TRENDING

Fair warning:
You'll start by wanting to know their names, but one YouTube deep dive of music videos, stage mixes and fan-made "unhelpful guides" later, these groups will be all over your Receiptify.

Maybe it was hearing "Butter" for the 174th time at Target. Maybe it was seeing Jennie in her millionth amazing outfit, Or maybe you just woke up from a Harry Styles musical coma and you're a *teensy* bit curious to see what all the hype is about.

Trust us—once you learn your "fancams" from your "fanchants" (peep our vocab list), you'll have the ultimate set of tracks with which to romanticize your hallway entrance this January.

Here's our crash course in some of the groups who have paved the way, the ones who are taking over the music scene right now—and the faces of the new generation.

Trending Teams

@coachella

BLACKPINK

You've probably already encountered BLACKPINK through their viral fancams (hiii Rosé at Coachella!), TikToks and memes. Seamlessly blending girly "pink" and tough "black: themes, they've made a name for themselves with their signature empowering girl crush vibe.

Must-listen: "DDU-DU DDU-DU"

Stray Kids

While most K-Pop idols take a vocalist, rapper or dancer role, the eight Stray Kids members do it all. Known for their hype title tracks and super energetic sound, the group can pull off acoustic ballads *and* intense EDM elements.

 Must-listen: "God's Menu"

Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

TXT touches on every aspect of growing up through musical storytelling. Whether you're reeling from your very first breakup or just feeling alone, TXT manages to paint these exact emotions with their relatable verses.

Must-listen: "CROWN"

ITZY

If you've ever come across five girls holding their hands above their heads like crowns on your socials, you know they've discovered ITZY's trademark pose. No matter what aesthetic they're tackling in their music videos, the group's message of self-love, self-confidence and embracing individuality has remained consistent.

Must-listen: "WANNABE"

Lauded Legends

@chaelincl

BTS

You'd have to be living under a rock if you've never heard of BTS—but DW, with the group on hiatus 'til 2025, you've got time to catch up. Beloved for the safe space they've created, BTS has a song for whatever you're going through—from paternal pressure to mental health.

Must-listen: "Spring Day"

SHINee

With their versatile style (funky reggae and emotional pop on the same record!), trendsetting fashion and ahead-of-their-time synchronized chore, SHINee are K-Pop's original crown princes. Their Shawol fandom still patiently awaits the next time they can say "SHINee's back."

Must-listen: "View"

2NE1

Bom, CL, Dara and Minzy break gender stereotypes and rewrite the definition of beauty through fierce vibes and empowering lyrics. Their loyal fandom, Blackjacks, had the surprise of their life when the group reunited to perform "I Am the Best" at Coachella earlier this year.

Must-listen: "COME BACK HOME"

Girls' Generation (SNSD)

Active from 2007 to 2017, Girls' Generation reunited in August for their comeback with album Forever 1, a nostalgic love letter to the group's journey. Classic bubblegum pop songs cemented their place as the "nation's girl group" in South Korea.

Must-listen: "Gee"

Monster Rookies

@smtown

aespa

Gamer girlies, this group's for you. aespa's storyline features members Karina, Giselle, Winter and Ningning and their avatar counterparts against a sci-fi backdrop. Powerful and ethereal, aespa's music videos elevate Y2K aesthetics through blingy, futuristic outfits and technology-based scenes.

Must-listen: "Black Mamba"

STAYC

STAYC's cute "ASAP" choreo dominated every social platform for the better half of last year. Known for their fresh "high teen" concept, the girl group's retro and dreamy vibes will soon make them household names.

Must-listen: "STEREOTYPE"

ENHYPHEN

Don't be fooled by this boy group's edgy and supernatural music videos—just look up any "ENYOHEN funny moments" compilation for an instant serotonin boost. Formed on the survival reality show I-Land, the group's message is to "connect, discover each other and grow together."

Must-listen: "FEVER"

IVE

Recognized for their eye-catching dance moves, IVE's glam and posh image has drawn millions into their DIVE fandom. Though they've only debuted recently, their singles have already topped the charts in South Korea.

Must-listen: "LOVE DIVE"

Learn the K-Pop lingo

@recordingacademy

Bias A fan's fave member of a K-Pop group. See also: "ultimate bias" (a fan's favorite member of all groups they stan) and "bias wrecker" (a member who makes a fan want to switch biases).

Comeback When a K-Pop artist or group releases fresh music accompanied by new content.

Debut When trainees release, promote and perform their first official track as K-Pop idols.

Fancam A close-up video taken of a single group member during a live performance.

Fanchant Phrases that fans yell together in support of K-Pop groups as they perform. (Think: "Kim Nam-joon! Kim Seok-jin! Min Yoon-gi! Jung Ho-seok! Park Ji-min! Kim Tae-hyung! Jeon Jung-kook! BTS!)

Light stick Hand-held light wands fans wave during K-Pop concerts, representing the unity they've found through music.

Photocard Exclusive selfies of K-Pop idols printed on palm-sized collector's cards. 

Title Track The main song that the K-Pop artist promotes and performs during a comeback cycle.

Trainee The title used to describe someone before they become a K-Pop star. Speaks to the rigorous training programs that record labels put the artists through.

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our December/January 2023 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Slider image: @mtv
Header image: @mnet_mama

by Elizabeth Huang | 1/14/2023