Rookie groups are currently making their mark on the music industry, while forming K-pop's wave of fourth generation performers. Since all rookies have dedicated themselves into their craft, hard work, and love for fans, these factors inevitably led to their popularity.

The Korean Business Research Institute has announced the brand reputation rankings for rookie groups which covered from April 11 to May 11. K-pop groups who debuted in 2022 or afterwards were the only ones included in the list.

For the rankings' deliberation, aspects such as media exposure, interaction, community awareness, consumer participation, and overall buzz were measured.

Here are 10 most popular K-pop rookie groups for May 2023!

1.    NewJeans

NewJeans claimed the top spot for May 2023. The "OMG" hitmakers garnered a total of 4,272,402, along with 86.92 percent positive reactions from their positivity-negativity analysis. As for their keyword analysis, it included words such as "Minji," "Hype Boy," and "Ditto."

Their high-ranking terms comprised of "record," "selected," and "surpass." Aside from their results, NewJeans has also made buzz because of their highly anticipated summer comeback.

2.    LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM finished second place with a brand reputation index of 4,102,431. The group also stirred the K-pop community for their hard-hitting comeback with "UNFORGIVEN," which broke personal records, landed on music charts, and added a well-loved set for the girls' discography.

3.    FIFTY FIFTY

FIFTY FIFTY has received a brand reputation index of 2,856,729 for May. This is due to their firm but steady-climbing popularity with "Cupid," which made its way on the trends, and currently climbing up various music charts.

4.    H1-KEY

This was trailed by rookie girl group H1-KEY, who gained a brand reputation index of 1,340,417.

5.    NMIXX

NMIXX completed the top five with a figure of 1,171,897. Their brand reputation result is because of their ongoing group activities. The "O.O" singers are on their showcase tour "NICE TO MIXX YOU," which started on May 2 in Seattle.

6.    Kep1er

Kep1er claimed the 6th place with a brand reputation index of 981,859. The group are also active in their social media updates, contents, and engagement with fandom Kep1ians.

7.    mimiirose

On No. 7, mimiirose earned the position with a brand reputation index of 630,368.

8.    tripleS

tripleS gained a total of 431,131 for their May brand reputation index. In a separate note, its second sub-unit +(KR)ystal Eyes made their debut on May 5, when they released the album "AESTHETIC" and title track "Cherry Talk."

9.    CSR

CSR placed on No. 9 with a brand reputation index of 386,466.

10.  CLASS:y

Lastly, the top 10 was completed by CLASS:y, who gained a brand reputation index of 314,821.

Which groups on the list are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by Riely Miller