Controversial Post Blames 5th-Gen Idols for Decline: Is This the End of K-pop’s Reign?

A trending post on Korean forum theqoo, titled “Overseas Netizens React to Korean Comments Saying K-pop Is Already Declining Abroad,” has gone viral, generating over 64,000 views and sparking a heated discussion across cultures.

Korean and Global Fans Question the 5th-Gen Idol Era

The post links to a thread titled “When do you think that K-pop will die?,” a compilation of Korean netizens’ criticisms and concerns about K-pop’s current trajectory. Many pointed to a generational shift within the industry, describing 5th-generation idols as “silver-spoon” performers who lack the hunger, skill, and authenticity that once defined K-pop’s golden era.

According to the summary shared by the OP, many comments point to a generational shift, with 5th-gen idols being described as “silver-spoon” performers, privileged and lacking the skill or passion that once defined K-pop. Criticism included that many current idols come from wealthy families, fear live singing, and rely heavily on labels for direction. The overuse of plastic surgery and lack of artistic input were also cited as reasons for waning interest.

Netizens further noted that in contrast, Western artists, especially in the U.S., the world’s largest music market, often write and produce their own songs, embedding their personal messages into their music. This sense of authenticity, they argued, is increasingly lacking in K-pop.

Global Shift and Viewer Fatigue: Why Fans Say K-pop Needs Reinvention

Interestingly, Southeast Asian fans were also mentioned, with Korean commenters observing that many have shifted their attention to domestic idol groups with stronger vocals and performance skills. These groups are reportedly gaining massive traction on platforms like Twitter, even outperforming K-pop idols in global fan votes.

The post also speculates on the steep decline in K-pop music video view counts in recent years. Where 100 million views was once the benchmark for a K-pop hit, most recent videos struggle to surpass 20–30 million, while Southeast Asian artists, benefiting from large domestic populations, often see higher numbers.

Many commenters expressed disillusionment with the current state of K-pop and Korean entertainment, pointing to declining vocal standards, lack of live performances, and overreliance on fan service and influencer-style content.

Comments on theqoo:

1. After HYBE, the ugly reality I’d only vaguely sensed really came to light, and I lost interest. Add to that the lack of live performances—I’m also in the process of quitting the fandom.
2. It’s true that targeting overseas markets is backfiring… but idols are earning more than ever.
3. People keep saying K-pop is dying, but they sure do care a lot.
4. Vocals keep getting more average with every generation. They just feel like influencers now, posting Shorts and doing fan service.
5. Stop hiding how good Chinese dramas are, recommend them! I don’t have any prejudice, so if it’s fun, I’ll watch. But I’ve tried a few based on recommendations and usually stop after episode one. There are probably less than five I’ve watched all the way through. Many in the comments agree that both Korean dramas and K-pop need serious reflection. Repeating safe formulas might keep things stable, but it’s also making them increasingly boring. Fresh, bold innovation is needed, but that depends heavily on younger generations. And in Korea, the shrinking youth population already hints at a loss of vitality and creativity in the near future.

In conclusion, while K-pop and Korean entertainment remain influential globally, a growing number of fans are voicing concerns about stagnation, over-commercialization, and declining artistic quality. To maintain its cultural impact, many believe K-pop must evolve beyond formulaic approaches and reinvest in authenticity, innovation, and genuine talent.