From ZEROBASEONE to '5th Generation Idols': How Do We Define Them?

Are the 5th generation idols slowly making their way in?

Recently, rookie groups labeled as '5th generation idols' have announced their debuts. Boy group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), born from Mnet's "Boys Planet," leads the way, followed by boy group The Wind under Around Us Entertainment's sub-label With Us Entertainment, and girl group Adia under Starting House Entertainment, which houses dancer Noze. All these groups are using the '5th generation idol' label as they prepare for their debut.

As '4th generation idols' are currently enjoying a renaissance in the history of Korean popular music, leading the global K-pop craze, various opinions are emerging about the arrival of the '5th generation idol' term. Some argue that it's about time for a new wave of 5th generation groups to emerge due to saturation in the 4th generation, which includes popular groups like aespa, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and NewJinS. Others believe it's too early to mention the 5th generation, as there hasn't been any significant change in the social and cultural atmosphere compared to the 4th generation.

Looking back, from 2019 onwards, the debut rush of 4th generation idols has dominated K-pop under the 'idol music' genre. Major agencies like HYBE, SM, JYP, and YG, which found success with 3rd generation idols like BTS, EXO, Red Velvet, TWICE, and BLACKPINK, introduced their next groups ENHYPEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, aespa, ITZY, and NMIXX. These groups have secured their place as the "K-pop mainstream" along with global fandoms.

A distinguishing feature of the 4th generation is the relative 'boy group drought' phenomenon, as numerous girl groups such as IVE, STAYC, and Kep1er have demonstrated strength in popularity and box office success. Recently debuted boy groups are now using the '5th generation' label to signal a change.

We asked music industry insiders how they differentiate between the 4th and 5th generations. One insider told Star News, "I think it's time to prepare for a different generation since the 4th generation has reached a peak." They added, "The 4th generation coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I think a new era of transition is opening as the pandemic comes to an end worldwide."

Continuing, they said, "I think groups debuting in 2023 will be the 5th generation, with the peak of the 4th generation being TOMORROW X TOGETHER. As they reach their 5th year since debut, it seems the K-pop consumer base has shifted from the MZ generation to Generation Z." They also mentioned, "Instead of dividing generations by a certain number of years, it seems that the period of active simultaneous activity is getting shorter. The quicker consumption cycle also accelerates the change of generations."

Another insider pointed out, "The cycle of generation change is inevitably getting faster because idols release albums more frequently than before. The gap between idols who debuted last year and this year has widened considerably despite their short careers. The typical album release cycle is every three months. The age range of idol members has also decreased compared to before, which could be another way to divide generations."

One insider preparing a rookie idol group said, "In the 4th generation, girl groups were more popular, causing a scarcity of boy groups. There should be a 'male version of NewJinS,' but it seems that no group has made an immediate impact after their debut yet." They continued, "It seems like they are being called 5th generation idols from this year onwards. Although there hasn't been a super rookie among the new idol groups this year, I expect one to emerge next year. That might be the beginning of the 5th generation's rise."

As the music industry continues to evolve, the lines between generations of idols may blur. Nevertheless, the arrival of the 5th generation of idols signifies an exciting new chapter in K-pop, as fans anticipate what these new groups will bring to the table.

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