The global popularity of K-pop is intertwined with the rising fame of fourth-generation idols. Despite the pandemic, these idols have grown in stature since their debut, securing a global fandom. Some members have even been in the spotlight before their debut, and agencies are captivating the public’s attention by recruiting unique rookies with exceptional backgrounds. How much do you know about these fourth-generation idols expanding globally based on their outlook? Here are the fourth-generation idol groups that will heat up in 2022.
LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM, a hot topic even before its debut, is known as the sister group of BTS. The first girl group launched in a collaboration between HYBE and Source Music has heightened the expectations as Bang Si Hyuk, who produced BTS, is in charge of overall production. In addition, they have completed the group’s lineup by including Sakura Miyawaki and Kim Chae Won, who already have fan bases through IZ*ONE.
IVE
IVE is a six-member girl group, all of whom were born in the 2000s. With An Yu Jin and Jang Won Young, active in IZ*ONE, leading the way, they released their debut album “ELEVEN” to become the “Best Eleven” in the music industry. IVE won first place on a music show with “ELEVEN” just seven days after their debut, and they are rising as a leading fourth-generation group by releasing their new album “LOVE DIVE.”
Aespa
Aespa, the strongest in the outlook, cannot be left out. Aespa is a girl group under SM Entertainment, formed six years after Red Velvet. They have established themselves as a representative fourth-generation girl group by combining the title of a metaverse girl group with superior beauty than AI and powerful performance skills. They caused a K-pop sensation by hitting the mega-hit songs “Next Level” and “Savage” in succession following their debut song “Black Mamba.”
NMIXX
NMIXX, a seven-member girl group presented by JYP Entertainment, is also hot these days. NMIXX means “the best combination responsible for a new era.” Sullyoon has been noticed for her looks that mix Tzuyu and Sana, and Bae, who has a voice similar to Su Ji, has received hot reactions online even before their debut. In addition, their debut album, “AD MARE,” recorded about 227,000 initial sales, breaking a new record as soon as they debuted.
ATEEZ
ATEEZ is a fourth-generation idol who knows how to have fun. ATEEZ has been showing a global move, touring 12 countries for performances just one year after their debut and making it to the Billboard 200 in the U.S. They are also receiving attention for their outlook that draws empathy and communication with the younger generation, true to the team name meaning “A to Z of teenagers.” The bright future of ATEEZ, who are showing perfect group dance and various stage concepts, is expected.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) is a group of five members: Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai. The unique team name means “You and I, who are different, gather with one dream to create tomorrow.” TXT achieved fifth place in the Billboard 200 with their second regular album, “The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE.” They are on a roll, having been nominated for the NEW ARTIST OF 2021 category at the 2021 People’s Choice Awards in the U.S.
Stray Kids
Stray Kids (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N) is a boy group that JYP released after four years. They have been on a meteoric rise since winning the final victory in Mnet’s “Kingdom: Legendary War” last year. In addition, they rose to the top runners of the “4th Generation Representative Boy Group” by staying on the U.S. Billboard main chart Billboard 200 for three consecutive weeks with their mini album “ODDINARY” and title song “MANIAC.”
ENHYPEN
ENHYPEN, who debuted through the “I-LAND” audition program, also shows brilliant activities. ENHYPEN means that seven boys are “connected,” discover each other, and grow together, just as the hyphen implies. They reached 11th place on the Billboard 200 with their first regular album, “DIMENSION: DILEMMA.” In addition, they proved their status as a “Global K-pop Rising Star” by achieving two crowns along with their first win at the “Japan Golden Disc Awards” last March.
Kep1er
Kep1er is a girl group selected through the audition program “Girls Planet 999.” As they were chosen by global voting, they received significant attention from overseas K-pop fandom, even after their debut. In addition, the music video of their title song, “Wa Da Da,” released in January, has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, proving their popularity. Kep1er is competing with veteran singers in Mnet’s “Queendom 2.”
STAYC
STAYC focuses on “Teen Fresh” rather than the outlook, aiming for the fresh and vibrant image of the millennials and Gen Z, which matches the age of the members. They also show a steep growth curve with popular songs by the hit producer team. They have recorded hits in a row, from their debut song “SO BAD” to last year’s “ASAP,” “STEREOTYPE,” and the recently released “RUN2U.”
Most Commented