Who are the idol groups that serve as pillars and representatives in each generation of K-pop? According to a media outlet, the four K-pop generations are comprised of these "leaders," and here are their contributions.

From S.E.S to IVE: Here's the Breakdown of 4 Generations of K-pop and its Idol Group Representatives

(Photo : S.E.S (News1))

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In the mid-1990s, first-generation idols were born and were referred to as the "K-pop Archaeopteryx," who are the "roots" of the new-gen idols. In this era, K-pop groups including – H.O.T, SECHSKIES, S.E.S and Fin.K.– lead the music scene and were the ones who created the "fandom culture." They also established the genre "K-pop" domestically.

(Photo : BIGBANG (News1))

In the 2000s then, the first-gen groups quickly ended and were replaced by the second-gen groups. The K-pop representatives from this era are – "K-pop's Emperor" TVXQ, "Hallyu Kings" Super Junior, "King of K-pop" BIGBANG, "Retro Queen" Wonder Girls, "Nation's Girl Group" Girls' Generation (SNSD) and "K-pop Queens" 2NE1.

Thanks to first-gen groups, their entry into Korea became easier. In this era then, second-gen groups paved the "Hallyu Wave" in Asia.

(Photo : TWICE (News1))

In the 2010s, third-generation K-pop arose. The top-tier groups born in this era are – BTS, EXO, SEVENTEEN, NCT, BLACKPINK, TWICE, MAMAMOO. At this time, these groups put K-pop flags in the mainland of the pop genre such as the United States and Europe.

(Photo : ATEEZ (News1))

Lastly, in 2018, the fourth-gen of K-pop opened its door to rookie idols that will be the future of the music scene. In this era, we have "Fourth-Gen leaders" – Stray Kids, ATEEZ, TXT, ENHYPEN, ITZY, aespa, IVE and Kep1er. Even though they just only debuted, fourth-gen representatives occupy various global charts within 2 years of their debut, proving their power.

What Makes 4th-Gen Groups Different From 1st to 3rd Gen K-pop Idols?

According to Chosun Ilbo, the so-called "fourth generation idol" has recently quickly dominated global music fans, thanks to the performance of their senior groups above all else.

In addition to topping the Billboard Hot 100, awareness of K-pop has increased more than ever through BTS, which swept overseas markets such as the U.S. and BLACKPINK, which exceeded 22 billion views on YouTube.

(Photo : S.E.S, BIGBANG, TWICE, ATEEZ (News1))

Another factor is the fourth-gen group's "worldview," which is an ongoing project as the group releases new songs and MV. Since fourth-gen groups were born amid the technology boom, communication with fans even around the world is easier.

Lastly, an industry official added, "As I watch the narrative selected by the members like a drama, I feel that the immersion level is higher than that of the previous generation. More and more fans are producing second and third content with members as the main characters using shortform platforms such as TikTok, which is popular with Generation Z."

READ MORE: aespa, ENHYPEN and More: K-Media Outlet Names '4th-Gen Idol' Representative Groups in 2021

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Written by Eunice Dawson