K-POP 4th Gen
An era when groups debut targeting the global market from the start, and storylines, self-production and short-form challenges have become important.
2018–2022 · 18 acts
- · Many groups now have overseas fans making up more than half of their fanbase from debut.
- · During COVID-19, online concerts and video communication became central to activities.
- · More groups have members who write and produce their own songs.
Group 18
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Key events of this era
- 2018BTS's 'LOVE YOURSELF 轉 Tear' became the first Korean album to top the Billboard 200.
- 2018BTS became the first K-pop group to give a speech at a UNICEF event at the UN General Assembly.
- 2019BLACKPINK became the first K-pop girl group to perform at the Coachella festival in the US.
- 2020BTS was nominated at the 63rd Grammy Awards for 'Dynamite', becoming the first K-pop act nominated for a Grammy.
- 2020BTS's 'Dynamite' debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the first Hot 100 No. 1 by a Korean act (chart dated August 29).
- 2021Big Hit Entertainment changed its name to HYBE after its March shareholders' meeting and moved to a multi-label structure.
- 2022BTS announced a temporary pause in group activities to focus on individual work.
- 2022Gaon Chart was renamed Circle Chart.
- 2022NewJeans, from HYBE's ADOR, debuted with 'Attention'.