Which were among the lower ratings of their years, but true, not the very lowest seeing how Seventeen and Mamamoo had even lower in those same years.
The fact that so far ITZY had the misfortune to have the absolute lowest Nielsen ratings for this year is hopefully not a sign of deteriorating popularity. Tbh, not sure at all how Nielsen ratings should be interpreted in this context (Knowing Bros watching audience didn't like the episode? Or tune out when it's idols in the episode?)
Luckily Aespa have experienced huge popularity spikings in other platforms and media
During their year highest was 6.9 and what BP got was above average..in korea aespa is doing very well but on youtube and spotify not so much