Is SEVENTEEN 3rd gen? Oh, you’ve heard the debate. It’s a debate that keeps popping up online. So, let’s clear the air once and for all. SEVENTEEN is, without a doubt, a 3rd generation K-pop group.
Their journey began back in May 2015, and the timeline speaks for itself. But you might wonder why does this even matter?
Because generations in K-pop shape everything — sound, style, fan culture- this article explores SEVENTEEN’s origin, their impact, and why they proudly wear the 3rd gen crown.
What Generation Is SEVENTEEN?
3rd gen, period. May 26, 2015 – that’s when these thirteen boys changed everything. 2015 was insane for debuts. Like, seriously packed with talent.
Here’s the thing – they showed up right when K-pop was exploding worldwide. Social media was becoming huge. Groups were finally getting to make their own music. Perfect timing? Maybe. Pure talent? Definitely.
What Is 3rd Generation K-Pop?
Okay, so the 3rd gen was basically 2012 to 2019-ish. This was THE era. Everything before this feels ancient now, no offense to 2nd gen legends.
What made the 3rd gen special? Simple. Global domination. Before this, K-pop was mostly Korea, plus some Asian countries. These groups figured out the internet. They tweeted at fans. Posted on Instagram. Made YouTube content.
SVT weren’t just singers anymore – they were entertainers, producers, everything. The music got weird in the best way. Rock, EDM, hip-hop, ballads – sometimes all in one song.
Different generations are like different eras of your favorite video game franchise. Same core concept, but each one brings totally new features and graphics.
1st gen laid the foundation – think of them as the original Super Mario. 2nd gen polished everything up and set the rules – like when games got way better graphics and proper storylines.
| Generation | Period | Key Characteristics | Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | 1990s-2002 | Foundation era, experimental | H.O.T., S.E.S. |
| 2nd Gen | 2003-2011 | Industry standardization | SNSD, Super Junior, BIGBANG |
| 3rd Gen | 2012-2017/2019 | Global expansion, social media | BTS, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN |
| 4th Gen | 2018-Present | Digital natives, diverse concepts | aespa, NewJeans, ITZY |
This is where everything exploded. Groups weren’t just popular in Korea anymore – they were selling out stadiums in countries they’d never even visited. SEVENTEEN figured this out fast and built their Carat family worldwide while keeping their self-made spirit alive.
SEVENTEEN vs Other 3rd Gen Groups
Everyone always brings up BTS when talking about SVT. Yeah, they’re both self-producing legends from 3rd gen. But honestly? Totally different energy. BTS went for deep societal commentary and Western chart domination. SEVENTEEN? They said, “Watch us perform and try not to drop your jaw.”
TWICE owned the cute concept game. BLACKPINK brought that luxury brand energy. Red Velvet did the dual concept thing perfectly.
All these groups share the same DNA – they debuted when Twitter was becoming huge for fandoms, when YouTube views actually started mattering for success, when touring outside Asia became normal instead of special.
SEVENTEEN’s secret weapon, though? Their whole three-unit thing is genius. The hip-hop unit brings the attitude, the vocal unit brings the feels, and the performance unit brings the moves.
Then they combine all three and create something no other group can match. I still get goosebumps watching their “Thanks” performance from 2018.
| Group | Debut Year | Status |
|---|---|---|
| EXO | 2012 | 3rd Gen |
| BTS | 2013 | 3rd Gen |
| SEVENTEEN | 2015 | 3rd Gen |
| TWICE | 2015 | 3rd Gen |
| BLACKPINK | 2016 | 3rd Gen |
2015 was absolutely wild for debuts. SVT and TWICE both started that year – what are the odds? The timing wasn’t random, though.
The whole industry was shifting. Companies finally realized they needed groups who could handle Korean charts AND international streaming. Both groups looked at that challenge and said, “Watch this.”
Top 10 Most Influential 3rd Generation K-Pop Groups
This generation was packed with game-changers. Here’s how I see the biggest 3rd-gen influences:
| Rank | Group | Debut Year | Category | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BTS | 2013 | Boy Group | Global superstars, Billboard #1, Grammy nominations |
| 2 | BLACKPINK | 2016 | Girl Group | Global fashion icons, YouTube records, Coachella |
| 3 | TWICE | 2015 | Girl Group | JYP’s biggest success, Asia domination |
| 4 | EXO | 2012 | Boy Group | One of biggest 3rd gen groups, China/Korea success |
| 5 | Red Velvet | 2014 | Girl Group | SM’s dual concept masters, critical acclaim |
| 6 | SEVENTEEN | 2015 | Boy Group | Self-producing idols, strong fanbase growth |
| 7 | MAMAMOO | 2014 | Girl Group | Vocal powerhouses, artistic recognition |
| 8 | (G)I-DLE | 2018 | Girl Group | Self-producing pioneers, unique concepts |
| 9 | ITZY | 2019 | Girl Group | Teen crush leaders, strong debut impact |
| 10 | MONSTA X | 2015 | Boy Group | Powerful performance reputation, Western crossover |
SEVENTEEN landing at #6? Look, that ranking is all about how they changed the self-producing game. Before them, most idols just performed what other people wrote.
SVT showed up and said, “We’ll write our own songs, make our own choreo, and still outsell everyone.” Spoiler alert: they did exactly that. Thirteen guys from a company nobody had heard of, and they completely changed what K-pop groups could be.
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Conclusion: Case Closed On SEVENTEEN’s 3rd Gen Status
SEVENTEEN is a 3rd generation K-pop group. They debuted in 2015, helped define the era, and pushed boundaries with their self-producing brilliance. From jaw-dropping choreo to global fandom power, they didn’t just ride the 3rd gen wave; they helped make it.
Whether you’re new to their music or a longtime Carat, one thing’s for sure: SVT changed the game. So next time someone questions their place in K-pop history? Send them this article.
Still not convinced? Hit play on “Don’t Wanna Cry” and feel the 3rd gen energy for yourself.
FAQs
They’re both 3rd generation! BTS started in 2013, SVT in 2015. Two years apart, but from the same generation, with the same revolutionary energy.
SVT has just dropped new music, BTS members are working on solo projects, TWICE is still touring, and BLACKPINK members are busy with individual projects.
Most people say 2018. (G)I-DLE and ITZY were among the first groups that felt completely different from 3rd generation.
“Don’t Wanna Cry” hits you right in the feels – classic 3rd-gen emotional impact. “Left & Right” shows their playful side. “God of Music” proves they’re still 3rd-gen kings.
Eventually, music keeps changing, new platforms emerge, and different trends take over. That’s just how K-pop works – constantly evolving, never staying still.
