The “generations” of K-Pop groups are determined by the bands’ release date or music or major events / changes in the industry. The first K-Pop group known is H.O.T. Currently, popular and active K-Pop groups are 3rd generation groups.
However, there is a situation in the K-Pop industry called “7 years of curse”. K-pop groups dissolve after their 7-year contract expires, and the members make their own way. However, the situation is different for third generation Kpop groups. You will see in the examples below that 3rd generation K-Pop groups such as BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO have been together for more than 7 years. Let’s look at the strong third generation idol groups:
EXO – 10 years (debut / release: 2011)
NU’EST – 9 years (debut / release: 2012)
BTS – 8 years (debut / release: 2013)
WINNER – 8 years (debut / release: 2013)
iKON – 6 years (debut / release: 2015)
SEVENTEEN – 6 years (debut / release: 2015)
MONSTA X – 6 years (debut / release: 2015)
NCT – 5 years (debut / release: 2016)
MAMAMOO – 7 years (debut / release: 2014)
LOVELYZ – 7 years (debut / release: 2014)
TWICE – 6 years (debut / release: 2015)
GFriend – 6 years (debut / release: 2015)
Oh My Girl – 6 years (debut / release: 2015)
BLACKPINK – 5 years (debut / release: 2016)
