Get to know some groups that debuted in the 1990s, during the first generation, and were pioneers in the K-Pop industry
In recent years, K-pop has become a true worldwide phenomenon, dragging a huge legion of fans from various groups and soloists in all parts of the world. However, this great international popularization of the genre, surpassing the borders of the Asian continent, came to happen from the 2010s, when the South Korean pop was in the third generation.
As a result, many people who have been following the genre only recently not know the artists considered as K-Pop pioneers, responsible for composing the first generation-extended from 1992 until the early 2000s-and take the first steps to South Korean pop music to become what we know today.
With that in mind, Recreio has separated a list of 5 K-pop first generation groups you need to know. Check it out!
1. Seo Taiji and Boys
Considered by many to be the first K-pop group in history, SEO Taiji and Boys debuted in 1992, containing three members: SEO TAI-JI, Lee Ju-NO and YANG HYUN-SUK – that in the future would be known to be the founder of YG Entertainment, a company responsible for creating groups such as Blackpink, Bigbang and 2NE1.
Together, the trio was responsible for revolutionizing the South Korean music industry, uniting popular genres in the West and the East, as well as performing unforgettable choreography and a unique look, remaining active until 1996.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3XY4P2JTFU
2. Baby Vox
On the other hand, one of the first female groups to emerge in the K-Pop industry was the Baby Vox (Baby Voices of Xpression abbreviation), which debuted in 1997 by DR Music with the single “Hair Cut”, and was inspired by British Girlgroup Spice Girls.
Staying active until March 2006, the set underwent a series of changes in its formation. Over the years, the following artists have been part of the group: Kim Ez, Heejin, Eunjin, Miyoun, Eunhye, Gai, Yumi, Hyunjun and Shiwoon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA5Ve47TD4E
3. Hot
The first boygroup to debut for SM Entertainment, one of today’s top K-pop companies, was High-Five of Teenagers’ Hot (abbreviation). Composed of Moon Heejun, Jang Woohyuk, Tony an, Kangta and Lee Jaewonthe quintet debuted in 1996 with the single “Descendants of Warriors”.
Becoming K-Pop’s first group to sell millions of copies, due to its success in Taiwan and the Asian communities of America, the whole remained active until 2001. Today, although separate, they maintain their relevance, being inspired for numerous artists, which also rewrite some of their hits-such as “Candy”, which has gained a version of NCT Dream in 2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nuaxu1d-y
4. SES
Already the first Girlgroup to debut for SM Entertainment was SES, which debuted in 1997 with the album “I’m Your Girl”, consisting of three members: Baly (SEA), Eugeneand Shoo.
Remaining active until 2002, the group is recognized for its great vocal extension, being owned by hits such as “Dream Come True”, “I’m Your Girl” and “Be Natural”. Even separated, the set remains relevant, with some of its songs being rewritten by other SM artists, such as Aespa and Red Velvet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uir4SRDGZK
5. Shinhwa
Being the only one on the list that remains together, Shinhwa debuted in 1998 by SM Entertainment, with the song “Resolve” (해결사), remaining in the company until 2003, when they moved to Good Entertainment. In 2011, they decided to complete their contracts, and opened their own company, Shinhwa Company, where they remain today.
Throughout its 27 years of career, the group has never changed in its formation, and is still composed of the same six members: Eric, Lee min woo, Dongwan, Hyesung, Junjin and Andy. His latest Comeback took place in 2018, with Debut’s 20 -year commemorative album, “Heart”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxe9yxva24q
Bonus: fin.kl
Being one of the most popular female groups of the first generation, Fin.KL (Abbreviation of Fin Killing Liberty) debuted in May 1998 by DSP Media, with the album “Blue Rain”. Composed of four members, Hyori, Joohyun, Jin and Yurithe group remained active until October 2005.
Source: Recreio
