BABYMONSTER currently stands as the best 5th-gen K-pop group, backed by YG Entertainment’s strong production power and streaming numbers that outperform most of their peers.
The shift from 4th-gen kpop groups to this new generation started in 2023, bringing fresh energy and global goals to the industry.
This article ranks the top 10 most popular 5th gen kpop groups. You’ll find detailed profiles, achievements, and the unique factors that make these monster rookies dominate 2024-2025.
Who Is Leading 5th-Gen K-Pop?
BABYMONSTER leads the 5th gen kpop groups with 7.43M monthly Spotify listeners and the honor of being YG Entertainment’s first girl group since BLACKPINK.
Their debut single “BATTER UP” surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, while their recent “DRIP” album entered Billboard’s main chart.
The group’s seven-member international lineup delivers powerful performances that mix hip-hop edge with melodic vocals, setting the standard for what defines this generation.
Also read: Most popular K-pop groups
Top 10 Most Popular 5th Gen K-Pop Groups
The ranking below uses clear numbers from November 2025, including Spotify streams, album sales, and major industry awards.
These groups represent the first 5th gen kpop group wave that’s reshaping global pop music with tech-driven plans and diverse musical styles.
| Rank | Group | Type | Company | Spotify Monthly Listeners | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BABYMONSTER | Girl | YG Entertainment | 7.43M | Billboard main chart entry with “DRIP” |
| 2 | ILLIT | Girl | Belift Lab (HYBE) | 10.54M | First K-pop debut on Hot 100 & UK Official Charts |
| 3 | ZEROBASEONE | Boy | Wakeone | 1.43M | Six back-to-back million-seller albums |
| 4 | KISS OF LIFE | Girl | S2 Entertainment | 4.27M | Self-producing model with member songwriting |
| 5 | RIIZE | Boy | SM Entertainment | 2.07M | “Emotional pop” sound innovation |
| 6 | BOYNEXTDOOR | Boy | KOZ (HYBE) | 3.32M | Teen Fresh concept targeting Gen Z |
| 7 | TWS | Boy | Pledis (HYBE) | 2.00M | 2024 MAMA “Best New Male Artist” winner |
| 8 | PLAVE | Virtual Boy | VLAST | 0.63M | Virtual format breaking industry rules |
| 9 | MEOVV | Girl | The Black Label (YG) | 4.12M | Luxury brand positioning strategy |
| 10 | tripleS | Girl | MODHAUS | 0.85M | Revolutionary 24-member rotation system |
Each group brings different strengths that appeal to various fan groups, from traditional K-pop lovers to tech-forward audiences exploring virtual experiences.
Let’s look at what makes each group special in detail.
1. BABYMONSTER
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora, Chiquita |
| Debut Date | November 27, 2023 |
| Debut Song | “BATTER UP” |
| Most Popular Song | “SHEESH” |
| Social Media | @babymonster_ygofficial (Instagram), @YGBABYMONSTER_ (X) |
YG Entertainment’s first 5th gen girl group entry since BLACKPINK debuted in 2016, BABYMONSTER carries huge expectations. Their Spotify streams rank highest among all 5th-generation acts, proving instant global appeal.
The group’s “DRIP” album marked a historic Billboard main chart entry for a rookie act.
Their seven-member international lineup includes talents from Thailand, Japan, and Korea, creating a truly global sound that blends hip-hop intensity with vocal power.
2. ILLIT
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, Iroha |
| Debut Date | March 25, 2024 |
| Debut Song | “Magnetic” |
| Most Popular Song | “Magnetic” |
| Social Media | @illit_official (Instagram), @ILLIT_twt (X) |
Belift Lab’s debut group under HYBE’s multi-label system shows a smart approach to global markets from day one.
“Magnetic” broke records with 700M+ streams, becoming the most-streamed debut song in K-pop history.
ILLIT hit the rare feat of charting on both the Hot 100 and UK Official Charts with their debut, earning 12 music show wins and the 2024 MAMA “Best New Female Artist” award. HYBE’s data-driven approach clearly works.
3. ZEROBASEONE (ZB1)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Jiwoong, Zhang Hao, Hanbin, Matthew, Taerae, Ricky, Gyuvin, Gunwook, Yujin |
| Debut Date | July 10, 2023 |
| Debut Song | “In Bloom” |
| Most Popular Song | “Crush” |
| Social Media | @zb1official (Instagram), @ZB1_official (X) |
Wakeone’s project group from Mnet’s “Boys Planet” survival show shows the continued power of fan-driven group formation in the streaming era.
ZB1 became the first group to get six back-to-back million-seller albums, setting a first-week sales record within their debut year.
Their Billboard 200 debut at #28 ranks as the highest entry among all 5th-gen acts, and their 2025 MAMA Performance of the Year nomination confirms their status as industry leaders.
4. KISS OF LIFE
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Julie, Natty, Belle, Haneul |
| Debut Date | July 5, 2023 |
| Debut Song | “Shhh” |
| Most Popular Song | “Bad News” |
| Social Media | @kissoflife_s2 (Instagram), @KISSOFLIFE_S2 (X) |
S2 Entertainment’s self-producing girl group model challenges traditional industry structures where companies control all creative choices completely.
All four members actively help with songwriting and production, giving them artistic control that’s rare among rookies.
Their 4.27M monthly listeners prove that realness and musical skill connect with audiences seeking substance beyond choreography and visuals. KISS OF LIFE represents a shift toward artist-driven content in the 5th generation.
5. RIIZE
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, Anton |
| Debut Date | September 4, 2023 |
| Debut Song | “Get A Guitar” |
| Most Popular Song | “Love 119” |
| Social Media | @riize_official (Instagram), @RIIZE_official (X) |
SM Entertainment’s return to traditional boy group formations after years of experimental projects like NCT’s unlimited-member concept shows smart repositioning.
RIIZE focuses on an “emotional pop” sound that highlights vocal harmonies and relatable lyrics over aggressive performance styles.
The six-member group includes former NCT member Shotaro, who is one of the best kpop dancers in the industry, bridging 4th and 5th generation appeal. Classic K-pop formulas still work when done with fresh energy.
6. BOYNEXTDOOR
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, Woonhak |
| Debut Date | May 30, 2023 |
| Debut Song | “But I Like You” |
| Most Popular Song | “Serenade” |
| Social Media | @boynextdoor_official (Instagram), @boynextdoor_twt (X) |
KOZ Entertainment, a HYBE subsidiary led by producer Zico, launched BOYNEXTDOOR with a Teen Fresh concept directly targeting Gen Z audiences.
The six-member group focuses on friendly, boy-next-door charm over intense performance power.
And it works, 3.32M monthly listeners show strong domestic and international appeal. Not every group needs to chase EDM-heavy sounds. Sometimes, warm and friendly wins.
7. TWS
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon, Kyungmin |
| Debut Date | January 22, 2024 |
| Debut Song | “Plot Twist” |
| Most Popular Song | “Plot Twist” |
| Social Media | @tws_pledis (Instagram), @TWS_PLEDIS (X) |
Pledis Entertainment’s first boy group debut in years came after SEVENTEEN’s huge success made the company a powerhouse under HYBE.
TWS won the 2024 MAMA “Best New Male Artist” and got viral success with “Plot Twist,” which trended across multiple platforms.
The six-member group brings youthful energy and synchronized choreography that recalls earlier K-pop generations while keeping modern production quality. Their fast rise shows that well-known companies still hold advantages.
8. PLAVE
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Yejun, Noah, Bamby, Eunho, Hamin |
| Debut Date | March 12, 2023 |
| Debut Song | “Wait for You” |
| Most Popular Song | “Way 4 Luv” |
| Social Media | @plave_official (Instagram), @plave_official (X) |
VLAST’s virtual boy group breaks industry rules by proving that motion-capture technology can create real fan connections without physical presence.
PLAVE performs through animated avatars controlled by real performers, allowing for creative concepts impossible with traditional idol groups.
Their 0.63M monthly listeners might seem small, but they’ve built a dedicated fanbase that attends virtual concerts and buys merchandise.
9. MEOVV
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | Sooin, Gawon, Anna, Narin, Ella |
| Debut Date | September 6, 2024 |
| Debut Song | “MEOW” |
| Most Popular Song | “MEOW” |
| Social Media | @meovv.official (Instagram), @meovvofficial (X) |
The Black Label’s luxury girl group positioning sets them apart through high-fashion visuals and premium production values from BLACKPINK producer Teddy.
MEOVV reached 4.12M monthly listeners within months of debut, using YG’s distribution network and The Black Label’s reputation.
The five-member group includes international members, following industry trends toward global representation.
10. tripleS
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | 24 members in rotating units |
| Debut Date | February 13, 2023 |
| Debut Song | “Generation” |
| Most Popular Song | “Rising” |
| Social Media | @triplescosmos (Instagram), @triplescosmos (X) |
MODHAUS’s revolutionary 24-member rotation system uses blockchain technology and fan voting to decide unit lineups and activities.
tripleS challenges everything traditional about K-pop. Their 0.85M monthly listeners support multiple sub-units that promote at the same time, creating a constant content flow.
The project represents the most experimental approach among the major 5th generation acts, testing whether decentralized management can succeed.
When Did 5th Gen K-Pop Start?
The 5th gen K-pop era began in 2023, defined by post-COVID debuts and groups engineered for global success from day one.
The key difference from 4th gen kpop groups isn’t just debut timing but basic approach. Fifth-generation acts use technology like AI-generated content, VR concerts, and interactive apps as normal practice rather than experiments.
Plans shifted from Korea-first domestic success followed by international expansion to launching globally in multiple markets at once.
This generational shift shows how streaming platforms and social media have removed geographical barriers that previously defined K-pop’s growth phases.
How We Ranked 5th Gen Kpop Groups
Our ranking method uses clear, measurable data from November 2025 to make sure it’s accurate.
- Spotify’s total streams and monthly listeners are the main numbers. Streaming defines commercial success more than physical album sales now.
- We also looked at album sales and chart achievements across major markets, including Billboard, Oricon, and UK Official Charts, to capture global reach.
- Industry recognition and awards from MAMA, Golden Disc Awards, and other established ceremonies validate peer and professional assessment.
This multi-factor approach balances commercial performance with artistic recognition, avoiding bias toward any single success measure.
5th Gen Kpop Group vs Other Gens: How They Are Standing Out?
Fifth-generation groups work basically differently from their predecessors across multiple areas. Here’s how:
- Examples: BABYMONSTER’s Billboard main chart entry within debut year versus typical multi-year journeys for earlier generations.
- Strategy: Launching globally at once with localized content for different markets instead of going region by region.
- Technology: Normal use of VR concerts, AI-generated video content, and blockchain fan engagement, rather than treating these as experimental.
- Debut Success: ILLIT’s 700M+ streams and chart entries that exceed most 4th-gen lifetime achievements.
- Member Involvement: Groups like KISS OF LIFE writing and producing their own music from the debut rather than waiting years for creative input.
These differences show how the generation isn’t just younger; they’re working under completely new rules.
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Conclusion: Babymonster Is The Best 5th-Gen K-pop group
The streaming era rewards consistent global engagement over regional control, where groups like BABYMONSTER and ILLIT excel through their international appeal.
Self-production capabilities and technology use across the generation signal that these groups will keep creative control as they mature.
Follow your favorite groups. This generation is rewriting every record book while building the foundation for 6th gen K-pop groups that will follow their path.
The best part? We’re watching it happen in real time.
FAQs
Yes, multiple active 5th generation groups currently lead charts, with BABYMONSTER, ILLIT, and ZEROBASEONE topping streams and sales since 2023.
NewJeans belongs to the 4th generation despite their July 2022 debut, as their pre-COVID planning and traditional debut strategy define their classification.
No officially recognized 6th generation groups exist yet, as the 5th generation only began in 2023 and needs time to establish clear characteristics.
Le Sserafim is a 4th generation, debuting in May 2022, before the industry placed a generational shift in 2023 with different strategic patterns.
BABYMONSTER leads based on November 2025 data, with 7.43M monthly Spotify listeners and the highest-charting Billboard album among 5th-gen acts currently.
BABYMONSTER is definitely 5th generation, debuting in November 2023 with a global-first strategy and technology integration, defining 5th-gen characteristics perfectly.
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