The pioneer of the current K-pop industry’s structure, SM Entertainment, recently became controversial for claiming they will debut a 5th-generation boy group. The entertainment agency has always been fearless in treading unknown roads to further the industry. In 2021, it was the first firm to dapple into AI and Metaverse by conducting a research project with KAIST University.
Keeping the stream flowing, the label released a statement that it will debut ‘the strongest 5th generation group’ in September. This boy group will also feature former NCT members Sungchan and Shotaro. Many Korean news outlets reported this statement and gained negative responses from K-pop fans. Previously, Mnet was criticized for exploiting the 5th generation title to promote the K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE. Let’s delve into the questions: What is the K-pop generation, and when will the next one begin?
What are the K-pop generations?
K-pop has a short history despite having a great legacy. The industry began on April 11, 1992, when veteran artist Seo Taiji debuted with his group on national television with ‘I Know.’ This Seo Taiji and Boys lead track of their debut album Seo Taiji and Boys began a new wave of music in South Korea.
- Following this, Lee Soo Man of SM Entertainment launched the idol training system. This began the first generation of K-pop that featured groups like H.O.T, SECHSKIES, S.E.S, Fin K.L, and Shinhwa. This generation pioneered the structure of the current K-pop industry from 1996 until 2004.
In 2005, K-pop began the ‘Hallyu Wave’ and made its way into many mainstream music in Japan, China, and other Southeast nations. One of the significant artists during this time was BoA, who is credited for spreading K-pop into Japan with her hit song ‘No.1‘. Other famous artists like Super Junior, BIGBANG, Girls’ Generation, Wonder Girls, KARA, SHINee, 2PM, and 2NE1 also contributed to this expansion.
- After what seeming appeared as the height of K-pop, PSY’s Gangnam Style opened the gates of globalization and began the 3rd generation of K-pop in 2012. This generation spread Korean music worldwide and opened an entirely new market. The notable contributors of this gen are BTS, EXO, MAMAMOO, GOT7, TWICE, Red Velvet, BLACKPINK, NCT, and many more.
The 4th and current generation of K-pop began in 2018 when the K-pop groups debuted in front of a greater audience due to the globalization of the third generation. It is also one of the most viral gen, with idols competing for the top spot in trends. Stray Kids, ATEEZ, (G)I-DLE, TXT, ITZY, ENHYPEN, aespa, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and NewJeans are all part of the current generation.
When will the 5th generation of K-pop start?
As noted above, all the generations of K-pop significantly changed the norms of the industry and took it to a new and higher platform. For any group to count as a contributor of the 5th generation, it will require to expand the industry in a new direction significantly.
- While some people believe that there isn’t going to be any new generation ahead of the 4th gen, it is hard to predict what progress K-pop will experience in the future. However, fans agree it is too soon to start claiming the title of ‘5th generation’ as all the patterns of success for ZB1 and other new debuts are more in line with the fourth-gen that is still expanding.
- Regardlessly, it will be interesting to see what SM Entertainment is planning for the new boy group debuting in September to claim it as a 5th gen group. The fans of NCT hope they will treat the former members Sungchan and Shotaro well.
More about SM Entertainment’s ‘new-gen’ boy group
SM Entertainment new boygroup reportedly to debut in early September
with 7 members in total including Shotaro, Sungchan, Eunseok, Seunghan and three more trainee
They're said currently filming for MV in LAhttps://t.co/4CrIspPlhA pic.twitter.com/aXLdY2ZMGT
— KPOP WORLD INA (@kpopers_family) July 12, 2023
As per the reports of Korean news outlets, the new boy group of SM Entertainment is preparing for a September debut. They have already shot their music video in Los Angeles and are in the final stages of preparations.
- The managing label also announced that they plan to release one NCT unit (the last expansion of the group), a boy group, and a girl group during their new IP Report for 2023. In the video, CEO Jang Cheol Hyuk shared that the former NCT members will debut with rookies Eunseok and Seunghan. The group will also include members of American nationality.
- In the current information disclosed by SM Entertainment about their new boy group, there doesn’t seem to be anything distinct that makes them a 5th-generation boy group. Nevertheless, seeing what the unnamed group will bring forth with their upcoming debut will be interesting.
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