5 One-Top Female Idols in Each Generation: Lee Hyori, IVE Jang Wonyoung, More!
In an online community, K-pop fans selected the most legendary female idols in each generation from the 1st to 4th-gen era. Do you agree with the list?
In the K-pop scene, numerous idols had risen to fame from the early 1990s to the 2020s.
While most of them eventually met the end of their "heydays," THESE one-top female idols remained iconic since their debuts to date— and not only did their fans know their music and activities but they were recognized by music fans of all ages!
Here Are 5 One-Top Female Idols in Each Generation:
1st Gen - Fin K.L. Lee Hyori
If talking about the one-top star, it is impossible not to put Lee Hyori on the list!
Aside from her popularity after debuting in 1998 as Fin. K.L., Lee Hyori became known in the music industry even more after establishing her solo career.
Lee Hyori
Some of her iconic masterpieces include "10 Minutes," "Hey Girl," "Bad Girls," and more.
In 2023, wherein 25 years had passed but the singer is still known for her impressive dancing and singing skills, not to mention her unrelenting visuals that earned her the moniker, "Nation's Fairy."
Currently, she's actively performing in a South Korean tour through tvN's "Dancing Queens on the Road."
2nd Gen - SNSD Taeyeon, Bae Suzy
The second-gen era of K-pop is indeed one of the best, causing debate if who's the one-top female idol in this generation.
In particular, K-pop fans and netizens were divided whether it was Taeyeon or Suzy, who both made waves as iconic idols from top 2nd-gen groups, Girls' Generation & Miss A.
Those who selected Taeyeon highlighted not only how she led SNSD and became "Nation's Girl Group" amid of influx of boy groups at the time, but also highlighted her career as a top-notch soloist. Taeyeon became a "textbook" for both group and solo that can be followed by junior idols and singers.
Currently, she's leading Mnet's "Queendom Puzzle" which aims to create a new girl group from 28 existing female idols.
Bae Suzy
ALSO READ: Who Is K-pop's True Visual Center? 19 Female Idols Ranked – See #1
Meanwhile, Bae Suzy is the untouchable "Nation's First Love" from the second-gen era. She's a full-package idol with both talents in singing, dancing and acting, not to mention her genuine personality. Due to her popularity, she became the face of Soju brand and other product brands, her beauty reigning establishments all over the country!
3rd Gen - BLACKPINK Jennie
If talking about idols being face and brand representatives, it is only rightful to give the credit to BLACKPINK Jennie, who is one of the proprietors why global luxury brands started choosing idols as their ambassadors.
When she debuted, Jennie cemented her elegant and "princess-like" image wearing luxury items, earning her the nickname, "Human Chanel." Later on, she became a "trendsetter" who didn't only dominate the fashion scene but the beauty and jewelry world as well.
But aside from the aforementioned, Jennie is also built her name as a singer and actress. Currently, she's making a buzz for her debut drama, "The Idol."
4th Gen - IVE Jang Wonyoung
Last but not least, if talking about fourth-gen K-pop, it is not a lie to say that IVE Jang Wonyoung is one of the strongest leaders of this era.
Aside from creating back-to-back hits such as "ELEVEN," "LOVE DIVE," "After LIKE," "Kitsch" and "I AM," Jang Wonyoung is also a fashion and brand icon who can sell out any item she's promoting.
While she's often the center of hateful comments and criticisms, Jang Wonyoung proved her determined personality by always being dedicated, committed, positive and confident– traits that should be shared with the younger gen.
READ MORE: 7 K-pop Female Idols Who Get the Most Spotlight in Their Group
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
