Huge news for K-Pop fans worldwide! Billboard has officially unveiled its highly anticipated ’21 Under 21′ list for 2026 on July 31 (local time), recognizing the music industry’s brightest young stars aged 21 and under. And guess what? Three incredible groups backed by top Korean entertainment companies – KATSEYE, CORTIS, and GIRLSET – have made the cut, proving once again the undeniable global power and influence of K-Pop!
This annual feature spotlights 21 acts who are truly making waves, based on a comprehensive mix of quantitative metrics like album and song sales, streaming figures, social media reach, and radio and television performance, alongside their overall industry impact and soaring career momentum. It’s a huge honor, and our favorite groups are rightfully taking their place among the best!
KATSEYE: Second Consecutive Year of Reign
Our beloved global girl group, KATSEYE, under the powerhouse partnership of HYBE x Geffen Records, has done it again, securing a coveted spot on the ’21 Under 21′ list for the *second consecutive year*! Billboard themselves described the past year as the group’s biggest since their dazzling debut, and we totally agree! From their show-stopping Lollapalooza debut to snagging two prestigious Grammy Awards nominations and landing three incredible entries on the Billboard Hot 100, KATSEYE has been on an unstoppable trajectory. The group is currently captivating fans as a quintet following member Manon’s announcement of an indefinite hiatus in February, and they continue to inspire with their dedication. Reflecting on this amazing honor, the members shared a powerful message that truly resonates: “You cannot succeed if you don’t truly want this with everything in you.” We’re so proud of their unwavering passion!
CORTIS: A Meteoric Debut on the List
Making a spectacular debut on the ’21 Under 21′ list this year is CORTIS, the sensational boy group under BigHit Music! Billboard has rightly hailed them as one of the fastest-rising acts on its charts, and their achievements speak volumes. Their second EP, ‘GreenGreen’, exploded onto the Billboard 200 at an impressive No. 3, building on the strong foundation laid by their first EP, ‘Color Outside the Lines’, which debuted at No. 15. The lead single from ‘GreenGreen’, the catchy ‘RedRed’, also climbed to No. 38 on the Billboard Global 200, marking the group’s thrilling first appearance on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The CORTIS members shared their heartfelt gratitude, saying: “When our first EP entered the Billboard 200, it was something we had dreamed about. Then our second EP reached the top three, which still feels unreal. Moments like this made us realize that our music is resonating with more people around the world, and we’re truly grateful for that.” Their sincerity and hard work are truly paying off!
GIRLSET: Rebranding and Soaring to New Heights
Last but certainly not least, the phenomenal girl group GIRLSET, a collaborative effort between JYP America x Republic Records, has also earned a well-deserved place on this elite list! After an exciting rebranding as a quartet last summer, GIRLSET has been hitting all the right notes. They’ve released standout singles including the dynamic ‘Little Miss’ featuring the legendary Missy Elliott, and the infectious ‘Tweak’, which impressively reached No. 22 on the Digital Song Sales chart. What’s even more inspiring is the members’ increased involvement in songwriting over the past year, showcasing their growing artistry and dedication to their craft. Their journey is a testament to resilience and creative growth, and we can’t wait to see what more they achieve!
The inclusion of KATSEYE, CORTIS, and GIRLSET on Billboard’s ’21 Under 21′ list is not just a win for these groups, but a massive testament to the continued global dominance and artistic excellence of the K-Pop industry. Congratulations to all the talented artists for their incredible achievements!
