NewJeans has once again made a mark on the global stage, earning a coveted spot on Billboard’s “21 Under 21” 2025 list—and this year, they’re technically the only K-pop act to achieve the distinction!
NewJeans Honored in ’21 Under 21′ 2025 List
On May 16 (local time), Billboard revealed its annual “21 Under 21” list, which highlights the most influential and promising artists under the age of 21. Selections are based on a combination of factors, including album sales, streaming performance, career trajectory, and overall impact on the music industry. Despite the ongoing legal tensions between HYBE and ADOR, NewJeans proved their staying power and global influence by making the list for the second year in a row.
Billboard noted that NewJeans continued to dominate international charts, maintaining their popularity and musical momentum even amid internal agency challenges. Their back-to-back appearance on this prestigious list solidifies their reputation as a trailblazing fourth-generation girl group with a massive global fanbase.
In addition to NewJeans, another HYBE-affiliated girl group, KATSEYE, was also recognized. Formed through the survival show “The Debut: Dream Academy”, KATSEYE earned praise from Billboard for their chemistry and growing presence in the industry. The publication also hinted at high expectations for their upcoming sophomore EP ‘Beautiful Chaos’, following the success of their 2024 debut ‘SIS (Soft Is Strong)’.
Since Billboard first launched the “21 Under 21” list in 2010, only eight K-pop acts have been featured. These include Wonder Girls (2010), HyunA (2011), IU (2012), Lee Hi (2013), AKMU (2014), SEVENTEEN (2015), TWICE (2017), and NCT Dream (2018–2020).
NewJeans now stands as one of the only K-pop acts to appear multiple times, marking a historic achievement for the group. Needless to say, it looks like the girl group is also destined for even greater things despite certain difficulties, and fans are expecting to see them continue to succeed in the future.
Congratulations to NewJeans and KATSEYE on this well-deserved recognition!
