3rd Generation: The K-Pop Expansion
Coming to the third generation of K-Pop, which consists of newly formed idol groups that have succeeded in dominating the world. Well, who doesn’t know BTS, Twice, EXO, BLACKPINK, and other groups that have stirred up the world with their works.
Of course, technology and media certainly took an important role in the development of the Third Generation K-Pop. While the first and second generation of K-Pop could only rely on listeners from Korea and Asia, the Third generation K-Pop artists have the advantage of the emergence of a variety of new technologies and media that make the spread of K-Pop music easier, faster, and wider. Through the internet, world citizens can easily find K-Pop and enjoy the Hallyu Wave.
This third-generation is not just trying their luck in Asia anymore, like the previous generations. But they began to appear overseas, and even some of them tried to debut in Hollywood. A large number of foreign fans were making the groups in this generation encouraged to hold concerts and fan meetings abroad quite often. This worldwide popularity gave K-Pop artists the potential to work together with other foreign artists, such as J-Hope from BTS with Becky G on their song “Chicken Noodle Soup,” Chungha and Rich Brian on “These Nights,” and many more.
Iconic Songs From Each Generation
As we have already acknowledged, K-Pop has blown up since the ‘90s and many artists have continued to acquire global recognition. Thanks to the efforts and success of the first and second-generation idols, the latest generation made sure to continue introducing K-Pop to the world. Here is a tiny list of iconic K-Pop songs from each generation.
1st Generation
1. Seo Taiji and Boys – “I Know”
This song was quite a hit for the K-Pop industry. Especially with the rap touch to color the song. Everyone sure does love this song because it has an old school vibe to it that you can just dance to.
2. H.O.T – “Candy” (1996)
H.O.T is also considered to be a pioneer of K-Pop and their music mainly targeted teenage audiences. Basically inventing the trending hits, “Candy” is one of their many successful songs. This is their second single and was a cheerful bubblegum pop song that established H.O.T’s popularity.
3. S.E.S – “Show Me Your Love”
This song still gives you fresh vibes when you listen to it!
4. Sechskies
2nd Generation
1. Girls’ Generation (SNSD) – “Gee”
“Gee gee gee gee, baby baby,” who has never heard this iconic line? Cute and pretty girls dancing and bringing simple but catchy beats succeeded to steal the stage of the world entertainment industry back in 2009.
2. SHINee – “Ring Ding Dong”
The famous line “Ring ding dong ring ding dong ring” did swipe the Korean music at the time.
3. Super Junior – “Sorry Sorry”
Released first as a digital single and soon followed by an album of the same title and the music video released on March 12th, “Sorry, Sorry” succeeded in making the K-Pop revolution.
4. 2NE1 – “I Am The Best”
“I Am The Best” was banging the industry with their iconic line “bamratatata-tatatata.” 2NE1 was one of the hottest K-Pop girl groups that stole the world’s attention with the eccentric and brave theme they never failed in bringing the songs to the audiences.
5. Big Bang – “Fantastic Baby”
We are sure that Big Bang was literally a big bang to the industry. Everyone plays this song everywhere even to this day.
3rd Generation
1. EXO – “Growl”
The famous “na eureureong eureureong dae” hit the K-Pop music charts at the beginning of the third generation of K-Pop. “Growl” stole many hearts of the audiences with their manly dances and catchy beats, then their popularity started to rise.
2. BLACKPINK – “Ddu ddu ddu”
Watch out! BLACKPINK will hit you with the ddu ddu ddu! The songline that no one doesn’t know about, has brought these girls to the world’s fame. With the popularity that these girls have gained, BLACKPINK will remain known for a long time.
3. iKON – “Love Scenario”
“Sarangul haeta, uri ga mana~” Yeah, iKON! Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of that line?
