From about 60 girl groups that debuted from 2012 to 2017, only 7 remain complete and active in the K-pop scene to date.
Before the reign of fourth-gen girl groups like NewJeans, IVE, aespa, and LE SSERAFIM, these girl groups have written the history of K-pop and are still doing so even after half a decade or more.
Here Are 7 'Last Standing' 3rd-Gen Girl Groups
MAMAMOO
In 2014, RBW launched MAMAMOO, comprised of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa.
Amid the bright or girl crush concepts of girl groups during the second-gen era, the quartet was highly praised for its vast music spectrum. Aside from the sexy genre, they also challenged retro, jazz, hip-hop and ballads.
This versatility made them stronger and one, despite not being under the same agency anymore.
Red Velvet
In 2014, Red Velvet debuted under SM Entertainment with members Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy. Yeri joined belatedly.
They are widely loved by K-pop fans for their experimental concepts: "red," which focuses on electronics and pop, and "velvet," which shows their R&B, hip hop, and ballad side.
In November, they plan to continue giving us bops with their much-awaited third studio album.
TWICE
Formed from the survival show, "Sixteen," TWICE, who debuted in 2015, later on made waves as "3rd-Gen Nation's Girl Group."
The team is comprised of nine members - Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu.
They showed their loyalty to one another by signing together ahead of their contract expiration.
BLACKPINK
In 2016, the "biggest girl group in the world" BLACKPINK debuted under YG Entertainment. The quartet - comprised Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa - became known for multi-hits "BOOMBAYAH," "How You Like That," "Pink Venom," and more.
In 2023, they are set to decide whether to renew their contract with YG, but the members themselves have attested to BLINKs that they will continue to move forward as BLACKPINK.
ALICE
In 2017, ALICE, formerly known as Erlis, debuted in 2017. They initially debuted with five members, but EJ and Chaejeong joined them later in 2020.
In 2022, they re-branded after transferring to IOK, but their lineup remains.
In April this year, they had a comeback with their second single album, "Show Down," but DoA and Yeonje didn't join this time due to health issues.
DREAMCATCHER
Initially, DREAMCATCHER was known as MINX with five members, but in 2017, they re-branded and welcomed additional members Handong and Gahyeon.
Contrary to their bright concept as MINX, the group leaned towards a non-mainstream K+pop style, serving darker concepts and "metal" stints.
Weki Meki
Weki Meki, who also debuted in 2017, is still complete even after five years.
Although they are currently on a hiatus, Suyeon, Elly, Yoojung, Doyeon, Sei, Lua, Rina, and Lucy are still together.
READ MORE: Red Velvet Is 'Less Popular' Than BLACKPINK, TWICE– But What Makes Group 'Special'?
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
