Earlier than I check out Okay-pop’s established artists, it’s time to highlight this 12 months’s contemporary crop of expertise!
After I ran my first-ever Bias Listing survey, I used to be stunned when the vast majority of respondents famous that this 12 months’s rookies weren’t notably thrilling. However once I took a glance again on the 12 months as an entire, I truly agree! My ideas had been blinded by one explicit rookie group who I discovered to be essentially the most thrilling factor about Okay-pop this 12 months, however past that there actually wasn’t a lot to have a good time in 2024. Most rookies tended to be from smaller companies and few debuted with (and maintained) a signature sound. Even so, there are nonetheless some acts I wish to have a good time.
Not like my Prime 50 countdown, any group who debuted on this calendar 12 months is eligible. Earlier than I break down my picks, listed here are a couple of honorable mentions:
All(H)Ours
ARrC
Sweet Store
Izna
NEXZ
TIOT
Click on for final 12 months’s rookie countdown
10. MADEIN
That is extra of a re-debut than something and the group is at the moment mired in an terrible scenario with their company, however a couple of nice b-sides on their first mini album sneak them onto this checklist even with an unsure future forward of them.
Singles launched: UNO
9. ARTMS
The post-LOONAverse continues to broaden with this new group fashioned by Modhaus. Even when not all their materials hit with me, I like the experimental nature of their music and title observe Digital Angel provided a tease of how they could forge that adventurous spirit with extra pop-forward materials.
Singles launched: Delivery, Flower Rhythm, Sweet Crush, Air, Digital Angel
8. Dignity
Dignity didn’t give us a lot to go on this 12 months, however their debut mini album was an sudden spotlight of the summer time. In the event that they lean into the early-Block B vibes of b-side Fireplace, they may carve out a pleasant little area of interest for themselves. I hope their company has the means to assist their progress.
Singles launched: Cool Down
7. DXMON
This can be a tough one as a result of I genuinely disliked a lot of their 2024 output and so they’ve already misplaced a preferred member, however I liked Ladies, Love Boys, Love Ladies sufficient to warrant a spot on this checklist. I doubt they’ll comply with that sound sooner or later, but when they do they may have an amazing discography forward of them.
Singles launched: Burn Up, Spark, Ladies, Love Boys, Love Ladies, Zip Zip Zip
6. RESCENE
RESCENE are nonetheless trying to find their breakout second, however two of their three promoted tracks this 12 months marked them as a bunch to observe. I by no means acquired round to writing about follow-up Pinball and as good as that tune is I hope they steer away from its extra subdued sound. Give us extra Love Assaults in 2025 and we’re all set!
Singles launched: Yoyo, Uhuh, Love Assault, Pinball
5. ILLIT
Usually, ILLIT adopted the precise traits I’m uninterested in in Okay-pop. But, it’s arduous to disclaim the disarming catchiness of debut observe Magnetic. That tune is a deserved hit and if the group can discover a approach to meld its enchantment with extra bold soundscapes and fewer repetition, they might be a real 2025 standout. They actually have the infrastructure behind them to take action.
Singles launched: Magnetic, Fortunate Woman Syndrome, Cherish (My Love), Tick-Tack
4. Waker
Waker don’t appear to have a giant promotional equipment supporting them and that makes me nervous for the long run, however they launched one of many 12 months’s finest debut songs and appear dedicated to a vivid pop sound that matches my style properly. We’ll see what occurs subsequent, however I hear a ton of potential of their music.
Singles launched: Atlantis, Vanilla Choco Shake
3. NCT Want
NCT Want are a part of the more and more giant pool of recent acts that straddle the road between Okay-pop and J-pop. To me, they really feel before everything a J-pop group, however in 2024 they promoted music particular to the Korean market so I’m together with them right here. Their catalog is a bit hit and miss thus far, however they delivered a couple of 2024 bangers that make me keen for his or her future actions.
Singles launched: Want, Songbird, Dunk Shot, 3 Minutes, Regular, Wishful Winter
2. Dragon Pony
I’m taking a flyer on this group. They actually don’t have sufficient music to warrant this excessive of a placement, however I’ve a powerful feeling they’ll find yourself impressing in 2025. Debut single Pop Up is superb and the accompanying mini album reveals a ton of promise. They appear to be nice songwriters, their vocalist is extremely robust and their youthful vitality is contagious. The truth that they’re underneath Antenna additionally bodes properly, because the company has a historical past of nurturing bands to greatness.
Singles launched: Pop Up
1. TWS
Properly, that is the simplest determination I’ve needed to make all 12 months. I can’t keep in mind a debut 12 months as robust as TWS’s — not less than in latest Okay-pop historical past. They’d an edge debuting on the very begin of 2024, however went on to advertise seven completely different songs all year long — all of which made my high 50. That’s a brand new document. The music has a definite imaginative and prescient and idea, at the same time as particular person songs discover completely different sounds. This clear musical model and perspective completely matches the persona and attraction of the members and there’s loads of room to develop.
Talking of progress, I’m genuinely excited to observe TWS develop as artists. I hope Pledis Leisure doesn’t attempt to mature their idea too shortly, however even once we attain that inevitable level I’m not too nervous about how the group will pull it off. I can already see and listen to the seeds of famous person expertise down the street and it’s the method of getting there that’s going to be so enjoyable to witness.
Briefly, I haven’t been this excited for a brand new group in years. They’re accountable for most of my favourite Okay-pop moments of 2024 and I pray that momentum continues into the brand new 12 months.
Singles launched: Oh Mymy: 7s, Plot Twist, BFF, hey! hey!, If I’m S, Can You Be My N?, Double Take, Final Competition
