The third generation is when K-pop went global. Thanks to social media, K-pop made an enormous breakthrough onto the world stage during this generation.

The idol training programmes established during the second generation of K-pop paved the way for the groups of the third generation to conquer the global stage.

The intense social media boom, where fandoms became more mainstream thanks to sites like YouTube and X (formerly known as Twitter), brought huge global success for K-pop artists.

International fans subtitled videos of their favourite idols into dozens of different languages, growing large fan bases in places all over the world. The Western world was waking up to K-pop thanks largely to fan effort.

Third-generation K-pop groups were now more likely to have English-speaking members and were able to extend their tours further afield to North America, Latin America, and Europe.

The second generation ended in the early 2010s. The third generation kicked off some point after the release of PSY’s “Gangnam Style”, which has remained one of the most well-known K-pop songs to this day.

The end of the third generation is hotly debated, as the lines between generations continue to blur more and more. The general agreement, however, is that it concluded towards the end of the 2010s.

This is our list of the third generation’s most iconic songs!

“CALL ME BABY” by EXO (2015)

EXO is widely regarded as one of the first major groups that defined the third generation. Split into EXO-K and EXO-M at debut, the group had both Korean and Mandarin versions of their music, and built a huge Asian fanbase. After abandoning the split group concept, EXO’s popularity still continued to grow and reached its peak during the mid-2010s.

“CHEER UP” by TWICE (2016)

K-pop groups formed through survival reality TV shows became extremely prominent during the third generation. Arguably, one of the most successful groups that has come out of one of these shows is TWICE, although many K-pop fans often forget that fact.

“Energetic” by Wanna One (2017)

Another huge group formed by a survival show, Wanna One was created through the second season of Produce 101. The group disbanded at the end of their contract in 2018, but when they were active they had an immense following that rivalled other major groups of the time.

“Décalcomanie” by MAMAMOO (2016)

When you think about impressive vocal ability in K-pop, it’s hard not to think about MAMAMOO. Their singing talents are recognised by fans from many other groups. Establishing themselves as a unique girl group thanks to their varied discography, MAMAMOO has several chart-topping albums.

“VERY NICE” by SEVENTEEN (2016)

Although 13 members might be a lot for the average person to get their head around, SEVENTEEN’s concept of ‘self-producing idols’ and separate vocal, hip-hop, and performance teams gives the group a strong identity, which resonates with fans. SEVENTEEN has steadily grown its fan base since its debut in 2015, continuing to release hits even into the fourth generation.

“BBoom BBoom” by MOMOLAND (2018)

MOMOLAND released one of the most popular songs of the year in 2018 with their viral hit “BBoom BBoom”. An electro-swing dance-pop hit, the song’s catchy choreo and fun hook meant that it got stuck in every K-pop fan’s head for the rest of that year.

“If You Do” by GOT7 (2015)

Debuting in 2014, GOT7 was a major K-pop group that had members from a number of different places: South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United States. GOT7 is JYP Entertainment’s third-generation representative boy group, continuing the masculine and acrobatic concept of 2PM. No song represents this better than “If You Do”.

“Up & Down” by EXID (2014)

One of the best examples of how fan effort can send a group to stardom is EXID. When “Up & Down” was first released it did not make much of an impact. But after a fancam of member Hani performing the song went viral, it became a commercial success and one of the most popular K-pop songs of the year.

“Blood Sweat & Tears” by BTS (2016)

It’s hard to overstate how much of an impact BTS had on K-pop on the international stage. One of the groups that has most successfully communicated with fans on social media, BTS reached new heights internationally with the support of ARMY. The song “Blood Sweat & Tears” was a huge success in South Korea and set the stage for BTS to dominate K-pop globally over the next few years.

“Red Flavor” by Red Velvet (2017)

One of Red Velvet’s most popular songs “Red Flavor” is synonymous with summer for K-pop fans. The group even performed this song in North Korea in 2018 as a part of a diplomatic initiative to improve the relationship between North and South Korea. It’s safe to say that this song is cemented in K-pop history.

“Shine” by PENTAGON (2018)

“Shine” became an unexpected viral hit that crossed fandom boundaries to become popular amongst all K-pop fans. It was written by some of the members of PENTAGON, and despite never having a music show win, this song remains an absolute favourite of the third generation to this day.

“As If It’s Your Last” by BLACKPINK (2017)

A list of the most iconic songs from K-pop’s third generation cannot exist without including BLACKPINK. Their popularity has been absolutely immense since their debut. The group has become K-pop’s most famous girl group globally and their standalone single “As If It’s Your Last” demonstrates their huge star power.

Which third-generation song is your favourite? Comment it below!

Edited by Nicole Tilby.