Everyone has certainly heard at least one K-pop song in their life. May it be "Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry" or "E-e-e-e-e-e-e," this catchy genre has been a mainstay in the Philippine music scene for years—way back when we used to burn CDs with our idols' songs and Instagram wasn't even a thing yet.
It's evident that until now, K-pop remains to be on top. New, amazing groups have risen (and we certainly have stanned so hard), but we all know that the second-generation K-pop idols will always have a special place in our hearts.
We know you're also missing our second-gen idols (especially if you're part of the #TitasOfKpop) as much as we do, so here's an update on them:
1. Brown Eyed Girls
Best known for that bold and mature concepts and for starting a trend with their hip dance in "Abracadabra" (which was also seen in PSY's "Gentleman"), the Brown Eyed Girls stand strong and have been active as a group even after 16 years. They had their much-anticipated comeback in 2019 with a remake album RE_vive.
2. Girls' Generation
Debuting in 2007, Girls' Generation (or SNSD) is probably the biggest girl group not just in South Korea but also around the world. They successfully entered the Japanese music scene and became an influence on rising K-pop groups and other artists. The girls, who are busy with their music and acting careers, often celebrate each other's birthdays together and would meet from time to time. In fact, Tiffany and Sooyoung just went on a ~recharging~ date!
3. Wonder Girls
The retro queens reached international fame especially in the US when they collaborated with various icons, performing their hit, "Nobody." Like Girls' Generation, the Wonder Girls are still close as ever. Last year, the members attended Hyerim's wedding and we can't help but be emotional, huhu.
4. 2NE1
2NE1 shied away from bubblegum and sexy concepts and brought their A-game to a whole new level with their edgy vibe and aesthetic. Recognized for their epic stage performances, the queens may have parted ways but have always remained in touch. Everyone was crying happy tears last January because CL, Dara, Bom, and Minzy reunited to celebrate our maknae's birthday!
5. f(x)
f(x) showed how they're not your average group because of their quirky and cool concepts. In 2019, everyone was saddened when Sulli passed away, with the members showing their grief and sharing their fond memories with her. Today, they continue on with their solo careers in acting, vlogging, and singing.
6. After School
With striking visuals and equally striking talents, After School proved to be a game-changer especially with their choreography (poll dancing, anyone?). Their unwavering persistence and hard work sparkled all throughout their career. There was no formal disbandment for this group, but we're happy to see them at their most recent reunion concert where they performed their hit tracks like "Bang"!
7. Miss A
This Korean-Chinese quartet introduced us to bold, feisty songs and dance steps with their single "Bad Girl Good Girl", which is being constantly covered by new K-pop idols in stage performances. Member Fei included this song, along with other hits, in a dance medley she uploaded on YouTube.
8. Sistar
With sensual yet LSS-inducing tracks, everyone was head over heels with Sistar. Despite having disbanded in 2017, the group still shows Star1s that they still hang out together. They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2020 with touching posts on their individual IG accounts and they also gathered to do the "GOTTA GO" (Soyou's solo track) dance challenge in the same year!
9. T-Ara
Known for their captivating songs "Bo Peep" and "Roly Poly", T-Ara was immensely popular in China and even performed in private events in the country. In 2018, they left their agency without disbanding. Member Jiyeon hopes for a possible get-together: "We're like family. We have many happy memories. I miss it. It was my youth." And yes, this came true when some of the members had a ~pajama party~!
10. Crayon Pop
The girl group behind "Bar Bar Bar" was so successful in their prime that they were the opening act for Lady Gaga's US tour in 2014. Although inactive, members Way, Choa, and Geunmi made an appearance on KBS' The Return Of Superman and set the bar high in friendship reunions when they met Soyul. They were even introduced to her baby girl, JamJam, with H.O.T's Moon Hee Jun!
11. IU
Lee Ji Eun, more known as IU, continues to thrive in her acting and singing careers with the top-rated K-drama, Hotel De Luna, and her bestselling comeback album LILAC. She would also often render her voice for K-drama OSTs, such as Crash Landing On You, which achieved an all-kill in music charts. As of present, the *blueming* artist is preparing for her upcoming movie with Park Seo Joon titled Dream.
12. Super Junior
The award-winning legends of K-pop remain to be strong, and started 2021 with a powerful comeback album, "The Renaissance". Super Junior has come a long from their early days when they reached worldwide status with the iconic "Sorry Sorry", entered the Latin charts as the first K-pop group to do so, and held a special presentation at Oxford University. Currently, the members are busy with their individual stints, such as their appearance in variety shows. They also frequently connect with ELFs through various platforms.
13. BIGBANG
With sold-out concerts in massive arenas around the world, BIGBANG set K-pop standards HIGH and was even hailed as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential of 2016 reader poll. The group's charisma is clearly evident in their tracks and all-out performances, along with hilarious TV guestings that made VIPs fall for them even more. In 2020, BIGBANG was supposed to perform in Coachella, a huge recognition for the Hallyu wave. However, it was cancelled in the same year due to the coronavirus outbreak.
14. TVXQ
The boy group with the biggest fan club in the world (they actually have a Guinness World Record to prove it!) continues to soar high, especially in Japan. For an update on the members, Changmin just wrapped up his hosting stint in Mnet's Kingdom: Legendary War. Yunho was supposed to be his co-host in the idol show, but he postponed his activities following a social distancing regulation violation where he was investigated.
15. SHINee
SHINee's distinct personalities continue to shine since their debut in 2008. Shawols wanted a replay of their hilarious videos, and in 2017, former US President Obama mentioned the group in one of his speeches. Member Jonghyun died in 2017, leaving his fans and fellow members in shock. As of now, the members just had their most-anticipated comeback after two years and six months. The group's maknae, Taemin also started his military service.
16. 2PM
Everyone put their hands up for 2PM when they started out in the K-pop scene in 2008 and continued to be the ~hottest~ in the K-pop industry with their beastly image. Fans of 2PM will rejoice as the boys are set to make a comeback by June 28, 2021, with the full-length album, Gentleman's Game.
17. BEAST/Highlight
Formerly known as BEAST, the boys rebranded as Highlight (minus their former member, Hyunseung, and Junhyung, following a scandal in 2019) and is still impressing the public with their passion for music and performing. The boys are still active these days (they recently performed in music shows and were guests in variety programs!) and they just just released their third mini-album, The Blowing.
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