From being criticized for their "weird" concepts and songs, NCT 127 and aespa are now pointed out as SM Entertainment's leading groups in the 4th generation K-pop era. Keep on reading to know how the two K-pop groups rose in the music scene.

On October 12, the Korean media outlet Sports Seoul emphasized the noticeable results of aespa and NCT 127 comebacks, proving how they are leading SM Entertainment's bright future in this new K-pop era amid pandemic.

NCT 127 Dominates with Recent Comebacks

Despite their debut faced with criticisms for their weird concept and experimental sound, NCT 127 rose in the music scene with their recent releases.

In September, NCT 127 3rd full-length album Sticker, was released and is being loved domestically and internationally.

In fact, the title track with the same name ranked third in the U.S. Billboard's main chart Billboard 200, and ranked first in four Billboard charts, including Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales, World Album, and Independent Album.

It is also making remarkable achievements in other countries, including entering the top 40 of the UK's official album chart, ranking 50th 16th in Australia's official music chart, No. 1 in Japan's Oricon Weekly album chart, No. 1 in Japan's Line Music album top 100 chart and No. 1 in China's QQ Music digital album sales chart.

Though some are confused with the kind of music that they are releasing, the popularity of NCT 127 in Korea is also overwhelming. Aside from topping Korean music charts, it also achieved 10 music show win on domestic music shows.

Moreover, their album sales are also impressive. Through the album, NCT 127 received the title, "Double-Million Seller" after selling 2.27 million albums on the Gaon Monthly Album Chart in September, and 2.15 million sales a week after its release.

Currently, the group is heralding for their 3rd full length repackage album, Favorite set to be released on October 25, and expectations are focused if they will record another million sales.

ALSO READ: NCT 127 to Release a Ballad? Group Reveals Tracklist for Repackaged Album 'Favorite'

'Rookie Monster' aespa Creates New Fever with 'Savage' Following 'Next Level'

Along with NCT 127, aespa also truly reigned this year with their back-to-back hit tracks.

Initially, fans were skeptical due to their unique worldview concept involving AI (ae), KWANGYA, naevis, and black mamba.

However, aespa Next Level became a massive hit, raising their status in the K-pop industry.

On October 5, it has once again proven the high interests of K-pop enthusiasts by occupying various music charts, ranking first on real-time charts such as Melon, Genie, and Bugs, for their new track Savage.

In particular, their first physical album surpassed 400,000 pre-orders during the pre-order period, showing unusual results for rookies.

Furthermore, they also broke a personal record for Next Level after Savage YouTube MV surpassed 50 million views in just two days.

In response, a K-pop official said, "They are re giving off excellent power to succeed BTS, EXO, and BLACKPINK," adding, "In particular, just looking at the volume of record sales, which is evaluated as a measure of fandom size, we can guess the status of those who have risen worldwide."

READ MORE: aespa Proves 'Rookie Monster' Position as 'Savage' Surpasses 400,000 Pre-Orders

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Written by Eunice Dawson