These Women Are Changing K-Pop

The Fourth Generation of K-pop officially began in 2018. If unfamiliar, K-pop is loosely divided into generations which last technically a decade, but in practice more about every five years. All groups who debuted from sometime in early 2018 are considered Fourth Generation. Technically, the Fourth Generation should come to an end soon--but like I said--these categorizations are a bit nebulous and somewhat determined after the fact.

The determination of what makes a K-pop generation is less the age of the idols or the current year, but overall commonality groups from these generations share. In short, if you asked fans what year the K-pop generations started and stopped, you'd likely get many different answers.

Currently, we are right in the middle of the Fourth Generation. So far, the Fourth Generation has defined itself as focusing on dance and high concept groups. Social media--while present in past generations--has taken on more importance with TikTok dance challenges now a definitive part of promoting a new song.

Each generation has its standouts and idols who truly brought something new to the industry. I wanted focus on just some of the women of the Fourth Generation who are changing K-pop forever.

Le Sserafim

Le Sserafim's career started off a bit rocky. With a member leaving the group just a few weeks after debut, it seemed like this could doom the group. However, the group managed to bounce back. They put out one of the top songs of 2022 with "Antifragile" and have proven their individual talents.

I am highlighting the entire group because each brings something unique to the industry. Also, while not entirely something the members have control over, their company is much less restrictive about interacting with other idols, including male idols and idols from other companies. They can curse, they can write songs, they can drink on camera.

To highlight just a couple of members, Huh Yunjin--despite debuting just last year--already has multiple writing credits on their songs. While she has not written a leading single, I feel it is only a matter of time. Sakura is already a veteran in the K-pop AND J-pop industries. A former member of IZ*ONE as well as two Japanese groups, Sakura is the oldest member of the group. She is known for being laidback, friendly, and approachable. She is unafraid to interact with other idols and protect the younger members of the group. In addition, she's launched a cosmetics line in Japan and has a forthcoming clothing line collaboration.

Soyeon

Soyeon--whose full name is Jeon Soyeon--is the main rapper and leader of Fourth Generation girl group, (G)Idle. Not only is Soyeon highly sought out by other idols for collaborations (she's already worked with major names including Key from Shinee and Hyoyeon from Girl's Generation), but Soyeon fully self-produces for her group. Of course, she has help, but she writes, she instructs her members in the studio, she mixes.

This is rare in the industry and even more rare for a female idol. There have been a few female idols from other generations who are known for their songwriting or producing capabilities. However, Soyeon--who was also mentored by LE who writes for her group EXID--has arguably made it bigger than they were at the same point in their careers.

Soyeon is helping to pave the way for more self-produced girl groups in K-pop and it is one of my biggest desires for the industry in the next ten years.

NewJeans

Another whole group mention, but if you're a K-pop fan, you know why NewJeans is on this list. They had the biggest song of 2022 and likely one of the songs that will define the Fourth Generation with "Hype Boy." Having just debuted, the NewJeans gals are still very young. When they debuted, their concept was different from any other seen for years.

With a fresh-faced early aughts concept, they instantly became popular for not trying to seem like idols. They give off the vibes of having a slumber party in high school and finding the perfect matching outfits. NewJeans feels imperfect and young in exactly the way that it makes you feel nostalgic (for those of us that are old) and empowered.

Somi

A former member of the temporary group IOI, Somi was slated to debut with JYP girl group, Itzy. However, before debut, she left JYP and joined a subsidiary of YG Entertainment called The Black Label. Many believed she debuted as a soloist too soon in 2019. By 2021 though, Somi put out two smash hits and her first full length album with either a writing or music credit on every song.

Somi is breaking barriers by being successful as a biracial idol, writing her own songs, and having a very large say in her music. She is certain to go on and further solidify her voice as a soloist.

There are many other amazing Fourth Generation women and girls who are doing new and innovative things in the industry. However, the ones on this list are the ones that I believe in my personal opinion will make a major impact on the Fourth Generation of K-pop as a whole. Plus, this doesn't touch on the women who have already changed K-pop! Which Fourth Generation idol do you think deserves to be on this list?