The 2nd Generations K-pop

Generation Two of K-pop starts around 2001 and ends around 2011. Many more idol groups debuted, such as Big Bang, Girls Generation (SNSD), Shinee, 2NE1, Wonder Girls, and Super Junior. The choreography of each generation became more intricate over time. However, one of the main differences between Generation One and Generation Two were the different types of merchandise that were sold with the groups’ albums.

The classic album consisted of the CD and a photobook with the album description. However, starting in Generation Two, the first photocard was printed by SM entertainment. A photocard is a collectible picture of a member or group, about the size of a debit card. The first appearance of these photocards were in Girls Generation’s album “Oh!” in 2010. As more companies started to print their own photocards, many also added goods like multiple photocards, postcards and posters to their albums. Fans were excited for these additions and used these tradeable collectibles as a way to communicate with others within the fanbase.

During this time, the first lightstick was made for and by the K-pop group, Bigbang. The members wanted to see their fans in the crowd while they performed and proceeded to have lightsticks made for fans to purchase. With the release of “the Bangbong,” the official name of Bigbang’s lightstick, many idol groups were influenced and produced their own. This allowed each fandom to be more uniform, feel independent from other fandoms during performances, and created a sense of fandom loyalty.

A list of notable 2nd generation male K-Pop groups includes BIGBANG, Super Junior, 2PM, SHINee, TVXQ, 2AM, Beast , FTIsland, CNBLUE, SS501, INFINITE, MBLAQ, BOYFRIEND and BLOCK B,TEEN TOP, B1A4, MYNAME, F.Cuz, SHU-I and ZE:A

A list of notable 2nd generation Female K-Pop groups includes Girls' Generation, KARA, 2NE1, Wonder Girls, F(x), Apink, 4Minute, Brown Eyed Girls, T-ara, Miss A, After School, Girl's Day, SISTAR, and Rainbow.