wonder if there's actually a bg i can follow that my friends won't give me crap about. i already get enough of that just with the gg stuff but at least they kinda get the basic cute girls + catchy music formula and why that would appeal to dudes

BigBang was the only boy group guys were allowed to stan. But they are no more so I think you're out of luck.

The best group I can give you is maybe NCT. or Stray Kids.

Do you need to stan the people or the music? Like is it just for show?

Go for something like Ateez or Stray kids because they have very heavy sounds although people still find them slightly feminine despite how hard they sound. Stray kids specifically has 3racha producing subunit that makes rap heavy so their songs might be more what you're looking for.

Doubt your friends are serious. Just enjoy whatever you enjoy man.