Earlier than I check out Ok-pop’s established artists, it’s time to highlight this 12 months’s contemporary crop of expertise!
After I ran my first-ever Bias Checklist survey, I used to be shocked 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 have been blinded by one specific rookie group who I discovered to be essentially the most thrilling factor about Ok-pop this 12 months, however past that there actually wasn’t a lot to rejoice 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 rejoice.
In contrast to my High 50 countdown, any group who debuted on this calendar 12 months is eligible. Earlier than I break down my picks, listed below are a number 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 present mired in an terrible state of affairs with their company, however a number of nice b-sides on their first mini album sneak them onto this listing 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 supplied a tease of how they could 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 12 months, however their debut mini album was an surprising spotlight of the summer season. 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 assist their development.
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 well-liked member, however I beloved Women, Love Boys, Love Women sufficient to warrant a spot on this listing. I doubt they’ll observe that sound sooner or later, but when they do they might have a fantastic discography forward of them.
Singles launched: Burn Up, Spark, Women, Love Boys, Love Women, 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 look at. 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
Normally, ILLIT adopted the precise developments I’m uninterested in in Ok-pop. But, it’s arduous to disclaim the disarming catchiness of debut observe Magnetic. That track is a deserved hit and if the group can discover a method to meld its enchantment with extra formidable soundscapes and fewer repetition, they could possibly 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 an enormous promotional equipment supporting them and that makes me nervous for the longer term, however they launched one of many 12 months’s finest debut songs and appear dedicated to a shiny pop sound that matches my style effectively. 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 Ok-pop and J-pop. To me, they really feel in the beginning 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 up to now, 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 superb and the accompanying mini album exhibits a ton of promise. They appear to be nice songwriters, their vocalist is extremely sturdy and their youthful power is contagious. The truth that they’re underneath Antenna additionally bodes effectively, because the company has a historical past of nurturing bands to greatness.
Singles launched: Pop Up
1. TWS
Nicely, that is the best determination I’ve needed to make all 12 months. I can’t bear in mind a debut 12 months as sturdy as TWS’s — not less than in current Ok-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 appeal of the members and there’s loads of room to develop.
Talking of development, I’m genuinely excited to look at 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 apprehensive 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 Ok-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 Pageant