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.

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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.

unnamed - 2023-06-25T165432.477 — “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.

84514545_3414642178606134_3156490145577048987_n — 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.

amber miss a fei one mic concert — 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.

FzXGDebaQAAzNsn — 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.