As the fourth generation of K-Pop rises higher and higher, more and more rookie songs are topping the South Korean charts. According to Gaon‘s digital points, which collate streams and downloads on Korean platforms, these are the biggest songs of this year so far by groups that debuted from late 2017 onwards.

20. Stray Kids – “Wolfgang”

Stray Kids’ 2021 song “Wolfgang” has reached over 5.22 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Released for the finale competition of Kingdom: Legendary War, “WOLFGANG” combines themes of wolf packs with classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

19. ENHYPEN – “Drunk-Dazed”

ENHYPEN’s 2021 song “Drunk-Dazed” has reached over 5.94 million Gaon digital points this year so far. “Drunk-Dazed” is only ENHYPEN’s first comeback, but this powerful and gritty track is already cementing them as one of the fourth-generation groups to watch.

18. AB6IX – “Stay Young”

AB6IX’s 2021 song “Stay Young” has reached over 6.44 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Combining a bright and uplifting vibe with orchestral elements and a climactic instrumental, this song will definitely be popular among fans for years to come.

17. (G)I-DLE – “Moon”

(G)I-DLE’s 2021 song “Moon” has reached over 6.71 million Gaon digital points this year so far. This track may be a B-side, but that didn’t stop it from rising to the top 20. The groovy, retro vibes make for a song you can listen to over and over.

16. AB6IX – “Close”

AB6IX’s 2021 song “Close” has reached 7.35 million Gaon digital points this year so far. This rollercoaster ride of a song starts with a chill feel and progresses into a bass-heavy beat drop, keeping fans on their toes every time they listen.

15. ITZY – “Wannabe”

ITZY’s 2020 song “Wannabe” has reached over 10.20 million Gaon digital points this year so far. The choreography for “Wannabe” went viral among K-Pop fans, but the song itself was just as good, with a uniquely edgy vibe ITZY had not yet shown when the track released.

14. IZ*ONE – “D-D-Dance”

IZ*ONE’s 2021 song “D-D-Dance” has reached over 10.67 million Gaon digital points this year so far. The final full-group track released before their disbandment, this promotion single for Universe fit perfectly with IZ*ONE’s signature sound while bringing a new feeling to the table.

13. Weeekly – “After School”

Weeekly’s 2021 song “After School” has reached over 12.97 million Gaon digital points this year so far. This bubbly, fun track is one of the biggest K-Pop songs of this year internationally, but it’s equally popular in South Korea too.

12. TXT – “0x1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)”

TXT’s 2021 song “0x1=LOVESONG” has reached 14.52 million Gaon digital points this year so far. “0x1=LOVESONG” brought another new song to TXT’s discography, with rocker vibes and a memorable melody fans can’t help but sing along to.

11. IZ*ONE – “Fiesta”

IZ*ONE’s 2020 song “Fiesta” has reached 16.40 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Bringing together deep house, classic funk, and K-Pop excellence, “Fiesta” will always be one of the group’s most fun singles.

10. THE BOYZ – “Kingdom Come”

THE BOYZ’s 2021 song “Kingdom Come” has reached 18.22 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Released as part of THE BOYZ’s stint on Kingdom: Legendary War, “Kingdom Come” has been described as epic, intense, and stylish.

9. (G)I-DLE – “DUMDi DUMDi”

(G)I-DLE’s 2020 song “DUMDi DUMDi” has reached 26.78 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Much brighter and bubblier than many of (G)I-DLE’s other singles, this song proved the group can ace any style they try.

8. ITZY – “Not Shy”

ITZY’s 2020 song “Not Shy’ has reached over 33.46 million Gaon digital points this year so far. The group took their attitude to the next level with this track, making it one of the number one choices to blast year round.

7. Fromis_9 – “We Go”

Fromis_9’s 2021 song “We Go” has reached 39.68 million Gaon digital points this year so far. The group’s long-awaited comeback captured listeners with an addictive rhythm and sugary sweet vocals.

6. Aespa – “Black Mamba”

Aespa’s 2020 song “Black Mamba” has reached 118.10 million Gaon digital points this year so far. This rookie girl group blew it out of the park with their debut release, setting up the lore for their avatar concept over a hard-hitting electronic beat.

5. (G)I-DLE – “HWAA”

(G)I-DLE’s 2021 song “HWAA” has reached 134.82 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Calling back to the feel of “HANN,” this atmospheric song is uniquely addictive and a true testament to the group’s versatility.

4. IZ*ONE – “Panorama”

IZ*ONE’s 2020 song “Panorama” has reached 144.18 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Sadly, IZ*ONE didn’t make their One album series into a trilogy, but there’s no doubt that the intense yet buoyant sound on “Panorama” was a great end to the series.

3. ITZY – “In the morning”

ITZY’s 2021 song “In the morning” has reached 162.65 million Gaon digital points this year so far. While ITZY has been known for their energetic and catchy pop feel since debut, “In the morning” showed they’re capable of pulling off a stripped back track just as well.

2. STAYC – “ASAP”

STAYC’s 2021 song “ASAP” has reached 221.05 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Many people had never heard of STAYC before their debut, but they keep getting bigger and bigger. This year, the chorus of “ASAP” has fans and the general public alike obsessed.

1. aespa – “Next Level”

And in first place is aespa’s “Next Level”, which has reached 311.62 million Gaon digital points this year so far. Going on to top their debut song with their latest comeback, aespa went completely experimental with “Next Level,” but there’s no doubt that it paid off.