4th Generation K-Pop Girl Groups, Analysis

 

NewJeans and IVE has proven the successful transition from the 3rd Generation to the 4th Generation girl group. Looking at the current Melon Chart, (Consider Melon Chart as a Korean Billboard Chart) NewJeans and IVE are topping the chart, beating BLACKPINK, the main girl group of the 3rd Generation K-Pop girl group.

Melon Chart Top 10, 2 SEP 2022

As a K-Pop producer myself, I pay close attention to the current trend and direction the K-Pop scene is taking. Since there are no further anticipated major debuts of additional new girl groups from the big 4 K-Pop Entertainment companies (HYBE, SM, YG, JYP) we can say that NewJeans will be the last runner of the so-called '4th Generation K-Pop Girl Group'. Now as a K-Pop producer, I see there are interesting trends that are taking place in the scene, so I'd like to break down how the K-Pop world is being reshaped by these new girl groups. 

 

If you pay close attention to the paths each girl group is taking, you can see there are clear differences in their style of music. I categorize them as sophisticated, cliche and experimental.

 

The girl groups that will be discussed in this post are: NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, and aespa.

 

1. NewJeans & LE SSERAFIM

Both under the umbrella of HYBE, NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM are taking similar paths in terms of their music style. If I were to categorize NewJeans' Attention, I'd say the music is in the style of Neo Soul, R&B. NewJeans - Attention uses an interesting harmonic technique called Modal Interchange, which you can often hear in Neo Soul music. Also the instrumentation is very minimal. EP (Electric Piano) is the main instrument accompanied with Synth Bass (Another huge Neo Soul characteristic) and natural sounding Acoustic drum sets. A typical R&B instrumentation. In comparison, LE SSERAFIM's FEARLESS shares similar characteristics. Simple instrumentation that includes electric bass and natural sounding Acoustic drum sets for their Chorus part. However, I'd not classify the music as Neo Soul because unlike NewJeans' Attention, the song has relatively simpler harmony. LE SSERAFIM's FEARLESS is more of a R&B, Pop style. However both girl groups have similar sounds mostly driven by their simple instrumentation, which I think adds a more sophisticated and edgy vibe to the groups. I also think it played significant role in making them sound 'fresh & new'

 

* If you'd like to see the harmonic analysis of NewJeans - Attention, check out my recent post!

Chords, Analysis for NewJeans (뉴진스) - Attention

 

2. IVE

Starship Entertainment's new girl group IVE conquered the K-Pop chart right away with its tune  "Love Dive" back in April, followed by their latest release "After Like", yet another No. 1 hit song in the K-Pop market. Despite their successful record, I find them somewhat cliche because the style is another typical K-Pop music. Which is still great music but there is definitely no 'freshness' in their sound. IVE is in the style of Disco, Dance Pop, accompanied by rich synth sound. We could find that style of music easily in many different 1st & 2nd generation girl groups. In my opinion, IVE resembles a lot of classic K-Pop girl groups such as Girl's Generation. IVE is repeating what has been successful in the past, opting for the safe route.

 

3. aespa

SM Entertainment paved the way for lots of K-Pop idol groups that we listen to nowadays. I truly admire and respect their experimental style. aespa is arguably the most unique girl group out of all the girl groups in the current scene. They have a unique concept. They have developed this new 'cyber aesthetic' both in their visuals and their music. If you pay close attention to 'Savage' there are few cyber sounding fx here and there. If I were to categorize aespa's genre, it'd definitely be a combination of Trap, Hyperpop, Hip Hop and EDM. What's truly great about aespa is that they've developed a truly unique and exclusive sound which I think is almost worth coming up with a new name for their specific style.

 

We do not know who will end up dominating the 4th Generation K-Pop girl group, but my best guess is that it will either be NewJeans or aespa. IVE will definitely have a huge chance of being No.1 in the Korean domestic market because it is sticking to the classic K-Pop sound which will be very familiar to Korean K-Pop fans. However, globally speaking, I think NewJeans and aespa has a better edge. I was a little worried when NewJeans came out with such an Indie style of music but counterintuitively it effectively captured global K-Pop fans, a great start for the group. I truly wish the very best for each girl group, and hopefully I'd be able to pitch my song to one of those girl groups in the future. Also If you are still reading, I really appreciate your visit!