The 4th-generation K-pop girl group scene is a fierce battleground, with LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans (NJZ), IVE, and aespa all competing for the top spot. Each group has its strengths, but who is truly ahead in the race? Let’s break it down!
1. Concept – Which Group Has the Most Unique Image?
| Group | Concept | Key Features | Popularity with the Public |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE SSERAFIM | Cool girl, strong, empowering | Chic and high-fashion, appeals to the Western market | High internationally, moderate in Korea |
| NewJeans | Y2K, minimalistic, nostalgic | Retro-inspired, MV style breaks K-pop norms | Strong in both Korea and globally |
| IVE | High-teen luxury | Classy, elegant visuals | Extremely popular in Korea |
| aespa | Cyberpunk, AI-driven universe | Futuristic but sometimes less accessible | Strong among international K-pop fans, but less mainstream |
🎯 Winner?
- NewJeans stands out with their Y2K concept, setting them apart from every other group.
- LE SSERAFIM balances edginess and commercial appeal the best.
- IVE dominates in Korea with their elegant, high-teen image.
2. Music – Who’s Producing the Biggest Hits?
The data is compiled from X (@viraltakes), Songstats, In the Pann, and Korean music charts such as Circle Chart and Melon.
🎵 Streaming & Chart Performance Comparison
| Group | Hit Songs | Total Spotify Streams (as of 2025) | Korean Chart Performance (Circle, Melon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE SSERAFIM | Antifragile, Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife | ~900M | Top 10 but no #1s |
| NewJeans | Ditto, OMG, Super Shy | 2B+ | Multiple #1s on Circle & Melon |
| IVE | Eleven, Love Dive, I AM | ~1.5B | Melon chart-topper, multiple #1s |
| aespa | Next Level, Spicy | ~1.2B | Had a viral hit but momentum is slowing |
🎯 Winner?
- NewJeans dominates globally, with massive viral hits on TikTok and Billboard.
- IVE is Korea’s chart queen, consistently topping Melon.
- LE SSERAFIM has strong viral appeal but lacks a truly international mega-hit.
- aespa once led with Next Level, but needs another breakout moment.
3. Global Expansion – Who’s Leading Internationally?
🌍 International Activities & Billboard Rankings
| Group | Key International Moves | Billboard Hot 100 | Touring & Festival Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE SSERAFIM | Performed at Lollapalooza, collab with Nile Rodgers | Not on Hot 100 but charted on Billboard 200 | Actively performing at global events |
| NewJeans | Billboard recognition, collabs with Coca-Cola & Louis Vuitton | OMG & Super Shy entered Hot 100 | No tours yet, but viral success |
| IVE | Expanding to Japan & US | Not on Hot 100 | No major international tours |
| aespa | Signed with Warner Records, US promotions | Not on Hot 100 | Has toured internationally but with mixed results |
🎯 Winner?
- NewJeans is globally recognized purely through organic virality.
- LE SSERAFIM has the strongest strategy, using live performances to build an international fanbase.
- aespa has the potential, but their Western market penetration is still uncertain.
4. Where Is LE SSERAFIM More Popular – Korea or Internationally?
| Market | LE SSERAFIM’s Popularity |
|---|---|
| Korea | Moderate – has a loyal fandom but less mainstream than IVE or NewJeans |
| International | Strong – cool-girl image and high-performance skills appeal to Western fans |
🎯 Bottom line:
- IVE dominates Korea with broad public appeal.
- NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM are thriving internationally.
- aespa has potential but needs stronger momentum.
📌 Where Does LE SSERAFIM Stand in the Race?
1️⃣ NewJeans leads in music & virality worldwide.
2️⃣ IVE dominates the domestic Korean market.
3️⃣ aespa has a unique concept but needs to refine their international approach.
4️⃣ LE SSERAFIM has the most aggressive global expansion strategy, and with a global hit, they could take the crown.
🔥 Prediction: If LE SSERAFIM maintains their current strategy and lands a true international hit, they have the potential to compete at the top with NewJeans.
💬 Who do you think will be the top K-pop girl group in 2025? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
