BigHit Music Unveils New Boy Group Amidst Rising 5th Generation K-Pop Competition

As the competition among 5th generation K-pop boy groups intensifies, BigHit Music has revealed its latest venture. Known for producing global sensations like BTS and Tomorrow X Together (TXT), BigHit Music is set to launch a new boy group.

On the 14th, BigHit Music announced the debut of their new boy group. The group, consisting of five teenage members—Martin, James, Juhun, Sunghyun, and Gunho—will debut on the 18th of next month. These members will showcase their creative talents across various fields such as songwriting, composing, performance, and videography, working collaboratively without being confined to specific roles. They have honed their skills by participating in music and choreography projects for their senior groups.

BigHit Music has a proven track record of successfully launching boy groups like BTS and TXT into the global market. The new group, debuting under the title of 'younger brother group,' is expected to capture the attention of global music fans. This marks BigHit's first new boy group in approximately six years since TXT, heightening anticipation among fans worldwide.

The addition of BigHit's new group is expected to intensify the 5th generation boy group battle. Several new groups have already been making strides, including AHOF, who debuted on the 1st of this month. Formed through the SBS survival audition program 'Universe League,' AHOF surpassed 360,000 album sales in their first week with their debut mini-album 'WHO WE ARE' and achieved three music show wins.

During their debut showcase on the 1st, AHOF cited BTS as their role model. Member Steven stated, "BTS seniors always challenge new concepts and music. When you think of the 'Hall of Fame of K-pop,' BTS comes to mind. AHOF's ultimate goal is the K-pop Hall of Fame, so we chose BTS as our role model."

Close Your Eyes, who debuted in April, began their first comeback activities on the 9th. Their new release 'Snowy Summer' sold over 200,000 copies on the day of release. They have shown growth by entering the iTunes Top K-pop Albums chart in five countries, the Worldwide iTunes Albums chart at 25th, and the Apple Music Top Albums chart in 12 countries.

Previously debuted groups like Tours, Zerobaseone, Rise, and BoyNextDoor have already established themselves as strong contenders in the 5th generation. As these groups expand their fandoms with unique styles, the emergence of new faces is expected to bring fresh dynamics. The question remains whether a new global group will emerge to follow in BTS's footsteps amidst the fierce boy group competition.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr