All about the 1st generation of K-Pop: 1992 - 2003!

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Since 2017, K-pop has been noticed by the global media, but the history of the genre began back in the 90s. This is because the first K-Pop generation was initiated at that time, which formed the basis for all subsequent generations. Do you want to know more about it? Then let's take a look at this period together!

• When did the 1st generation begin and end?
  
• What makes up the 1st generation?
• Which bands belong to the 1st generation?

You can find a short overview of all previous generations here.

When did the 1st generation begin and end?

The boy group H.O.T, which debuted in 1996, is generally referred to as the first K-pop idol group and is therefore considered the trigger of the 1st Generation. Accordingly, it started in 1996.

On the other hand, 1992 can also be considered as the starting point because in that year, the three-member boy band "Seo Taiji and Boys" debuted, which revolutionized Korean music and formed the basis for K-pop as we know it today.

You'll learn more about the two groups in a moment!

The generation ended in 2003, because with the debut of the boy group TVXQ in December, we saw the beginning of the 2nd generation.

What makes up the 1st generation?

Of course, what makes the first generation special is that it founded and developed the genre of K-pop in the first place. During this time, the first boy groups and girl groups were born, and a "formula" for idol groups was created, which is still used today.

In addition, the generation was heavily influenced by the various entertainments, especially the Big 3. They helped develop the genre and dominate the K-pop scene then, now and certainly in the future.

Want to dive a little deeper into these different aspects with us? We've summarized the most interesting details for you here:

The Emergence of K-Pop

In 1992, a three-member boy band called "Seo Taiji and Boys" debuted, which included Yang Hyunsuk, the founder of YG Entertainment. Their debut song "Nan Arayo" already stood out, as it was one of the first Korean rap songs.

The band was inspired by hip-hop and Western music. They not only added rap to their songs, but also incorporated English terms or entire English lines into their song lyrics. They accompanied their new music with hip-hop choreography that included many synchronized moves. Thus, K-pop was born, which subsequent artists continued to develop. The band inspired other musicians in the K-pop scene to also experiment more with their music and style.

Although the trio disbanded in 1996, it is still a legend today. In fact, the band not only revolutionized Korean music, but also celebrated some great successes. Their debut album alone sold over 1.5 million copies, making it one of the best-selling albums in South Korea even today! Two of their albums also cracked the two million mark. Although newer K-pop groups have a much wider reach, only a few of them - BTS, Black Pink, NCT, and Seventeen - have also been able to sell two million copies of an album.

Inspired by Seo Taiji and Boys, the very first K-pop boy group H.O.T. debuted in 1996.

The five-member group was produced by SM Entertainment and is considered the first idol group because it followed a pattern that K-pop idol groups are still known for today: Namely, H.O.T combined the new style of music with choreographed and rehearsed dances, like their predecessors Seo Taiji and Boys, featuring many synchronized moves. However, H.O.T was no longer so heavily influenced by hip-hop, but instead relied on easily memorable melodies. Also, SM Entertainment had an additional focus on good looks when choosing members. The complete formula is: Choreographed and synchronized dances + catchy music + coordinated outfits + good looks.

H.O.T officially disbanded in 2001. In their five years together, the boy group had sold over 6.4 million albums in South Korea. Even the first album "We Hate All Kinds of Violence" sold over 1.5 million copies, proving very early on that idol groups had a bright future in South Korea! In 1997, several new idol groups entered the scene and conquered the K-pop scene!

The very first K-pop girl group

After the success of H.O.T, of course, it didn't take long for the first K-pop girl groups to emerge. If we ask the Internet who the first K-pop girl group was, the first answer is S.E.S. Like H.O.T, the three-member girl group was produced by SM Entertainment and debuted in November 1997, and was initially considered to be the female counterpart of H.O.T.

But actually, before S.E.S, two other girl groups have already debuted: Baby V.O.X (July 1997) and Diva (August 1997). They were both very successful: Baby V.O.X also had a lot of success in China, for example, and helped spread K-Pop there. However, both groups did not reach the success of S.E.S or Fin.K.L. Fin.K.L debuted in 1998 and was considered to be a rival of S.E.S.

Perhaps due to its higher popularity, S.E.S is mentioned first when talking about first generation girl groups.

The influence of the Big 3

Just like today, K-pop groups were put together and produced by entertainments in the first generation.So, new systems, innovative concepts, and musical experiments are mainly attributed to the entertainments behind the artists. So they were the ones who developed the genre and made it what it is today.

Among the entertainments that existed back then and are still active today are SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment, SidusHQ (manages g.o.d among others), DR Music (Blackswan) or DSP Media (Kard).

SM, YG and JYP, as you may know, are now referred to as the "Big 3" because they have been producing hits continuously since the first generation. For example, JYP conquered all of Asia with singer Rain, and YG was founded by one of the founders of K-pop - Yang Hyunsuk from "Seo Taiji and Boys" - himself, and had some success in the first generation with singer Seven.

Especially SM Entertainment dominated the first generation with several extremely successful idols like H.O.T, S.E.S, Shinhwa and BoA! SM also continuously placed itself at the top in the following generations with stars like TVXQ SNSD, SHINee, Red Velvet, NCT or aespa .

SM Entertainment also introduced the trainee system: The label trained young talents intensively for several months or even years to prepare them for their debut. Other labels adopted the system and today it is inseparable from the K-pop scene. Talented boys and girls are now selected worldwide through auditions or recruited at random. Whether as a spectator at a concert or while shopping with the family; future idols have been approached at the craziest moments and asked if they would like to make music.

Subsequently, these talents are intensively trained for several years. They not only get singing and dancing lessons, but also learn acting and other languages such as Japanese or English, among other things. Some Idols almost grow up in their respective entertainments, as training periods of four to six or even ten years are not uncommon. (Of course, there are also many Idols who trained for only a few months before their debut.)

Over the years, the Entertainments have continued to push the K-pop scene forward with more and more innovative ideas. In 2020, for example, SM Entertainment created "Beyond Live", the world's first concert streaming service!

Which bands belong to the 1st generation?

Among the most famous groups of this time are:

• Seo Taiji and Boys
  
• H.O.T
  
• S.E.S
  
• g.o.d
  
• Shinhwa
  
• Sechs Kies
  
• Turbo
• Baby V.O.X
• Fin.K.L
• Fly to the Sky

These are a few of the most popular solo artists:

• Rain
• Lee Hyori
  
• Seven
  
• BoA

You may be familiar with a few of the names, because in fact a few of these artists like BoA, Rain, and Shinhwa are still active today.

Shinhwa is actually the longest-running boy band in the history of K-pop. They debuted in 1998, so they've been in the business for almost 25 years! And that's without a single change in the lineup; then as now, the boy band consists of the same six members. Shinhwa was also the first K-pop boy group that did not disband after their military service, but rather performed together again afterwards. In addition, they are the first idol group to continue to be successful even after leaving their original label (in this case, SM Entertainment).

Have you ever listened to the music of 1st generation artists? Is there anyone you'd like to know more about? Let us know!