Op if this is a generation thing then I think I understand what you mean.
Kpop has become so trend-dependent in the past few years. Whenever a new music trend emerges, everyone will hop on it and it's robbing kpop groups off any uniqueness or individuality they could have. During the 2nd generation top and even mid tier groups were so distinct from each other, no one would mistake Super Junior for Bigbang, SHINee for TVXQ, 2PM for SS501, Infinite for B2st, Mblaq for Bloc B, FT Island for 2AM etc. Or SNSD for 2NE1, KARA for f(x), T-ara for 4minute, Sistar for Wonder Girls, Miss A for After School etc.
Both the sound and the concepts were so diverse and different from each other. In comparison how many current top and mid tier groups are absolutely different from each other? Every other GG seem to be doing the girl crush concept and every other BG is emo and depressed, with very few exceptions.
Besides, trend-heavy music is bound to age badly once the trend passes.
Thank you for answering my question w/o being condescending. It seems kpop stans can't do that nowadays and be trying to play with people.