And we stan them all! 💖
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- Watch: RIIZE Takes 2nd Win For “Love 119” On “Inkigayo”; Performances By ITZY, NMIXX, SISTAR19, And More
K-Pop is bigger than ever. And flourishing in the latest era of K-Pop are “4th generation” girl groups! Packed with talent and visual, these groups come armed with well-rounded all-star members, trained by field experts who built the industry from the ground up.
And among the countless groups that burst onto the scene, these three have been showing the most potential to be the industry leaders — according to Korean K-Pop fans!
1. ITZY
Having debuted the earliest out of the three, ITZY became “monster rookies” in February of 2019. With all five members being powerful vocalists as well as powerful dancers, ITZY have been fearless with breaking industry norms and trying bold, new concepts.
ITZY | @ITZYofficial/Twitter
Korean fans believe the unbreakable bond the members show among themselves attest to the success that ITZY will see as a group!
Itzy (stylized as ITZY; Korean: 있지; RR: Itji) is a South Korean girl group formed by JYP Entertainment, consisting of members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. The group debuted on February 12, 2019, with the release of their single album, It'z Different. The group's commercial success has led to them earning several new artist of the year awards, including Rookie of the Year at the 34th Golden Disc Awards and Best New Female artist at the 2019 Melon Music Awards and the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards.
Pre-debut[edit]
Chaeryeong auditioned for Fantagio but didn't pass, so she auditioned for JYP Entertainment and passed as a trainee. Chaeryeong trained with JYP for five years. Ryujin got scouted at a GOT7 concert. After that, she trained with JYP for four years until ITZY's debut in 2019. Yuna was discovered by JYP Entertainment in 2015 while Yuna trained with JYP Entertainment for three years. Yeji auditioned for JYP Entertainment in 2015. She trained for three years with JYP. Lia was a trainee with SM Entertainment before she was a trainee at JYP. Lia went on to become a trainee at JYP Entertainment and trained for two years.[3]
Chaeryeong was a contestant on K-pop Star 3 in 2013. She then went on to compete in JYP Entertainment's (JYPE) survival show Sixteen in 2015.[4] However, she did not make the cut to become a member of the winning girl group, Twice.[5]
In 2018, Ryujin was a contestant on JTBC's survival show Mix Nine. She placed first among the girls in the competition but lost to the boys for the overall winners.[6]
In 2017, Yuna and Ryujin appeared in BTS’s “Love Yourself” Highlight Reel.[7]
All of the members, except Lia, appeared in Mnet's reality show Stray Kids as a project group against the boy group Stray Kids in 2017.[8]
In 2018, Yeji was a contestant on SBS' The Fan, but was eliminated in episode 5.[9]
2019: Debut with It'z Different and It'z Icy[edit]
On January 21, JYP Entertainment announced that they would be debuting a new girl group, the first since Twice's debut in 2015.[10] The label's official channel uploaded a video trailer revealing the five members.[11][12]
On February 12, the group released their debut single album, It'z Different, with its lead single "Dalla Dalla". The song incorporates elements from EDM sub-genres, such as future house and bass house. Its empowering lyrics have been well received by the audience.[13][14][15] The group scored one of the biggest Billboard debuts for a new K-pop act in years, single "Dalla Dalla" entered at No. 3 and peaked at No. 2 on the World Digital Song Sales chart. The shape-shifting confidence anthem sold 2,000 downloads in the U.S. for the week ending February 14, according to Nielsen Music, making it the best-selling K-pop song in America that week. "Want It?," released alongside the single "Dalla Dalla," debuted at No. 8 selling 1,000 downloads. "Dalla Dalla" also debuted as the second most popular song on YouTube.[16][17]
Billboard confirmed that the music video surpassed 17.1 million views within 24 hours of its release and broke the record for the most viewed K-pop debut music video within 24 hours.[18] On February 21, eight days after their debut, Itzy received their first music show win on M Countdown and became the fastest girl group to achieve their first music show win.[19][20] The song went on to win 9 music show wins.[21] "Dalla Dalla" also broke the record at the time for the fastest K-pop debut music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube.[22]
Itzy's debut EP, titled It'z Icy was released on July 29, 2019, along with an accompanied music video for its lead single titled "Icy".[23][24] Commercially, the EP was a success, peaking at number 3 on the Gaon Album Chart.[25] "Icy" continued their success on music shows, earning 12 wins, including a triple crown on Show Champion.[26] On September 22, JYPE announced Itzy's showcase tour titled Itzy Premiere Showcase Tour "Itzy? Itzy!". A showcase tour kicked off in Jakarta on November 2 which would then go on to different cities in Asia throughout the end of 2019 before heading to the United States for five shows in January 2020.[27]
Itzy at Genie Music Awards in 2019, where they won Best New Artist.
In November 2019, "Dalla Dalla" surpassed 100 million streams on Gaon Music Chart, becoming the group's first platinum certification. It is also the first debut song by a K-pop group to earn a platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association since the introduction of the certifications in April 2018.[28] The single also ranked No. 8 on the list of "The 20 Best K-pop Songs of 2019" by Dazed, which stated that the group "keep a steady hand on the rudder using the fun touches even with the visual and sonic chaos going on around" and "the ones to give K-pop a fresh boot up".[29] The music videos of "Dalla Dalla" and "Icy" entered the list of South Korea's most popular music video on YouTube, at No. 2 and 7 respectively.[30] At the end of the year, Itzy was recognized with several Best New Female Artist awards, including the 2019 Melon Music Awards and the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards.[1][2]
2020: United States showcase tour, It'z Me and Not Shy[edit]
Itzy started the year with the continuation of their showcase tour in the United States, starting on January 17 in Los Angeles.[31]
On March 9, Itzy released their second EP, It'z Me, and its lead single "Wannabe".[32] Featuring producers such as Sophie and Oliver Heldens, the EP saw the group experiment with EDM sounds, while maintaining their lyrical themes of freedom and self-determination to what comes their way.[33] The EP debuted at number one on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart, making it the group's first number one album in the country. It also debuted at number 5 on Billboard's World Albums chart, their highest position on the chart.[34] The group went on to achieve 8 music show wins with "Wannabe," continuing their success on the platform.[35]
On August 17, Itzy released their third EP Not Shy as well as the music video for the lead single of the same name.[36][37] While maintaining Itzy's signature "teen crush" pop sound, the album reflected a lyrical shift, as the group transitioned from "themes of independence and self-love" to "tipping their toes into the waters of singing about love."[38] The EP debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart with sales of over 219,048 units.[39] It was their second release to top the chart. "Not Shy" was also promoted on music shows, going on to achieve 5 wins.[40]
2021–present: Guess Who[edit]
On March 20, Itzy released the digital single "Trust Me (Midzy)", a song dedicated to their fans, as part of their first global livestream event.[41]
On April 30, Itzy released their fourth EP Guess Who and its lead single "In the Morning".[42] On May 11, the EP entered into the Billboard 200 at number 148, making it their first appearance into the list.[43] The English version of "In the Morning" was released on May 14.[44]
Members[edit]
- Yeji (예지) ― leader, dancer[45]
- Lia (리아) ― vocalist[45]
- Ryujin (류진) ― rapper[45]
- Chaeryeong (채령) ― dancer[45]
- Yuna (유나) ― dancer[45]
2. STAYC
STAYC debuted in November 2020 amid some high anticipation, as the group’s producer Black Eyed Pilseung revealed that it took him three years to “find the members that had the right talents and the right personalities.” The time and effort that went into creating STAYC has surely paid off though, as these rookies immediately began sweeping the music charts with every release.
STAYC | @STAYC_official/Twitter
In fact, according to Korean fans, Black Eyed Pilseung really outdid himself with putting the group together — as STAYC members have not only the right talents and right personalities, but also the right visuals!
STAYC (Korean: 스테이씨, acronym for Star To A Young Culture) is a South Korean girl group formed by High Up Entertainment. The group is composed of six members: Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J.
It is the first group by High Up Entertainment, founded by producer duo Black Eyed Pilseung.
The group debuted on November 12, 2020, with the release of their debut single album, "Star to a Young Culture".
2016–2019: Pre-debut[edit]
Sieun was well-known prior to debut as both the daughter of veteran singer Park Nam-jung, and for her roles in dramas such as The Good Wife, Queen for Seven Days, and The Crowned Clown. She won the Youth Acting Award in 2018 SBS Drama Awards for her role in Still 17.[3]
Seeun was known as an actress, appearing in shows like The Guardians and Circle.[2]
Prior to debut, STAYC was known as "High Up Girls", named after their company, High Up Entertainment.[4]
2020: Debut with Star to a Young Culture[edit]
The official logo of STAYC
On September 8, it was announced that High Up Entertainment will debut their first girl group, with Sieun being named its first member.[5]
On October 11, High Up Entertainment announced that the group would be debuting on November 12.[6] Three last members - Isa, J, and Yoon were revealed via prologue films on October 12, 13 and 14 respectively. On October 22, the title of their single album was announced to be Star to a Young Culture, with the lead single "So Bad".[7] The teaser schedule was released the same day. The single album was announced to be produced by Black Eyed Pilseung, known for previous hits such as "TT", "Touch My Body", "Roller Coaster", and "Dumhdurum". The producing duo described the group's sound as "Teen Fresh", a combination of "Teen" and "Fresh", highlighting the group's "unique individual vocal colors".[8] Prior to the album's release, promotions were done through 1theK's YouTube page. These included dance covers of groups such as Blackpink, BTS, and Stray Kids, which received over 1 million views,[9] and a vocal cover of songs by Twice and Red Velvet which received over 2 million views.[10]
On November 12, the music video for the album's lead single "So Bad" was released, receiving over 2.6 million views in the first 24 hours.[3] Their album was released on the same day, selling over 4,300 copies on its first day, the most for a debut girl group in 2020.[3] It went on to sell more than 10,000 copies on its first week, becoming the first debut album by a girl group in 2020 to do so.[2] They promoted the album through a VLIVE debut showcase, promoting both the lead single, "So Bad" and B-side "Like This".[11] The group made their music show debut on November 13, 2020 at KBS Music Bank,[3] which was followed up with performances at Show Champion, Inkigayo, and The Show. The album debuted at number 17 on the weekly Gaon Album Chart. "So Bad" debuted at number 90 on Billboard's K-pop Hot 100, and number 21 on the World Digital Song Sales chart.[12]
2021–present: Staydom[edit]
The group returned with their second single album Staydom and its lead single "ASAP" on April 8.[13] The music video of "ASAP," released consecutively with the release of the album, reached 20 million views in nine days.[14] They also entered the "Billboard K-pop 100" weekly chart.[15] Their title track also reached the top of Korean music platforms, including Melon, Bugs and Genie. Since their debut, they have been receiving tremendous love and have been breaking the highest record on music charts.[16] Staydom sold 56,198 copies in it's first month, making STAYC the first 2020 rookie girl group to sell more than 50,000 copies with a single album.[17]
Members[edit]
- Sumin (수민)
- Sieun (시은)
- Isa (아이사)
- Seeun (세은)
- Yoon (윤)
- J (재이)
3. aespa
With all eyes on them for being the first girl group to debut from SM Entertainment in six years, aespa debuted in November 2020. And dubbed the agency’s most experimental debut yet, combining K-Pop with an innovative AI concept, the members and their computer-generated counterparts are currently making history in the field.
aespa | @aespa_official/Twitter
While at first Korean fans had their doubts about the unprecedented concept, they have come to agree on one thing for sure: aespa is next level K-Pop, whether they learn to accept it or not.
Aespa (Korean: 에스파; RR: eseupa; MR: esŭp'a, commonly stylized in all lowercase or æspa) is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment. The group consists of Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning. The group debuted on November 17, 2020 with the release of their debut single, "Black Mamba".
The group's name, Aespa, is a combination of "ae", composed of the English initials of Avatar and Experience (Avatar X Experience), and the English word "aspect" meaning "two sides", symbolizing "meeting another self and experiencing the new world".[3]
History[edit]
2016–2019: Pre-debut activities[edit]
Ningning was introduced as a member of SM Rookies on September 19, 2016. As part of it, she appeared on the Rookies Princess: Who's the Best? segment of the program My SMT in 2016, and recorded several covers for the Korean animated TV program Shining Star in 2017.[4]
Karina appeared in labelmate Taemin's music video for the song "Want" in February 2019 and performed with him on several music programs in the weeks following.[5][6]
2020–present: Introduction, debut with "Black Mamba", "Forever", and "Next Level"[edit]
On October 26, SM Entertainment announced that it would be debuting a new girl group, the first since Red Velvet in 2014 and the first overall idol group since NCT in 2016.[7][8] The members were revealed individually from October 27 to 30 (in order: Winter, Karina, Ningning, and Giselle) along with the name Aespa.[9] A further explanation about Aespa's concept was offered by SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man at the 2020 World Cultural Industry Forum, held online on October 28.[10] A video trailer with all four members was revealed on November 2.[11] On the same day, the agency announced that Aespa will release their debut single "Black Mamba" on November 17.[12] The group made their broadcast debut on KBS2's Music Bank on November 20 where they performed their debut single.[13] The group also reached number one on the K-pop music video charts of China's biggest music-streaming service, QQ Music for three consecutive weeks.[14] On January 17, 2021, Aespa received their first ever music show win for "Black Mamba" on Inkigayo.[15]
On January 29, 2021, SM Entertainment announced Aespa will release a new single titled "Forever", a remake of a single by Yoo Young-jin, released for SM Entertainment's holiday album Winter Vacation in SMTOWN.com in 2000.[16] The single was officially released on February 5, 2021.[17] The song was described as a mid-tempo ballad with an acoustic guitar sound and warm lyrics about promising forever to a loved one.[17]
On May 4, 2021, SM Entertainment announced that Aespa would be making a comeback later that month.[18] Their third single "Next Level", was released on May 17.[19]
Endorsements[edit]
On February 10, 2021, Aespa was announced as the 2021 brand ambassador of Givenchy, becoming the first K-pop artists to be chosen as Givenchy's brand ambassador.[20][21]
Members[edit]
- Karina (카리나) – leader, dancer, rapper, vocalist[22][23][24]
- Giselle (지젤) – rapper, vocalist[25][23][26]
- Winter (윈터) – vocalist, dancer[27][23]
- Ningning (닝닝) – vocalist[28][23]
