KPop Generations... 1st & 2nd here. And 3rd, and 4th

Ran into Rain, searching for KPop, on a random playlist.

My Youtube searches were gathering in some good music. KPop, the sound. The moves. 

But this one caught my attention cuz it was more a sound I was used to here (in the west), more like what I have listened to. Over the years.

And when I watched it, these moves were slowed down. Relatively speaking. And not as crisp. 

I pursued several Rain performances. Fun! 

Made sense to me that some of his MV's have been around for a while, and show Hip Hop influences.

And when I researched KPop history, sure enough Rain is one of KPop's "1st generation".

KPop is recognized to have four "generations". From the time it started, in the 90's, KPop has gone through an evolution marked by the different groups, idols, soloists...

But who's on first?

Watching vids on KPop history describe the collective goals of South Korea giving way to a rise of democracy and individualism. And who, in the music world gets the most credit? 

Seo Taiji. Described as the most influential KPop artist in history. The story of his revolutionary music and style led the way to changes in the whole culture. The young people went crazy for the new energy and social commentary in Seo Taiji's music, with influences of hip hop, heavy metal, rock, and the new rap music genre. Pursuing individualism, Seo Taiji was the embodiment of something rebellious. And South Korea led the way in East Asia, getting beyond traditional music, ballads and trots (like country music). 

KPop begins...

Let's give a quick run down of the performers in each generation, an MV to go with, then come back for more stories...

So, first gen 1990-2000 Seo Taiji and the Boys

Shinhwa, S.E.S, Sech Kies, Turbo, G.O.D., Fly to the Sky, and H.O.T.

Rain, Hyori, and BoA were well known solo artists.

And if I've got this right, three music industry companies SM, JYG, YG, got going with an...interesting approach to "finding" Kpop idols and forming groups. "Management agencies in South Korea offer binding contracts to potential artists, sometimes at ayoung age. Trainees live together in a regulated environment and spend many hours a day learning music, dance, foreign languages, and other skills in preparation for their debut."

And that began (with SM Entertainment) way back in the 1st Gen era. 

That is so interesting, it needs a whole social commentary page of its own here on Mischief. 

For now, the music...

Oldies but goodies from H.O.T. and Shinhwa.

More 1st Gen. This from Rain again, showing his travels, some of his influences. Rain is looked up to by the younger generations. Invited to a reality competition show deciding on members for a 4th Gen group... 

And a couple more from Widy G cuz they just it made onto my soma dance playlist while I was researching... A little jazz rap with friends. Jajaja

TVXQ!, SS501, Super Junior, Girls Generation, SHINee, 2PM. Infinite, Block B...

And Big Bang in 2006!

Okay this is where I came in to KPop. Not that I was watching at the time these groups got going, but Youtube offers up quite a few of these 2nd Gens during general searches.

No wonder!

And the early timing of Big Bang, starting in 2006, explains its different vibe. Not as synchronized or crisp as Gen 3 offers up, but more free flow, one of a kind. 

See what I mean here...love the laid back choreography. And the Big Bang five. With GDragon too cool. Taeyang, best mover out there.

Okay, now that Bad Boy is up, I'm done for the day. 

That's it.

My GD tattoo...his Basquiat Crown.

Back and ready for more Big Bang.

Always...morning till night. 

Bang Bang Bang blasted Big Bang's huge, lasting popularity. And the first few bars to start, soooo familiar, eh?

Getting to know these guys, with every music vid. The mishmash of their vids held together with the common thread of creativity and talent. (And freaking hotness)

Monster, with a touching punchline... 

After a few BB mv's, compilations, and a solo or two, I was seeing GDragon's brilliance, his genius. Yup. I said it. And see nothing about him that changes my mind... And ultimate cool a part of that. Hooked.

Now I've discovered that GDragon is everyone's idol, even Lee Min Ho's lol (world popular KDrama star of stars)

This MV of GDragon's is posted elsewhere on Mischief. Because...

So here, GD living without limits.

Projecting fearlessness. Nothing to lose. Vulnerable. Crooked...

I am crazy for the expression.

It's a match to my feelings some days. Most.

I gotta read the story behind this one, Who You. But really love the set, interaction with his adoring fans, moves. Such a relaxed vibe. 

GDragon gets posted a lot to Instagram. Fan pages. 

So loved. He books a lot of fashion shoots, worldwide.

His personal style is crazy... Crazy good.

Besides Big Bang and the boys with their solos, there are more 2nd Gen songs to fill the spaces inside...

TVXQ! 2 guys. Keep Your Head Down

2nd Gen's SHINee...a group that's kept going, with ups and downs...

Here's an early one, around 2000, that made it on to an early playlist of mine, Lucifer.

2PM! Love this group. They are so much fun!

And two of them, Taecyon and Junho are in KDramas.

I am a fan!  I'll get the names. (Vincenzo!)

But this MV, lively! Hands up! From 2011...

A KPop guyliner era. A fav era ya? Or is it just me?

So let's do a rap battle with Zico and Rap Monster...

Cool guys. All that. Cuz that's the game.