The latest announcement from HYBE and Source Music is the official name of their latest K-pop idol girl group: Le Sserafim (르세라핌). K-pop idol fans, and K-pop fans in general, is divided over the name. Some claim it is not pronouncable while others say it means nothing.

There are many proposals on how to divide K-pop into different generations, unfortunately most are subjective. While there is nothing wrong with a subjective approach, we need to have something we can all, or most, can agree on—at least as a common basis or starting point. Allow me to present YourOnly.One’s objective approach to K-pop Generations, the only one you will ever need.

The 4th Generation of K-Pop Music started in 2022 and will end on 2031. Already an exciting generation as it was opened by supergroup Girls On Top through its subgroup GOT the beat which was quickly followed by newcomer girl group Kep1er, a generation which will definitely become a Girls’ Generation and everyday a Girl’s Day.

The 3rd Generation of K-Pop Music started in 2012 and ended in 2021. In this generation’s first year it was clear that K-pop is here to stay. Solo act Ailee together with groups Crayon Pop, NU’EST, EXO, and AOA showed what the third generation should be.

The 2nd Generation of K-Pop Music started in 2002 and ended in 2011 which was led by solo acts like Byul, Gummy, and Se7en; and the revival of K-pop groups by TVXQ!, SS501, and Super Junior.

The 1st Generation of K-Pop Music started in 1992 and ended in 2001. Here are the pioneering groups and solo acts who started the modern K-pop that we all know today.