K-Pop Explained

Everything about the 5th generation of K-Pop: 2023 to today!

Alles über die 5. Generation von K-Pop: 2023 bis Heute!

Since 1992, K-Pop has been divided into different "generations", starting with the 1st generation, which ended in 2003. Since then, the generations have become shorter. The 5th generation, according to general opinion, started only 4 years after the beginning of the 4th generation. One reason for this is the significant changes enabled by the end of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The resulting new freedom paved the way for the new generation, which was initiated by ZEROBASEONE.

A brief overview of all previous generations can be found here.

When did the 5th generation begin?

When looking at discussions on the internet, you find very different opinions. Some say that the new era began years ago, but quite a few stick to their view that the 4th generation is far from finished. As always, it is difficult to name a clear date, as the beginning of a new generation does not follow any official rules. The term "generations" usually refers to a group of people who have had similar experiences due to their age and historical events. The gap between generations basically always remains the same.

In K-Pop, however, new generations emerge parallel to changes in the industry: new trends, musical developments, or external influences such as the global COVID-19 pandemic contribute to the transition. The shift from one generation to the next is therefore not an immediate event but rather a gradual process. Only years later do media and fans see these changes and accept them as the beginning of the new era.

2025 ZEROBASEONE WORLD TOUR [𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘&𝗡𝗢𝗪] IN SEOUL Behind Photo 2

The general majority began in 2023 to refer to new idol groups as pioneers of the 5th generation, starting with the popular boy group ZEROBASEONE.

Sometimes groups like IVE or Kep1er, which already debuted in 2021-2022, are also referred to as members of the 5th generation, but opinions on this vary greatly.

The official starting point is therefore early 2023. This means that the 4th generation lasted just under 5 years! One reason for the rapid change could be the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, which strongly influenced the previous generation.

What characterizes the 5th generation?

The fifth generation marks the beginning of a new era, more than ever shaped by technology and the influence of globalization. Previous generations paved the way to the international stage and turned to social media. The new generation grows up in a fully connected and digital world, which they know perfectly how to handle.

Technology plays a central role: alongside classic idol groups, virtual artists like PLAVE and MAVE also step into the spotlight. Furthermore, the increasing number of world tours and the stronger presence of English lyrics make it clear that K-Pop has now become a global music genre.

Next, we take a closer look at the most exciting aspects of this generation:

251110 'PLBBUU' comeback live

K-Pop as a global genre

K-Pop is today more than ever a fixed part of global pop culture. Groups of the fifth generation often focus on the international market already at their debut. They release songs simultaneously in several languages and thus reach a broader audience. An increasing number of songs are now even released predominantly in English. But don't worry, the heart of K-Pop remains: intense performances, strong visuals, and the distinctive sound.

The global success was also reflected in the hit film KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, which within just a few months was named the most successful film in Netflix's history. It further increased the awareness and popularity of the genre!

Not only the music, but also the activities are aimed at the global market from the very beginning.

World tours are no longer a rarity; many groups go on tour several times a year and fill stadiums all over the world. Fans are also more active than ever before. Many of them attend several K-pop concerts a month and even travel to other countries for them.

K-Pop has developed into an international movement that connects us all through music and emotions - regardless of language or origin.

Creative independence and individuality

Parallel to the global expansion, K-Pop has also changed significantly artistically. While earlier generations often relied on fixed concepts and styles, the fifth generation increasingly focuses on the creative side of the artists. More and more idols write or produce their own songs or actively shape their concepts. This development was promoted, among other things, by the fact that the number of debuts in a year continues to rise. With lyrics that reflect their own experiences, idols can better distinguish themselves from the crowd. The K-Pop genre is thus becoming more and more diverse.

xikers 2025 WORLD TOUR [Road to XY : Enter the Gate] Poster
Stray Kids(스트레이 키즈)

So-called "self-producing" idols are not a novelty, but in the past they were more of an exception.

Among the few examples are Seventeen, Stray Kids, and i-dle. Today, more idols already appear as songwriters and composers at their debut, actively contributing to the musical identity of their group.

Belle from KISS OF LIFE (July 2023) was already active as a songwriter and composer before her debut and is involved in a variety of the girl group's songs.

In the boy group BOYNEXTDOOR (May 2023), several members are involved. Jaehyun, Taesan, and Woonhak are listed among others in the credits for the songs “돌아버리겠다 (But I Like You)” and “Serenade”.

We owe it to these and other artists that today much more personal works are created, with which fans can identify.

The rise of virtual idols

During the Corona pandemic, artists of the fourth generation were forced to find new ways to stay in touch with fans – and this exactly triggered the rapid development of digital platforms and virtual technologies. These new media and artificial intelligence continue to shape the K-pop industry.

A particularly exciting feature that the fifth generation brings is the appearance of virtual idols.

Virtual artists created with the help of AI and motion capture. They exist exclusively digitally but interact in real time with their fans, release music, and even perform in music shows. Behind them are real singers who serve as models for the virtual characters and lend them their voices.

Among the best-known representatives of virtual idols are the boy group PLAVE and the girl group MAVE:. They are the result of an era in which technology and K-Pop merge and give us an insight into what the future of the industry might look like.

Which bands belong to the 5th generation?

The best-known representatives include

  • ZEROBASEONE (ZB1)
  • tripleS
  • Plave
  • xikers
  • BOYNEXTDOOR
  • Kiss of Life
  • NCT WISH
  • BABYMONSTER
  • TWS
  • MEOVV
  • RIIZE
  • izna
  • Hearts2Hearts
  • Cortis

Even groups that debuted at the end of 2022 are often still assigned to the 5th generation:

  • Acid Angel from Asia (tripleS)
  • XG
  • &TEAM
  • FIFTY FIFTY

Of course, these are by no means all! Groups like Say My Name, MAVE:, ALLDAY PROJECT, or AHOF also belong to the 5th generation, and many more will join in the coming years.

SAY MY NAME 1st SINGLE [iLy] Concept Photo

The major labels JYP, SM, YG, and HYBE remain at the top in the 5th generation. They secure the throne both with iconic groups like Stray Kids and ITZY as well as with new artists like BABYMONSTER and Hearts2Hearts. At the same time, the market, which has grown through international breakthrough, now also offers more space for smaller and medium-sized agencies. For example, KQ Entertainment was able to celebrate remarkable successes again with the new boy group "xikers" after ATEEZ.

Are you a fan of the 5th generation? Who are your favorites?