Throwback Thursday: Third Generation K-Pop Part 1

Photo: Source Music

Starting in 2012, a new generation of K-Pop idols debuted. This generation that many K-Pop fans began their journey in (me included) is home to a collection of artists who became household names in the genre. This generation would be the Third Generation of K-Pop. While it ended around 2018/2019, many groups and soloists who debuted during this era are still going strong. So, let’s take it back and talk about some artists from the third gen. 

NCT 

On April 8, 2016, SM Entertainment’s mega group NCT debuted in the K-Pop scene. Coming in with a fresh concept, NCT had a multi-member, sub-unit-based theme that wasn’t really seen in K-Pop. In the past 10 years, they have debuted seven sub-units, each with their own signature touch to the NCT sound. The sub-units NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, NCT DOJAEJUNG, NCT WISH, and NCT JNJM are all units composed of the 23 members of NCT. NCT debuted with their track, “The 7th Sense,” a bass-heavy song with an EDM beat and soulful R&B vocals. This sound has been a recurring one that NCT has stuck with since 2016, becoming their signature, and it can be heard in many of their tracks, such as “Sticker,” “Hot Sauce,” “Bad Alive,” “Hands up,” and many more. Over time, each NCT sub-unit has released iconic tracks that have become staples in the K-Pop scene, and certain members have begun blossoming into solo careers, really making a name for themselves outside the group. NCT is a group full of talented people, and each sub-unit shows exactly that. 

GFRIEND

On January 15, 2015, former Source Music girl group GFRIEND debuted with their upbeat and bubbly track “Glass Bead.” A fun, lighthearted debut, this track showed all listeners just who GFRIEND was. The six members, Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji, from the very beginning have shown us their intricate choreography and powerful vocals, and with each comeback, the intensity of the choreography and vocals only increased. Over the years, GFRIEND has released iconic tracks that have become well-known among K-Pop fans. Tracks like “Me Gustas Tú,” “MAGO,” “Apple,” “Time for the moon night,” and “FINGERTIP” are just a sliver of the songs that the girls have released that are staples. GFRIEND is an iconic girl group, and even after many years, their music still resonates with many today. 

BTS 

On June 13, 2013, one of the most well-known boy groups debuted with their hard-hitting track “No More Dream.” Regarded as one of the most well-known debut songs, “No More Dream” was our first look into who BTS was, and they did not disappoint. Ever since their debut, members RM, JIN, SUGA, J-HOPE, JIMIN, V, and JUNGKOOK have become staples in the K-Pop scene. BTS’s hard-hitting sound has followed them over the years, and the boys have ventured into other genres like R&B, pop, EDM, and more. BTS has released such iconic tracks that hold a place in many K-Pop fans' hearts. Tracks like “I NEED U,” “MIC Drop,” FAKE LOVE,” “ON,” and “RUN” are just a few that scratch the surface of BTS’s discography, but are such well-known songs from them. In the passing years, the boys have accomplished so much, like releasing solo projects, touring, and winning awards, and they still continue to achieve so much. It’s great for fans to see their growth from then to now, and it’s exciting to see what is to come.