Are Girl Groups Too Easily Replaceable Now: Netizens Dragged NewJeans to the Debate
In recent discussions across online forums and social media, fans have started to voice a growing sentiment: K-pop girl groups today seem increasingly easy to replace.
An original poster on Pann summed up the mood bluntly: “They probably thought they were exceptional, but it was really the company’s power that played a huge role. It wasn’t because they were particularly talented. No matter who the members were, with that concept and that song, it would’ve been a hit.”
Another comment noted: “While they’re messing around now, younger, prettier girls with similar concepts are popping up everywhere and even more will show up in the future. They’re only in their fourth year, a time they should be promoting like crazy, yet they’re already stuck selling nostalgia. Not that I’m worried about them though my own life is more of a mess than theirs.”
As discussions about NewJeans current trajectory heat up online, Korean netizens are divided over whether newer girl groups have what it takes to match the group’s impact.
Comments on Pann:
- Saying that there are tons of younger, prettier groups with similar concepts is kind of… I don’t necessarily agree with NewJeans’ current direction either, but honestly… are there really that many groups as young, unique, and musically solid as NewJeans? I still listen to their songs.
- To be honest, since their debut, I’ve seen tons of “fake” NewJeans wannabes, but none of them have come close whether in dancing or star quality. And for the record, I’m not even a fan. That’s just how it feels…
- Out of all the groups that debuted after NewJeans, none of them have even come close in terms of chart performance or buzz. What are people even talking about? LOL. The public stats say it all.
- What are you saying…? Has any group even broken NewJeans’ records? Honestly, “Hype Boy,” “Attention,” “Cookie,” “Ditto,” “Super Shy” — I still listen to those. NewJeans was seriously sensational in terms of concept and music. Even their name stood out and got etched into people’s minds.
- The examples people bring up — yeah, they’re all pretty, but none have matched the shock factor or uniqueness of NewJeans. Not saying I was a fan, but I don’t think we’ve seen a true NewJeans replacement yet. Maybe eventually, but not now.
Still, not all hope is lost. Girl groups that manage to innovate, reinvent their sound, or re-engage with fans meaningfully have shown they can weather generational shifts. But in today’s fast-paced industry, coasting on initial success is no longer enough.
