The battle to be K-pop’s next big boy group after BTS is officially on

More than a decade since its formation, BTS still leads the pack as K-pop's most dominant boy group. However, Stray Kids, Seventeen, Ateez, Riize and Cortis are now vying for the title of the next big act. Stray Kids, a JYP Entertainment group since 2018, is emerging as the strongest contender. The band's second studio album, "Karma," sold 3.49 million copies, placing it second on the global album sales chart.

Stray Kids' 2025 concert tour generated US$185.7 million in ticket sales, the highest of any K-pop act. Their mini album "This & That," released on August 7, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 for that week, extending its nine-day streak at No. 1. Stray Kids' edge comes from their self-producing abilities, led by the "3Racha" team of Bang Chan, Changbin and Han, and their strong live performances.

Seventeen, under Hybe subsidiary Pledis Entertainment, also poses a challenge. Their fifth studio album, "Happy Burstday," sold 2.63 million copies globally in 2025. The group's world tour in the same year generated US$142.4 million and drew 964,000 fans. Seventeen has relied on its large 13-member lineup and in-house production system centered on Woozi, but military service may limit their activities.

Ateez, signed to KQ Entertainment, has gained international recognition despite not being part of the four major agencies. The group has performed at Coachella and hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with "Golden Hour: Part. 5." Ateez's strategy has been to leverage their live performances to boost album sales and US singles chart rankings.

Riize, a 2023 debut, has made a splash with its energetic music and visuals. Their second EP, "Two," sold 1.29 million copies in June 2026. The group expanded its reach to Asia and North America during its first world tour. Cortis, a 2025 debut under BigHit Music, gained early recognition with two MTV VMAs nominations. Its second EP, "GreenGreen," topped charts for 14 weeks, and its debut album, "Color Outside the Lines," has amassed over 700 million streams.

While these new groups are challenging the throne, BTS remains K-pop's global powerhouse. "BTS is highly likely to have a long career, given its unique role as a trailblazer," said music critic Lim Hee-yun. "The newer groups still have to prove they can create a global phenomenon like BTS' 'Dynamite.'"