K-Pop Girl Groups in Decline: A Troubling Trend

As we dive into 2025, K-media has raised the alarm about the unsettling decline of K-pop girl groups. Recent reports from Hankook Ilbo highlight that only a handful of these groups are finding success, raising eyebrows across the industry.

A Co-ed Group Shines Amidst a Sea of Silence

In a surprising twist, the rookie co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT has captured attention with their track "Famous," claiming the top spot on the Melon Daily chart. This is particularly striking, considering how girl groups once dominated the music ranking scene.

Disappointing Chart Performance

Despite their previous glory, girl groups are struggling to make an impact this year. Aside from powerhouses aespa and IVE, few have fared well on the music charts. In fact, only four girl groups made it into the top 10 across 25 weekly charts this year. The standout tunes were IVE's "Rebel Heart," which topped the charts, and their other hit "Attitude," landing at seventh. Meanwhile, aespa's "Whiplash" managed to stay within the top 10, providing some hope for the seemingly beleaguered girl group scene.

A Stark Contrast to Previous Years

This year's slump is particularly jarring when contrasted with the bright days of 2023, when groups such as NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, aespa, and IVE fiercely competed, filling the top 10 with their hits. Despite considerable initial buzz surrounding new girl groups from various agencies this year, they have largely failed to make their mark.

Album Sales Tell a Similar Story

The decline isn't just about chart performance; it's also evident in album sales, where the growth of girl group fandoms has noticeably slowed down.

Cultural and Industry Challenges to Blame?

Experts suggest that ongoing political issues have dampened enthusiasm for K-Pop, leading to stagnant competition among the top girl groups. Additionally, the fallout from ongoing conflicts within the HYBE organization has contributed to the waning public interest. Music critic Jung Min Jae notes that previously popular girl groups have struggled to capture attention because of inconsistent results, with further reductions in interest towards LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT stemming from internal discord within HYBE.

Changing Entertainment Landscape

Some argue that shifts in cultural content demand may be influencing this decline. With an increasing array of entertainment options like OTT platforms, short-form music, and sports, general interest in K-Pop might be waning. Critics have pointed out that listeners are gravitating toward bands and solo acts, leading to a decrease in K-Pop's chart visibility as consumption trends evolve.

What Lies Ahead?

As the K-Pop industry adapts to these shifting winds, it remains to be seen how girl groups will navigate these challenges and reclaim their spotlight. The future is uncertain, but one thing is for sure: fans and industry insiders alike are hoping for a resurgence in this once-thriving segment of the K-Pop world.