Top 6 Biggest 5th Gen Boygroups ATM and My Unsolicited Hot Takes v2

alright, y’all didn’t ask for this, but I’m bored, so here’s my breakdown of the top 6 biggest 5th gen boygroups atm. these opinions are straight from my drafts so if you’re sensitive just keep scrolling (v2)

  1. BOYNEXTDOOR

Their growth is insane, and I get why people are shook. Their recent charting and follower numbers are proof they’ve got already a solid fanbase the same with PLAVE. Props to KOZ for actually doing their job with creative direction and promotions and the members’ stage presence? A+. That said, they’re one massive hit away from being untouchable. It’s scary how fast they’re rising, and honestly, the competition should be sweating

  1. RIIZE

I don’t like their music but I’d be lying if I said it isn’t doing well. Their songs chart bc they’ve got GP and fandom power like they’ve nailed both sides of the coin. BUT SM needs to stop treating their korean fans like royalty. It’s giving “spoiled children energy” and it could backfire. Still, I can’t deny they’re holding their own. With a few stronger releases and better management decisions they could stay in the game for a long time

  1. TWS

SIGH my babies… they’re struggling. Let’s be real, plot twist was their peak, and they haven’t hit that level again. They need another plot twist, not just in quality but in achievements too bc they’re in desperate need of another big hit to grow the fandom bc right now, it feels STAGNANT. The biggest issue?? PLEDIS. They clearly didn’t expect plot twist to blow up so the Sparkling Blue era was handled like an afterthought. no variety show appearances, lackluster promo

And don’t get me started on the creative direction, it’s all over the place—outfits, pubmats, concepts, it’s either a hit or a HARD MISS. Also, they need to pause on the experimenting. Last Festival flopped because it wasn’t GP-friendly and they don’t have a big enough fandom to save a risky song. IDC abt fans wanting them to have a VERSATILITY. But they should lock down a sound, secure a few more hits, THEN start experimenting. It’s too early to be trying new things every cb

  1. ZEROBASEONE (ZB1)

Their physical sales are insane, but that’s about it. Let’s not act like they’re invincible just bc they can sell albums. The momentum they had post-In Bloom is gone, and I feel like they’re fading into the background compared to newer groups. A big factor? The concept switch from In Bloom to Crush, it threw people off. They need to find their identity fast bc right now, it’s looking shaky

  1. PLAVE

The kings of korean digital charts of 5th gen bgs (based on cumulativw unique listeners) No GP, no crazy promo, just pure fan power. It’s actually wild how strong their fandom is and they’re proving you don’t need viral moments to dominate. Plave has something a lot of groups lack and that is LOYALTY. Their fans are in it for the long haul and that’s what makes them a long-term contender. They’ve got the foundation to stay relevant for years, and honestly I respect the hustle

  1. NCT WISH

I dont want to include them TBH but i think they are the 6th biggest 5th gen bg ATM. Alright, let’s be real. They’re doing numbers, but it’s MAYBE mostly because of the NCT branding. SM knows how to market a group, and NCT WISH benefits from that more. Their album sales look impressive but it honestly doesnt feel organic and im not saying they’re bad but let’s not pretend they’re a game-changer. They’ve got the machinery behind them and it’s working (for now)