Brace yourselves and ready your oxygen tanks because 2nd generation KPOP is here to give serious goosebumps. Meet the OG kings and queens who still dominate 2021’s music charts after years of going hiatus.
1. SHINee
In the lyrics of 2012’s single Sherlock and 2013’s Dream Girl, SHINee is indeed back!
Debuting in 2008 with their single, Replay, the Korean boy band’s fresh approach to music immediately captured the hearts of the people. Not to mention their bewitching youthful looks, SHINee had nowhere to go but only on top of the music ladder.
Their career skyrocketed with the release of Ring Ding Dong in 2009 and maintained their fame with Lucifer in 2010. Sadly, the group lost their main vocalist, Kim Jonghyun, in 2017 due to unfortunate events.
During the almost 3-year hiatus of the pop idols, everyone completed their military services except Lee Tae-min, the youngest member of SHINee. On February 22, 2021, they ended their career break with the release of the group’s 7th studio album Don’t Call Me with nine songs included in the tracklist.
As expected, the song’s distinct tone and dynamic vibe triggered an explosive response from the loyal fans. SHINee’s Don’t Call me MV garnered 27+ million views upon its release.
2. CL
Lee Chae-rin, also known as CL, is one of the most influential artists of her generation. With her unique rapping and performing style, she is not only being recognized in South Korea but also in different parts of the world. The 30-year-old idol single-handedly introduced KPOP music to western ears.
The first KPOP artist to appear on the stage of The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2016, CL is a former member of the legendary group 2ne1 which received numerous awards and produced popular songs like Lollipop and I am the Best under the YG Entertainment.
After the disbandment of the group, the female idol focused on her solo career and released her 1st album In the name of Love, which gained positive feedback from supporters. Following her project, she went on a 10-month hiatus due to personal reasons and said that the break was both a reward and a challenge for her.
This year, CL attended the Metropolitan (MET) Gala to show her aim to bridge culture and stun KPOP fanatics through her powerful return on the music stage. The baddest queen dropped her new album +Alpha+, last October ranking 1st on iTunes 13 regional charts album.
3. Super Junior
From music videos to reality shows, the members of Super Junior are successful everywhere and known by everybody. Initially consisting of 12 multi-talented individuals, they debuted through the hit song Twins (Knock Out) under SM Entertainment.
Although a whole decade has already passed since their first appearance, the charm of the Korean boy band is ageless as they continue to be a threat to different K-idols. In fact, others never cease to cover their iconic digital single Sorry, Sorry even up to this day.
Sorry, Sorry started a worldwide dance craze and gave the group the title “Asian Best Group (2009)”. Behind the smiles and victories, Super Junior was forced to undergo a 3-year-long hiatus due to mandatory military enlistment. In 2019, they were officially decreased to nine members as three of them had to go for individual circumstances.
This did not hinder the group from marking its 15th anniversary in November 2020. As a celebration, the members prepared their 10th full album The Renaissance for their fans and released it to the public in 2021, topping iTunes Top Album Chart in 22 regions.
Now, Super Junior’s sub-unit D&E confirms another comeback. A sub-unit is a smaller version of the original group which has separate music releases and concepts.
4. Hyuna
Kim Hyun-Ah’s whole existence screams Girl Boss, and no one can say otherwise.
The 29-year-old singer and songwriter is most known by her stage name, HyunA. She is a former member of the pop-dance girl group 4minute and rose to fame after debuting with the hit song Hot Issue in 2009.
Not fooling everyone with her innocent look, HyunA has always been clear and vocal about where she stands. When her group disbanded, she bravely renewed her contract as a soloist with Cube Entertainment. Her rare and bold personality is adored by many.
Despite her personal problems with her management, HyunA became even more popular with her albums Bubble Pop! and A Talk. In 2020, the multi-talented artist was planning to make a comeback. However, due to health-related concerns, she was forced to go on a year-long hiatus.
Last August 2021, Hyuna released her mini album I’m Not Cool, together with her showbiz boyfriend, Dawn. In the same year, they debuted as a duo and were coined as the “Power Couple”.
5. IU
Lee Ji-eun, most known as IU, is a veteran Korean female Idol. At the age of 15, she started her solo career under the management of Kakao Entertainment and effortlessly proved her remarkable talent not only to the national but also to the international audience.
The 28-year-old star has always been consistent in delivering amazing and heart-warming songs, earning her mountain-like recognitions from different voting events. According to Korea Times, IU became the first female soloist to clinch two grand prizes with her hit music Blueming at the Golden Disc Award.
After releasing her 4th full album Palette in 2017, the artist took almost three years to prepare for her next comeback. During her break in singing, IU spent her time in the acting field as she starred in various Korean dramas like My Mister and Hotel Del Luna.
In March 2021, IU released her 5th album Lilac and scheduled her comeback last October 19, making her name trend on all social media platforms.
You cannot spell KPOP without the 2nd generation. Just like the saying goes, first love never dies. And while others may disagree, their songs can never be topped nor replaced by the new tunes. These artists are simply the backbone of the music industry.
So, tell us. Who is your bias?
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