Since we are approaching the mark to the 4th generation of Kpop, let’s look back on some Kpop history. I will be listing the Kpop groups which were formed in the 2000s (2000-2009).

Did not Disband and Active in 2019

TVXQ/DBSK (since 2003, released Japan Album XV in 2019)

Super Junior/SUJU/SJ (since 2005, released 9th album Time Slip in 2019)

Brown Eyed Girls (since 2006, released album RE_vive in 2019)

Note: I did not include bands like FT Island and CNBLUE which are not exactly Kpop groups. Of course, I enjoy their music like Can’t Stop and love Hongki’s voice.

Did not Disband but Currently Inactive or with about half the members active

Bigbang (inactive, military hiatus. I have no idea where to place them since they just ended their service. May have a CB in 2020)

SNSD/Girls’ Generation (inactive, Sooyoung, Seohyun, Tiffany departure from SM in 2019 and Jessica’s departure in 2016. There may be a CB in the future.)

Shinee (inactive due to military hiatus except for Taemin as SuperM and soloist)

SS501 (inactive, last cb in 2009)

2pm (inactive, last cb in 2016)

F(x) (inactive, last cb in 2015)

Beast/Highlight (active, last cb in 2018 but 4/6 remain with ex-member caught up in Burning Sun crime)

MBLAQ (inactive, last cb in 2015, 3/5 remain)

T-ARA (inactive, last cb in 2017, 4/11 remain)

U-KISS (active, 3/10 remain)

Sunny Hill (active, 4/7 remain)

5tion (all original members left)

F-iV (inactive, last cb in 2012)

Noel (inactive, last cb in 2015)

Tritops (inactive, last CB in 2015, however, active in OST releases)

Disbanded

Wonder Girls

Kara

2am

2NE1

4Minute

After School

Secret

Rainbow (reformed for 10 anniversary in 2019)

Papaya

Jewelry

KISS

M.I.L.K

jtL

Blackbeat

LUV

Shinvi (never knew what happened, SM did not clarify)

Sugar

LPG

CSJH the Grace

Paran

Seeya

Blackpearl

JQT

SHU-I

Although a majority of the groups are inactive or have disbanded, let’s not forget the mark they left on Kpop history. These groups left an incredible legacy that was passed on to the current (3rd) generation of Kpop which solidified the spread of Kpop to the world. Let’s hope that the 2nd generation’s legacy, the “Hallyu Wave” and letting Kpop be known to Asia and the rest of the world will remain relevant in the near future when the 4th generation starts.