K-netizens are divided over a controversial opinion: 4th generation idols are all visuals but lack talent?
Many netizens think that it is still too early to evaluate the entire 4th generation of Kpop idols when some big companies have not even debuted their ace rookies.
When discussing the 4th generation idol groups, there is an opinion that has sparked fierce controversy on a famous Korean online community. It comes from a post that says Kpop’s 4th generation lacks talent. Their visuals are all above average, but no 4th gen idol is really excellent in singing, dancing, rapping or acting.
To prove their point, the original poster (OP) listed out the most outstanding talents in each category of singing, dancing and rapping among idols of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation.
1st generation
VOCAL: Ok Joo Hyun (Fin.K.L), Bada (S.E.S), Kangta (H.O.T), Shin Hyesung (Shinhwa), Hwanhee (Fly To The Sky), Kim Taewoo (g.o.d)
DANCE: Jang Woohyuk (H.O.T), Jun Jin (Shinhwa), Seven, Bi Rain, BoA
RAP: Eun Jiwon (Sechs Kies), Teddy
2nd generation
VOCAL: Taeyeon (SNSD), Xiah Junsu (former TVXQ member), Heo Youngsaeng (SS501), Yesung – Ryeowook – Kyuhyun (Super Junior), Taeyang (Big Bang), Jonghyun (SHINee), CSJH The Grace, Brown Eyed Girls , IU, Lee Honggi (FTIsland), Yang Yoseob (Highlight), Sandeul (B1A4), Luna (f(x)), Hyorin (SISTAR), Jung Eunji (A Pink)
DANCE: Eunhyuk (Super Junior), Hyoyeon (SNSD), Taemin (SHINee), Park Jaebum, Hyunah, Stephanie (CSJH The Grace), Hoya (former INFINITE member), Minzy (former 2NE1 member), Kahi (former member of INFINITE), After School member)
RAP: Miryo (Brown Eyed Girls), Park Jaebum, Yong Junhyung (former Highlight member), Zico (Block B), CL (former member (2NE1)
3rd generation
VOCAL: Solji (EXID), Wendy (Red Velvet), Rosé (BLACKPINK), Yuju (GFRIEND), MAMAMOO, BTOB, Chen – Baekhyun (EXO), Leo (VIXX), Kang Seungyoon (WINNER), Seunghee (Oh My Girl) ), Kihyun (MONSTA X), Hui (PENTAGON), Kei (Lovelyz), Yoo Yeonjung (WJSN), DK – Boo Seungkwan (SEVENTEEN)
DANCE: Kai (EXO), J-Hope (BTS), Yugyeom (GOT7), Seulgi (Red Velvet), Lisa (BLACKPINK), Momo (TWICE), SinB (GFRIEND), YooA (Oh My Girl), Hoshi (SEVENTEEN) )
RAP: LE (EXID), Song Mino (WINNER), Bobby (iKON), Jooheon (MONSTA X), Ravi (VIXX), RM – Suga (BTS), Jennie (BLACKPINK), Mimi (Oh My Girl), EXY ( WJSN)
OP also thinks that 4th generation idols are somewhat different from idols of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation because many groups don’t even have official positions for the members. This leads to speculation that management agencies are aiming to introduce groups whose members’ abilities are equal, but this has unintentionally shown that no member is exceptionally good at any field.
This opinion has quickly drawn mixed reactions from Korean netizens. Many disagree and claim that it is still too early to judge an entire generation of idols when this is only the beginning of a new phase. In particular, when major companies like JYP and YG debut new girl groups (JYPn and Baby Monster) in the near future, many netizens believe more outstanding talented idols will be introduced.
Some comments from Korean netizens:
[+65, -12] OP is a fan of the 2nd gen, right? In the end, only the 3rd and 4th gen idols get sweared at[+61, -74] I’m not sure about male idols but among female idols, there is aespa[+47, -6] When 5th gen idols debut, 4th gen idols will be the ones getting praised ㅋㅋ Just wait and see[+31, -2] aespa’s Winter and Ning Ning are really good at singing though? ITZY is good at dancing[+25, -4] Winter’s vocals are good. Besides, the 4th generation is only starting now, many groups will make their debuts soon so why quickly judge that they lack talent?[+21, -1] But this is the truth[+17, -22] But I think Giselle raps well. Even IVE’s Rei is good at rapping [+15, -1] The main 4th gen groups of big companies haven’t debuted yet? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Why are you so quick to say there’s no talent ㅋㅋㅋ[+12, -0] Isn’t Jeon Soyeon a 4th generation idol? Personally, I think her talent is the top among all female idols today. She is both good at rapping and songwriting [+12, -1] I saw the upcoming JYP girl group’s cover videos the other day and their singing is no joke. Also, YG and HYBE’s new groups haven’t debuted yet
