On Thursday, Jan. 7, Korean news and media outlet Sports Donga released an article in which they named the three girl groups that best represent the fourth generation of K-pop. Keep on reading to see who they chose!
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The publication chose three girl groups that best represent the fourth generation of K-pop by continuing to make moves into the global market and helping shape the industry. Due to their help in the spread of the Hallyu Wave, the South Korean government is helping to expands its score to help groups with overseas activities.
The first group that was selected was BLACKPINK, with the publication noting that they were at the forefront of the Hallyu Wave with BTS in 2020. This year, fans can look forward to more solo activities from the members, who have already established themselves as global stars by peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 and the UK Album Charts.
According to their agency, YG Entertainment, on Wednesday, Jan. 6, members Rosé, Lisa, and Jisoo will all debut as soloists. Previously, Jennie was the first member to debut as a soloist, releasing "SOLO" in 2018. Members Rosé and Lisa recently finished filming their music videos and will soon release their solo debut schedule, though no specific date has been announced so far. Jisoo, who is currently filming the drama "Snowdrop", is expected to be the last member to debut as a soloist.
The next group Sports Donga selected is (G)I-DLE, who is continuing to work hard to solidify their title as a "self-producing" group. The group is composed of members from South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and China, and each member has put an emphasis on their creative freedom, being highly involved in the group's creative process in terms of their music, Member and leader Soyeon has debuted as a soloist and has helped co-produce and co-write all of the group's material.
For (G)I-DLE's upcoming extended play, "I Burn", we will also see members Minnie and Yuqi help with songwriting and producing, with Yuqi helping co-write and co-produce "Lost" and Minnie helping co-write and co-produce "Dahlia: Minnie has also helped co-produce the song "Moon". (G)I-DLE has attracted fans with their unique concept with each musical release and their fanbase is expected to grow to the next level this year with their strong performances and music.
The last group that was mentioned by Sports Donga is ITZY, who were dubbed as "Monster Rookies" earlier in their debut. On Friday, Jan. 22, ITZY will be dropping a new album that will feature an English version of their hit songs, including their 2020 smash hit, "Not Shy". The album will also include four English versions of their hit songs "WANNABE", "ICY", and "DALLA DALLA". The drop is intended to help kickstart ITZY's global activities, peaking international earnest.
ITZY will drop the album at 2 PM KST on Jan. 22. To meet with fans, ITZY will be holding a comeback show at "COUNTDOWN LIVE @ NAVER NOW" which will be held at 1 PM KST, Jan. 22. Previously, ITZY won the "Best Performer" at The Fact Music Awards.
What other K-pop groups do you think best represent the fourth generation of K-pop? Do you agree with Sports Donga's selection? Tell us in the comments!
