When Did The Big Three Become The Big Three?

I don't think they have ever been recognized as the Big 3 by companies out right but I'd say from 2005 - 2010

During 1st gen it was the big 2: SM v. DSP

But DSP fell out of the game

And in 2nd gen it became: SM v. YG v. JYP

And now in 3rd gen: SM v. YG v. JYP v. BH

But I don't know the exact dates.

SM produce hit group back to back since forever.

H.o.t , s.e.s , Shinhwa, fly to the sky, tvxq, Suju, snsd,

YG he used to be a member of Sri taiji and the boys and after created yg alot of the artist are not public friendly like rap , reggae, vocal trio group they have Jinusean, 1tyme, wheesung, gummy and big Mama(yes thats the group name) but i say they became big coz of bigbang around 2008 when all comeback including solo,2NE1, se7en and psy is a back to back hit .

Idk much about JYP

but like yg he used to be a big singer too .

They have g.o.d and rain but i think they became big 3 after wonder girls and 2pm, 2am

coz there's dsp ent who used to have a

Lineup with FIN.K.L, Sechs Kies and SS501.

And MBK with sg wannabe and T-ara where they had a chance of surpassing even snsd but they had to fuck'd it up

Based on Rozysebelas claims above, it could be argued that there was a "Big Four" in the late 2000s.

SM was as dominant as ever. YG made a name for itself with the rise of Big Bang in 2007 (followed up by 2NE1). JYP made a name for itself with the rise of Wonder Girls, also in 2007 (followed up by 2PM). DSP still had a strong reputation, and kept up its momentum with SS501 and Kara.

SM is the first company to make in-house production and training for their artists. Things like company artists living in dorms and train together etc... "Companies" were just record labels like in the west before SM.