Girl Groups Through the Generations
Over the years, fans have been defining the changes of the K-Pop industry and formation of new groups by organizing them in different generations. As one generation matures, another comes in with new concepts and ideas, each one building off of the last. As of 2021, we are currently in what most consider to be the fourth generation of K-Pop idols. This one has been spurred on by the growth of the global K-Pop fandom, which also means an influx of new fans who have not had the opportunity to dive deeper into past generations. So, for those fans who want to take a trip down memory lane or see when their favorite girl groups got their start, here is a list of some of the most popular girl groups from each generation.
First Generation
While Korean music has a long and beautiful history, the birth of what we think of as K-Pop, specifically the creation of modern idol groups, happened around the 1990s. The biggest girl group to help set the foundation for K-Pop during this initial generation was SM Entertainment´s three-member group, S.E.S. Consisting of idols Bada, Eugene, and Shoo, S.E.S was created to be the counterpart to popular boy group H.O.T.
Other girl groups from this generation: Baby V.O.X, Fin.K.L, Chakra, Jewelry, M.I.L.K, and Papaya.
Second Generation
Second generation began as K-Pop became more commercialized. Between 2007 and 2011, the business model that is currently used in the Korean pop music industry was standardized and idols were pushed toward becoming more than just musical artists. It is this generation that still holds the title for some of the most successful idol groups in existence, including 2NE1 and Girls’ Generation. It was also the era when idols began appearing on reality shows, in K-Dramas, and going on world tours.
Other girl groups from this generation: Brown Eyed Girls, Wonder Girls, KARA, f(x), AFTER SCHOOL, SISTAR, 4Minute, miss A, Girl's Day, and Apink.
Third Generation
This generation was defined by the digital age and social media. Promotion and campaign strategies, as well as the explosion of fanart and fan edits, started with the third generation. The most globally recognized K-Pop girl groups of today debuted with this generation, including BLACKPINK and TWICE. This is also when global superstar boy groups, such as BTS, debuted. Overall, this generation put K-Pop on the worldwide platform in a way that past generations never had.
Other girl groups from this generation: MAMAMOO, EXID, AOA, Dreamcatcher, Red Velvet, and GFRIEND.
Fourth Generation
Now the generation we are currently watching unfold, the fourth generation. There have been more successful girl groups debuting in this generation than ever before. The boundaries and rules of K-Pop are shifting. While it is becoming more open for idols from different backgrounds to get their shot, it is also much more competitive than what we saw with past generations. K-Pop is no longer just a Korean enterprise anymore. The goal that was created with the beginning of K-Pop, for a spot on the global stage as a powerhouse industry, is starting to be realized.
Girl groups from this generation: (G)I-DLE, ITZY, aespa, STAYC, EVERGLOW, Cherry Bullet, BLACKSWAN, and Weeekly.