ATEEZ, TXT and Stray Kids prove 4th-gen K-pop is still on ‘another level’
From top, ATEEZ, TXT and Stray Kids / Xportsnews
Fifth-generation idols may be rising, but when it comes to the global music scene, the fourth generation of K-pop is still reigning supreme. Boy groups like ATEEZ, Tomorrow X Together (TXT), and Stray Kids continue to dominate with record-breaking performances, headline festival appearances and sold-out world tours.
ATEEZ / Courtesy of KQ Entertainment
ATEEZ creates their own ‘golden hour’
ATEEZ recently hit a new career milestone by debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time with their latest track, "Lemon Drop," from their 12th mini album "GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3," released June 13. The album also soared to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, proving the group’s growing influence in the global pop market.
Their momentum has been years in the making. In 2023, ATEEZ became the first K-pop boy group to be invited to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where they wowed the crowd with their powerful stage presence and dynamic performance.
ATEEZ’s success is far from over. They are scheduled to release "GOLDEN HOUR: Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition," July 11, following the kickoff of their new world tour "IN YOUR FANTASY" at Inspire Arena in Incheon July 5 and 6. The group will go on to perform in major cities including Atlanta, New York, Nashville, Chicago, San Jose, Los Angeles and Mexico City.
TXT / Courtesy of BigHit Music
TXT turns global stages into their own story
Tomorrow X Together continues to redefine performance storytelling with immersive live experiences that blend visuals, music and narrative. In April, they became the first K-pop group to perform at Latin America’s prominent festival, AXE Ceremonia. Their captivating stage won over local fans and music lovers alike.
Their headline set at Lollapalooza Chicago in 2023 marked a major milestone, following their debut appearance at the same festival in 2022. Their youth-themed, rock-infused performance showcased TXT’s artistic identity and left a strong impression on general audiences. Global media praised the show as “flawless and powerful,” hailing the group’s vocals and stage presence as “nothing short of rockstar-level.”
TXT recently wrapped their ACT: PROMISE world tour with 33 shows across 17 cities. Due to overwhelming demand, a second leg titled ACT: PROMISE – EP.2 is underway, including stops in Barcelona, London, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam. The tour highlights the group’s expanding global footprint.
Fans are now looking ahead to the group’s fourth studio album set for release July 21, as well as their next world tour, which will begin at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Stray Kids / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
Stray Kids break stadium barriers with high-energy performances
Stray Kids are setting records with their unparalleled energy and worldwide appeal. Since August 2024, the group has been on their "Stray Kids World Tour <dominATE>," their largest yet, with 55 shows across 34 regions. The tour is expected to draw more than 2.2 million fans, setting a new K-pop benchmark for a single tour.
The group has already conquered stadiums in Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, Kaohsiung and Bangkok, and made history in April by becoming the first K-pop act to perform at São Paulo’s Estádio do Morumbi. In July, they are set to perform at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, continuing their streak of groundbreaking appearances.
Their festival presence is equally commanding. Stray Kids have headlined major events such as Lollapalooza Paris (2023), Lollapalooza Chicago (2024), I-DAYS Milan 2024 and BST Hyde Park 2024.
Their accolades include two consecutive wins for K-pop Album of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards and honors at Japan’s 39th Gold Disc Awards for Music Video of the Year and Best 3 Albums. Most recently, they took home the Favorite Music Group award at the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards, reaffirming their global popularity.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.