SEOUL, July 31 -- K-pop may be topping global charts and filling stadiums worldwide, but back home in South Korea, its shine appears to be fading.

According to The Korea Herald, industry experts are raising concerns over the genre's weakening grip on the domestic market. Despite international success, K-pop is struggling to maintain momentum locally - especially with the lack of impactful rookie girl groups in early 2025, a key driver of fandom growth in past years.

Citing the Circle Chart's 2025 Mid-Year Report, The Herald reported a 6.4 per cent drop in digital consumption for the top 400 songs, nearly 50 per cent below its 2019 peak. Physical album sales also declined by 9 per cent to 42.4 million units. Only seven albums surpassed t...