Who Is the Top 4th Generation Group According to Experts?

Korean media outlet Star News conducted a survey on the subject of "the 4th generation idol who is most expected to be active in the future" targeting 18 influential experts in the popular music industry.

The 18 people who responded to the survey selected 4 teams, 2 each from male and female idol groups that debuted after 2020. To ensure fairness, idols belonging to their respective companies were excluded from the selection.

Top Female Group: NewJeans

NewJeans

recieved a total of 16 votes out of the 18 participants.

"Unlike other groups that have been active recently, they pursue easy-listening pop. Also, their concept of innocence and trendiness stands out the most." Kim Jinwoo, the CEO of RBW, commented.

"The group that best expresses the natural charm of teenage girls," said a representative of an idol agency, who requested anonymity.

Choi Jin-woo, CEO of High-Up Entertainment, also said, "I think that they are a group that seeks popularity through the sensibility and freshness of the 2000s, breaking away from the idol-like frame of the current fandom. I am looking forward to how they're going to reach out to the public."


aespa had the second most votes after NewJeans




Kwon Jae-young, CEO of A9 Media, said, "They have their own unique storytelling content called 'worldview' with the concept of an AI idol, so I'm curious about the next story."


Vice President Kim Yeon-soo of Pledis Entertainment also commented, "With their unique concept and visuals, they are gaining great popularity not only in Korea but also abroad."


IVE followed NewJeans and aespa with 8 out of 18 votes (44.4%).



CEO Kim Jinwoo said, "Based on members such as Jang Wonyoung and Ahn Yujin, who are well-known and have a strong fan base, they are showing not only music activities but also many activities in various fields. I am looking forward to more activities in the future.”

CEO Noh Hyun-tae said, "As much as the 'narcissist' worldview has been firmly established from the beginning, the public is also interested in finding hidden meanings."

Other experts voted for NMIXX, LE SSERAFIM, and H1-KEY.

Top Male Group : ENHYPEN

Among the 4th generation male idol groups, 17 out of 18 (94.4%) experts pointed out ENHYPEN.

"With a strong fandom, it is showing good results in the United States and Japan, and is recording high album sales, such as becoming a million-seller in the Initial week of sales," Lee Won-min, CEO of WM Entertainment, said about ENHYPEN.

Kwon Jae-young, CEO of A9 Media, analyzed, "They are worth looking out for because they are from Belift Lab, which is under HYBE. They are also more popular Tomorrow X Together, which is under Big Hit Music.

Chung Jin-kyun, CEO of GLG, said, "The audition program showed the way to go."

Treasure came in second with 18 votes.



"Treasure has not only distinguished itself from other groups by sticking to authentic hip-hop, but also supports its skills," said Noh Hyun-tae, CEO of Teretment."Since their last music release, the influx of K-pop fans has increased and the inflow of fans has been solidified into core forms."

Bang Jae-hyeok, director of KQ Entertainment, said, "Compared to other groups, they seem to have superior production skills, and the company's support is enough to invest 500 million won in music video production alone. Their comeback in October is also drawing attention."

Other experts voted for ATBO, Xdinary Heroes, TNX, YOUNITE, BAE173 and Drippin.



For transparency, Star News released their entire list of participants in alpabetical order:

Kang Su-jin, Head of Production Division, Kakao Entertainment
Kwon Jae-young, CEO of A9 Media
Kim Nam-hyeong, CEO of GF Entertainment
Kim Yeon-soo, VP of Pledis Entertainment
Kim Jin-woo, RBW CEO
Roh Hyun-tae, CEO of Think Entertainment
Rhymer, Brand New Music CEO
Park Seong-hoon SBS CP
Bang Jae-hyuk, KQ Entertainment Director
Shin Jeong-su, Wake One Entertainment CEO
Won-min Lee, CEO of WM Entertainment
Jong-hwa Lee, Vice President of Brave Entertainment
Hyung-jin Lee, CEO of MLD Entertainment
Hoon-hee Lee, CEO of Starship Entertainment
Wook Jeong, CEO of JYP Entertainment
GLG Director Jin-woo Jeong
Jin-woo Choi, CEO of High-Up Entertainment
Young-joon Taek, CEO of SM Entertainment


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