Girls’ Generation‘s Hyoyeon and Apink‘s Bomi are both considered 2nd gen idols because of their debut dates: Many consider the second generation of K-Pop to have happened from 2001 to around 2011. However, how do these idols really feel about these terms coined by K-Pop fans?
The idols weighed in on how they really feel during an episode of Hyo’s Level Up.
Hyoyeon: Bomi, you have also been in the industry for more than 10 years, right?
Bomi: Right now, people call the current generation 4th or 5th gen, right?
Bomi: So we are 2nd gen?
Hyoyeon: Yes, 1st gen was H.O.T., SECHSKIES, Fin.K.L and S.E.S. sunbaenims, and they said that we are after them. I find it fascinating.
Bomi: Huh?!
Though the term is used for simply categorizing groups chronologically, they had to admit that it felt a little harsh.
Hyoyeon: So we are right after them?
Bomi: That makes me feel so old though.
Hyoyeon: Right? It makes you feel old, right?
Hyoyeon got laughs of approval when she compared the terms to Apple’s generations of iPhones!
Hoyeon: But why are they separating us into generations and making us look so old? We’re not Apple with their “1st and 2nd gen.”
Bomi: As soon as I hear “1st gen, 2nd gen,” I lose my temper a bit.
The girls had similar opinions: Hyoyeon found it just a little insulting.
Hyoyeon: I don’t like being called “2nd gen” that much. Calling me “2nd gen” makes me feel like a gadget.
Meanwhile, Bomi wishes they would be considered 3rd gen (Technically, many people consider Apink to be in the 2.5 gen because they debuted on the tail end of the decade)!
Bomi: I wished that we would extend a bit into the 3rd gen, but I still like being 2nd gen a lot.
Watch the full video below.
