New kpop fans must be wondering which kpop groups come from 3rd generation kpop. However, some may even get confused while learning about the kpop generations. After all, the Korean Pop Music (K-Pop) industry has grown tremendously in recent years. From a few numerous to hundreds of kpop bands are debuting each year, turning it into a cutthroat competition. Therefore, the first three years after debut are considered the most crucial. If one is able to withstand and even grow during this period, the following path becomes a little easier.
However, with the rising popularity, not many kpop groups stand for a long duration. They either tend to disband earlier or go on indefinite hiatus. Therefore, while learning about one’s favorite group, fans search for the generation their group belongs to. So far, there have been four generations. From the 90s until now, each and every group/band falls under a particular kpop generation. It depends on their debut year. For instance, some famous kpop groups, such as EXO, BTS, BLACKPINK, etc., are third-generation idols. But when did exactly this 3rd generation of kpop start?
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What Is Kpop Generation?
Many new kpop fans must be unfamiliar with the term Kpop Generation. Kpop Generation is divided into parts and categorized by the year they debuted. So far, we have four kpop generations- 1st generation, 2nd generation, 3rd generation, and 4th generation. Hence, due to the kpop generation, fans can find which decade their favorite group debuted in. For instance, 1st generation kpop mainly defines the 90s and early 2000s bands and solos. Meanwhile, the 2nd generation started immediately after the 1st generation ended, introducing the 2000s kpop soloists and groups. If the 2nd generation presented the 2000s South Korean artists, when did 3rd generation kpop begin?
When Did 3rd Generation Kpop Start?
After the first generation was born with Seo Taiji and Boys in the 90s, in the following years, various kpop bands were divided into multiple categories, and one of them is called ‘Generation.’ Whereas the 1st generation counted from 1992 to 2002, the 2nd generation lasted from 2003 to 2010. So the 3rd generation kpop started in the 2010s. Therefore, the idols who debuted in the 2010s are considered third-generation idols. However, 3rd generation kpop lasted from around 2012 to mid-2020.
The Korean Fair Trade Commission specified that exclusive contracts between entertainment agencies and artists could last only a maximum duration of 7 years. Hence, girl groups that debuted after 2014 are classified as the third generation. So the girl groups that debuted from 2011 to 2012 are categorized as Generation 2.5!
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Furthermore, 3rd Generation kpop made its international breakthrough. We can say that EXO was the starting point for one of the highest Kwaves. Following EXO, various well-known groups debuted in the same generation, such as BTS, TWICE, BLACKPINK, GOT7, WINNER, Red Velvet, GFRIEND, etc. Also, the emergence of self-produced content on various social media brought kpop idols closer to their fans. So little by little, the Kpop industry welcomed numerous changes. For instance, group activity breaking to release solos, and girl groups attempted to utilize male attires. Meanwhile, some carried healthy youth and the innocent image of Fin.K.L, S.E.S., and Girls’ Generation.
3rd Generation Led K-Pop Industry To Another Level
With new changes, 3rd generation idols became more expressive, creative, and braver when it came to delivering the message through their lyrics. Furthermore, the music was combined with different genres such as rock, ballad, techno, etc. Therefore, many groups from this generation landed on the international stage introducing K-Pop music to every corner of the world. Some of the most popular 3rd generation kpop groups include BTS, EXO, TWICE, BLACKPINK, Red Velvet, GOT7, Apink, GFRIEND, WINNER, iKON, MAMAMOO, BtoB, ASTRO, NCT, Monsta X, EXID, SF9, etc.
Seeing such world-famous kpop groups, we must admit 3rd generation idols have played a crucial role in the breakthrough of the Kpop industry. They have taken Kpop to a whole new level where it could now be seen as something undoubtedly booming! Hence, third-generation kpop became an unbreakable phenomenon!
