With the love for K-pop spreading worldwide rapidly, new K-pop groups continue to debut one after another. The synchronized dance moves and unique performances combined with each idol’s impeccable vocals keep fans coming back for more.
As time continues to fly by, the 4th generation of K-pop idols is coming to an end—they are the idol groups who debuted between the year of 2018 to 2022.
This 4th gen era is marked by the domination of girl groups, with big names such as New Jeans, Ive, Aespa, and Le Sserafim consistently topping the charts.
We are now entering the 5th generation of K-pop. As we approach this new era, you might wonder what’s waiting for us ahead and who to look out for.
But to understand that better, we need to look into what “generation” actually is. Each K-pop era has different distinctions, with a lineup of different active idols and music of different genres. Read more to find out!
What Are Generations in K-pop?
“Generation” in K-pop is generally used to refer to the groups that debuted at a similar time range. It’s been used since the emergence of K-pop in the 90s, with each generation lasting several years.
Each generation comes with its own unique distinctions, usually based on what’s trending at the time. Here are some distinctions you can find in each K-pop generation:
- 1st generation (1992–2002) is marked by the three-member boy groups Seo Taiji and Boys. This generation is heavily influenced by America’s love for Hip Hop at the time.
- 2nd generation (2003–2011) is often referred to as the Golden Age of K-pop, being the generation who first put K-pop on the map. K-pop groups started exploring different genres, developing their own style, and broadening their market by performing in other countries outside of South Korea.
- 3rd generation (2012–2017) is a period of pop, techno, and rock genres. Groups like BTS and Blackpink spearheaded international recognition.
- 4th generation (2018–2022) has a much stronger media presence. This generation started the trend of online concerts and fan signs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They’re known for their performance groups, intricate choreography, and upbeat music.
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When Did the 5th Generation in K-pop Start?
The 5th generation already started in March 2023. Though the direction to which this generation will take us is still unclear, notable K-pop labels such as YG Entertainment and HYBE are already planning to debut new groups in this generation.
It’s likely that the 5th generation will still utilize some media aspects of the 4th gen. The groups who debuted early into the year are likely to adapt the Y2K aesthetic.
However, with the rapid advancement of technology, we might be able to expect new innovations to emerge as well.
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5th Gen K-pop Groups You Should Look Out for
Ready to get yourself hyped for this new generation of talent? Here are some 5th gen K-pop groups to look out for!
1. Xikers
Source: KQ Entertainment
Debuted on March 30, 2023, with their mini album House of Tricky: Doorbell Ringing, this boy group is established by KQ Entertainment, the company behind the rising group Ateez.
With 10 members of Korean and Thai nationalities, the group was known as KQ Fellaz 2 prior to debuting. As this allowed them to show their talent before the debut date, the resulting hype can evidently be seen from their success in selling over 100,000 albums in the first week.
2. BOYNEXTDOOR (BND)
Source: S2 Entertainment
Established under K’Oz Entertainment—a subsidiary label of HYBE—BOYNEXTDOOR is a six-member boy group who debuted on May 30, 2023 with their single album Who!
Like their name, the group debuted with a casual and comfortable concept; they want to express the everyday stories of their peers. Their relatable and honest music is the reason this boy group quickly gathered a ripple of hype.
3. Kiss of Life
Kiss of Life is a four-member girl group that recently debuted on July 5, 2023 under S2 Entertainment. The mini album Kiss of Life successfully demonstrated their individual talents as well as their work as a group.
Leading up to their debut, we were introduced to each member through their solo songs. Though the group is new, some members are already known within the K-pop community.
For instance, Natty participated in Sixteen—the survival show that formed the group Twice—while Belle took part in composing the hit song “Unforgiven” by Le Sserafim.
4. ZEROBASEONE (ZB1)
Source: ZB1_official via Twitter
Formed through the survival show Boys Planet, this nine-member boy group is set to debut on July 10, 2023 with the mini album Youth in the Shade.
The group already gathered so much attention after participating in the survival show. Fans are anticipating their debut after voting hard to earn each member’s debut spot.
They have made history as the most pre-ordered K-pop debut album in history, reaching approximately 1.08 million pre-ordered copies.
5. Babymonster
Source: YG Entertainment
Set to debut in the 2nd quarter of 2023, Babymonster consists of seven members and will debut under YG Entertainment. They released a pre-debut single titled “Dream” on May 14, 2023.
The selection process of Babymonster was shown through a reality show called Last Evaluation where judges such as founder Yang Hyun-Suk, Lee Su-Hyun of AKMU, and Kang Seung-yoon of Winner judged and ranked the members for the duration of the show.
This allowed the members to show their various talents, making people all the more excited for their debut!
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Header image by: Ciaran O’Brien via Unsplash
