School was out. It was summer. I recall it was the 2010s. I was scrolling through Pinterest, looking for the best pictures of Gackt, a Visual Kei artist from the 90s. At that time, I was really into Visual Kei and Japan. Why was a 10-year-old searching for pictures of Japanese rock stars online? I have no idea. We had way too much Internet access back then. Still, I stumbled upon something completely new. While scrolling, I came across a photo of a group of guys with incredibly bright, colorful hair. It was Big Bang!
During the 2010s, I faced a lot of negativity, and I found solace in exploring different cultures and languages. That moment marked the beginning of my fondness for K-pop, and I remained a devoted fan until 2016.
As I write this, I’m astonished by how much the K-pop industry has evolved since I first got involved. I feel a sense of pride in its growth, but there’s also a tinge of sadness. Time reminds us that we all grow older, and seeing the groups I grew up listening to age and start families showcases the hard work they’ve put into the industry and sit back to watch the next generation come into effect.
I proudly identify as a fan of the second and third generations of K-pop. For those unfamiliar with the generations, here’s a quick breakdown:
- First Generation: 1992–2002
- Second Generation: 2002–2012
- Third Generation: 2012–2018
- Fourth Generation: 2018–2023
- Fifth Generation: 2023 — Present
Now, I am familiar with and also a fan of first-generation K-pop, as they are the pioneers. However, to share my experience and exposure, I will reference the time when I was introduced to K-pop in the early 2010s.
Nostalgia barely scratches the surface. Every time I dive back into the music of my favorite groups like Super Junior, Big Bang, and Girls’ Generation, I’m flooded with memories of the comfort their songs brought me during tough times. Back when K-pop was just starting to gain traction globally, it was more of a niche genre that not many folks in Western countries knew about. Being part of a generation that was just beginning to embrace K-pop as it entered the mainstream always brings back that same joy I experienced then.
The 2nd Gen Era: A More Intimate Fandom Experience
“Sophisticated” choreography, bangs over the eyes, boys groups doing remakes of girl group songs and vice versa. This era was the key that unlocked the door for countless groups today.
Here is the list of groups that I consider family: Super Junior, Big Bang, SHINee, 2pm, 2am, Kara, 2ne1, Brown Eyed Girls, Teen Top, Girl’s Generation, Wonder Girls, and T-ARA, U-KISS.
I could never be deprived of my iPod Touch or Samsung Galaxy Tab to keep me from watching blurry variety shows featuring every group I loved. I still fondly remember the days when content on YouTube was so pixelated that you could hardly make out the faces. But that didn’t matter; I was just as excited to see my favorite artists on South Korean variety shows.
One of my all-time favorite variety shows is still “Family Outing.” I initially tuned in because Kang Daesung from Big Bang was a member of the show, but I gradually began to enjoy the performances of the other actors, actresses, and entertainers. This sparked my interest in familiar faces like Yoo Jae-suk, Jung Hyung-don, Lee Hyori, and others. During this time, K-dramas and various variety shows further fueled my interest, but for now, I’ll concentrate on the music industry.
As fans, the struggle during this time was unbelievable. Having to search for and wait for subtitle content to be uploaded on YouTube or questionable websites just to see our favorite groups was a nightmare. I should honestly add detective skills to my resume because I had to jump through hoops to find videos that had English subtitles.
Engaging in fan forums added an extra layer to the experience. Tumblr was (and still is, kind of) the go-to platform for all things K-pop related. Finding the right Tumblr page that posted consistently, had an open chat forum, and just positive vibes for us to come together was a challenge. I still have my Tumblr page, which I use occasionally.
However, a major drawback during this time was the lack of exposure to the international world. This made the dream of one day witnessing my favorite groups in person feel less attainable.
The 3rd Gen Boom: When K-Pop Went Global
Bangs were still over the eyes, and flashy outfits were still prominent at the beginning of this generation. However, slowly, the international market began to open up and become more welcoming to this genre of music. Instagram was the ticket to exposure. Many artists around this time became acclimated to social media, and I think this fueled the fire. Aside from social media presence, as a fan who grew up with second-gen groups and was now embracing a new generation, you can notice that the management within companies was also pushing for greater recognition.
Here is the list of my groups for the third generation: EXO, Vixx, Got7, Winner, iKon, B.A.P, UNIQ, 24K+.
I wasn’t really into the streaming wars, voting, or keeping up with social media. Instead, I found myself engaged by watching some amazing YouTubers who reacted to videos during that time. Some of my favorites include JREKML, 2minJinkJongKey, and KSpazzing, just to name a few. These YouTubers felt like my “friends” on screen whenever a new video from my favorite groups dropped. During this exciting time, KCON made its debut! The very first KCON experience in the US took place in Los Angeles, CA, back in 2012. I’ve always dreamed of seeing EXO or Big Bang perform live, but I still haven’t had the chance. Opening Instagram to catch glimpses of my favorite YouTubers talking on panels or watching their vlogs was as close as I could get to experiencing KCON. KCON quickly became the ultimate convention for K-pop fans, and it marked the beginning of the Western fanbase truly coming to life!
However, around 2017, I gradually began to distance myself from the K-pop scene.
How My Relationship with K-Pop Has Evolved
Thankfully, I never became an overly obsessive fan — one of those people who tracked every update or dreamed of “marrying” an idol. As I matured, I found myself appreciating the artistry of K-pop more than the visuals. This appreciation also opened up avenues for me to learn about Korean history and how the culture has evolved over time.
I began to notice a new generation emerging in the K-pop scene, and with that change, I started feeling out of place in the fandom. The authenticity and unique style that defined early K-pop groups were gradually fading away. While I understood that times were changing and we were entering a new era, it simply wasn’t my preference anymore.
I can’t say I’m familiar with many of the new groups that emerged after 2016–2017. I believe it was around this time that my interest in K-pop began to wane as the global market expanded. I vividly remember when BTS captured the Western world’s attention in 2017, unveiling a side of K-pop that had been largely unknown to many, especially here in the U.S. I realized at that moment that the industry would never be the same again. While this shift wasn’t inherently negative, my interests began to evolve. The small community that came together on Tumblr, the private concerts held at local arenas, and the niche sound have now evolved. Nonetheless, today, when a comeback occurs, I do find myself primarily keeping up with my favorite groups from 2000 to 2016.
However, I am very grateful to have experienced K-pop when I was just a young toddler in diapers. The small community that existed online is something I will always cherish.
Looking Forward
Despite my occasional presence in the loop, I find enjoyment in watching the younger generation embrace the K-pop fandom just as I did when I was young. It brought a sense of youthfulness and energy to my young mind. I intend to keep up to date and hopefully share my passion for K-pop with my children in the future, as K-pop will always be a part of my life, no matter what!
Annyeong!
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