It's safe to say that we are in the "Golden Age of Girl Groups." In 2023, girl groups make up about 80% of K-pop idol groups that are dominating global music charts.

However, the excitement doesn't end there. The popularity of girl groups is expected to continue until the summer, as the "4th generation representative girl groups" are preparing for their comeback battle until July.

Girl Group Comeback Battle: IVE, aespa, Le Sserafim, and NewJeans Set to Dominate 2023
(Photo : Starship Entertainment)
IVE

The first to kick off the battle is IVE, releasing their first full-length album "I'VE IVE" on April 10th. With lyrics depicting their unique worldview of self-confidence and love, IVE promises a stronger style and message for their comeback.

IVE's debut album is drawing attention as leader Ahn Yu Jin and Jang Won Young take part in writing lyrics for the first time on the album. Members Gaeul and Lei also contributed to the rap making for four tracks, including the pre-release song "Kitsch," enhancing the album's appeal.

Girl Group Comeback Battle: IVE, aespa, Le Sserafim, and NewJeans Set to Dominate 2023
(Photo : SM Entertainment)
aespa

Meanwhile, aespa, who recently completed their first solo concert successfully, is preparing for a May comeback. With their scheduled performance at Tokyo Dome in August, they'll set the record for the fastest entry by a foreign artist while proving their popularity in Japan. Moreover, aespa's global reach is highlighted by their cover appearance on the US magazine PAPER and their upcoming performance at the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival.

Girl Group Comeback Battle: IVE, aespa, Le Sserafim, and NewJeans Set to Dominate 2023
(Photo : Source Music)
Le Sserafim

Le Sserafim is set to return with their first full-length album "UNFORGIVEN" on May 1st. With a meaningful release just a day before their debut anniversary, "UNFORGIVEN" signifies the group's determination to pave their own path, regardless of others' evaluations.

Having established themselves as the "ultimate girl group performers" with their mini-album "ANTIFRAGILE," Le Sserafim has made history by entering the Billboard 200 chart at #14 in the shortest time for a K-pop girl group. "ANTIFRAGILE" also achieved "Million Seller" status, selling around 1.03 million copies according to the Circle Chart's February monthly chart. Their title track continues to dominate the charts, spending 23 consecutive weeks on Billboard and reaching 200 million streams on Spotify. All eyes are on L-SeraPhim as they aim for another global hit with "UNFORGIVEN."

Girl Group Comeback Battle: IVE, aespa, Le Sserafim, and NewJeans Set to Dominate 2023
(Photo : Adore)
NewJeans

The fast-rising "global rising stars" NewJeans will make their comeback in June. According to an exclusive report by Star News on April 4th, NewJeans is set to release a pre-release track in late June, followed by a new album featuring the track in early July. This promotional strategy is similar to their first single "OMG," which was preceded by the pre-release track "Ditto" in December of the previous year.

Both "OMG" and "Ditto" have made impressive runs on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, spending six and five weeks, respectively. "Ditto" also set a record on Melon's chart, maintaining its #1 position for 14 consecutive weeks - the longest streak since the service's inception.

With the comebacks of these popular girl groups scheduled from April to July, fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for their new music releases. 2023 is set to be an exciting year for IVE, aespa, Le Sserafim, and NewJeans as they showcase their unique concepts and charm, leaving fans eager to see how they will shine.