Three "Big 3" 2nd-Gen K-Pop Idols Reunite While Filming For Idol Survival Program

During K-Pop’s second generation, three companies established themselves as the “Big 3,” and each debuted legendary artists in K-Pop’s early generations that continue to be household names.

SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment were considered the top three companies for much of K-Pop’s earlier generations before the creation of HYBE Corporation.

Between the “Big 3” companies, they debuted top 2nd-gen groups TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, f(x), Wonder Girls, 2PM, 2AM, Miss A, BIGBANG, and 2NE1, as well as many top soloists.

(Top row, from left:) 2nd-gen groups Miss A, SISTAR, Secret, CNBLUE, and MBLAQ (Center row, from left:) 2AM, 4MINUTE, BEAST, and SHINee (Bottom row, from left:) KARA, TVXQ, and Girls’ Generation in 2011 | *Valent Lau*

While the 2nd-gen groups’ promotions inevitably overlapped at times, causing them to vy for the same top spot on music charts or year-end awards, the idols from each company often formed close friendships, many of which have lasted to this day.

Recently, three 2nd-gen idols from K-Pop’s “Big 3” companies reunited thanks to the Chinese idol survival program Sisters Who Make Waves 2023.

“Sisters Who Make Waves 2023” contestants | *Melon TV*

Former Miss A members Fei and Jia were contestants during the show’s first season, and former Girls’ Generation member Jessica was a contestant during season 3. Now, f(x)’s Amber is a contestant on the show’s fourth season, which is currently airing.

Amber is in f(x) with Jessica’s sister, Krystal, and as former SM Entertainment labelmates, they naturally grew a close friendship.

Amber (left) and Jessica (right) in 2020 | *@amberliu/Instagram*

Amber is close with many fellow idols, including Miss A’s Jia, who she’s been friends with for years.

Former Miss A’s Jia (left) and f(x)’s Amber (right) in 2014

Jessica and Jia returned as special guests for season 4, and f(x)’s Amber joined the season as a contestant.

The three 2nd-gen stars reunited, taking an epic photo showing their close friendship.

Jessica Jung (left), Meng Jia (center), and f(x)’s Amber | *@Sy__Jessica/Weibo*

The three also took a picture with season 4 contestant, Korean actress Choo Ja Hyun, who has had a successful career starring in Korean and Chinese films and dramas.

Jessica snapped a picture with former Super Junior member Han Geng‘s wife, Celina Jade, as well. Celina Jade is an actress and singer who is also competing on the show’s current season.