Girl groups have wowed Korea last year and now they’re eyeing the world stage. Which group has the best chance of winning the hearts of global music fans? Music industry insiders size up the chances of each group by their characteristics.

First, Girl’s Generation, Kara, and T-ara are marked by their cute, perky appeal. Korean internet users have picked Girl’s Generation as the most likely girl group to succeed in America. Kara and T-ara are projected to do well in Japan and other Asian countries. These Korean girl idols are taller and more sophisticated than their Japanese counterparts, yet they still have that adorable girl-next-door quality.

Then there are powerful and charismatic 2NE1 and Brown Eyed Girls. They have very strong and mature personalities that set them apart from other girlish idols. They have become solid cultural icons for women in their teens through 30s. Brown Eyed Girls have already won a huge following in Singapore after they participated in a promotional tour there with FT Island last month.

Wonder Girls and After School appeal to the masses with their strong visual presence. They’re better in music videos than on live stage. Last year Wonder Girls have made quite a wave in the American music scene with “Nobody” and their opening act in the Jonas Brother’s national tour. Thailand and other Asian nations are looking to invite After School, although the girls have never promoted their songs overseas.