Recently, the debut of groups like RIIZE and TWS has sparked excitement among K-pop enthusiasts, reminiscent of "the golden era" of second-generation K-pop idols. These groups are reviving the nostalgic vibes with their youthful, schoolboy, and boy-next-door concepts, much to the delight of fans everywhere.
It's refreshing to see songs extending to around three minutes again, moving away from the shorter two-minute tracks that have become common with fourth-generation idols. The music being released carries a distinct K-pop essence, characterized by unique tunes that stand out in today's music scene.
For those unfamiliar with the second generation of K-pop, it was a time of bold experimentation and innovation. Iconic groups like TVXQ, Super Junior, and Girls' Generation introduced groundbreaking concepts and were more adventurous with their sound and style, setting new trends within the K-pop industry.
Take, for instance, the debut of Girls' Generation and Super Junior. SM Entertainment's decision to debut groups with more than five members was initially met with skepticism. However, the overwhelming popularity of these groups quickly shifted the dynamics of K-pop, influencing future group formations and concepts.
Then there were groups like T-ara, who embraced unique concepts with their memorable animal costumes in "Bo Peep Bo Peep" and the retro disco vibe of "Roly Poly," further showcasing the versatility and creativity of K-pop.
Moreover, fans have noticed that recent songs feature more Korean lyrics compared to English, a nod to K-pop's roots. Additionally, the performance stages have seen a notable improvement, with fifth-generation idols impressing audiences by singing live and excelling in their performances.
The debut of these groups has been widely praised as a breath of fresh air, reigniting the passion of long-time fans and attracting new admirers. There's a growing hope that this momentum will continue, ushering in a new era of K-pop that pays homage to its rich history while charting a path forward.
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2nd gen was the best. The main focus was music, they experimented more with concepts, the dances were catchy and fun, outfits were more daring, there were more real live which were fun to watch and more TV shows that showcased the idols talents. K-pop’s boom in the west was its downfall. Now it all comes down to sale numbers, western charts records, fashion brand’s endorsements, interactions with western artists. Music doesn’t matter anymore. Live performances are avoided as much as possible, and when they happen they are missing the fun factor. Concepts and songs are recycled as much as possible. Idols on TV shows are more forced and scripted than ever. If anything, 5th gen idols is just the continuation of that