What's the standard when opening a new K-pop era? In an article, a reporter questioned ZEROBASEONE pioneering the "5th-gen" era.
Genealogy of 1st to 4th-Gen K-pop: From H.O.T to NewJeans
From the late 1990s to the early 2000s, the "idol market" was born in earnest in the domestic music industry.
The earliest dance-based popular music started with Seo Taiji & Boys in 1992, but it was only until H.O.T and SECHSKIES debuted that the term "K-pop idol" arose.
In the first-gen era, an idol exuded a "perfect" image that focused on dance, unique styling that contrasts with other singers, and a strong fan base that sent absolute support amid group rivalry.
A K-pop industry official who recently released a new group also confirmed that the 5th-gen era is yet to open, saying:
"When you are a rookie, it is difficult to draw attention unless you are a large agency, but in reality, groups that are not large companies are stuck in the 4.5th generation."
Meanwhile, ZEROBASEONE is a group managed by Wake One, a subsidiary of CJ ENM. They are a multinational nine-member boy group selected through Mnet's audition "Boyz Planet."
While groups referred to as fourth-generation idols are actively active, the appearance of the fifth generation is exceptionally short compared to the previous generation's replacement cycle.
READ MORE: Who Is ZEROBASEONE (ZB1)? Debut Date, Disbandment, Members' Profile, Positions, More Details
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