Relive your youth! A roundup of nostalgic K-pop boy groups that were popular back in the day
The K-pop idols we passionately supported in our youth still sparkle brightly in our hearts, don’t they? Now a global phenomenon with worldwide popularity, K-pop has come a long way.
In this feature, we’ll introduce the male groups of the second generation—the ones who brought a fresh breeze to Japan’s music scene and captivated audiences with overwhelming performances—starting from the very first generation that began it all! Many of these groups are still going strong in the Reiwa era, and plenty of members are active as actors or even label CEOs.
So whether you listened to them in real time back then, or you’re a younger K-pop fan today, be sure to check them out.
Relive your youth! A roundup of nostalgic K-pop boy groups that were popular back in the day (1–10)
LIESNEW!BIGBANG
BIGBANG has captivated music fans around the world with their overwhelming charisma.
Built on a foundation of hip-hop, they’ve absorbed a wide range of genres to establish a style all their own.
Since their debut in August 2006, they’ve made a powerful impact with a broad spectrum of songs—from moving ballads to dance tracks infused with EDM that make your body move.
They’ve been directly involved in writing and composing, and their talent is beyond question, earning high praise at an international music award in November 2011.
Their performances, where each member’s individual talent converges, are nothing short of breathtaking.
They are also a group that helped pave the way for K-pop’s emergence as a global force, later achieving international success themselves.
Why not take this opportunity to look back on their achievements once again?
CandyNEW!H.O.T
Let us introduce the appeal of H.O.T., the legendary group that laid the foundation of the Korean idol scene! Debuting in 1996, they captivated audiences with overwhelming performances and a wide range of musical styles, from pop to hip-hop to socially conscious messages.
Their signature album, “We Hate All Kinds of Violence,” released in 1996, remains enduringly popular.
They earned numerous awards, including the 1997 Golden Disc Grand Prize, showcasing their high musical caliber.
They are highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the origins of K-pop!
Rising SunNEW!Tōhōshinki
TVXQ, the legendary vocal group that can be called a pioneer of the K-POP boom in Japan.
They debuted in South Korea in 2004, and their overwhelming performances—mastering a wide range of genres from dance-pop and R&B to ballads—are truly captivating.
In Japan, they continued steady activities starting with songs released around 2005 and have produced numerous hit tracks.
Among them, the songs chosen as theme music for the anime ONE PIECE have surely stayed in many people’s hearts.
Their achievements shine, including wins at the Japan Gold Disc Awards and becoming the first overseas artists to successfully hold a solo concert at Nissan Stadium.
Although the group has gone through difficult periods, as of 2026 they remain immensely popular as a duo, and the members who left are also thriving as solo artists—so be sure to check them out.
Again & AgainNEW!2PM
2PM, who built an era with their overwhelming performances and masculine charm—earning the nickname “beast idols”—continue to thrive at the forefront today.
Debuting in 2008, they quickly rose to top-star status with a powerful sound infused with R&B and hip-hop and their acrobatic dance.
By 2009, they had already won top honors at major Korean music awards, and in Japan, since their 2011 debut, they have consistently ranked high on the Oricon charts with releases like the album “REPUBLIC OF 2PM.” In 2012, they also received a Japan Gold Disc Award, underscoring their proven talent.
While members like Jun.
K and Taecyeon have showcased their abilities as actors and solo artists, their full-group return in 2021 after completing military service was truly moving.
For those who were once captivated by them, we hope you’ll experience their deepened, more mature allure once again.
Beautiful NightNEW!BEAST
BEAST is a skilled group that captivates with a wide range of styles.
They debuted in 2009 with the mini-album “Beast Is The B2ST,” and their hybrid musicality—mastering everything from intense dance tracks to poignant mid-tempo songs—is a key draw.
At the 2011 Melon Music Awards, they won a top-tier grand prize, and at the Mnet Asian Music Awards they earned the Performance Award for their classic track “Fiction.” After overcoming a long hiatus and reclaiming their former name, they continue their activities today as HIGHLIGHT.
They’re a group highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience refined performances and deep storytelling.
Be mineNEW!INFINITE
INFINITE captivates audiences with their highly precise synchronized dancing.
They’re a group known for dramatic sounds that incorporate synth-pop and R&B.
Debuting in June 2010, they produced numerous hits, including the acclaimed masterpiece “THE CHASER,” praised by international media, and “Last Romeo,” a track included on their album SEASON 2 and released in May 2014, which remains enduringly popular.
This work achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.
1 on the Billboard charts.
The powerful vocals—led by Sungkyu—and the urgent, impassioned delivery are truly moving.
They’re an artist I recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy a sophisticated performance.
ReplayNEW!SHINee
When it comes to groups that represent the second generation of K-pop and enjoy exceptional popularity and name recognition not only in their home country but also in Japan, SHINee immediately comes to mind.
Debuting in 2008 and making their Japan debut in 2011, they captivate listeners with a wide musical range from contemporary R&B to EDM.
A powerhouse group that has continued to win major music awards over many years, starting with rookie awards, they also boast immense popularity in Japan, even performing at Tokyo Dome as mentioned above.
Overcoming challenges such as a member’s untimely passing and military service, they remain active as a four-member group as of 2026, making them truly indispensable to understanding the history of K-pop.