5 second generation K-pop groups for you to know

Being extremely famous and respected in K-pop, the famous “generations” are responsible for sharing the different phases of South Korean pop music. Although they are a bit difficult to understand, as there is no rule that sets out when they start or end, experts argue that today K-pop is already in its fifth generation.

The first generation emerged in 1992, with the debut of Trio Seo Taiji and Boys, considered the first group of K-pop, and extending until the early 2000s. The second generation begins, around 2003, and covers until 2011, being marked by the growth of Hallyu, the Korean wave, ie when companies started to invest more in the expansion of K-pop and culture South Korean beyond the borders of South Korea.

This is because, according to the Assistant Professor of Korean Pop Culture at Arizona State University, Areum JeongIn an interview with Nylon, it was also at this time that “Idol groups as we know them today were born”, with K-pop becoming one of the most profitable industries in the country.

During this period, some groups that remain being featured in the industry have emerged and are remembered to this day, such as TVxq!, Bigbang, 2NE1, 2pm, Wonder Girls, Miss A, Shinee, F (x) and Sistar. In addition to them, the second generation also has a huge list of sets that have made a huge success in Korea, but may end up not being known to fans who started following the industry a short time ago.

With that in mind, Recreio brought a list of 5 second-generation K-pop groups you need to know. Check it out!

1. MBLAQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SenKemetrzmq

Acronym of “Music Boys Live in Absolute Quality”, MBLAQ debuted in October 2009 by J. Tune Camp, created by the soloist Rain. Initially, the group consisted of five members: SUGHHO, GO, Mir, Lee Joon and ThunderHowever, the last two left the formation in 2014 after the end of their contracts. Although they have not confirmed the disband, the ensemble has not released anything since 2015, when they released the album “Mirror”.

2. Brown Eyed Girls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofwfr8o8p0y

Debuting in March 2006 by Nega Network, Brown Eyed Girls is composed of four members: Jewelry, Miryo, Narsha and Ga-in. Hit “Abracadabra” hit, the set changed company in 2015, signing with Mystic Entertainment, and also never announced the disband, remaining in hiatus. His latest release took place in 2020, with the single “Snowman”.

3.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW6D8RyPpwy

Formed in 2010 by Star Empire Entertainment, 9muses is responsible for the “Dolls” hit, and had its official disband announced in 2019. Throughout its career, Girlgroup had several members in its formation. Among them, we have: Jaekyung (left in 2010), Rana (left in 2011), Bini (left in 2011), Leesm (left in 2014), It will be (left in 2014), Eunji (left in 2014), USAERIN (left in 2016), My (left in 2016), Hyuna (left in 2016), Hyemi (left in 2019), Sungah (left in 2019), Gyeongree (left in 2019), Sojin (left in 2019) and Keumjo (left in 2019).

4. Girl’s Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvo5xtabxm8

Hit “Something”, Girl’s Day debuted in July 2010 by Dream Tea Entertainment. In indeterminate hiatus, currently the group is composed of four members: Sojin, Yura, Minah and Hyeri. Two months after its debut, the members Jisun and Ji in left the girlgroup, being replaced by Hyeri and Yura. Already in 2012, Jihae It officially left the set, resulting in the current formation.

5. Beast/B2ST (current highlight)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAZWT8Mror0

Currently known as Highlight, Beast/B2ST debuted in October 2009 for Cube Entertainment, consisting of six members: Yoon Doojoon, Yong Junhyung, Yang Yoseob, Lee Gikwang, Son Dongwoon and Jang Hyunseunghowever, the latter left the training in 2016 to pursue a solo career. The group remains active to this day, with its latest release made in 2024, with the album “Switch On”.