Kpop’s Best Albums: Generation #5
The 5th gen is defined by social media and a more focused appeal to those outside of Korea, and very much run by girl groups. More minimalistic, light, and confident. You’ve probably seen them up on your recommendeds: Le Sserafim, New Jeans, IVE, and RIIZE. 2022-present. All Generations
Simply put, the most cohesive, most unique, and most moving EPs and LPs from the industry, across all genres. This list will hopefully grow a lot longer as I continue doing my reviews.
(For albums, from all generations, click here)
(For my all-time favorite kpop albums, click here!)
(For Gen #4 Classics, click here)
Full reviews for these groups can be seen under each album!
Unforgiven; Le Sserafim (2023)
Combining the best tracks of their first two EPs with a handful of brand new ones, Le Sserafim’s Unforgiven is a great example of a group pushing the boundaries of their sound while still retaining the energy of their debut.
Best Songs: No Return, Fearless, Unforgiven
Good Morning; Yena (2024)
For such a short EP–can four songs even be called an EP?–Good Morning making it into this list is a testament to just how good it is. Straddling the line between K-pop and J-rock and then gleefully dancing over it, it’s just so much fun.
Best Songs: Good Morning, Good Girls In The Dark, Damn U
WHY; Boy Next Door (2023)
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Best Songs: Serenade, But I Like You, But Sometimes
The Firstfruit; Mark Lee (2025)
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Best Songs: Too Much, Journey Mercies, 200
I’ve Ive; IVE (2023)
K-pop superstars IVE’s music is practically inescapable, and I’ve Ive shows why. Ranging from a more Le Sserafim-esque minimalistic sound in opener Blue Blood to one that toes the line between synth and girl crush in Kitsch, there’s no telling where they’ll go next.
Best Songs: Blue Blood, I Am, Heroine
House Of Tricky; Xikers (2023)
Though their releases are often a mixed bag, House Of Tricky: How To Play stands as their best so far. From the screaming punk-rock of the single to the softer, nostalgic sounds of the b-sides, it’s not perfect, but it shows that Xikers have much potential to get there.
Best Songs: Do Or Die, Skater, Run
RIIZING; RIIZE (2024)
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Best Songs: Impossible, Get A Guitar, One Kiss
Howl; Chuu (2023)
Her first release after leaving BBC, Chuu’s Howl is a joyful blitz of songs that represents freedom, friendship, and a newfound confidence. Both irrepressibly sunny and cautiously hopeful, it’s a great debut.
Best Songs: Howl, Hitchhiker, Underwater
Get Up; New Jeans (2023)
It’s hard enough to make a sophomore EP, and even harder when that first one was so popular, but Get Up accepts the challenge. Though it mainly sticks to New Jeans’ signature minimalist sound, it takes a few careful steps outside of the box and is all the better for it.
Best Songs: ETA, New Jeans, Cool With You
Kiss Of Life; Kiss Of Life (2023)
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Best Songs: Bye My Neverland, Countdown, Play Love Games
Crazy; Le Sserafim (2024)
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Best Songs: Crazy, 1-800-Hot-n-Fun, Pierrot
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