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 significantly thrilling. However after I took a glance again on the 12 months as a complete, I really agree! My ideas have been blinded by one explicit rookie group who I discovered to be probably 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 businesses and few debuted with (and maintained) a signature sound. Even so, there are nonetheless some acts I need to rejoice.
In contrast to 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 number of honorable mentions:
All(H)Ours
ARrC
Sweet Store
Izna
NEXZ
TIOT
Click on for final 12 months’s rookie countdown
2024 12 months-Finish Masterpost
10. MADEIN
That is extra of a re-debut than something and the group is at the moment 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 increase 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 observe 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 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 Hearth, they may 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
This can be 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 beloved Ladies, Love Boys, Love Ladies sufficient to warrant a spot on this listing. I doubt they’ll observe 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 gaggle to observe. I by no means acquired 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 tendencies I’m uninterested in in Ok-pop. But, it’s laborious to disclaim the disarming catchiness of debut observe Magnetic. That track is a deserved hit and if the group can discover a technique to meld its attraction with extra bold 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 Lady 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 longer term, however they launched one of many 12 months’s finest debut songs and appear dedicated to a vibrant 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 massive pool of recent 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 thus far, 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 powerful 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 robust and their youthful vitality is contagious. The truth that they’re beneath 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 choice I’ve needed to make all 12 months. I can’t keep in mind a debut 12 months as robust as TWS’s — at the least in latest Ok-pop historical past. They’d an edge debuting on the very begin of 2024, however went on to advertise seven totally different songs all year long — all of which made my high 50. That’s a brand new file. The music has a definite imaginative and prescient and idea, whilst particular person songs discover totally different sounds. This clear musical model and perspective completely matches the character 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 rapidly, 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 celebrity expertise down the highway and it’s the method of getting there that’s going to be so enjoyable to witness.
In brief, I haven’t been this excited for a brand new group in years. They’re liable 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