Long before today’s global stars like BTS and BLACKPINK captured the hearts of millions, the second-generation K-pop idols were already making history. Debuting in the early 2000s, these pioneering groups built upon the foundation laid by their first-generation predecessors, dramatically shaping the future of K-pop. Known for addictive melodies, groundbreaking choreography, and captivating visuals, the second-generation idols introduced K-pop to the global stage, setting the blueprint for international stardom.
The second-generation K-pop era was defined by powerhouse groups such as TVXQ, Super Junior, BIGBANG, Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, and Wonder Girls. Their rise to fame wasn’t fueled by mass streaming or viral TikTok challenges—rather, it was pure talent, hard work, and organic fan growth that propelled them to unprecedented heights. They ruled charts worldwide, broke countless records, and accumulated millions of views on YouTube, even before the platform became the dominant force it is today.
To this day, many second-generation groups continue to maintain strong fanbases, proving the timeless impact of their music and visuals. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic music videos from these influential second-generation K-pop acts, which continue to rack up impressive view counts on YouTube:
BIGBANG — BANG BANG BANG [751M]
2NE1 — I AM THE BEST [400M]
Girls’ Generation — Gee [334M]
SUPER JUNIOR — Mr. Simple [241M]
4MINUTE — Crazy [208M]
SHINee —Ring Ding Dong [181M]
SISTAR — Alone [155M]
f(x) —Electric Shock [146M]
BEAST — FICTION [141M]
Wonder Girls — NOBODY (Eng. Ver) [136M]
KARA — STEP [129M]
miss A — Only You [107M]
Davichi & T-ara — We were in love [104M]
Apink — Mr. Chu [101M]
TVXQ! — MIROTIC [94M]
2PM — HANDS UP [90M]
GIRL’S DAY — Something (Dance Ver.) [69M]
Brown Eyed Girls — Abracadabra (Performance Version) [60M]
INFINITE — Bad [56M]
After School — Flashback [25M]
The legacy of second-generation groups is vast and their songs and music videos continue to influence the K-pop industry today. As these MVs continue to rack up millions of views on YouTube, the influence of second-generation K-pop will continue to be felt for years to come.
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