“NewJeans Is Gen 4 But ILLIT Is Gen 5?” Korean Media Questions Standards For KPOP Generation

Idol groups that debut recently have begun to be given the modifier “5th generation.” It has been only two years since NewJeans, which is classified as the fourth generation, debuted. Some point out that there is a problem with KPOP generation standards.

The first generation of KPOP idols who appeared around 2000, starting with H.O.T., then Sechs Kies, Shinhwa, SES, Fin.K.L, and GOD. They established an idol system centered on large agencies. The second generation has appeared since mid-2000, about 10 years later. Representative second generation idols are Girls’ Generation, Wonder Girls, Big Bang, TVXQ, Kara, and SHINee.

Red Velvet, which debuted in 2014, is the leader of the third generation. There is a seven-year period between them and Girls’ Generation, which debuted in August 2007. Idols that debuted after 2020 are classified into the fourth generation. They include aespa, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, STAYC, and NewJeans. The 3rd and 4th generations are also about six years apart.

However, idols who recently volunteered to be the fifth generation are not much different from the fourth generation. LE SSERAFIM, who debuted in May 2022, is classified as a fourth generation idol, but ILLIT, which are less than two years apart from them, is classified into the fifth generation. As a result, the standards for KPOP generations have become ambiguous. KISSOFLIFE, which debuted in July 2023, are called both the fourth generation and fifth generation. Recently, people even called it 4.5 generation as a way to classify these idols separately.

There are various opinions on this issue. Those who claim that the distinction between the 4th and 5th generations is naturally decided by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the 4th generation idols experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, but the 5th generation did not. Some claim that the pace of emergence of idols has accelerated recently.

However, voices of criticism are also not small. This is the basis for the argument that there is no significant difference between the 4th and 5th generation idols, and that the now so-called 5th generation appeared for the marketing of entertainment companies rather than be the real 5th generation.

Some artists are also expressing displeasure. Hyoyeon of Girls’ Generation said, “I didn’t like it because it felt like they are dividing teams within the 4th generation. We second generation idols doesn’t have that feel. The second generation is like some kind of device.”

Some point out that each K-pop group should grow its competitiveness in its original color, away from the artificially divided generational division.