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TWICE. / Source: JYP

Third-generation leaders TWICE and BLACKPINK remain firmly on top globally, while fourth-generation standard-bearers IVE, aespa and Le Sserafim are rapidly widening their footprint.

On September 12, industry sources said Twice underscored its staying power by selling out shows across Asia and headlining North American stadiums this year. Blockbuster dates at venues such as Tokyo Dome and SoFi Stadium reaffirmed the group’s enduring, large-scale fandom.

BLACKPINK likewise extended its world tour, again proving its status as a global top-tier act. At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, the group won “Best Group,” Rosé took “Song of the Year” for her collaboration “APT.” with Bruno Mars, and Lisa captured “Best K-pop,” highlighting both group and solo momentum. BLACKPINK continues to balance unit and individual projects while holding a firm global presence.

Having posted strong worldwide results with “Love Dive” and “I Am,” IVE returned last month with the fourth mini-album “IVE Secret” led by title track “XOXZ,” drawing intense public attention. Consecutive sellouts on tours in Japan and the United States signal a clear advance overseas.

aespa, which captivated fans worldwide with hits like “Next Level,” “Supernova” and “Whiplash,” released its new mini-album “Rich Man” on September 5. The group vaulted onto major global charts upon comeback, again confirming ticket power and brand value. Sold-out North American dates and frequent festival stages are key proof points of its growth curve.

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aespa. / Source: SM Entertainment

Le Sserafim has expanded its reach through a world tour and overseas TV and festival appearances, building on global name recognition from “Antifragile” and “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife.” With powerful performances and a distinct group identity, the act has consolidated fandoms across North America and Asia.

As Twice and BLACKPINK demonstrate sustained dominance, IVE, aespa and Le Sserafim are stacking notable results on global stages, creating a layered leadership structure. Unlike past cycles where a single group steered the market, multiple generations and teams now thrive in parallel—broadening the base of the K-pop girl-group ecosystem.

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IVE. / Source: Starship Entertainment

A music-industry source said, “With BLACKPINK and TWICE still exerting symbolic presence while IVE, aespa and Le Sserafim break out as next-generation leaders, the market will be led less by succession than by coexistence within a multi-layered leadership.”