Dozens of new groups debuted during the first half of 2025, including new groups from SM, JYP, The Black Label, Starship, and P Nation. Although there were some high-profile debuts, writers Celina and Sabrina found exciting new talent from less well-known companies as well.
In this discussion, they talk about how strong creative direction, unique aesthetics, and solid skills helped seal their rookie picks.
Celina: It is always tough for me to finalize a list, but overall, I go through their debut songs again as well as take in their overall concept. As I was finalizing my list, I knew that VVS would be in my top three. The MV is what drew me in, but if it were not for their song, “Tea,” I would not have added them to my list at all. I enjoyed both the vocals and the rap of the song with its strong electro vibes.
While I would have loved to see their dance performance as well, I like that they took the risk and focused more on the concept. I think it can always be tough to make sure you find a balance for everything, especially for a debut group, but their gamble was well worth it, in my opinion. It may also be harder for them to top their debut, but I look forward to their comebacks.
I see we both have XLOV on our list, but it has reached number one for you. What about their debut did you like about them?
Sabrina: I love a dark and sultry sound, and XLOV’s debut “I’mma Be” drew me in immediately with their vocal tones and slinky production. I heard that leader Wumuti had a vision for a group for a long time, and was very involved in producing “I’mma Be”. It is no wonder that their debut has such a strong creative direction. XLOV’s genderless concept feels fully realized, and not just aesthetically either (though their androgynous styling is on point). The song’s lyrics and the MV’s imagery reinforce the idea of breaking through societal prejudice.
Seeing the dance practice for “I’mma Be” clinched the top spot for me. I love that Rui, who has extensive formal dance training, gets to show off his back-bending flexibility and elegance in their choreography. All the members, though, are so clean and well synchronized, making beautiful formations. With their dance skills, vocal talent, and Wumuti’s production, they feel like a more seasoned group rather than rookies. What drew you to put XLOV on your list, Celina?
Celina: The aesthetics of this group are definitely what pulled me in. They took the school uniform trope and flipped it on its head by combining both the female and male uniforms with a unique flair. I like that they contrast that imagery with a more clichéd K-pop look, as they pan back and forth between the two main sets. The fact that they only had two costume changes implies that they did not have a big budget to work with. However, I am impressed with how expertly they were still able to convey their message with the MV and song.
On top of the unique concept, their singing and rapping are top tier. I agree with you that this is well-executed for a debut, as they seem like seasoned performers. Once I saw this group, I knew I would have them on my final list.
Kiiikiii was a group that almost made my list, but in the end, they did not make the cut for me. Despite that, I loved their clean vocals in their debut, along with their youthful concept. What about them made the final list for you?
Sabrina: Admittedly, I wasn’t sure what to make of Kiiikiii at first — “I Do Me” was easy listening with an appealing “natural” aesthetic, but then the campy “Debut Song” surprised me. I didn’t care for the delivery or lyrics of the rap verses in title track “BTG,” but enjoyed the switch ups between dreamy vocals and rapid beats in the pre-chorus and chorus. Ultimately, the experimental production of their EP Uncut Gem made me fully appreciate them. The same goes with the strange, creative MV for “Groundwork,” with fun and striking images like disembodied pants running around a school. I respect that they definitely are not playing it safe with their debut.
Kiiikiii’s music is in line with genre trends like Jersey club, but it also feels distinct in its weirdness. My other picks may have a more well-defined sound, but Kiiikiii’s versatility intrigues me. True to the “uncut gem” theme that runs through the album, Kiiikiii might not yet be polished, but that is their charm. They hold a lot of potential and I look forward to seeing what they do next.
Celina, I am so glad that you chose ifeye, because they just narrowly missed my list. “Nerdy” is one of the debut songs I have played the most this year. What led you to put them on your list?
Celina: It was a hard choice, but ultimately, Ifeye’s song was just more memorable to me. The MV was just so surreal, with a typical school setting but infused with fantastical special effects, like when one member enters a room to find a forest sprouting from the ground and ceiling. It is about finding the magical in the mundane, and it was executed nicely for their debut song. I think it was a great way to take what is a tired concept in the school setting and add something different to tell a story.
With a song titled “Nerdy,” I thought it would have more of a hip-hop vibe with a comical concept. The build-up to the chorus to the line “what’s up with me” was the perfect height to add to the song. The chorus has a more breathy tone that adds to the ethereal vibe of the MV. The rap break does not disrupt the tone with an equally soft delivery that blends well with the rest of the song.
Close Your Eyes was also in my top 10, but did not make the final cut. So I see we were both struggling with the same groups. What about their debut stood out for you?
Sabrina: I really enjoyed Close Your Eyes’ dreamy brand of mid-tempo pop RnB. A throwback to the 2000s, their sound may not be groundbreaking, but nevertheless fills a void in the current K-pop scene. Their song “All My Poetry” satisfies with its laid-back, melodic approach, particularly with its layered vocals in the chorus. The song’s 3 minute, 30 second length allows it to feel complete. Visually, the creative direction is simple but well thought out—the gauzy, sun-dabbled outdoor scenes in the MV match the warm tones of the members’ voices.
Listening to their EP Eternalt confirmed their place on my list. I previously described how heavenly I found their intro “Close Your Eyes,” especially with Kyoungbae’s emotive delivery in the bridge. I still find it the most immersive track on the album. The other B-sides feel cohesive with “All My Poetry” but still provide some variety, from the mature groove of “To the Woods” to the pop rock-influenced “How to Dance.” The songs flow together well, displaying how Close Your Eyes have a clear musical direction. Ultimately, I am impressed when a debut can establish a group’s signature sound, which is definitely the case for Close Your Eyes.
It sounds like we both considered a lot of different groups for this list. Are there any honorable mentions you want to share?
Celina: Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Close Your Eyes!
I would like to give out an honorable mention to the group Kiiras with their audacious country debut, “Kill Ma Bo$$.” While I thought it was a brave choice, the song itself just was not mixed well enough for me. For the boy side, a shout out to the group Re:Wind with their 90’s inspired debut titled, “Forever.” I am not sure if this style is just for their debut if they will continue to lean into retro vibes, but I am excited to see what they will come up with next.
Do you have any honorable mentions?
Sabrina: My boy group shout out would be Newbeat. Their songs “JeLLo,” “Hiccups” and “Flip the Coin” have a bit too much chanting for my personal taste, but I like that they put new twists on old school hip hop beats. I respect that they debuted with a full album that highlights their distinct sound.
No Big 3 groups made our final cuts, but I did consider Hearts2Hearts. “The Chase” initially felt too low key to make an impression as a debut, but I do enjoy SM groups’ clean production and vocal layering, and Hearts2Hearts is no exception.
There has been a lot of diversity among debuts this year, with a number of groups standing out musically, conceptually, and aesthetically. It will be intriguing to see what the rest of the year will bring!
(YouTube [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Images via 257 Entertainment).
English (US) · 