The vast and ever expansive past and present of K-Pop can be divided into 4 distinct generations. This distinction however, is up for debate and not meant to create any type of conflict. It is simply a measure to define the history of K-Pop for future generations to look back to.
The 1st generation of K-Pop marks the very birth of K-Pop idols. SM Entertainment produced Korea's first boy group H.O.T, and that is where it all began. Groups like Sechs Kies, S.E.S., and Fin.K.L comprise the first generation. Experimental groups like Shinhwa, Click-B, god, Chakra, Jewelry, and BoA all fall into the gap between this generation and the next. The term Hallyu was coined during this time.
Groups like TVXQ, SS501, BIGBANG, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, KARA, and Wonder Girls bloomed during the economic crisis of South Korea, leading to a commercialized model of K-Pop. This was the 2nd generation of K-Pop that achieved or at least started to attain global recognition. SHINee, 2PM, INFINITE, f(x), 2NE1, Miss A, SISTAR were the significant groups that flourished, empowered by the success of the 2nd gen idols. PSY's Gangnam Style in 2012 changed the K-Pop scene forever.
The third generation of K-Pop features K-Pop groups reaching worldwide success and the target audience expanding across continents. SNS and streaming platforms furthered this success. Groups like EXO, NU'EST, VIXX, BTS, GOT7, Red Velvet, TWICE, BLACKPINK, GFRIEND, and more spearheaded this generation, setting up a solid global foundation for artists to come. With the Produce 101 series and other survival reality shows, K-Pop was successfully passed on to the next generation. Groups like SEVENTEEN, MONSTA X, NCT, Wanna One, I.O.I, and Cosmic Girls rose to fame during this interim period.
Finally the 4th generation of K-Pop is the one we're in right now. Fuelled by the success of the previous generations and growing with their inspiration, idols of this generation are truly a class apart. The world is their stage and their reach is equally potent. Here are some of the male K-Pop idols of this 4th generation that are widely recognised as the 4th gen "it" boys.
1. Lee Donghyuck (Haechan of NCT)
Widely known as the Sun of NCT because of his stage name, Haechan has it all - vocals, visuals and skills. There's no doubt that he's definitely one of K-Pop's 4th gen it boy.
2. Choi Yeonjun (TXT)
Yeonjun was a BigHit trainee for 5 years before debuting which ensures that he became a total package even before debut.
3. Hwang Hyunjin (STRAY KIDS)
There is no concept in the existence of K-Pop that this boy cannot pull off. His dance skills are clearly above par and so are his visuals.
4. Choi San (ATEEZ)
Ever since his debut, San has caught Netizens' attention and it hasn't faltered since. His power packed performances and intense expressions make him stand out in any crowd.
5. Watanabe Haruto (TREASURE)
Haruto was the first member to be announced for the boy group TREASURE which speaks volumes about his talent. Besides that, he is confident in his presence and skills as the youngest rapper, which makes him all the more exciting.
6. Lee Juyeon (The Boyz)
This preppy young idol is not only talented in the arts but also academically. His visuals are otherworldly and so is his flexibility. Additionally, he speaks multiple languages. Could he get any better?
