An “OG” Makes The “Top 9 K-Pop Girl Groups” List, Shocking Fans

“This proves they’re the national girl group.”

According to a viral ranking of the “Most popular K-Pop girl groups currently on China’s biggest streaming platform, QQ music,” an “OG” girl group still has game—and their name on the list has since become a pleasant surprise for all K-Pop fans.

| @AboutMusicYT/X

Based on the stats, BIGBANG, EXO, SEVENTEEN, BTS, ENHYPEN, RIIZE, SHINee, NCT DREAM, and TXT (in order) were named the most popular K-Pop boy groups in China. As for girl groups, aespa, BLACKPINK, TWICE, NewJeans (NJZ), BABYMONSTER, i-dle, T-ARA, LE SSERAFIM, and IVE were named.

| @AboutMusicYT/X

While each and every group’s success outside Korea has been celebrated by Korean netizens, one name has particularly stood out more: T-ARA at #7.

T-ARA at their 15th anniversary fan meeting in 2024. | @jiyeon2__/Instagram

T-ARA made their debut in 2009, making them part of the “second generation” of girl groups. That, along with the fact that T-ARA hasn’t been active—with their last Korean mini-album released in 2017—has left fans stunned by their ongoing success in China.

| theqoo

• “Whoa, T-ARA?!”
• “T-ARA??? Daebak.“
• “T-ARA on this list is insane. This proves they’re the national girl group.”
• [Unrelated Comment]
• “T-ARA being on this is so fascinating, LOL.”
• “BIGBANG and T-ARA? What the- Haha.”
• “I mean, I knew G-Dragon was popular in China but… What are T-ARA’s most popular songs?”
• “T-ARA?!”
• “T-ARA daebak.”

| theqoo

• “T-ARA barely even promote together these days, they only do the occasional performances… This is incredible.”
• [Unrelated Comment]
• “I remember T-ARA being huge in China over a decade ago. Looks like they’re still insanely popular!”
• “T-ARA is honestly incredible. It’s been a while since they’ve actively promoted, too.”
• “Wow, T-ARA.”

Read more:

Only 9 2nd Generation Girl Groups Are Still Surviving To This Day