2 weeks ago
33
The late 1990s marked a revolutionary period in South Korean music, witnessing the birth of the first generation K-pop idol system. This era laid the foundational blueprint for the global phenomenon we know today, spearheaded by pioneering groups H.O.T., Sechs Kies, and god. Their emergence not only redefined popular music but also gave rise to the passionate and organized fandom culture that has become a hallmark of K-pop.
The Dawn of the Idol Era: H.O.T.’s Explosive Debut
In 1996, the group H.O.T. debuted and instantly became a cultural sensation. Comprised of members Moon HeeJun, H.O.T Jang WooHyuk, H.O.T Tony An, Kangta, and H.O.T Lee JaeWon, the group captured the hearts of teenagers with their powerful performances and trendsetting style. Their success was unprecedented, establishing a new formula for the music industry and leading to the creation of dedicated fan clubs. The official fan club, ‘Club H.O.T.,’ was instrumental in creating a unified fan identity, symbolized by their official color, white, which fans displayed using white balloons at concerts like the Dream Concert.
A Tale of Two Rivals: Sechs Kies and god
The immense popularity of H.O.T. quickly paved the way for formidable rivals, each carving out a unique space in the burgeoning idol market.
Sechs Kies: The Yellow Wave
Debuting in 1997, Sechs Kies was positioned as the primary rival to H.O.T. The group, featuring members like Sechs Kies Eun JiWon, cultivated a fierce and loyal fanbase known as ‘DSF’ (Dear Sechs Kies Friend). Their official color, yellow, stood in stark contrast to H.O.T.’s white, creating a visually dramatic and competitive atmosphere at shared events like the SBS Gayo Daejeon. This rivalry became one of the defining narratives of first generation K-pop, fueling intense fan devotion and sales competition.
god: The ‘National Group’
Two years later, in 1999, JYP introduced a group with a different appeal: god. With members Park JoonHyung, god Yoon KyeSang, god Danny Ahn, god Son HoYoung, and Kim TaeWoo, god presented a more friendly and approachable image. Their popularity skyrocketed with the success of the reality show “god’s Baby Diary,” which endeared them to a wide audience and earned them the title of ‘national group.’ Their fandom, ‘Fan god,’ adopted sky blue as their official color, adding another vibrant hue to the landscape of K-pop fandom culture.
The Legacy of First Generation K-Pop Fandom
The impact of these first generation K-pop groups extends far beyond their music. They were the architects of modern K-pop fandom. The systems they and their companies established—official fan clubs, designated balloon colors, and organized fan chants—created a powerful sense of community and collective identity. This fan power was on full display at major events, from the Seoul Music Awards to the historic H.O.T. Beijing Solo Concert in 2001, which demonstrated K-pop’s early international potential. This foundational culture of dedicated support has been passed down and evolved, influencing the global success of modern groups like BTS and BLACKPINK, and cementing the legacy of K-pop’s pioneering idols.
This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.
English (US) · 