K-Pop — Entry No. 1073
3세대
3rd-gen · noun
3세대
3rd-gen
[third-JEN-uh-RAY-shun]
nounbeginner
Meaning
Third-generation K-pop groups, roughly spanning 2013–2016, characterized by global ambition, sophisticated choreography, and heavy investment in international marketing. This era marked K-pop’s transition from a regional to worldwide phenomenon, introducing groups that define modern idol culture.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
TWICE, EXO, BLACKPINK, and Stray Kids (though later) epitomize 3rd-gen aesthetics and sound. Twice’s ‘Like Ooh-Ahh’ (2015) and EXO’s ‘Call Me Baby’ (2015) became generational anthems. This era is nostalgic for many international fans who discovered K-pop between 2014–2017.
Example Sentences
TWICE는 3세대의 대표 걸그룹이야.
TWICE-neun 3-se-dae-ui dae-pyo geol-geu-rup-i-ya.
TWICE is the representative 3rd-gen girl group—acknowledging their iconic status.
3세대 댄스는 정말 깔끔해.
3-se-dae daen-seu-neun jeong-mal kkah-kkeum-hae.
3rd-gen dances are so clean—praising the era’s polished choreography.
나는 3세대 팬이야, EXO부터 알아.
Nah-neun 3-se-dae paen-i-ya, EXO-bu-tuh ah-lah.
I’m a 3rd-gen fan—I’ve known EXO since the beginning (marker of loyalty).
⚠️ Don’t use 3rd-gen when…
1) Generational boundaries overlap—some groups don’t fit neatly (BLACKPINK formed 2016, often debated). 2) Differs from IVE, NewJeans, and Stray Kids who emerged later despite talent predating 3rd-gen.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Itaewon Class — References to generational shifts in Korean society mirror how K-pop eras mark cultural moments.
- K-Pop: EXO — ‘Call Me Baby’ (2015) became the generational anthem, defining 3rd-gen vocal and dance standards.
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.