Summary of Only the 3rd Gen have a “big 3” let it rest and move on
- Who is the 3rd generation K-pop?
- Who is the first LGBT kpop idol?
- What is 7 Years Curse in K-pop?
- Which K-pop idol is LGBT?
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Third-generation K-pop (roughly 2012-2018/2019) saw global explosion, featuring iconic groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, EXO, Red Velvet, and SEVENTEEN, defining the era with massive international reach, social media engagement, and diverse musical styles, solidifying K-pop’s worldwide presence with hits and groundbreaking concepts.
This video highlights some of the most popular songs from the 3rd generation of K-pop:
40s
K-Ville Entertainment
YouTube • Sep 11, 2023
Key Characteristics of 3rd Gen:
Global Expansion: K-pop became a truly worldwide phenomenon.
Social Media Rise: Direct fan interaction via Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Diverse Concepts: From dark hip-hop (BTS) to vibrant girl-crush (BLACKPINK) and unique sounds (Red Velvet, Mamamoo).
Prominent Groups:
Boy Groups: BTS, EXO, SEVENTEEN, GOT7, NCT, Monsta X, WINNER, iKON.
Girl Groups: BLACKPINK, TWICE, Red Velvet, Mamamoo, GFriend, Oh My Girl, WJSN.
This video provides a reaction to the interactions between 3rd generation K-pop groups:
1m
The MTF Plug 2
YouTube • Dec 16, 2023
Watch this video to learn about the Big Three of the 3rd generation for boy groups:
59s
nova
YouTube • Nov 14, 2025
The “Big 3” (Often Debated, But Key Players):
BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE are frequently cited as leaders in sales, reach, and impact.
This generation set the stage for the 4th gen, with groups like Stray Kids bridging the gap around 2018-2019.
10 Top 3rd Gen Kpop Groups (2026 List)
The Big 3 of 3rd-gen Kpop are BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO of this era. These three groups got the biggest in sales, worldwide reach, a…
KpopBeen
Best 3rd Generation K-Pop Girl Groups: Blackpink, TWICE, Red …
Best 3rd Generation K-Pop Girl Groups: Blackpink, TWICE, Red Velvet & More. … Following the path paved by their preceding musica…
Yahoo
4 Generations of K-Pop Explained – Kpop Exchange
Third Generation (2012-2019) BLACKPINK, TWICE, SEVENTEEN, and Red Velvet. This generation also saw the rise of social media, with …
Kpop Exchange
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Only the 3rd Gen have a “big 3” let it rest and move on
I do not understand the obsession with the “big 3” groups, especially coming from new generation stans, when the only generation that has had one is the 3rd gen.
For the rest of the generations, you can argue about the groups in the top 3, but for the 3rd gen, most agree that BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE are the “big 3.”
Just because the 3rd gen has it does not mean it is the standard.
Instead of being happy that multiple groups are achieving high levels, they nitpick which achievements matter the most to make their faves join the random rankings people post on social media.