BABYMONSTER to BOYNEXTDOOR: Discover these 5th Gen groups already making waves in K-pop

As the global love for K-pop continues to surge, a steady stream of new K-pop groups is making their debut. With the 4th generation of K-pop idols coming to an end, the emergence of groups marking the beginning of the 5th generation is already underway. As fans eagerly embrace this new era, it's essential to explore the significance of the terms "generation" or "Gen" in the context of K-pop.

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What Are Generations in K-pop?

In the realm of K-pop, the designation "Generation" or "Gen" is widely employed to group together acts that made their debut around the same period. This categorization practice has been a fixture since the 1990s, with each generation encompassing several years of K-pop evolution.

1st generation (1992–2002): It is characterized by the iconic three-member boy groups like Seo Taiji and Boys, heavily influenced by the prevailing Hip Hop culture in America during that era.

2nd generation (2003–2011): It is often hailed as the Golden Age of K-pop, as it was the era that propelled K-pop to global recognition. During this time, K-pop groups diversified their musical styles, developed distinctive identities, and expanded their reach by performing internationally.

3rd generation (2012–2017): This era witnessed a shift toward pop, techno, and rock genres. Notable the biggest K-pop group in the world currently emerged from this era - BTS who played a pivotal role in garnering international acclaim.

4th generation (2018–2022): This generation pioneered the trend of online concerts and virtual fan interactions, largely influenced by the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Known for their dynamic performances, intricate choreography, and lively music, these groups have left a lasting impact on the K-pop scene.

When did the 5th Generation of K-pop begin?

The 5th generation officially commenced in March 2023, and while the specific trajectory of this generation remains uncertain, prominent K-pop entities like YG Entertainment and HYBE Entertainment have already set plans in motion to introduce new groups within this era.

There's a likelihood that the 5th generation will retain certain media trends from the 4th generation. Early debuting groups in this era are expected to embrace the Y2K aesthetic.

5th Gen K-pop groups to look out for:

Xikers

On March 30, 2023, the boy group, created by KQ Entertainment, consisted of 10 members: Minjae, Junmin, Sumin, Jinsik, Hyunwoo, Junghoon, Seeun, Yujun, Hunter and Yechan.

They officially debuted with their mini album titled "House of Tricky: Doorbell Ringing." Originally known as KQ Fellaz 2 before their debut, this 10-member group comprises individuals of both Korean and Thai nationalities.

The pre-debut period, during which they showcased their talents, generated substantial excitement, as demonstrated by their remarkable achievement of selling over 100,000 albums in the first week.

BOYNEXTDOOR

Founded under K’Oz Entertainment, a subsidiary label of HYBE, BOYNEXTDOOR, comprised of six members - Sungho, Riwoo, Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak, entered the scene with their debut on May 30, 2023, unveiling their single album "Who!" 

Staying true to their name, the group introduced a casual and comfortable concept, aiming to convey the everyday stories of their peers. The group's relatable and sincere music swiftly garnered significant attention, creating a ripple of excitement within the K-pop community.

KISS OF LIFE

Kiss of Life, a girl group comprising Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul, made their debut on July 5, 2023, under S2 Entertainment. Despite being a recent addition to the K-pop scene, certain members have already garnered recognition within the K-pop community. 

Notably, Natty was part of the survival show Sixteen, which led to the formation of Twice, and Belle contributed to composing the hit song "Unforgiven" for Le Sserafim.

ZEROBASEONE

Crafted through the Boys Planet survival show, this nine-member boy group, featuring Kim Ji-woong, Zhang Hao, Sung Han-bin, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, Ricky, Kim Gyu-vin, Park Gun-wook, and Han Yu-jin, officially debuted on July 10, 2023. 

Their journey began with significant attention during the survival show, and they swiftly etched their names in history by achieving the title of the most pre-ordered K-pop debut album to date, with approximately 1.08 million pre-ordered copies.

BABYMONSTER

Making their debut on November 27, 2023, BABYMONSTER consists of seven members Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora, and Chiquita. Making their debut under YG Entertainment, they had released a pre-debut single titled "Dream" prior to their digital single, "Batter Up".

The selection process was through a reality show called "Last Evaluation" where judges such as founder Yang Hyun-Suk, Lee Su-Hyun of AKMU, and Kang Seung-yoon of Winner judged and ranked the members for the duration of the show.

Hori7on

Emerging in 2023 under the banners of MLD Entertainment and ABS-CBN, the Filipino boy band from South Korea, consisting of seven members — Vinci Malizon, Kim Ng, Kyler Chua, Reyster Yton, Winston Pineda, Jeromy Batac, and Marcus Cabais — stepped into the limelight. 

Their debut arrived on July 24, 2023, marked by the release of their inaugural studio album, "Friend-Ship," preceded by the unveiling of three pre-debut promotional singles: "Dash," "Salamat," and "Lovey Dovey."

Other groups to watch for their debut:

Vcha

Riize

8Turn

AMPERS&ONE

BB Girls

Evnne

El7z Up

Fantasy Boys

LimeLight

Loossemble

Lun8

Mave:

Niziu

Plave

Primrose

TripleS

Xodiac