Sequence of events:
Debut
Comeback comeback with a ballad or something that doesn't feel like an actual comeback
Comeback with a banger of a bop
Examples of groups that followed this trajectory:
ITZY ("DALLA DALLA," "ICY," "WANNABE")
aespa ("Black Mamba," "Forever," "Next Level")
BABYMONSTER ("BATTER UP," "Stuck in the Middle," "SHEESH")
Maybe MEOVV will become part of this list. They debuted with the bop that was "MEOW." They came back with a double-single comeback with ballad "Toxic," which showcased their vocals but didn't feel like a full comeback. I predict they will have an amazing second comeback that will shock the K-pop world!