The 3rd Generation of K-pop (2012 - 2017)
2012 – 2017, the 3rd generation of K-pop. Taking K-pop to a whole new level of recognition, making K-pop well-known in Western countries. From 2009 - 2012 this was the time K-pop took the world by storm as mentioned in my blog post “The 2nd Generation of K-pop”, with it creating a whole new path for future artists and thus being generation 3!
This generation was well-known by artists such as EXO, BTS, Twice, Blackpink, GOT 7, Seventeen and many others! These groups gained a lot of attention since their debut from their hard work, and unique style of music, fashion and choreography.
![]() |
BTS Fire MV. Photo by Soompi BTS Fire Music Video |
BlackPink Boombahyah Music Video
The
two videos gave a new type of music in the era a cool and upbeat vibe. This was
the type of trend during that year.
BTS
and Blackpink are the two most well-known groups worldwide, not one person will
say “I do not know them” They are so famous that everyone must have heard of
them once or twice. BTS was the biggest group to have created the K-pop path
followed by Blackpink 1 year later. Making K-pop into something international
to more people. Not only did BTS and Blackpink gain much media attention but
also groups such as EXO, GOT7 and Twice with their fandoms sharing their
content as well on the media platform.
![]() |
| BTS AND BLACKPINK MTV VMAs Photo by Hindustan Times |
Twice Cry for Me dance practice video
NCT Make a Wish dance practice video
Koreos choreography cover of Blackpinks Boombahyah
What made Generation 3 so different?
Instead
of YouTube being the main sharing platform this is the era where social media grew,
and content was able to be shared anywhere. Making it easy for fans to connect
all around the world.
Viral music videos that got K-pop booming again in the 3rd generation were, BTS – Dope, Blackpink - Boombahyah, Twice – OhhAhh, EXO – Call Me Baby, Red Velvet – Russian Roulette.
Here are links to their music videos: BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, EXO, RED VELVET
This generation was what got me hooked on K-pop, with the style, music video, and choreography. It opened a whole new world for me to explore. This led me to attend my first K-pop concert in 2019, BlackPink.
![]() |
| Photos by me |
Here are some of my favourite songs from the third generation. Feel free to check them out or recommend some of your favourites in the comments!
- Twice - Cheer up
- Blackpink - Kill this love
- BTS - Spring Day




BTS spring day is one of my most favourite songs
ReplyDeleteKOMNASHIMIDAR OPPAR
ReplyDelete