Ranking of 4th-Generation and Beyond K-POP Boy Groups with the Largest Fanbase in Korea

💡 Which 4th-Generation K-POP Boy Groups Are the Most Popular in Korea?

K-POP has taken the world by storm, captivating millions of fans across the globe. However, popularity often varies between international and domestic audiences. So, which boy groups have built the strongest fanbase in Korea?

By analyzing official fan data from Melon, Korea’s largest music streaming platform, we identified the most-followed 4th-generation (debuting in 2019 or later) boy groups that dominate the local scene.

In this article, we’ll break down the top-ranking groups and their influence on the K-POP industry. Is your favorite idol group among Korea’s most beloved? Let’s find out! 📊

1️⃣ Top K-POP Boy Groups by Melon Fan Count

Fan Count (Melon)

Based on the latest Melon fan data, here are the Top 10 4th-generation and beyond K-POP boy groups with the largest fanbase in Korea. The ranking is determined by the number of registered fans on Melon, Korea’s largest music streaming platform.

Rank	Group Name	Fan Count (Melon)
1	TXT (Tomorrow X Together)	160,000+
2	RIIZE	110,000+
3	Stray Kids	95,000+
4	PLAVE	85,000+
5	BOYNEXTDOOR	80,000+
6	ZEROBASEONE	61,000+
7	ENHYPEN	41,000+
8	TREASURE	33,000+
9	THE BOYZ	79,000+
10	TWS	35,000+

📊 Melon fan data as of: March 10, 2025

2️⃣ Who Reigns Supreme on Korea’s Charts?

TXT (Tomorrow X Together)

✅ TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) – 160,000+ Fans

Debuting in 2019 under BigHit Music, TXT is a five-member boy group known for its emotionally-driven music and intricate storytelling. With their refreshing yet experimental sound, they have solidified their status as a leading 4th-generation K-POP group, enjoying massive popularity both in Korea and internationally.

TXT boasts over 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify, highlighting their strong global presence. According to Melon’s official fan count, they hold the largest fanbase among 4th-generation boy groups in Korea.

RIIZE

✅ RIIZE – 110,000+ Fans

Debuting in 2023 under SM Entertainment, RIIZE is a six-member boy group whose name represents "Rise" and "Realize".

As SM’s first boy group since NCT, RIIZE garnered massive attention, marking a new era for the company following a leadership shift. Their trendy music style and refined performances quickly built a strong fanbase, placing them at the intersection of 4th and 5th-generation K-POP groups.

With over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, RIIZE is steadily expanding its influence in the global market.

Stray Kids

✅ Stray Kids – 95,000+ Fans

Debuting in 2018 under JYP Entertainment, Stray Kids is an eight-member boy group renowned for their self-produced music and electrifying performances.

While they command a strong fanbase in Korea, their global influence is even greater. Stray Kids has topped the Billboard 200 multiple times, proving their international dominance.

With over 14 million monthly listeners on Spotify, they remain one of the most sought-after groups for global K-POP tours.

✅ PLAVE – 85,000+ Fans

A virtual idol group that has established a new digital fandom with its unique concept and storytelling.

Unlike other AI-based groups, PLAVE’s strength lies in its musicality and consistently well-received songs. Their emotional melodies and contemporary sound have earned them a devoted following.

As a pioneering virtual K-POP act, they continue to push boundaries, redefining what idol groups can achieve in both Korean and international markets.

✅ BOYNEXTDOOR – 80,000+ Fans

A six-member group under KOZ Entertainment, founded by Block B’s Zico.

BOYNEXTDOOR distinguishes itself with its unique performance style and relatable storytelling. One of the fastest-growing rookie groups, they have quickly built a solid fanbase and gained strong recognition on Korean music charts, including Melon.

📢 Promising 5th-Generation K-POP Boy Groups

• NCT WISH – The final unit of SM Entertainment’s NCT brand, rapidly gaining attention.
• TWS – A rising boy group with a refreshing and youthful concept, attracting younger fans.
• ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) – Formed through Mnet’s survival show BOYS PLANET, rapidly expanding its fanbase.

3️⃣ K-POP Boy Groups with the Most Monthly Listeners on Spotify

Monthly Listeners (Spotify)

Based on the latest Spotify data, here are the Top 10 4th-generation and beyond K-POP boy groups with the highest monthly listeners worldwide. The ranking is determined by the number of monthly listeners on Spotify.

Rank	Group Name	Monthly Listeners (Spotify)
1	Stray Kids	10,292,823
2	TXT	8,727,233
3	ENHYPEN	8,623,514
4	ATEEZ	3,917,895
5	BOYNEXTDOOR	2,920,423
6	RIIZE	2,538,719
7	TREASURE	2,225,560
8	ZEROBASEONE	1,853,878
9	TWS	1,544,860
10	PLAVE	1,153,934

📊 Spotify listener data as of: March 10, 2025

4️⃣ Domestic Popularity vs. Global Popularity

The size of a K-POP group's fanbase can differ significantly between Korea and the international market. Some groups are hugely popular domestically but have less global recognition, while others dominate internationally despite having a smaller fanbase in Korea.

📊 Korea vs. Global Fan Rankings

Group	Melon Fan Ranking 🇰🇷 (Korea)	Spotify Ranking 🌍 (Global)
Stray Kids	#3	#1 ✅
TXT	#1 ✅	#2
ENHYPEN	#7	#3 ✅
RIIZE	#2	#5
TREASURE	#8	#6
BOYNEXTDOOR	#5	#4
ZEROBASEONE	#6	#8
TWS	#10	#7
PLAVE	#4	#9
THE BOYZ	#9	#10

🔎 Key Takeaways from the Rankings

• ✅ Stray Kids has the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify, solidifying their status as one of the most globally influential K-POP boy groups.
• ✅ TXT maintains a strong fanbase both in Korea and internationally, proving their consistent popularity across markets. Meanwhile, ENHYPEN continues to grow steadily in the global arena.
• ✅ RIIZE is rapidly expanding its fanbase in Korea, while BOYNEXTDOOR and ZEROBASEONE are gaining traction both domestically and internationally.
• ✅ Despite being a virtual idol group, PLAVE has built a solid Korean fanbase through consistent high-quality music releases and is gradually increasing its global recognition.

5️⃣ Differences in Popularity Between Korea and the Global Market

The popularity of K-POP boy groups often varies between Korea and the global market due to differences in music consumption habits, promotional strategies, and cultural influences.

🔹 Traits of Groups Popular in Korea

• Frequently featured on domestic music shows and radio programs
• Concepts and music styles that resonate with the Korean audience
• Strong presence in brand endorsements and commercials
• A fandom culture centered around physical album sales, fan meetings, and fan sign events

🔹 Traits of Groups Popular Overseas

• High streaming numbers and views on global platforms like YouTube and Spotify
• A dedicated fanbase across both English-speaking and non-English-speaking regions
• Strong demand for global tours and international performances
• Active engagement with global fans through TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms

Several factors contribute to the gap between domestic and international popularity. Korean fans, who share a cultural and linguistic connection with idols, tend to engage more deeply through lyrics, variety shows, and offline experiences like fan sign events and album purchases. Meanwhile, international fans primarily consume K-POP through performances and streaming platforms, building global communities via social media.

To bridge this gap, some entertainment agencies strategically expand into overseas markets through world tours, collaborations with fashion brands, and localized marketing, increasing their global reach.

For example:

• ✅ Stray Kids has a significantly larger fanbase overseas than in Korea.
• ✅ TXT enjoys a well-balanced popularity both domestically and internationally.
• ✅ RIIZE has built a strong following in Korea, gaining attention for their striking visuals, but their global expansion is still in progress.

These contrasts showcase how K-POP groups tailor their marketing strategies to different audiences. Looking ahead, more groups will likely diversify their promotional tactics to effectively engage both markets simultaneously.

👩🏻 Ajumma K’s Comment: Which 4th-gen and beyond boy group is your favorite? Honestly, I love them all! 😆😆

Tags: K-POP, 4th Generation, Boy Groups, Stray Kids, TXT, RIIZE, ENHYPEN, BOYNEXTDOOR, PLAVE, Spotify, Melon, Korean Music Industry