The golden generation of K-pop—Gen 2, which defined an era from the mid-2000s through the early 2010s—once dominated Asia’s charts and hearts. But fast-forward to 2025, and only nine girl groups from that legendary cohort are still standing. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining icons and their evolving legacies.
1. Big Mama
Debuting in 2003, Big Mama is perhaps the earliest Gen 2 girl group still active. While their mainstream influence waned, vocalist Lee Young-hyun continues to shine through music shows like Immortal Songs. After a hiatus from 2012–2021, the group made a quiet comeback—largely flying under the radar.
2. Sunny Hill
Initially co-ed and debuting in 2007, Sunny Hill transitioned to a full-female lineup and is best remembered for their tracks in the iconic Audition game—particularly Waiting Tone and You Don’t Know. Despite staying out of the mainstream spotlight, the group still releases music for loyal fans.
3. OKDAL (Rooftop Moonlight)
The indie-pop duo OKDAL, active since 2010, gained a reputation for crafting emotive OSTs for dramas like I Need Romance and Hush. While quiet in recent years (no new releases since 2020), their gentle acoustic vibe keeps them booked at festivals—though fans wonder about their current direction.
4. J Rabbit
Another indie act from 2010, J Rabbit remains active in Korea’s music festivals with their signature acoustic-pop sound. Though they haven’t released new material since 2020, their sweet vocals and simple instrumentation still resonate with fans.
5. DAVICHI
Nearly two decades in, DAVICHI‘s Lee Hae-ri and Kang Min-kyung remain unmatched in Korea’s ballad scene. With timeless hits like 8282, Turtle, and legendary OSTs for Descendants of the Sun and It’s Okay, That’s Love, they are one of the rare groups still enjoying mainstream success.
6. Apink
Often classified as Gen 2.5 due to their 2011 debut, Apink boasts a loyal fanbase and impressive music show wins, including five consecutive victories on Music Core in 2015. Known for revitalizing retro K-pop with No No No, they remain one of the most stable Gen 2 acts in both fan support and music quality.
7. KARA
KARA‘s 2009 hit Mister (and its iconic butt dance) catapulted them into superstardom, especially in Japan, where they were considered the most successful Korean girl group during the early 2010s. With hits like STEP and Lupin, KARA recently announced a 2025 Japan tour, proving their enduring appeal.
8. T-ARA
From Bo Peep Bo Peep to Roly Poly and Lovey-Dovey, T-ARA produced hit after hit. Despite a rocky journey filled with controversies and internal drama, their music legacy remains untarnished. Though less active now, they continue to enjoy unwavering support from their core fandom and are considered K-pop’s comeback queens.
9. Girls’ Generation (SNSD)
Though not as active as in their prime, the members of Girls’ Generation (SNSD) continue to shine individually—and always hold the door open for group reunions. SNSD helped lay the foundation for modern K-pop and reshaped the female idol group model. Their influence extended far beyond Korea, becoming a cornerstone of the Hallyu Wave.
To this day, each member has built a successful solo career, but their hearts remain connected to the group. SNSD is seen not just as a girl group, but as a cultural icon of the late 2000s and early 2010s. Should the day come when SNSD officially disbands, it will undoubtedly be one of the most heartbreaking moments in K-pop history—one that will bring global fans to tears.
With most of their peers long gone, these nine groups represent the resilience and evolution of K-pop’s second generation. They’ve survived scandals, lineup changes, and a rapidly shifting industry. Whether through indie intimacy, ballad mastery, or global stage dominance, they remind us why Gen 2 is called “golden” in the first place.
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