Looking back, the 2015-2017 period can be seen as a major transitional period for K-pop.
Many 2nd gen groups disbanded or went on a long hiatus - SISTAR, SNSD, BigBang.
The Produce groups had an unseen before impact.
And a lot of 3rd gen groups, even if they had debuted long before, hit prominence - BTS, BP, Twice.
So that period can be considered the transitional period from 2nd gen to 3rd gen.
Would 2021-2022 period be the same for 3rd to 4th gen?
Aespa, GIDLE, IVE have made their marks. SKZ, NCT.
BTS, BP, Twice - solos. hiatus are in the air, even if no disbandment.
Or if S.Korea is more accepting of older idols that have made a comeback or planning to- T-ARA, 2AM, Bigbang, GOT7, SNSD to come, KARA being discussed,
If these are successful and the comebacks aren't just one-off nostalgia events, instead they resume regular activity.
How will the generational dynamics change?
This is more about groups, than soloists - who are not much affected by generations or such transitions.
Will 2021-22 be the transition to the 4th gen OR resumption of the 2nd gen?
The 3rd gen, would want to be free from contracts and groups to explore, but the 2nd gen have already experienced their post-group stint life, so might be more willing to give a shot at resuming their glory days.
Of course not all 3rd gen will want a change and not all 2nd gen will want a second act. But if few major cases do that, then the story could change a lot.
