“Hey fellow 80s kids—Are you still listening to K-pop? From Girls’ Generation to Stellar, and into the 5th Generation”

I recently stumbled upon a fascinating YouTube channel by a creator called “NihonJinu” (니혼지누), who explains the evolution of female K-pop idols across five generations. His videos are incredibly insightful, especially for someone like me—born in the '80s and only really familiar with the earlier eras of K-pop.

According to him, K-pop can be divided into five major generations, with representative artists for each:

* 1st Gen: Honestly… no one around me really cared back then 😅

* 2nd Gen: IU, Girls’ Generation

* 3rd Gen: BLACKPINK, TWICE

* 4th Gen: IVE, aespa, (G)I-DLE

* 5th Gen: LE SSERAFIM

For many of us born in the 1980s, Girls’ Generation was everything.

I was especially obsessed with Taeyeon—her voice, visuals, stage presence… to me, she was (and still is) the ultimate woman. Back then, I was still in my late 20s. Ah, youth...

Then came the 2010s. Life got busy. I had kids, got into Western music for a while, and kind of drifted away from K-pop.

Until one day, out of curiosity, I searched “K-pop these days” on YouTube… and stumbled across Stellar.

Their music videos absolutely shocked me—in a good way.

The visual beauty of Girls’ Generation, but with ultra-suggestive, over-the-top sex appeal.

I’m ashamed to admit it, but I was glued to the screen. “So THIS is what K-pop has become?!” I thought, nosebleed incoming.

From what I’ve learned, Stellar appeared in the late 2nd generation, right before the 3rd. You could call them “Gen 2.5”.

Apparently, K-pop was in a bit of a slump during this period, and Stellar—signed to a small agency—resorted to extreme concepts in a desperate bid to stand out.

While I personally loved their aesthetic and performance, I later learned that some of the members were uncomfortable with how sexualized things became. That broke my heart a little.

Then came the 3rd Generation, with groups like BLACKPINK and TWICE.

This is where I started losing track. I had heard of the names, but… that was about it.

By the time we reached the 4th and 5th generations, I couldn’t even pronounce some of the group names.

I tried watching some newer MVs, and I could see—objectively—that their vocals, choreography, and production were next-level.

But emotionally? I was lost.

From a Gen X or early millennial perspective, this was no longer “idol” music—it was full-blown artistry. The complexity of the music, the fashion, the performance—it’s all a bit overwhelming for someone in their 40s.

Still… I don’t want to give up on understanding new music.

There’s always something to learn, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.

I wonder what the younger fans today think when they see Girls’ Generation’s old videos. Do they find them outdated? Adorable? Or just… quaint?

If you’re a fellow 80s-born K-pop fan feeling nostalgic (and a bit lost), you’re not alone.

And if you’re from a younger generation—hey, I’m trying here 😅

Let’s bridge the gap, one MV at a time.

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