Key Highlights :
     This month, a fierce competition to reach the top of domestic music charts is expected to take place with the return of big girl groups, such as Le Sserafim, aespa and (G)I-dle, with new albums. These groups have been at the forefront of the fourth-generation girl group boom and are dropping music that carries messages of empowerment and strength.
     The first of the three groups to step into the ring is Le Sserafim which dropped its first full-length album, titled "Unforgiven," on Monday, the eve of the first anniversary since its debut. The band members said during a media showcase held in Seoul earlier that day that the album's overarching message is their determination to pave their own path together without being backed down by others' judgments. The title track off "Unforgiven" debuted at No. 3 on Korea's largest music streaming platform Melon's Top 100 chart upon its release.
     On next Monday, SM Entertainment's girl group aespa, known for its "metaverse" concept, will join the battle. Aespa will drop "My World," its third EP containing six songs, including lead track "Spicy," which shows off free-spirited and youthful energy, and the chic and dreamy pop song "I'm Unhappy." According to SM Entertainment, the forthcoming album marks the beginning of the second season of aespa's fictional universe. "My World" is highly likely to become a million-seller, as it has already surpassed 1.5 million copies in preorders.
     A week later, (G)I-dle will release its sixth EP, "I Feel." The quintet already solidified its position as a leading girl group last year with its consecutive hits "Tomboy" and "Nxde." The new EP will have six tracks, including "Queencard," "Lucid" and "All Night," according to Cube Entertainment, the band's agency.
     Noteworthy is the fact that none of the three groups ― Le Sserafim, aespa and (G)I-dle ― as well as Ive, which returned to the music scene last month, bring up love stories. Le Sserafim incorporated a message of not giving up in the face of adversity in "Unforgiven," while aespa is reportedly planning to capture the free-spirited charm of team in the lyrics of the upcoming albums' lead song "Spicy." (G)I-dle is also expected not to tell ordinary love stories this time.
     "The largest consumer group of girl groups is now not men but women, especially teenagers," Kim Do-heon, a music critic, said of the boom of girl groups. "A message calling for a confident attitude rather than a predictable love story can appeal better to them."
     As these girl groups continue to bring out music that carries powerful messages and resonates with the audience, the competition to rise to the top of domestic music charts is expected to be unprecedentedly uphill. With the return of Le Sserafim, aespa, and (G)I-dle this month, it is sure to be an exciting battle to watch.