Being one of the biggest hits of the present day, K-pop emerged in the 90s, with the debut of Seo Taiji and Boys, considered the first K-pop group. Since then, the trajectory of this musical genre has been divided into generations, which help to more clearly show the different phases over the years.
Understanding generations, however, can be a bit complicated, as there is no standard or rule that establishes the beginning or end of a new generation. Currently, music industry experts and the South Korean press already consider that, since 2023, we are in the fifth generation.
As reported by Billboard Philippines, some of the main trends of this new generation are: prioritizing the global market with groups that are even more fluent in English; having idols who are all-rounders, that is, who can efficiently perform singing, dancing and rapping skills, and, with that, the end of the famous fixed positions in K-pop (such as main dancer, main vocalist, visual, face of the group, etc.); in addition to a greater presence on social media and the presentation of increasingly original concepts.
To stay up to date with the new phase of K-pop, RECREIO has put together a list of five groups that are already part of the fifth generation and that you need to listen to. Check it out!
1. ZEROBASEONE
ZEROBASEONE, also known simply as ZB1, was formed through the survival program “Boys Planet”, on the South Korean broadcaster Mnet, and debuted on July 10, 2023 with the mini-album “YOUTH IN THE SHADE”, accompanied by a MV for the title track “In Bloom”.
Managed by WAKEONE Entertainment, their formation is composed of nine members in total. They are: Sung Han Bin, Kim Ji Woong, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae Rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu Vin, Park Gun WookIt is Han Yu Jin.
2. KISS OF LIFE
Formed by S2 Entertainment, KISS OF LIFE is made up of four members, Julie, Natty, Belle It is Haneuldebuting on July 5, 2023 with their first mini-album that bore the group’s name, accompanied by the title track “쉿 (Shhh)”. With only one year of career, the girl group has already become one of the main revelations, accumulating hits such as “Midas Touch”, “Sugarcoat”, and their most recent release, “Sticky”.
3. BOYNEXTDOOR
Debuting on May 30, 2023 with the single album “WHO!”, BOYNEXTDOOR was formed by KOZ Entertainment, and consists of six members: Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan It is Woonhak. His most recent release came in April 2024, with the album “[HOW?]”, accompanied by the title track ‘Earth, Wind & Fire’.
4. BABYMONSTER
As YG Entertainment’s first girl group since BLACKPINK, BABYMONSTER is made up of seven members, Ruka, Pharitha, Wing, Ahyeon, Ramie, Rora It is Chiquitaconsidering their official debut date to be April 1, 2024, with the release of the mini-album “BABYMONS7ER” and the tilt track “SHEESH”.
However, on November 27, 2023, the group had already released the track “BATTER UP”, with the participation of only six members, since Ahyeon was away due to health issues. After her return, the song was considered just a pre-release, with “SHEESH” being officially announced as her debut.
5. RIIZE
Composed of seven members, Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Seunghan, SoheeIt is AntonRIIZE debuted on September 4, 2023 under SM Entertainment with the single album “Get A Guitar”. Their name is an abbreviation of RISE&REALIZE, and their most recent release was in June 2024, with the mini-album “RIIZING” and the title track ‘Boom Boom Bass’.
Source: Recreio
