While dozens girl groups made their debut during K-Pop’s third generation, only 8 of those groups are still currently active. Here are the 8 currently active third-generation K-Pop girl groups, along with some bonus “on hiatus” groups.
1. Red Velvet
Red Velvet debuted in 2014 with the digital single “Happiness.” Their most recent comeback was in November 2023 with “Chill Kill” and the group is slated to make their comeback during the summer as well as Irene’s mini-album release in the Fall.
2. TWICE
TWICE debuted in 2015. Their debut title track was “LIKE OOH-AHH.” TWICE’s most recent Korean comeback was in February 2024 with “One Spark” and they are slated to release their fifth Japanese full album Dive on July 17, 2024.
3. OH MY GIRL
OH MY GIRL debuted in 2015 with the song “Cupid.” Their most recent comeback was in July 2023 with the title track “Summer Comes.” The group originally debuted with eight members, but JinE left the group in October 2017 and Jiho left the group in May 2022. While they have not had a comeback in nearly a year, the group still performs together at events, such as the recent University festivals.
4. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK debuted in 2016 with the songs “Boombayah” and “Whistle.” Their most recent group release was in August 2023 with their promotional song “The Girls” for their mobile game. While each member has left YG Entertainment for their solo activities, they are still signed with YG Entertainment for BLACKPINK’s activities and a future album and world tour are in the works.
5. Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher debuted as MINX is 2014, but the group rebranded to Dreamcatcher in 2017 after adding two members, Handong and Gahyeon. Dreamcatcher debuted with “Chase Me” in January 2017. Their most recent group release was in March 2024 with their single album Luck Inside 7 Doors.
6. HI CUTIE
HI CUTIE debuted in 2017 with “Play U.” Originally debuting as six members, the group is currently promoting as a duo. While they are a lesser-known group, they still are releasing music, most recently releasing “Fool, it’s Love” in March 2024.
7. ALICE
Originally debuting as ELRIS in July 2017 with seven members, the group transferred to IOK Company and re-branded to ALICE in April 2022. The group most recently released the single “Milky Way” in May 2024. Unfortunately, just prior to the release of the song, Sohee retired from the entertainment industry and Karin, Do-A, Yukyung, and Yeonje all left the agency, leaving the group
8. EXID
EXID debuted in February 2012 with “Whoz That Girl.” Original members Yuji, Dami, and Haeryeong left the group shortly after their debut, in April 2012. Solji and Hyelin were then added to the group for their August 2012 comeback.
While their latest release was in September 2022 with their single album X, the group continues to perform together, just recently appearing at various University Festivals.
Bonus: The “on-hiatus” from group activities girl groups, but still have not disbanded
1. MAMAMOO
MAMAMOO debuted in 2014 with their single “Mr. Ambiguous.” Their most recent group comeback was in October 2022. Following Hwasa and Wheein’s departure from RBW, Solar and Moonbyul formed the subunit Mamamoo+. Unfortunately, MAMAMOO as an entire group is no longer listed on RBW’s artist page, but fans are holding out hope that the group celebrates their 10 year anniversary later this month with full group activities.
2. LABOUM
LABOUM debuted in 2014 with the single “Petit Macaron.” Their most recent comeback was back in November 2021. In September 2022, the group went on indefinite hiatus, but never officially disbanded. They are still interested in future group activities, should the opportunity arise.
3. WJSN (also known as Cosmic Girls)
WJSN debuted in 2016 with the songs “Mo Mo Mo” and “Catch Me.” Their last comeback as a group was in July 2022. In March 2023, the Chinese members Xuanyi, Cheng Xiao and Meiqi officially left the group. Also in March, Luda and Dawon left Starship Entertainment, but did not leave the group itself. However, the group has not had any group activities since their 2023 fan concert.
4. Weki Meki
Weki Meki debuted in 2017 with “I Don’t Like Your Girlfriend.” Their last comeback was in November 2021. The group has had very few group activities since then, and with their contracts set to expire in August 2024, fans are holding out hope for one last round of promotions. Fans are in luck though, as it is rumored they will be making their comeback sometime in June.
