Why B2ST and Infinite failed to reach the BTS level on 2nd gen?

There is no actual answer to this question beyond the fact that they're not BTS. BTS's story is unique. So is INFINITE's and B2ST/Highlight's. Comparing their careers is ultimately pointless.

I think you mean why they aren't considered a top tier group, right?

tbvh, both were top tier groups imo considering how much of a niche Kpop was back then.

Quote from girlgroupstan21

Yes , like for example

Despite being so succesful , B2ST and INFINITE still have way to go to even reach BIGBANG/SUJU/TVXQ or even SHINee level

While for BTS, no one come close

BTS is a once in a lifetime situation, rare, unique situation, so I don't like using them as a comparison to any other Kpop group.

But you've mentioned big 2nd gen acts, which I think it's better to compare (and SHINee is a top tier group, but Shawols just don't care to make a fuss about it).

I don't have a clear answer for that question, but the Big 3 was so influential in the industry that smaller agencies just couldn't beat them on anything. Media play, promotions on tv shows and varieties, the whole attention Big 3 artists receive to these days. Things were way more well defined/established around Big 3, since the agencies themselves are still so powerful in the industry, their influence and network in the industry is unrivalled. These factors were truly important - and still are imo.

edit: typo

i mean its pretty obvious why. neither of those groups had what actually makes bts as popular as they are. bts is one of the only kpop groups ever where every member has an 100% clean image. bts is also one of the only groups that are close enough to put their career as a group over solo activities. the group gets the majority of the member's effort, they are always preparing releases, filming their group variety show, going on other variety shows mostly as a group. they also communicate a LOT with their fans and are still very humble and gracious for everything.

i was actually a huge inspirit before bts debuted and they were my ult group for about 2 years and i can just say, they were never like bts.

they werent lucky enough

Both weren't that popular internationally to begin with, even in the "traditional" international Kpop market like Japan and SEA, I don't think they were doing that well. While BTS seems to have a decent international followers even when they were still "nugu" in Korea, they already tour in an Arena in some SEA countries in 2014 iirc.

might be out of topic. just to correct something.

big hit was not a little middle tier company. it was literally a little (?) small tier company when bts began.

they were even making music in a literal garage.

Both idol groups don’t inspire fans to be like the BTS ARMY: dedicated, creative, full of spunk and willing to fight for their idol. We are mostly earning our own money too so we don’t have to ask from mommy

For the same reason BTS reached that level: other groups just don't have what BTS has. Kpop fans can theorize and argue about it till the end of the world, but the simple answer is that BTS is a one of a kind group and has smth very special in them (in everything about them: music, performances, content, lyrics, personalities, management, etc, etc) to bring themselves from complete nugudom to the stardom of the highest level possible.

Quote from xoxoshawol

BTS is a once in a lifetime situation, rare, unique situation, so I don't like using them as a comparison to any other Kpop group.

I think this sums it up pretty well.

i can't say anything about the other 2 groups because i know nothing about them, but comparing groups with bts in general is pretty useless. They are at another level & i don't think any kpop group is ever gonna reach even close to them (no shade!).