Ilgan Sports has been conducting an annual survey since 2017. The special Lunar New Year survey was conducted once again in 2021 as currently promoting K-Pop idol groups participated in casting their votes for the most anticipated idol groups of 2021.

The groups that participated anonymously in this survey included: (G)I-DLE, ITZY, NCT 127, Kang Daniel, NU'EST, The Boyz, MAMAMOO, MONSTA X, BTOB, Seventeen, STAYC, Stray Kids, Secret Number, IZ*ONE, ENHYPEN, Oh My Girl, LOONA, Changmo, CRAVITY, TOMORROW x TOGETHER, TREASURE, and Pentagon.

So here are the top idol groups that are most anticipated in 2021.

1. BTS (32 votes)

Out of the anonymous votes sent in by 22 K-pop idol groups, BTS received 32 votes as the group they're highly anticipating in 2021. It's only natural that the group is gaining a lot of interest as they became the first K-Pop group to be nominated for the Grammys, which will take place on March 14th.

2. Aespa (# of votes not revealed)

In second place was SM Entertainment's new girl group aespa. aespa made a strong impression as they debuted with "Black Mamba" and is a unique idol group in which the members each have an AI avatar counterpart. Many are highly looking forward to how this group will promote in the future with the AI avatars.

3. Stray Kids (20 votes)

Stray Kids emerged as a popular group last year with remarkable performance. Stray Kids' has gained many fans through their addicting music, and many are interested in what new music the group will come back with this year.

4. ENHYPEN (19 votes)

The new boy group ENHYPEN, which was created through a joint venture between CJ ENM and Big Hit Entertainment, ranked fourth with 19 votes. The members made their debut as they participated in the audition survival program 'I-LAND'  and won the votes of global fans. The rookie group is determined to increase their fandom and solidify their place as the rising star in the K-Pop industry.

5. Seventeen (17 votes)

Seventeen, which released two albums last year and became a 'Double Million Seller,' will also accelerate its activities in 2021. The group heralded the 'all-around idol' charm with an unbeatable performance and a pleasant charm. Seventeen received 17 votes, ranking fifth in the idol group that is the most anticipated in 2021.

Other groups to make the list was TXT at sixth place with 15 votes, followed by ITZY, NCT, and The Boyz, all tied for seventh place with 14 votes each, and LOONA at eighth place with 13 votes.