The decline of large groups of k-pop girls: because now the smallest teams dominate

For most of the late 2000s and 2010, large groups of girls were the dominant formula for success in K-pop. With groups such as SNSD (Girls’ Generation), After schoolAND Nine musesThe entertainment companies believed that multiple members meant more fascination than fans, greater diversity in images and a stronger collective impact.

But in the 1920s, that formula moved. The groups of members 9–13 is once popular time, are giving way to teams smaller than 4-5 members, a trend that reflects both the culture of the management of fans and the realities of the global K-pop market.

The era of groups of great girls

The modern wave of groups of large members began in 2007, when SNSD He passed with nine members and quickly became one of K-pop most iconic acts. Their success has triggered a trend: groups like WJSN (13 members), Lovelyz (8 members), Twice (9 members)AND Pristin (10 members) Everyone followed their steps.

At the time, success often depended on a breakout member. Aoa Roses in popularity largely thanks to the power of Seolhyun’s stars, while Momolandviral shots Bboom bboom AND Baam They were enhanced by the presence on Jooe’s stage. The idea was simple: Even if only one or two members attracted attention, the entire group benefited.

Because large groups are losing ground

Today, the same strategy does not work. As the competition intensifies, the groups can no longer rely on a single “it girl” to transport the brand. Fans require a stronger general identity than the group, live performance capacity and consistency among members.

Financial concerns also play a role. Managing a group of over 10 members means higher exponentially costs – residence, style, makeup, choreography, promotions – all while dividing the profits in several people.

Triple, which debuted in 2022 with 24 members, is the largest group of girls in the history of K-Pop. While their unique model below unit allows an experimentation with different concepts, it also creates visibility problems: some members appear frequently, while others disappear in darkness. Like Na-Kyung of Triple revealed, Simple logistics as morning timetables can become exhausting with so many members.

The rise of smaller teams

On the contrary, the smaller groups have flourished. BlackpinkWith only four members, it has become the final global model: each member is individually famous but collectively unstoppable. Their single from July 2024 Jump It dominated international graphics, strengthening their “Golden Goose” status by YG.

Other groups to four members such as Aespa AND Mamamon They have also shown that close -knit teams can obtain enormous recognition. The groups of beginners likes also Fifty fifty He demonstrated the point: their viral success Cupid The fastest K-Pop group made them to enter the Billboard Hot 100.

From 2020 to 2024, the number of groups of members of members 4-5 has increased, with 17 debuts in only 2024, a high-level record. This leaner model allows agencies to maximize investments by member while maintaining strong group cohesion.

Globalization and strategy

Experts point out that globalization is a key factor. With K-Pop that expands aggressively in North America, Europe and South-East Asia, companies prefer smaller multinational groups that are easier to promote abroad.

A Yonhap news analyst explained: “More k-pop becomes K-pop, the more agencies prefer small and manageable teams. International fans want strong identities and clear group brands, not just numbers.”

Likewise, The times of Korea he underlined it quality compared to quantity He defines the era of the group of modern girls. Fans appreciate the live voice, distinct art and a more than the pure size of the group’s personality.

From SNSD“Golden age of nine members a BlackpinkGlobal dominance to four members, the strategy of the K-Pop female group has evolved considerably. While mega-groups like Triple It continues to experiment, the trend is clear: the smaller teams offer a stronger impact, greater efficiency and greater international appeal.

Sources: Dailian, Yonhap News, The Korea Times

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