[All] Criteria for classifying idols by generation (1st to 4th generations)

Many people have been asking in the comments what the criteria is for dividing idols into 1st to 5th generations .

Actually, I thought it was like that because the media called it that ...

I'm going to try to categorize idols into 1st to 5th generations based on my own criteria .

( But if you refute , you are rightㅠㅠ )

1. 1st generation idols (late 1990s ~ early 2000s )

☆ Characteristic : The era of SM and Daesung Planning (DSP) as two powers. The framework of K-POP is established.

- Male groups : HOT, Sechs Kies , GOD, Shinhwa , NRG, Click-B

- Girl groups : S.E.S., Fin.K.L. , Baby Vox , Diva , Chakra , Cleo

※ It was the first generation idol scene represented by the rivalry between SES and Fin.K.L.ㅎㅎ

When a new group comes out from SM, Daesung Planning had the SM+1 strategy. If SES has 3 members, Fin.K.L. has 4 members.

2. Girl Group Dark Age : 2002 ~2006

☆ Characteristics : A time when the generation gap was ambiguous and girl groups were not popular.

- Girl group : Jewelry , Milk , Sugar , LUV

*It felt like a burglary, and jewelry would shine and take first place. Haha

3. 2nd generation idols (mid-2000s onwards )

☆ Characteristics : Single album and mini album-focused strategy . Explosive debut of girl group in 2012

- Male groups : TVXQ , Big Bang , SHINee , Super Junior , 2PM, 2AM, SS501

- Girl groups : Girls' Generation , Wonder Girls , Kara , 4Minute , 2NE1, T-ara , Miss A , Sistar , Girl's Day , Apink , AOA

※ It was an era called <Wonkaso> and I remember that 2NE1 was treated slightly differently even though they were a girl group .

4. 3rd generation idols (since 2014 )

☆ Characteristics : Disbandment after 7 years of debut is common due to the establishment of exclusive standard terms and conditions . Explosive globalization .

SM, YG, JYP 3 powerhouses solidify their position . Foreign members begin to join in earnest . Music videos become the center of promotion .

- Boy groups : BTS , EXO , Seventeen , Wanna One , GOT7 , Winner , Monsta X , NCT, Straight Kids

- Girl groups : Red Velvet , Twice , Blackpink , GFriend , ( G ) I-dle , Oh My Girl , Lovelyz

*Surprisingly, before BTS became popular, Hive (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) was a small to medium-sized company, not a large entertainment agency.

5. 4th Generation Idols (after 2022 )

☆ Characteristics : Start of the era of the 4 major companies ( Kakao , YG, JYP, Hive ) : Kakao acquires SM , entering and reorganizing into the era of the 4 major companies.

Kang Se, who came from a broadcast audition , is a classic and disbanded small and medium-sized entertainment company .

Focusing on video choreography rather than stage choreography. Easy listening songs are returning to the mainstream .

The proportion of Chinese members is decreasing , and global members are diversifying.

- Boy group : 2ba2 (3.5), Rise , Tours ( boy group)   Dark Agesㅠㅠ )

- Girl groups : Espa , Ive , New Jeans , ITZY (3.5 generation), Le Seraphim , Enmix , FIFTY FIFTY, Ailitt , Kiss of Life