K-Pop’s 5th generation is here, and it’s bolder, fresher, and more global than ever. As the Hallyu Wave continues to surge beyond Korea., these new idols are setting trends, breaking records, and redefining the K-Pop sound for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Here are the best 5th-generation K-pop groups you need to stream now.
1. ZEROBASEONE
Born from Boys Planet reality competition, ZEROBASEONE made waves with their “In Bloom” debut single. With stunning visuals and addictive choreography, they’re poised to lead the next global K-pop takeover. ZEROBASEONE’s powerful performances and charismatic members have already garnered a massive global fanbase, making them a force to be reckoned with.
2. RIIZE
SM Entertainment’s rookie powerhouse blends nostalgia with future-forward pop. Hits like “Get A Guitar” show off their unique “emotional pop” identity, earning them fast-growing international fans. RIIZE has carved out its uniqueness through captivating visuals, quickly becoming known for its strong stage presence and ability to convey a wide range of emotions through its music.
3. BABYMONSTER
YG Entertainment’s fierce girl group delivers powerhouse vocals and edgy hip-hop vibes. With songs like “SHEESH,” BABYMOSTER has already drawn comparisons to BLACKPINK and are living up to the high expectations set by their predecessors.
4. ILLIT
HYBE’s latest girl group debuted through R U Next? competition show and brings a refreshing mix of youthful energy and sleek production. ILLIT group is rising fast on both Korean and international charts thanks to their relatable “teen crush” concept and catchy, easy-listening sound that resonates widely.
5. KATSEYE
Created through Dream Academy reality show, this global girl group under HYBE and Geffen Records is K-Pop’s boldest attempt at global crossover success. Pioneering a unique blend of K-pop training with a strong focus on the Western pop market, KATSEYE signals its ambition to transcend traditional K-pop boundaries and establish a distinct global identity.
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