After the reign of 4th-generation K-pop groups, the new era of 5th-generation K-pop has started. From ZEROBASEONE to Babymonster, several 5th-generation K-pop acts have stirred the internet like never before.
The 5th-generation era of K-pop idols is said to have begun in 2023. Since then, some groups have shown immense potential with their vibrant music and quirky outlook. In fact, recently, bands like Babymonster and ZEROBASEONE have also landed their first endorsement deals.
Here is a list of the best 5th-generation K-pop groups on their way to the top.
BoyNextDoor
Rapper Zico’s new label, KOZ Entertainment, debuted the 5th-gen K-pop group BoyNextDoor. Backed by the promotions of HYBE Labels, the K-pop act has become one of the most successful 5th-generation groups. The rookie band has six members: Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak.
BoyNextDoor made their official debut on May 30, 2023, with the release of the first album, Who!. Before their debut, the K-pop trainees released two music videos for singles “But I Like You” and “One and Only” on May 23 and May 26, respectively. The group is set to make its comeback this year in April.
The group also bagged multiple awards after its debut. They won the Global Rising Artist trophy at the Melon Music Awards 2023 and the Global Hottest Award at The Fact Music Awards 2023.
ZEROBASEONE
ZEROBASEONE was created from Mnet’s popular K-pop reality show Boys Planet. Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Sung Ha-bin, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae Rae, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gun Wook, and Han Yujin debuted on July 10, 2023 with their mini album Youth In The Shade.
The debut album made history, as the pre-order numbers went over 780,000 in five days and 1.08 million copies in 13 days. Youth In The Shade set a new record for the most pre-ordered K-pop debut album, and it became the first K-pop debut album to sell over a million copies.
ZEROBASEONE has bagged multiple brand endorsement deals early in their career. The group promoted the cosmetic brand BRING GREEN, the fashion brand ROMANTIC CROWN, and Skoolooks.
Babymonster
After the global success of BLACKPINK, YG Entertainment debuted another girl group, Babymonster, in 2023. Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Haram, Rora, and Chiquita introduced themselves to the world through the show Last Evaluation (2023). Later, they released the pre-debut single “Dream” on May 14, 2023.
Towards the end of 2023, Babymonster finally stepped into the K-pop industry with the single “Batter Up,” which ranked number 5 on the US World Chart. Recently, at this year’s Circle Chart Awards, the group won the Rookie of the Year—Global Streaming award.
Xikers
Xikers were formed by the same record label as ATEEZ, i.e. KQ Entertainment. The group comprises ten members: Minjae, Junmin, Sumin, Jinsik, Hyunwoo, Junghoon, Seeun, Yujun, Hunter, and Yechan.
While other 5th-gen K-pop groups chose youthful ideas for their debut, Xikers quickly made an impression with their debut EP, House of Tricky: Doorbell Ringing. The extended play shows off a fusion of punk and K-pop that fans were not ready for. Their dynamic stage presence and electrifying energy set them apart from other 5th-generation groups.
Kiss Of Life
Kiss Of Life debuted on July 5, 2023, with their titular EP, Kiss Of Life. The group’s four members—Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul—are no strangers to the K-pop industry. Natty participated in two K-pop reality shows — Sixteen and Idol School. She also made her solo debut with her album Nineteen in 2020 before joining S2 Entertainment and debuting with Kiss Of Life.
Since their debut, the group has released two extended plays, Kiss Of Life and Born To Be XX. The popularity of this girl band led to them winning the New Artist of the Next Generation at the Circle Chart Music Awards.
The era of 5th-gen K-pop groups has just begun, and fans will see many more debut this year. So, the stage is set for the young artists, and we will be rooting for them to make new history in K-pop.
