Now that their gg is rumored to have 8 members, they have more chances to snatch the IT girl status.
Every generation has the most loved/popular female idol. SM always managed to make at least one member from their gg one of the most popular idols: Yoona - Krystal/Sulli - Irene - Karina/Winter
Karina is also killing it with being the most searched everywhere and even getting number one hit on melon
1. Wonhee was pushed a lot but she still didn't stick and didn't make that much noise even when Magnetic was dominating. None of illit members went viral and held gp's attention long enough. Now that belift and hybe messed it up with their weak pr game, it will be very hard for her to become Wonyoung 2.0 like hybe desperately wants.
2. Ahyeon didn't seem to make any noise in Korea either even if Sheesh got in top 10 on Melon. Jennie already trended with her fashion alone. Months later and gp still dgaf about Ahyeon even if her international fans try so hard to push the 5th gen it girl status.
3. I know that Jyp will debut a new gg in 2025, but their music choices suck and their promos are always group focused so no hope for any solo promo till their contract renewal after 7 years.
So it seems like SM wins in the end unless I missed someone and there are popular idols I don't know about
