If you’re into K-pop today, you owe everything to the 2nd generation groups.
These queens and kings from 2003-2012 basically took K-pop from being this cool regional thing and turned it into the global obsession we all know and love today.
They gave us the first taste of insane choreographies, the production quality that makes your heart skip a beat, and they’re the reason international fans like us even exist.
I’m about to take you on a journey through 30+ legendary 2nd-gen groups that changed everything. By the end of this, you’ll understand why older fans get so emotional when they talk about this era.
2nd Gen K-pop Girl Groups List
These ladies paved the road that our current faves are walking on, and honestly, the respect they deserve is immeasurable. Here’s the lineup of legends:
| No | Group Name | Debut Year | Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Girls’ Generation (SNSD) | 2007 | SM Entertainment |
| 2 | Wonder Girls | 2007 | JYP Entertainment |
| 3 | KARA | 2007 | DSP Media |
| 4 | Brown Eyed Girls | 2006 | Nega Network / Mystic Story |
| 5 | 2NE1 | 2009 | YG Entertainment |
| 6 | T-ara | 2009 | MBK Entertainment |
| 7 | f(x) | 2009 | SM Entertainment |
| 8 | Secret | 2009 | TS Entertainment |
| 9 | After School | 2009 | Pledis Entertainment |
| 10 | 4Minute | 2009 | Cube Entertainment |
Now let me take you through each group’s journey with more 6 groups from this era, from their unforgettable hits, and you will also see where they are today.
1. Girls’ Generation (SNSD)
| Members | Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, Seohyun, Jessica (until 2014) |
| Years Active | 2007-present |
| Status | Active (occasional group activities) |
| Signature Hits | “Gee,” “I Got a Boy,” “The Boys,” “Into the New World” |
These nine goddesses wrote the handbook on how to be a girl group. They conquered Korea, then casually decided to dominate Japan too, all while making synchronized dancing look effortless.
Most of the girls are doing their own thing now. Solo music, acting, variety shows, but when they reunite for anniversaries, the internet breaks. I’m talking trending worldwide, fans crying, the whole shebang.
They also gave us the pastel pink fandom color concept and those perfectly synchronized formations that make you wonder if they’re actually robots.
2. Wonder Girls
| Members | Sunye, Yeeun, Sohee, Sunmi, Yubin, Hyuna (early member), Lim |
| Years Active | 2007-2017 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Nobody,” “Tell Me,” “So Hot,” “Why So Lonely” |
The Wonder Girls were the first ones to crack America, and I mean properly crack it. Billboard Hot 100 and everything! “Nobody” had everyone doing that iconic dance.
They proved that retro concepts can work internationally and that English versions were not just nice, they were essential. Sunmi is a solo artist, Yubin is still making music, and the others are living their best lives. But they created the blueprint for global K-pop success.
3. KARA
| Members | Gyuri, Seungyeon, Nicole, Hara, Jiyoung, Sunghee (early member) |
| Years Active | 2007-2016, 2022-present |
| Status | Reunited |
| Signature Hits | “Mister,” “Pretty Girl,” “Lupin,” “Step” |
KARA and that “dance” from “Mister.” If you know, you know. These girls mastered the art of being huge in both Korea and Japan, which honestly isn’t easy. They made cute concepts look sophisticated and had us all trying to learn their choreography.
They reunited in 2022 for their 15th anniversary and proved that some bonds are just unbreakable and fan love can bring people back together.
4. Brown Eyed Girls
| Members | JeA, Miryo, Narsha, Ga-In |
| Years Active | 2006-present |
| Status | Active |
| Signature Hits | “Abracadabra,” “Sixth Sense,” “Kill Bill,” “How Come” |
BEG said, “We’re not here to play cute,” and honestly? We respect that energy. These women tackled mature themes when everyone else was doing aegyo, and their vocals? Unmatched.
“Abracadabra” had everyone trying to do that hand dance move, and the concepts were way ahead of time.
They’re still making music together while doing solo work. And every time they release something, it’s a reminder that their talent is timeless.
5. 2NE1
| Members | CL, Bom, Dara, Minzy |
| Years Active | 2009-2016 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “I Am the Best,” “Fire,” “Come Back Home,” “Lonely” |
“I AM THE BEST,” and honestly, they were. 2NE1 invented girl crush before it was even a term. These four women brought hip-hop, fierce fashion, and an attitude. YG’s signature swag? That started here.
CL’s doing her international work, Bom blessed us with a comeback, Dara’s still everywhere in Korean entertainment, and Minzy’s dancing her heart out. The Blackjack fandom name system they created? Everyone copied that formula.
6. T-ara
| Members | Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin, Jiyeon, Boram, Soyeon, Hwayoung, others |
| Years Active | 2009-2017, 2021-present |
| Status | Active (reformed) |
| Signature Hits | “Roly-Poly,” “Lovey-Dovey,” “Bo Peep Bo Peep,” “Number Nine” |
T-ara brought us retro-pop perfection and choreography that brough about a million memes in the best way. “Roly-Poly” is still a hit.
They sure went through some rough times, but eventually they came back together in 2021. Their dance moves became an internet sensation, and they proved that sometimes the best response to controversy is simply to keep being amazing.
7. f(x)
| Members | Victoria, Amber, Luna, Sulli, Krystal |
| Years Active | 2009-2015 (indefinite hiatus) |
| Status | On hiatus |
| Signature Hits | “Nu ABO,” “Hot Summer,” “Electric Shock,” “4 Walls” |
f(x) was SM’s experimental child, and we were here for every weird, wonderful moment. They gave us concepts that were way ahead of their time when everyone else was playing it safe. Amber broke gender norms in K-pop like it was nothing.
“Electric Shock” is still that song, and “4 Walls” was absolute art. The members are all doing their own things now, but f(x) proved that girl groups could be weird, wonderful, and wildly successful all at once.
8. Secret
| Members | Hyoseong, Hana (Zinger), Jieun, Sunhwa |
| Years Active | 2009-2014 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Magic,” “Madonna,” “Poison,” “I’m in Love” |
Secret had this really nice mix of cute and grown-up. One comeback, they looked super sweet, and the next, they’d totally change it up. It always worked. Their singing together was really good, too.
Even when they tried new styles, they still felt like the same group. Now the members are doing their own things. Hyoseong is still making music, and the others are more into acting and TV shows.
9. After School
| Members | Kahi, Jungah, Uee, Nana, Lizzy, Raina, E-Young, others |
| Years Active | 2009-2015 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Because of You,” “Bang!,” “First Love,” “Flashback” |
After School’s graduation system was wild and innovative; members could “graduate,” and new ones could join, keeping the group fresh. Plus, they brought pole dancing to K-pop with “First Love,” and honestly, the cultural impact of that moment cannot be overstated.
Uee and Nana are killing it in the acting world, and the legacy of After School lives on in every group that’s tried something completely different.
10. 4Minute
| Members | Jihyun, Gayoon, Jiyoon, HyunA, Sohyun |
| Years Active | 2009-2016 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Hot Issue,” “Heart to Heart,” “Crazy,” “What’s Your Name?” |
4Minute came in hot and never cooled down. They brought this fierce, aggressive energy that was addictive, and let’s be real, HyunA’s charisma was off the charts.
They proved that bold concepts could work internationally and set the template for standout members within groups.
HyunA’s solo career speaks for itself. She’s a global icon now, and 4Minute was where it all started. At the same time, other members’ music careers and acting projects have different levels of public activity.
11. SISTAR
| Members | Hyolyn, Bora, Soyou, Dasom |
| Years Active | 2010-2017 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “So Cool,” “Alone,” “Touch My Body,” “Give It To Me” |
SISTAR owned summer. Every year, fans waited for their summer anthem, and they were never disappointed. Their vocals were powerful, their performances were fire, and they created this whole seasonal release strategy that everyone followed after them.
All the members are still active. Hyolyn’s vocal power is unmatched. Soyou gives us those emotional collabs, Dasom’s acting, and Bora’s entertaining us on variety shows.
12. Miss A
| Members | Fei, Jia, Min, Suzy |
| Years Active | 2010-2017 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Bad Girl Good Girl,” “Breathe,” “Hush,” “Only You” |
Miss A’s debut with “Bad Girl Good Girl” was everything they came in with. This independent woman’s energy was exactly what we needed. Their success was immediate and well-deserved.
Suzy became Korea’s sweetheart and is now a top actress and soloist, while the others are doing their own things. But that debut impact? Legendary.
13. Girl’s Day
| Members | Sojin, Minah, Yura, Hyeri, Jihae (early member) |
| Years Active | 2010-2019 |
| Status | Inactive (not officially disbanded) |
| Signature Hits | “Something,” “Ring My Bell,” “Expectation,” “Darling” |
Girls’ Day was so good at changing their style. They could be cute, they could be bold, or anything in between, and it always felt real. “Something” was the song, and their teamwork on stage was amazing.
These days, they’re all doing their own thing. Hyeri especially, is doing really well in acting and variety shows. They nailed the whole “grow-up-with-your-audience” thing, made dances that went viral, and showed how to move from cute to mature without losing fans.
14. Rainbow
| Members | Jaekyung, Woori, Seungah, Noeul, Yoonhye, Jisook, Hyunyoung |
| Years Active | 2009-2016 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “A,” “Mach,” “Sweet Dream,” “To Me” |
Rainbow brought consistent brightness and energy that was just infectious. They were queens of variety shows, and their drama OSTs were always super popular. They showed you don’t have to be from a big company to have loyal fans.
The members got back together in 2019 for their 10th anniversary, and after that, they went back to doing their own stuff, like acting, solo music, and other projects in the entertainment world.
15. Dal Shabet
| Members | Serri, Ah Young, Woohee, Subin, Jiyul, Kaeun, Viki |
| Years Active | 2011-2018 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Supa Dupa Diva,” “Mr. Bang Bang,” “Joker,” “Someone Like U” |
Dal Shabet’s colorful concepts were pure fun. They weren’t afraid to be playful and different, and sometimes that’s exactly what K-pop needs. Their visuals were always on point, and their energy was unmatched.
They created trendy, flashy performance aesthetics and a playful image. Girls proved that quirky concepts can also build a long-term fan base.
Members have individual solo careers and personal projects, with some focusing on music while others explore opportunities in the acting and entertainment industries outside of performing.
16. AOA
| Members | Jimin, Choa, Yuna, Youkyung, Hyejeong, Mina, Seolhyun |
| Years Active | 2012-present |
| Status | Active |
| Signature Hits | “Like a Cat,” “Heart Attack,” “Good Luck,” “Bingle Bangle” |
AOA’s band-dance concept was revolutionary. They could rock out with actual instruments and then flip into perfect choreography like it was nothing. “Like a Cat” was iconic, and they showed that flexibility in concepts could be a superpower.
They’re still active with remaining members, and their influence on hybrid concepts in K-pop is undeniable.
2nd Gen K-pop Boy Groups
Let me discuss how the 2nd-gen boy groups created a cultural revolution. They transformed K-pop into the global obsession that has us all in its grip today. Here are the kings who started it all:
| No | Group Name | Debut Year | Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TVXQ (DBSK) | 2003 | SM Entertainment |
| 2 | Super Junior | 2005 | SM Entertainment |
| 3 | SS501 | 2005 | DSP Media |
| 4 | BIGBANG | 2006 | YG Entertainment |
| 5 | SHINee | 2008 | SM Entertainment |
| 6 | 2PM | 2008 | JYP Entertainment |
| 7 | 2AM | 2008 | JYP Entertainment / Big Hit |
| 8 | U-KISS | 2008 | NH Media / Other |
| 9 | BEAST (B2ST) | 2009 | Cube Entertainment |
| 10 | MBLAQ | 2009 | J.Tune Camp |
Let me walk you through 16 group’s journey, from chart-topping hits to their lasting impact on today’s K-pop hall of fame.
1. TVXQ (DBSK)
| Members | U-Know Yunho, Max Changmin (originally included Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu) |
| Years Active | 2003-present |
| Status | Active (as duo since 2011) |
| Signature Hits | “Rising Sun,” “Mirotic,” “Keep Your Head Down,” “Catch Me” |
TVXQ started the Hallyu Wave’s global domination. These five (now two) kings broke into Japan when that seemed impossible and created the blueprint for sophisticated K-pop that everyone still follows.
That red ocean of Cassiopeia lightsticks? Iconic. The way they could harmonize? Divine.
Yunho and Changmin are still out here proving that talent is timeless, while the JYJ members (Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu) went off to do their own things. The split was heartbreaking, but both sides gave us incredible music, so we won in the end.
2. Super Junior
| Members | Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Shindong, Sungmin, Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, Kibum, Kangin, Hangeng, Zhou Mi, Henry |
| Years Active | 2005-present |
| Status | Active |
| Signature Hits | “Sorry, Sorry,” “Bonamana,” “Mr. Simple,” “Mamacita” |
Super Junior said, “Let’s debut 13 members and confuse everyone.” And honestly? It worked perfectly. These variety show kings proved that personality could build empires just as much as vocals and dancing.
“Sorry, Sorry” had literally everyone doing that dance move, your parents included.
They’re still active (the ones who haven’t enlisted/returned), still chaotic on variety shows, and ELFs are still the most dedicated fanbase ever. That blue lightstick ocean? Chef’s kiss
3. SS501
| Members | Kim Hyunjoong, Heo Youngsaeng, Kim Kyu Jong, Park Jung Min, Kim Hyung Jun |
| Years Active | 2005-2010 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Warning,” “Love Ya,” “U R Man,” “Because I’m Stupid” |
SS501 perfected the flower boy concept before we even knew we needed it. These beautiful humans gave us drama OSTs that still hit different, and Hyunjoong became a Hallyu star through “Boys Over Flowers.”
They proved that being pretty AND talented was actually the perfect combination.
Even though they disbanded, their individual careers have been incredible, and whenever they reunite for special events, Triple S fans lose their minds.
4. BIGBANG
| Members | G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung, Seungri (until 2019) |
| Years Active | 2006-present (on hiatus) |
| Status | On hiatus |
| Signature Hits | “Fantastic Baby,” “Bang Bang Bang,” “Loser,” “Haru Haru” |
BIGBANG redefined what it meant to be a K-pop idol. G-Dragon’s songwriting genius, their fashion influence, and their stage presence. They weren’t just idols, they were ARTISTS with a capital A.
“Fantastic Baby” is still that song that gets everyone hyped, and don’t even get me started on how they influenced fashion.
They’re all doing their own things: military service, solo careers, etc., but VIPs know that when they come back, it’s going to be legendary. The crown lightsticks were always superior.
5. SHINee
| Members | Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho, Taemin |
| Years Active | 2008-present |
| Status | Active (4 members since 2017) |
| Signature Hits | “Ring Ding Dong,” “Lucifer,” “Sherlock,” “View” |
SHINee came in with “Replay” and said “we’re going to be experimental legends,” and they never lied. These trendsetters could switch from pop to R&B to electronic and make it look effortless.
They pushed boundaries when everyone else was playing it safe.
The loss of Jonghyun in 2017 broke all our hearts, but the remaining members continue to honor his legacy while creating incredible music. Taemin is a solo artist. Chef’s kiss. The pearl aqua lightsticks will always be beautiful, just like their music.
6. 2 PM
| Members | Taecyeon, Nichkhun, Jun. K, Wooyoung, Junho, Chansung |
| Years Active | 2008-present |
| Status | Active |
| Signature Hits | “Again & Again,” “Heartbeat,” “Hands Up,” “My House” |
2PM invented the “beast idol” concept and had us all questioning everything. These men brought mature, powerful choreography that had everyone sweating, and I mean EVERYONE.
“My House” is still that song that makes you feel things. After military service, they reunited and reminded us why we fell in love with them in the first place. Hottest fandom, we’ve been well fed!
7. 2AM
| Members | Jo Kwon, Changmin, Seulong, Jinwoon |
| Years Active | 2008-2014 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die,” “You Wouldn’t Answer My Calls,” “I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me” |
2AM said, “We don’t need crazy choreography, we’ll just make you cry with our vocals,” and honestly? They succeeded. These ballad kings proved that raw emotion and incredible voices were enough to build a devoted fanbase.
Jo Kwon is still out here being an icon on variety shows, and the others are doing their own things, but whenever they get together, it’s an emotional experience.
8. U-KISS
| Members | Soohyun, Kiseop, Hoon, Jun, Eli, AJ, Kevin, Dongho, Alexander, Kibum |
| Years Active | 2008-2022 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Man Man Ha Ni,” “0330,” “Neverland,” “Stop Girl” |
U-KISS was that group that went through SO many lineup changes but somehow always delivered bops. Their international appeal was incredible, and they toured everywhere when other groups were just focusing on Korea and Japan.
They now pursue individual careers in music, acting, and business. Some relocated internationally, while others continue their entertainment activities in Korea, maintaining connections with their longtime fans.
9. BEAST (B2ST)
| Members | Doojoon, Yoseob, Junhyung, Kikwang, Dongwoon, Hyunseung (until 2016) |
| Years Active | 2009-2016 (now HIGHLIGHT since 2017) |
| Status | Reformed as HIGHLIGHT |
| Signature Hits | “Shock,” “Beautiful Night,” “Fiction,” “Good Luck” |
BEAST had a perfect balance of powerful vocals and emotional storytelling. That just hit different. “Fiction” is still one of the most beautiful K-pop songs ever created, and their live performances were always incredible.
When they left Cube and became HIGHLIGHT, B2uties (now Lights) supported them through everything. They proved that true artistry survives business drama.
10. MBLAQ
| Members | Seungho, G.O, Mir, Thunder, Lee Joon |
| Years Active | 2009-2015 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Oh Yeah,” “Y,” “This Is War,” “Smoky Girl” |
MBLAQ brought theatrical drama to K-pop before we knew we needed it. Their concepts were like watching mini-movies, and Lee Joon’s acting skills were already obvious from their music videos.
They proved that intense, cinematic concepts could work in K-pop.
Members transitioned to acting, solo music, and variety shows. Lee Joon succeeded in television dramas while others continued to pursue individual entertainment careers and personal ventures.
11. CNBLUE
| Members | Yonghwa, Jonghyun, Minhyuk, Jungshin |
| Years Active | 2009-present |
| Status | Active |
| Signature Hits | “I’m a Loner,” “Love,” “Can’t Stop,” “Between Us” |
CNBLUE proved that idol bands could work in K-pop when everyone thought it was impossible. These boys showed that you could be both idols and musicians. Ever since then, Boice fans have been blessed with incredible live performances.
They continue as active band with three members, balancing music releases with individual acting careers. Yonghwa maintains his career in dramas while the group goes on tours internationally.
12. INFINITE
| Members | Sunggyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Hoya, Sungyeol, L, Sungjong |
| Years Active | 2010-present |
| Status | Active (6 members since 2017) |
| Signature Hits | “Be Mine,” “The Chaser,” “Man in Love,” “Back” |
INFINITE’s precision was absolutely unmatched, and “The Chaser” is still one of the best K-pop songs ever made. They came from a small company and proved that pure talent could compete with anyone.
Inspirits know that their live performances are legendary, and even with Hoya’s departure, they continue to deliver excellence.
Created the “Inspirit” fandom name, established metallic gold lightstick designs, and pioneered the “point choreography” concept that became essential for K-pop groups’ signature moves.
13. Teen Top
| Members | C.A.P, Chunji, Niel, Ricky, Changjo, L.Joe (until 2017) |
| Years Active | 2010-present |
| Status | Active (5 members) |
| Signature Hits | “Clap,” “Miss Right,” “Rocking,” “Ah-Ah” |
Teen Top mastered that youthful, energetic vibe that was absolutely infectious. “Clap” had everyone doing the choreography, and they proved that consistency could build lasting careers even without the biggest hits.
They continue as a five-member group, balancing music activities with individual pursuits in acting and variety shows.
14. ZE:A
| Members | Siwan, Kwanghee, Dongjun, Kevin, Hyungsik, Minwoo, Taeheon, Heechul, Junyoung |
| Years Active | 2010-2017 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Mazeltov,” “Aftermath,” “Ghost of Wind,” “Breathe” |
ZE:A, also known as Children of Empire, was famous for their unique “nine-member nine-color” charm, with each member bringing a different vibe.
ZE:A might have disbanded, but look at where the members are now! Siwan and Hyungsik became A-list actors, and Kwanghee is a variety show king they proved that idol groups could be launching pads for incredible individual careers.
15. Boyfriend (BF)
| Members | Donghyun, Hyunseong, Jeongmin, Youngmin, Kwangmin, Minwoo |
| Years Active | 2011-2019 |
| Status | Disbanded |
| Signature Hits | “Boyfriend,” “Love Style,” “I Yah,” “Star” |
Boyfriend perfected the innocent, fresh concept that made you want to protect them at all costs. The Youngmin-Kwangmin twin dynamic was adorable, and their synchronization was always on point.
They proved that wholesome concepts could be just as powerful as edgy ones. The Members pursue individual careers in music, acting, and personal ventures.
Some continue with entertainment activities, while others have moved to different industries, maintaining friendships that extend beyond their group career.
16. B1A4
| Members | Jinyoung, CNU, Sandeul, Baro, Gongchan |
| Years Active | 2011-present |
| Status | Active (3 members since 2018) |
| Signature Hits | “O.K,” “Beautiful Target,” “What’s Happening?,” “Solo Day” |
B1A4 were the self-producing idols before it became trendy! Jinyoung’s songwriting skills were incredible, and they proved that idols could have creative control and still be successful.
Even with lineup changes, they continue to make beautiful music that BANA fans cherish with Sandeul, CNU, and Gongchan, while Jinyoung and Baro pursue individual careers.
These kings didn’t just make music; they created a cultural revolution, broke barriers, established fan culture, and showed the world that K-pop was here to stay.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: 2nd Gen Built Today’s K-pop Empire
From the iconic lightstick to the choreography that still gives us chills. From world tours that proved K-pop belonged on global stages to the social media that connected fans worldwide.
Everything we know about K-pop has been gifted by these 2nd-generation groups
As someone who lived through this era, I can confidently say we were witnessing history in the making.
Ready to fall down the rabbit hole of K-pop’s golden era? Trust me, once you start exploring 2nd gen, there’s no going back!
FAQs
YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook let groups share music videos globally and interact directly with international fans.
They fearlessly mixed cute and edgy concepts, offering diverse gender expressions that broadened pop culture representation.
Not openly, but awareness slowly grew through media coverage and fan conversations.
World tours, merchandise, and record sales generated massive global profits for Korea’s entertainment industry.
Music show wins, reality shows, and TV appearances provided huge exposure and built loyal fanbases.
