On April 21, 2023, Yunjin of the K-pop group LE SSERAFIM took to Instagram to share a captivating series of photos on her profile, @jenaissante. Among these was an intriguing snapshot featuring a circle of girls, all with one arm raised and making peace signs, which quickly caught the attention of their supporters.
Fans were thrilled to discover that this spirited circle comprised members from three prominent HYBE girl groups: LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE. The photo ignited a wave of excitement among netizens, many of whom celebrated the collaboration.
Online chatter labeled these groups as the “BIG THREE”in the K-pop industry, a testament to their growing influence. Here’s a selection of fan reactions that reflect this enthusiasm:
“THE BIG 3”
“4th gen leaders, 5th gen leaders, and global leaders are maximizing their joint slay!”expressed a fan on X.
“Holy trinity of HYBE girl groups,”added another fan.
“I love when talented and pretty women support each other,”commented a netizen.
Moreover, the collective interaction between these groups sparked additional commentary from the social media community:
“I need these three groups to film content together,”noted a fan.
“They are such girls’ girls, oh… we love women supporting women,”added an X user.
“All my favorite girls in one frame is crazy,”shared another netizen.
“This means so much to me; you guys don’t get it,”commented another X user.
Overview of the Three HYBE Girl Groups: KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT
KATSEYE, a newly formed global girl group under HYBE Labels and Geffen Records, made its debut in 2023 through the reality survival show, Dream Academy. The ensemble features six talented members: Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae. The group quickly rose to fame following their debut single, “Debut,”and the sensational track “Touch.”
LE SSERAFIM, another powerhouse of the K-pop scene, debuted in 2022 and includes members Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae. Affiliated with Source Music, a subsidiary of HYBE, they burst onto the scene with their first EP, “Fearless,”and have since released several popular tracks, including “ANTIFRAGILE,””UNFORGIVEN,”and “HOT.”
Finally, ILLIT emerged as the latest addition to the HYBE family, having formed through the reality audition show R U Next?, a collaboration between HYBE and JTBC Corporation. Comprising the final five contestants Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha, ILLIT debuted in 2024 with their inaugural EP, “Super Real Me,”showcasing their hit single “Magnetic.”
With each group leaving a notable mark on the K-pop landscape, it comes as no surprise that fans have expressed immense joy witnessing the interactions among these three renowned girl groups.