The gold generation of K-Pop—Gen 2which defined an era from the mid -2000s until the early 2010: once the rankings and hearts of Asia dominated. But advance quickly to 2025 and only Nine groups of girls of that legendary cohort They are still standing. Here is a rupture of the remaining icons and their evolving bequests.
1. Big Mama
Debut in 2003, Great mom It is perhaps the first group of girls of Gen 2 still active. While their traditional influence has decreased, singer Lee Young-Hyun continue to shine through musical performances such as Immortal songs. After a break since 2012-2021, the group made a quiet return, flying far under the radar.
2. Sunny Hill
Initially co-and and debuting in 2007, Sunny Hill Passed to a training full of women and is better remembered for their tracks in the iconic Hearing Game: in particular Tone waiting AND You don’t know. Despite being outside the traditional spotlight, the group still releases music for faithful fans.
3. Okdal (Moonlight Rooftop)
The indie-pop duo OkdalActive since 2010, he has gained a reputation for the creation of emotional ost for dramas such as I need romanticism AND Silence. While calmly in recent years (no new release since 2020), their delicate acoustic atmosphere keeps them booked at the festivals, although fans are wondering for their current direction.
4. J rabbit
Another indie act of 2010, J rabbit It remains active in the musical festivals of Korea with their acoustic-pop sound. Even if they have not released new material since 2020, their sweet voice and their simple instrumentation still resonate with fans.
Almost two decades in, Davichi‘S Leefly-ri AND Kang Min-Kyung remain unparalleled in the Scene of the Ballad of Korea. With timeless successes like 8282, Turtleand the legendary osts for Descendants of the sun AND Okay, this is loveThey are one of the rare groups that still enjoy traditional success.
Often classified as Gen 2.5 due to their debut in 2011, Apink boasts a faithful base of fans and impressive musical victories, including five consecutive victories on Core of music in 2015. Noto for the revitalization of K-pop retro with NinthThey remain one of the most stable Gen 2 acts both in the support of fans and in the quality of music.
KaraHit 2009 Gentleman (and his iconic dance of the Butt) catapulted them into superstard, especially in Japan, where they were considered the group of most successful Korean girls in the early 2010. With shots like Step AND LupineKara recently announced a tour in Japan from 2025, demonstrating their lasting appeal.
From Bo Peep Bo Peep TO Roly Poli AND Lovey-dovey, Tare Hit product after the blow. Despite a rocky journey full of disputes and internal dramas, their musical inheritance remains unnecessary. Although now less active, they continue to enjoy an unwavering support from their main fandom and are considered K-pop return queens.
9. Girls’ Generation (SNSD)
Although not as active as in their peak, the members of Generation of girls (SNSD) Continue to shine individually and always keep the door open for group meetings. SNSD contributed to laying the foundations for the modern K-Pop and has remodeled the group of women’s idol. Their influence extended well beyond Korea, becoming a milestone of the Hallyu Wave.
To date, each member has built a successful solo career, but their hearts remain connected to the group. SNSD is seen not only as a group of girls, but as a cultural icon of the late 2000s and early years 2010. If the day he had to come when Snsd officially melts, it will undoubtedly be one of the most overhaul in K-pop history, one who will bring global fans to tears.
With most of their peers disappeared for some time, these nine groups represent Resilience and evolution of the second generation of K-Pop. They survived scandals, changes in training and changing industry. Both through indie intimacy, the mastery of the ballad or the domain of the global stadium, they remind us why the gen 2 is called “Golden” first.
