Earlier than I check out Okay-pop’s established artists, it’s time to highlight this yr’s contemporary crop of expertise!
After I ran my first-ever Bias Checklist survey, I used to be stunned when nearly all of respondents famous that this yr’s rookies weren’t notably thrilling. However after I took a glance again on the yr as an entire, I truly agree! My ideas had been blinded by one explicit rookie group who I discovered to be probably the most thrilling factor about Okay-pop this yr, however past that there actually wasn’t a lot to rejoice in 2024. Most rookies tended to be from smaller businesses and few debuted with (and maintained) a signature sound. Even so, there are nonetheless some acts I wish to rejoice.
Not like my Prime 50 countdown, any group who debuted on this calendar yr is eligible. Earlier than I break down my picks, listed here are a number of honorable mentions:
All(H)Ours
ARrC
Sweet Store
Izna
NEXZ
TIOT
Click on for final yr’s rookie countdown
10. MADEIN
That is extra of a re-debut than something and the group is at present mired in an terrible scenario with their company, however a number 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 shaped by Modhaus. Even when not all their materials hit with me, I like the experimental nature of their music and title monitor Digital Angel provided a tease of how they might forge that adventurous spirit with extra pop-forward materials.
Singles launched: Beginning, Flower Rhythm, Sweet Crush, Air, Digital Angel
8. Dignity
Dignity didn’t give us a lot to go on this yr, 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 Hearth, they might carve out a pleasant little area of interest for themselves. I hope their company has the means to help their development.
Singles launched: Cool Down
7. DXMON
It is a difficult one as a result of I genuinely disliked a lot of their 2024 output they usually’ve already misplaced a well-liked 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 might have an ideal discography forward of them.
Singles launched: Burn Up, Spark, Ladies, Love Boys, Love Ladies, Zip Zip Zip
6. RESCENE
RESCENE are nonetheless looking for their breakout second, however two of their three promoted tracks this yr marked them as a gaggle to observe. I by no means bought round to writing about follow-up Pinball and as good as that track 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
Typically, ILLIT adopted the precise traits I’m bored with in Okay-pop. But, it’s laborious to disclaim the disarming catchiness of debut monitor Magnetic. That track is a deserved hit and if the group can discover a option to meld its attraction with extra formidable soundscapes and fewer repetition, they may very well be a real 2025 standout. They definitely 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 an enormous promotional equipment supporting them and that makes me nervous for the long run, however they launched one of many yr’s greatest debut songs and appear dedicated to a shiny 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 latest acts that straddle the road between Okay-pop and J-pop. To me, they really feel firstly 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 to this point, however they delivered a number 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 robust feeling they’ll find yourself impressing in 2025. Debut single Pop Up is great and the accompanying mini album exhibits a ton of promise. They appear to be nice songwriters, their vocalist is extremely sturdy and their youthful vitality is contagious. The truth that they’re beneath Antenna additionally bodes properly, because the company has a historical past of nurturing bands to greatness.
Singles launched: Pop Up
1. TWS
Effectively, that is the simplest resolution I’ve needed to make all yr. I can’t keep in mind a debut yr as sturdy as TWS’s — a minimum of in current 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 prime 50. That’s a brand new document. The music has a definite imaginative and prescient and idea, whilst particular person songs discover completely different sounds. This clear musical model and perspective completely matches the persona and allure of the members and there’s loads of room to develop.
Talking of development, 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 after we attain that inevitable level I’m not too fearful about how the group will pull it off. I can already see and listen to the seeds of famous person expertise down the highway 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 yr.
Singles launched: Oh Mymy: 7s, Plot Twist, BFF, hey! hey!, If I’m S, Can You Be My N?, Double Take, Final Pageant