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Before I take a look at K-pop’s established artists, it’s time to spotlight this year’s fresh crop of talent!
When I ran my first-ever Bias List survey, I was surprised when the majority of respondents noted that this year’s rookies were not particularly exciting. But when I took a look back at the year as a whole, I actually agree! My thoughts were blinded by one particular rookie group who I found to be the most exciting thing about K-pop this year, but beyond that there really wasn’t much to celebrate in 2024. Most rookies tended to be from smaller agencies and few debuted with (and maintained) a signature sound. Even so, there are still some acts I want to celebrate.
Unlike my Top 50 countdown, any group who debuted in this calendar year is eligible. Before I break down my picks, here are a few honorable mentions:
All(H)Ours
ARrC
Candy Shop
Izna
NEXZ
TIOT
Click for last year’s rookie countdown
10. MADEIN
This is more of a re-debut than anything and the group is currently mired in an awful situation with their agency, but a few great b-sides on their first mini album sneak them onto this list even with an uncertain future ahead of them.
Singles released: UNO
9. ARTMS
The post-LOONAverse continues to expand with this new group formed by Modhaus. Even if not all their material hit with me, I admire the experimental nature of their music and title track Virtual Angel offered a tease of how they may forge that adventurous spirit with more pop-forward material.
Singles released: Birth, Flower Rhythm, Candy Crush, Air, Virtual Angel
8. Dignity
Dignity didn’t give us much to go on this year, but their debut mini album was an unexpected highlight of the summer. If they lean into the early-Block B vibes of b-side Fire, they could carve out a nice little niche for themselves. I hope their agency has the means to support their growth.
Singles released: Cool Down
7. DXMON
This is a tricky one because I genuinely disliked much of their 2024 output and they’ve already lost a popular member, but I loved Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls enough to warrant a place on this list. I doubt they’ll follow that sound in the future, but if they do they could have a great discography ahead of them.
Singles released: Burn Up, Spark, Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls, Zip Zip Zip
6. RESCENE
RESCENE are still searching for their breakout moment, but two of their three promoted tracks this year marked them as a group to watch. I never got around to writing about follow-up Pinball and as nice as that song is I hope they steer away from its more subdued sound. Give us more Love Attacks in 2025 and we’re all set!
Singles released: Yoyo, Uhuh, Love Attack, Pinball
5. ILLIT
In general, ILLIT followed the exact trends I’m tired of in K-pop. Yet, it’s hard to deny the disarming catchiness of debut track Magnetic. That song is a deserved hit and if the group can find a way to meld its appeal with more ambitious soundscapes and less repetition, they could be a true 2025 standout. They certainly have the infrastructure behind them to do so.
Singles released: Magnetic, Lucky Girl Syndrome, Cherish (My Love), Tick-Tack
4. Waker
Waker don’t seem to have a big promotional apparatus supporting them and that makes me nervous for the future, but they released one of the year’s best debut songs and seem committed to a bright pop sound that fits my taste well. We’ll see what happens next, but I hear a ton of potential in their music.
Singles released: Atlantis, Vanilla Choco Shake
3. NCT Wish
NCT Wish are part of the increasingly large pool of new acts that straddle the line between K-pop and J-pop. To me, they feel first and foremost a J-pop group, but in 2024 they promoted music specific to the Korean market so I’m including them here. Their catalog is a bit hit or miss so far, but they delivered a few 2024 bangers that make me eager for their future activities.
Singles released: Wish, Songbird, Dunk Shot, 3 Minutes, Steady, Wishful Winter
2. Dragon Pony
I’m taking a flyer on this group. They really don’t have enough music to warrant this high of a placement, but I have a strong feeling they’ll end up impressing in 2025. Debut single Pop Up is excellent and the accompanying mini album shows a ton of promise. They seem to be great songwriters, their vocalist is incredibly strong and their youthful energy is contagious. The fact that they’re under Antenna also bodes well, as the agency has a history of nurturing bands to greatness.
Singles released: Pop Up
1. TWS
Well, this is the easiest decision I’ve had to make all year. I can’t remember a debut year as strong as TWS’s — at least in recent K-pop history. They had an edge debuting at the very start of 2024, but went on to promote seven different songs throughout the year — all of which made my top 50. That’s a new record. The music has a distinct vision and concept, even as individual songs explore different sounds. This clear musical brand and perspective perfectly matches the personality and charm of the members and there’s plenty of room to grow.
Speaking of growth, I’m genuinely excited to watch TWS grow as artists. I hope Pledis Entertainment doesn’t try to mature their concept too quickly, but even when we reach that inevitable point I’m not too worried about how the group will pull it off. I can already see and hear the seeds of superstar talent down the road and it’s the process of getting there that’s going to be so fun to witness.
In short, I haven’t been this excited for a new group in years. They’re responsible for most of my favorite K-pop moments of 2024 and I pray that momentum continues into the new year.
Singles released: Oh Mymy: 7s, Plot Twist, BFF, hey! hey!, If I’m S, Can You Be My N?, Double Take, Last Festival
English (US) · 