Let's talk methodology: it's really difficult haha. Because where do I even begin? Roster, talent, discography, statistics, history, legacy, etc. It's all a foggy blend and there's no real marker of when I should begin considering - too recent and the veteran groups lose out, too far back and the nostalgia goggles kick in. It's harder since there's no previous list to reference. I don't even remember how I determined placings for the first iteration of Girl Group Power Rankings. Looks like I'll have to rely on feel and adjust accordingly. Don't expect as detailed descriptions compared to the female counterpart list.
#10. Infinite
Honestly this spot makes you feel like a loser no matter what. With the complicated formula to determine who is "better," I settled with Infinite here over GOT7. Their rosters are actually pretty similar with both housing some unsung heroes in the vocals department. Choreography is their strength while rapping their weakness. But Infinite not only has seniority, but a better resume overall. "Bad" and "Back" are a pair of tracks that best anything in GOT7's library.
#9. Stray Kids
The newest kids on the block snag the #9 spot. JYP finally has a powerhouse boy group for this generation: one that works on their own music, has strong dancers and dances, and own a powerful rap line showing plenty of promise for the future. Not much else to say here, but I'm a huge fan of the Australian line. Shoutouts to "OI FELIX!"
#8. SHINee
SHINee are the third oldest group on this list, and that makes me feel even older. They've always been consistent throughout the years and most importantly bridged Super Junior to EXO. Key has embarked on his solo journey with strong showings so far, and we're all familiar with the skills of Onew and Taemin. With Minho ready to enlist, this is a good spot for these boys to start.
#7. Super Junior
Poster children of surviving through drama and chaos, Super Junior have matured like fine wine over the years. They made significant contributions to the industry during the Golden Age and vocalists Kyuhyun and Yesung are among the best to ever do it. Then you've got sharp dancers like Eunhyuk, gorgeous man Siwon, and variety overlord Heechul. While some members are out of the picture, they constantly work with who's around. They've lately taken on a more Latin direction with songs like "Lo Siento" but still rock the classic dance tracks like "Black Suit." Younger groups should aspire to age like Super Junior did, outside of the controversies anyway.
#6. Seventeen
When you think about groups nowadays, they trend towards the smaller side. Large groups were rare even a decade back, so Seventeen deserve props for rocking with their 13 members (I understand there was supposed to be 17 but details). Outside of their dancing abilities, I think overall they are quite average in the singing and rapping departments. But when you have this big a group, and the dances are this clean, it's something special. Their choreographies have been able to shift to match their various type of songs too.
#5. iKON
Previously the leftover child of YG, iKON have been on fire since last year. "Love Scenario," "Goodbye Road," and "I'm OK" are fantastic tracks from this current run. They've surpassed brother group Winner with this string of releases and have always had comparable lineups talent-wise. iKON also are the only remaining group in their label that's been relatively free of drama. Of course now that I've written those words I have inevitably cursed them into something horrible for the summer. Really hope I'm wrong...
#4. NCT
"If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!" NCT has a million subunits and a million more members, so it's easy to pick them for a high rank with SME backing them. Taeyong spearheads the changing of the guard with incredibly gifted rappers which is not usually what we anticipate out of their label. I don't like much of their music, but I can't question their potential. Should any single group take over the world, it would certainly be this one.
#3. Big Bang
Scandal aside, Big Bang is without a doubt one of the best boy groups still. Taeyang is that versatile master that can do everything with a prolific solo resume. New maknae Daesung is still an underrated vocalist and everyone knows what their rappers can do. Their history is immense and yadda yadda. Even with military service and Seungri being a fucking idiot, it's not enough to justify dropping them out of top three.
#2. EXO
EXO are one of the most consistent boy groups out there. They change their image and style a little bit with each comeback, but for the most part they stay true to who they are. With historic songs like "Call Me Baby" and "Overdose," they also have very strong B-sides such as "The Eve" and "Baby Don't Cry." We won't talk about some of their more...interesting takes. Group material during 2018 was good and now Chen kicked off this year with his solo debut. There was a scare with D.O not renewing his contract but I think those have been refuted? Fans better hope so with enlistment looming for these guys. Still, they'll take the silver medal for this inaugural edition of Boy Group Power Rankings.
#1. BTS
Winners of the Best Boy Group award since 2015, BTS seem to be accomplishing something that no other Kpop group has done every couple of days. Their numbers are mind-numbing, their discography is gigantic, and their talent is well-documented. They sold out entire football stadiums for their upcoming US tour. If a football stadium full of BTS fans doesn't terrify you, then I don't know what will. Regardless, major props to these boys because they are paving the way deep into uncharted territory.
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