JoySauce Radio: All hail the rise of the Asian girl group
From KATSEYE to f5ve, Asian girl groups are unstoppable right now, and we couldn't be happier
From left, cover art for “superstitious” by no na, “Sugar Free Venom” by f5ve, and “Drop Top” by MEOVV.
Photo illustration by Ryan Quan
Words by Anjana Pawa
JoySauce Radio: Consider JoySauce Radio our own personal song recommendations—from the tunes and videos our writers love to DJ-produced mixes of dance floor bangers—all from Asian and Pacific Islander artists around the world.
This month on JoySauce Radio, we’re celebrating the rise of the girl group. With artists hailing from South Korea, to Japan, to Indonesia, to Thailand, and more, there are bops coming from the entire Asian subcontinent. These five tracks by some of the most popular girl groups out there don’t just sound good, they sound strange, hypnotic, and unbelievably cool. Whether it’s experimental hyperpop, bratty lyrics, or quick trap beats, there’s a bit of something for everyone.
“Gnarly” by KATSEYE
KATSEYE is HYBE and Geffen Records’ first global girl group, with members hailing from all around the globe, and they are already cementing their status as girl group royalty. “Gnarly” is confident, chaotic, and will make your ears perk up. It’s edgy, it’s maximal, and it’s glitchcore at its finest. If you’ve been hiding under a rock and aren’t already a fan of the track, you’ll want to add it to your summer playlist ASAP.
“Sugar Free Venom” by f5ve ft. Kesha
“Sugar Free Venom” is a fun collaboration between Japanese girl group f5ve and American pop icon Kesha. The track leans into a hyperpop-adjacent sound, while still embracing the bubblegum-pop that the group loves to lean into. The lyrics are playful and a bit bratty, with a video that captures the fun. And Kesha’s verse is the cherry on top.
“DROP TOP” by MEOVV
“DROP TOP” by MEOVV (pronounced “meow”) blends R&B vocals with a moody, trap-influenced beat. The South Korean girl group debuted in 2024 and they have already positioned themselves as ones to watch when it comes to creating genre-bending bops. The track sounds like late-night driving music and the accompanying video is moody and mysterious.
“superstitious” by no na
Indonesian girl group no na, formed this year under 88rising, showcases their unique sound and artistic vision in this standout release. “superstitious” is an upbeat, minimalist pop track that allows the members’ vocal harmonies to shine, especially once the tempo slows towards the end. The video that accompanies shows the four members dancing to the track on the beach.
“LIKE YOU” by 4EVE
Thai girl group 4EVE delivers a bright, romantic track with “LIKE YOU.” The song leans into early 2010s pop sounds while still having its own unique edge. The group’s delivery is playful and confident, with each member contributing a distinct vocal style to the track. Since their debut in 2020, 4EVE has cemented themselves as Thailand’s most popular girl group.
Published on May 27, 2025
Words by Anjana Pawa
Anjana Pawa is a Brooklyn-based culture reporter who regularly covers music, entertainment and beauty. You can find her on Twitter at @apawawrites.
Art by Ryan Quan
Ryan Quan is the Social Media Editor for JoySauce. This queer, half-Chinese, half-Filipino writer and graphic designer loves everything related to music, creative nonfiction, and art. Based in Brooklyn, he spends most of his time dancing to hyperpop and accidentally falling asleep on the subway. Follow him on Instagram at @ryanquans.