boy” which became one of the most viewed K-pop music videos of all time and won them multiple awards and accolades. Treasure also collaborated with various artists such as Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, and BTS.
8. SuperM
SuperM is a supergroup that consists of seven members from four existing SM Entertainment boy groups. EXO’s Kai and Baekhyun,
SHINee’s Taemin, WayV’s Lucas and Ten, and NCT’s Mark and Taeyong make up the group. In 2019, SuperM made its official debut under SM Entertainment and Capitol Music Group with the EP SuperM. The EP hit the peak on the Billboard 200 chart, making them the first K-pop group to place first with their debut EP.
SuperM’s debut was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, but the group proved their talent and charisma with their powerful performances and catchy songs. SuperM also embarked on a successful North American tour which attracted over 100,000 fans. In 2020, SuperM released their first full-length album Super One which included their singles “100”, “Tiger Inside”, and “One (Monster & Infinity)”.
In 2021, SuperM continued to impress with their second full-length album Super Two which featured their collaborations with artists such as Post Malone, Dua Lipa, and Travis Scott. The album also included their hit song “We Do” which was used as the theme song for the global campaign Prudential x SuperM. SuperM also held their first online concert SuperM: Beyond The Future which drew over one million viewers.
In 2022, SuperM returned with their third full-length album Super Three which showcased their mature and sophisticated side. The album featured their singles “Don’t Call Me”, “Rainy Night”, and “Better Days” which topped various music charts and earned them rave reviews. SuperM also launched their own reality show SuperM: The Beginning which gave fans a glimpse into their daily lives and interactions.
In 2023, SuperM continued to soar with their fourth full-length album Super Four which highlighted their individual and collective strengths. The album included their singles “Lose Control”, “Dangerous Woman”, and “With You” which became global anthems and won them numerous awards and recognition. SuperM also held their second world tour SuperM: The Future which sold out stadiums across the world.
7. Ateez
Ateez is an eight-member boy group under KQ Entertainment. The group debuted in 2018 with the EP Treasure EP.1: All to Zero. Its members are: Hong Joong, Seonghwa, San, Jongho, Wooyoung, Mingi, Yeosang, and Yunho. Known for their intense and fierce performances, Ateez has been dubbed “Global Performance Idols” and won the Best Korean Act at the 2019 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Ateez’s debut EP was followed by seven more EPs in their Treasure series which sold over two million copies combined. Ateez also gained a loyal fanbase called ATINY who supported them through various fan projects and events. In 2020, Ateez released their first full-length album Treasure Epilogue: Action to Answer which completed their Treasure saga. The album included their hit song “Answer” which earned them their first music show win.
In 2021, Ateez returned with their second full-length album Zero: Fever Part.1 which marked a new chapter in their musical journey. The album featured their singles “Inception” and “Thanxx” which showcased their contrasting concepts and styles. Ateez also participated in the survival show Kingdom: Legendary War where they competed against other popular boy groups and impressed viewers with their creativity and charisma.
In 2022, Ateez continued to amaze with their third full-length album Zero: Fever Part.2 which further explored their musical identity and vision. The album featured their singles “Fireworks (I’m The One)” and “Take Me Home” which became viral hits and earned them multiple awards and nominations. Ateez also made their Japanese debut with the single “Dreamers” which was used as the opening theme for the anime Digimon Adventure:.
In 2023, Ateez continued to shine with their fourth full-length album Zero: Fever Part.3 which concluded their Fever trilogy. The album included
their singles “Deja Vu” and “Eternal Sunshine” which topped various music charts and broke records. Ateez also embarked on their second world tour Ateez: The Journey which sold out venues across Asia, Europe, and North America.
6. ITZY
Itzy is a five-member girl group formed by JYP Entertainment and consisting of members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. They debuted on February 12, 2019, with the release of their single album It’z Different. Their accolades include Rookie of the Year at the 34th Golden Disc Awards, New Artist of the Year at the 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards and 2019 Melon Music Awards, Best New Female Artist at the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards, and the New Artist Award at the 29th Seoul Music Awards; they are the first K-pop girl group to achieve such a ” Rookie Grand Slam”.
Itzy’s debut single “Dalla Dalla” was an instant hit, breaking the record for the most viewed K-pop debut music video in 24 hours. The song also topped several music charts and earned them their first music show win. In 2019, Itzy released their first EP It’z Icy which included their catchy single “Icy” which became another viral hit.
In 2020, Itzy returned with their second EP It’z Me which featured their empowering single “Wannabe” which won them multiple awards and accolades. Itzy also released their third EP Not Shy which showcased their confident and bold side. The EP included their single “Not Shy” which became their first song to enter the Billboard Global 200 chart.
In 2021, Itzy continued to impress with their fourth EP Guess Who which marked their first collaboration with an international artist. The EP featured their single “Mafia In The Morning” which was co-written by JYP and Galantis. The song became their fastest song to reach 100 million views on YouTube and earned them rave reviews. Itzy also made their English debut with the single “Loco (English Ver.)” which was used as the theme song for the Netflix series Squid Game.
In 2022, Itzy continued to dominate with their fifth EP Crazy In Love which highlighted their diverse and dynamic music styles. The EP featured their singles “Loco” and “Swipe” which topped various music charts and broke records. Itzy also embarked on their first world tour Itzy: Crazy In Love which sold out venues across the world.
In 2023, Itzy continued to soar with their sixth EP Trust Me which showcased their mature and sophisticated side. The EP featured their singles “Break The Rules” and “Trust Me” which became global anthems and won them numerous awards and recognition. Itzy also launched their own reality show Itzy: Trust Me which gave fans a glimpse into their daily lives and interactions.
5. Aespa
Aespa is a four-member girl group formed by SM Entertainment. The group consists of Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. They debuted on November 17, 2020, with the single “Black Mamba”. Aespa is known for their unique concept of having virtual counterparts called æ-Aespa who interact with them through a digital world called KWANGYA.
Aespa’s debut single “Black Mamba” was a huge success, breaking the record for the most viewed K-pop debut music video in 24 hours. The song also topped several music charts and earned them their first music show win. In 2021, Aespa released their second single “Forever” which was a remake of an SM classic song. The song showcased their sweet and harmonious vocals and received positive feedback.
In 2021, Aespa returned with their third single “Next Level” which was a remake of a soundtrack from the movie Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw. The song became a viral hit, topping various music charts and breaking records. Aespa also released their fourth single “Savage” which marked their first comeback with an EP of the same name. The EP included five tracks that displayed their diverse and powerful music styles.
In 2022, Aespa continued to amaze with their fifth single “Dreamcatcher” which was an original song that explored their concept of KWANGYA and æ-Aespa. The song became one of the most streamed K-pop songs of the year and earned them multiple awards and accolades. Aespa also released their sixth single “Synk” which was a collaboration with DJ Snake and Selena Gomez. The song became a global hit, topping various music charts and breaking records.
In 2023, Aespa continued to shine with their seventh single “Eclipse” which marked their second comeback with an EP of the same name. The EP included six tracks that showcased their mature and sophisticated side. Aespa also embarked on their first world tour Aespa: Eclipse which sold out venues across the world.
4. (G)I-DLE
(G)I-dle, stylized in all caps, is a five-member girl group formed by Cube Entertainment in 2018. The group consists of Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi and Shuhua. Originally a six-piece, Soojin departed from the group on August 14, 2021 following bullying allegations. (G)I-dle is known for their self-produced songs, diverse concepts, and charismatic performances.
(G)I-dle’s debut single “Latata” was a hit, topping several music charts and earning them their first music show win. The group followed up with more successful singles such as “Hann (Alone)”, “Senorita”, “Uh-Oh”, and “Lion”. In 2019, (G)I-dle released their first EP I Am which included their hit song “Maze” which was co-written by Minnie and Soyeon. The EP sold over 100,000 copies and won them several awards and nominations.
In 2020, (G)I-dle returned with their second EP I Trust which featured their empowering single “Oh My God” which became their first song to enter the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. (G)I-dle also released their third EP I Burn which showcased their emotional and mature side. The EP included their single “HWAA” which became their best-selling song and earned them multiple awards and accolades.
In 2021, (G)I-dle continued to impress with their fourth EP I Love which marked their first comeback as a five-member group. The EP featured their singles “Last Dance” and “Love U” which displayed their confident and bold side. (G)I-dle also made their Japanese debut with the single “Latata (Japanese Ver.)” which topped the Oricon Daily Singles Chart.
In 2022, (G)I-dle continued to dominate with their fifth EP I Dream which highlighted their diverse and dynamic music styles. The EP featured their singles “Dumdi Dumdi” and “Dreamcatcher” which topped various music charts and broke records. (G)I-dle also embarked on their first world tour (G)I-dle: I Dream which sold out venues across the world.
In 2023, (G)I-dle continued to soar with their sixth EP I Fly which showcased their mature and sophisticated side. The EP featured
their singles “Moon” and “Fly With Me” which became global anthems and won them numerous awards and recognition. (G)I-dle also launched their own reality show (G)I-dle: I Fly which gave fans a glimpse into their daily lives and interactions.
3. TXT
TXT, or Tomorrow X Together, is a five-member boy group under Big Hit Music. The group consists of Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai. They debuted on March 4, 2019, with the EP The Dream Chapter: Star. TXT is known for their youthful and refreshing music, synchronized choreography, and storytelling concepts.
TXT’s debut EP was a success, topping the Billboard World Albums chart and the Circle Album Chart. The EP also earned them several rookie awards in 2019. TXT followed up with more EPs in their The Dream Chapter series which sold over one million copies combined. TXT also gained a loyal fanbase called MOA who supported them through various fan projects and events.
In 2020, TXT returned with their first full-length album The Dream Chapter: Magic which marked a new chapter in their musical journey. The album featured their singles “Run Away” and “Can’t You See Me?” which showcased their contrasting concepts and styles. TXT also released their second full-length album The Dream Chapter: Eternity which further explored their musical identity and vision.
In 2021, TXT continued to amaze with their third full-length album The Chaos Chapter: Freeze which highlighted their diverse and powerful music styles. The album featured their singles “0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)” and “LO$ER=LO♡ER” which topped various music charts and broke records. TXT also made their Japanese debut with the single “Magic Hour” which topped the Oricon Daily Singles Chart.
In 2022, TXT continued to shine with their fourth full-length album The Chaos Chapter: Fight or Escape which concluded their Chaos trilogy. The album included
their singles “Anti-Romantic” and “MOA Diary (Dubaddu Wari Wari)” which became viral hits and earned them multiple awards and accolades. TXT also embarked on their first world tour TXT: Fight or Escape which sold out venues across the world.
In 2023, TXT continued to soar with their fifth full-length album The New Chapter: Begin Again which marked a new era in their musical journey. The album featured
their singles “New Rules” and “Begin Again” which topped various music charts and broke records. TXT also launched their own reality show TXT: Begin Again which gave fans a glimpse into their daily lives and interactions.
2. Stray Kids
Stray Kids is an eight-member boy group under JYP Entertainment. The group was formed through the survival show Stray Kids in 2017. The group consists of Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Stray Kids is known for their self-produced songs, rap skills, and energetic performances.
Stray Kids’ pre-debut mixtape I Am Not was a hit, topping the Circle Album Chart and the Billboard World Albums chart. The group officially debuted on March 25, 2018, with the EP I Am Not which included their debut single “District 9” which earned them their first music show win. Stray Kids followed up with more EPs in their I Am series which sold over one million copies combined.
In 2019, Stray Kids returned with their first full-length album Clé 1: Miroh which marked a new chapter in their musical journey. The album featured their singles “Miroh” and “Side Effects” which showcased their contrasting concepts and styles. Stray Kids also released their second full-length album Clé: Levanter which further explored their musical identity and vision.
In 2020, Stray Kids continued to impress with their third full-length album Go Live which highlighted their diverse and powerful music styles. The album featured their singles “God’s Menu” and “Back Door” which topped various music charts and broke records. Stray Kids also released their fourth full-length album In Life which was a repackage of Go Live. The album included their single “Ex” which became one of the most streamed K-pop songs of the year.
In 2021, Stray Kids continued to dominate with their fifth full-length album Noeasy which showcased their mature and sophisticated side. The album featured
their singles “Thunderous” and “Domino” which became viral hits and earned them multiple awards and accolades. Stray Kids also participated in the survival show Kingdom: Legendary War where they competed against other popular boy groups and won the show with their creativity and charisma.
In 2022, Stray Kids continued to amaze with their sixth full-length album Lucky Man which marked a new era in their musical journey. The album featured
their singles “Lucky Man” and “Cheese” which topped various music charts and broke records. Stray Kids also embarked on their second world tour Stray Kids: Lucky Man which sold out venues across the world.
In 2023, Stray Kids continued to shine with their seventh full-length album Wolf Gang which highlighted their individual and collective strengths. The album featured
their singles “Wolf Gang” and “Mixtape: OH” which became global anthems and won them numerous awards and recognition. Stray Kids also launched their own reality show Stray Kids: Wolf Gang which gave fans a glimpse into their daily lives and interactions.
1. BTS
BTS, or Bangtan Sonyeondan, is a seven-member boy group under Big Hit Music. The group consists of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. They debuted on June 13, 2013, with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool. BTS is known for their meaningful lyrics, rap skills, vocal abilities, dance skills, and social messages.
BTS’ debut single “No More Dream” was a modest success, earning them several rookie awards in 2013. The group followed up with more albums in their School Trilogy series which sold over 100,000 copies combined. BTS also gained a loyal fanbase called ARMY who supported them through various fan projects and events.
In 2015, BTS returned with their first full-length album Dark & Wild which marked a new chapter in their musical journey. The album featured
their singles “Danger” and “War of Hormone” which showcased their darker and edgier side. BTS also released
their second full-length album Wings which further explored.
In 2016, BTS continued to impress with their third full-length album You Never Walk Alone which highlighted their diverse and powerful music styles. The album featured
their singles “Spring Day” and “Not Today” which topped various music charts and broke records. BTS also released
their fourth full-length album Love Yourself: Her which was part of their Love Yourself series. The album included
their single “DNA” which became their first song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 2017, BTS continued to dominate with their fifth full-length album Love Yourself: Tear which showcased their mature and sophisticated side. The album featured
their single “Fake Love” which became their first song to reach the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. BTS also released
their sixth full-length album Love Yourself: Answer which was a repackage of Love Yourself: Her and Love Yourself: Tear. The album included
their single “Idol” which became one of the most viewed K-pop music videos of all time.
In 2018, BTS continued to amaze with their seventh full-length album Map of the Soul: Persona which marked a new era in their musical journey. The album featured
their single “Boy With Luv” which became their first song to reach the top five of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. BTS also released
their eighth full-length album Map of the Soul: 7 which highlighted their individual and collective strengths. The album featured
their singles “Black Swan” and “On” which topped various music charts and broke records.
In 2019, BTS continued to shine with their ninth full-length album Map of the Soul: 7 – The Journey which was their first Japanese album. The album featured
their singles “Stay Gold” and “Your Eyes Tell” which became viral hits and earned them multiple awards and accolades. BTS also released
their tenth full-length album BE which showcased their personal and authentic side. The album included
their single “Life Goes On” which became their first song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 2020, BTS continued to soar with their eleventh full-length album Butter which highlighted their diverse and dynamic music styles. The album featured
their single “Butter” which became their second song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for ten consecutive weeks. BTS also released
their twelfth full-length album Permission to Dance which showcased their positive and uplifting side. The album included
their single “Permission to Dance” which became their third song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 2021, BTS continued to break records with their thirteenth full-length album My Universe which marked their first collaboration with an international artist. The album featured
their single “My Universe” which was a collaboration with Coldplay and became their fourth song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. BTS also released
their fourteenth full-length album The Best of BTS which was a compilation of their best songs from their previous albums.
In 2022, BTS continued to make history with their fifteenth full-length album Dynamite which highlighted their explosive and energetic side. The album featured
their single “Dynamite” which became their fifth song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won them multiple awards and recognition. BTS also embarked on their second world tour BTS: Dynamite which sold out stadiums across the world.
In 2023, BTS continued to inspire with their sixteenth full-length album Love Yourself: Speak Yourself which highlighted their meaningful and social messages. The album featured
their singles “Love Yourself” and “Speak Yourself” which became global anthems and won them numerous awards and recognition. BTS also launched their own reality show BTS: Love Yourself: Speak Yourself which gave fans a glimpse into their daily lives and interactions.
Conclusion
These are the top 10 most popular 4th-gen K-pop groups in 2023 based on various criteria such as album sales, digital streaming, social media followers, awards, and fan votes. These groups have shown their talent, charisma, and influence in the music industry and have gained millions of fans across the world. They have also contributed to the global phenomenon of K-pop and have made a positive impact on society and culture.
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Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is K-pop?
A: K-pop, or Korean pop music, is a genre of popular music that originated in South Korea in the late 1980s. It incorporates elements of various musical styles such as pop, rock, hip hop, R&B, EDM, and more. K-pop is known for its catchy songs, elaborate choreography, colorful outfits, and diverse concepts.
Q: What is a K-pop group?
A: A K-pop group is a musical group that performs K-pop songs. K-pop groups usually consist of several members who sing, rap, dance, and sometimes play instruments. K-pop groups are often formed by entertainment agencies through auditions or survival shows. K-pop groups usually have a leader, a main vocalist, a main rapper, a main dancer, a visual, a center, and a maknae (the youngest member).
Q: What is a K-pop fandom?
A: A K-pop fandom is a community of fans who support a specific K-pop group or artist. K-pop fandoms usually have official names, colors, logos, slogans, fan chants, light sticks, merchandise, fan clubs, fan projects, fan sites, fan cafes, fan meetings, concerts, and more. K-pop fandoms often show their love and loyalty to their favorite groups or artists by streaming their songs, voting for them in awards shows or polls,
buying their albums or merchandise, sending them gifts or letters, attending their events or concerts, and defending them from haters or critics.
Q: What is a K-pop comeback?
A: A K-pop comeback is when a K-pop group or artist releases new music after a period of hiatus or inactivity. A K-pop comeback usually involves releasing a single or an album along with a music video, performing on music shows or other platforms, holding a showcase or a press conference,
and doing various promotions or interviews. A K-pop comeback usually generates a lot of hype and anticipation among fans and the public.
Q: What is a K-pop concept?
A: A K-pop concept is the theme or style that a K-pop group or artist adopts for their music, visuals, and performances. A K-pop concept can be based on various factors such as genre, mood, story, image, message, aesthetic, or culture. A K-pop concept can also change or evolve over time depending on the group or artist’s musical direction or artistic vision.
Q: What is a K-pop bias?
A: A K-pop bias is the term used to refer to one’s favorite member of a K-pop group or artist. A K-pop bias is usually chosen based on various criteria such as talent, personality, appearance, charisma, or compatibility. A K-pop bias can also change or vary depending on the group or artist’s activities or interactions.
Q: What is a K-pop subunit?
A: A K-pop subunit is a smaller group that is formed within a larger K-pop group. A K-pop subunit usually consists of two or more members who have similar or complementary skills, styles, or concepts. A K-pop subunit can also have a different name, logo, color, fandom, or music from the main group. A K-pop subunit can be formed for various reasons such as showcasing different sides of the group or artist, targeting different markets or audiences, experimenting with different genres or collaborations, or filling in the gaps when some members are absent or busy.
Q: What is a K-pop soloist?
A: A K-pop soloist is a K-pop artist who performs alone without any other members. A K-pop soloist can be an independent artist who debuted as a soloist from the start, or a former member of a K-pop group who pursued a solo career after leaving or disbanding from the group. A K-pop soloist can also be a current member of a K-pop group who releases solo music while still being part of the group.
Q: What is a K-pop collaboration?
A: A K-pop collaboration is when two or more K-pop groups or artists work together to create music or perform together. A K-pop collaboration can be between members of the same group, members of different groups, members of different agencies, members of different countries, or members of different genres. A K-pop collaboration can also involve other artists who are not part of the K-pop industry such as producers, composers, singers, rappers, dancers, actors, models, or influencers.
Q: What is a K-pop cover?
A: A K-pop cover is when a K-pop group or artist performs a song that was originally sung by another artist. A K-pop cover can be done for various reasons such as paying tribute to the original artist, showing appreciation to the fans, showing off one’s skills or versatility, having fun or expressing oneself, or participating in a challenge or a competition. A K-pop cover can also involve changing some aspects of the original song such as the lyrics, the melody, the arrangement, the genre, the language, or the style.