The 10 Best K-pop Debuts of 2022

10. Nmixx
For better or for worse, Nmixx’s debut single “O.O” got the whole world talking and exchanging hot takes. In fact, the song traveled outside the borders of K-pop, making its way into the daily lives of non-K-pop listeners. And your whole take on this controversial debut depends on where you stand on the inspiration vs plagiarism debate, and whether extreme genre blends are your cup of tea (“O.O” does not shy away from taking the latter to the next level).

An extreme and audacious take on K-pop’s age-old formula of genre mesh – a production style the group has dubbed as a ‘new’ genre, Mixx pop – “O.O” sends you into a sensory overload with hip-hop, pop and pop-rock charging towards you. The choppy shifts between the genres may be jarring at first but holds great potential of slowly growing on the listener. On its own, each genre segment is interesting and well-produced but when stitched together, the execution comes across as haphazard. Yet, the song’s soundscape does not obliterate Nmixx’s performance and this tells a far greater story of these rookies on the rise. Notably, Lily’s distinctive, cheery vocal performance stands out in the pop-rock section of the song, leaving an indelible impression.

Lyrically, “O.O” relies on repetition and onomatopoeia to narrate the story of Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Jinni, Bae, Jiwoo and Kyujin as they set their eyes on leaving a solid mark as artists in the industry. Though the music video picks out obvious design cues from boy group Ateez’s 2019 video for “Illusion,” the members manage to salvage the situation with the spine-breaking choreography carried out in the chorus. Nmixx’s debut may not have sat well with the masses, but it is one that certainly got the world talking. –  DD

9. Fifty-Fifty

Debuting on November 18, Fifty-Fifty’s lore stems from existing in the real world vs the impractical world of utopia with members Saena, Aran, Keena, and Sio expressing their journey based on their personal stories. The idea that anything in our world can mean two different things depending on how you observe it, and that there are two different chances (50-50) at all times, is an interesting starting point for a concept and yet, there’s little to deduce about the longevity of the idea from their debut music video. But one thing’s certain; their lead single “Higher” has all the elements to be a recurring track on your ‘most played’ playlists.

The song draws production sensibilities from Arcade, a music-production duo who collaborated with Shinee, BTS, TXT, Enhypen, and many others, and Red Triangle, a music-production team known for collaborating with David Guetta, Charlie Puth and Sam Ryder. “Higher” is a near-perfect track with R&B/pop-based guitar melodies and velvety beats fused with nostalgia-inducing strings, and traces the group’s take on friendship and love among themselves. The subdued production effectively highlights the group’s honeyed vocals whilst amplifying the feel-good lyrics: “Bursting sweetly, you’re popping like candy/ An exhilarating taste like lemon/ The moment our eyes meet/ I’m drawn to your chocolate flav.”

The single builds an elegant and ambient atmosphere with its harmonious mixing, making it an easy-to-listen-to track and one you cannot afford to experience on a warm clear day. Visually, the music video focuses on the group’s utopian world brimming with lush flowers, butterflies and a paradise-like outer world – a space for the group to create memories. While Fifty-Fifty’s debut didn’t create as much hype as a lot of other groups that debuted this year, the quartet certainly have a lot to offer and it’ll be interesting to see where they go next. –  DD

8. Kep1er 

Formed via the reality survival show Girls Planet 999, Kep1er’s debut was one that most K-pop fans were looking forward to in 2022. Several of the members gained popularity before the group’s formation, hailing from other groups, prominent labels as well as various other reality shows. Comprising Yujin (formerly of girl group CLC), Mashiro, Xiaoting, Chaehyun, Dayeon, Hikaru, Huening Bahiyyih, Youngeun, and Yeseo, Kep1er is a project group that will promote together for two years and six months from their debut.  

With millions of eyeballs glued on them, Kep1er debuted with a high-energy, EDM-bubblegum pop blend titled “Wadada” in January, channeling the ultimate K-pop girl group dream with cute choreography and cosmic glamor aesthetics. The drop at the chorus is undeniably catchy and the gritty synth makes it a danceable and fun earworm, but “Wadada” falls short of excellence because of its rather basic lyricism – “Wa-da-da-da/ Running vroom-vroom-vroom/ Like a supersonic (Let’s go)/ Wa-da-da, wa-da-da, run (Right now),” didn’t hit as hard as we hoped it would. The members themselves are seasoned trainees and artists so they shine thanks to their charisma and teamwork, so we’re glad that some of the other tracks on their debut EP Way Up did more justice to their vocal skills – especially the enigmatic, anti-drop anthem “MVSK” and the darker EDM number “See The Light.”  

Since their debut, Kep1er have remained consistent with their releases, dropping three more EPs and several singles. Each release is stronger than the last, evolving past the rather two-dimensional lyricism of “Wadada” and doing wonders to establish Kep1er’s identity as versatile artists. – RC  

7. Tempest 
Tempest’s debut single “Bad News” combined the vibrancy that K-pop is known for with a funk-pop soundscape, making this single a product from the age-old recipe of debut success stories. Composed of members Hanbin, Hyeongseop, Hyuk, Eunchan, Lew, Hwarang and Taerae – some of whom you may recall from survival shows or previously debuted groups – the single’s pop soundscape leaves ample room for the vocalists to thrive and grab the listeners’ attention. On the other hand, the production manages to include powerful rap verses peppered throughout the track. The intensity of these verses injects soaring energy levels one would expect from a fourth-generation K-pop boy group, making Tempest a group to have on your hype playlists. Co-written by member Hwarang, “Bad News” is bolstered with good intentions and ambitions as the group gleefully sings about taking over the world of K-pop with their infectious aspirations. The music video is equally cheerful with bursts of color, animation, vivid graffiti and crisp choreography conveying the youthful energy of the group. Though “Bad News” was a safe choice (sonically speaking), it was certainly the right choice to draw the required attention and love toward Tempest’s debut. – DD

6. TNX 
While bad-boy, trap-led concepts are way overdone in K-pop at this point and rookie groups are scrambling to explore new avenues, TNX decided to go all guns blazing and lean into the cliché for their debut single “Move” – and boy did it pay off. The six-member group under PSY’s P Nation wore the confidence of a group several years in the game and made a bold impression with their performance skills to cement their place as one of the leading rookies of 2022. The music video sees them take on an almost military-style approach, leading a rebellion to break an established system – another theme that’s classic K-pop, but with TNX’s own elegant take. They warn opposers to stay out of their way as they set out on their journey to build a legacy, and the anthemic track uses booming brass instrumentals, bass and trap interjected with soaring vocal-led pre-choruses and heavy drops. The dance break towards the end sounds like a marching band leading the group to war and all put together, “Move” screams ‘attitude.’ Comprising Kyungjun, Taehun, Hyunsoo, Junhyeok, Hwi and Sungjun, TNX also gain extra points for having a big hand in the production, arrangement and songwriting on their debut EP Way U, with producer and rapper Hwi clocking in most credits, including arrangement, followed by Junhyeok and Kyungjin. – RC

5. Tan

Tan undoubtedly had one of the most exciting and noteworthy debuts from the first half of this year. An acronym for ‘To All Nations,’ Tan were formed through MBC’s Extreme Debut: Wild Idol audition show and consist of members who’ve been active members of the South Korean entertainment industry, previously debuting with different groups. This overarching view of the craft and industry gave members Changsun, Taehoon, Jiseong, Sunghyuk, Jaejun, Hyunyeop and Jooan’s performance a polished edge. And their debut track “Du Du Du” had just the right elements to accentuate their flair across vocals, rap and dance.

With an a capella-driven opening and finger snaps peppered in between, the single demands your attention from the get-go – it grounds itself with its silky melody and decadent harmonies, with the lush R&B production and rich bass drop rising as the song progresses. The sleek sonic elegance within which “Du Du Du” operates is an enjoyable throwback to K-pop’s second- and early third-generation acts such as Nu’est and Exo. Thanks to the effective vocal layering, the song allows you to experience luscious falsettos and satisfying rap flows.

Dipped in hues of red and black, the music video runs adjacent to the group’s sonic maturity. The choreographed routine is smooth with the right hints of sensuality to bring out the alluring lyrics (co-written by member Jiseong). “Du Du Du” is yet to cross the double-digit million views mark on YouTube, but the debut single is certainly a solid testament to the group’s potential. – DD

4. Jwiiver  

Although a lot of fans might have missed this underrated gem this year, we certainly didn’t. Jwiiver is a seven-member rookie group comprising Chae Gaho, Rihan, Roshin, Ryujei, Roats, Gabin and Jukang. They debuted in February with the EP Jtrap and its dazzling lead single of the same name.  

“Jtrap” is a pop-synth track which uses subtle blends of traditional instrumentals with trap and bass to pack a powerful punch, but the true highlight is the pre-chorus and chorus. The band mix vocal harmonies with building synth to deliver one of the most outstanding choruses we’ve heard in 2022 – vocalist Raots is especially impressive with his smooth falsetto locking in the cinematic effect of the song, making us feel it belongs on the soundtrack of a futuristic film. The music video channels the same energy as we see the members traverse a digital world – a popular theme in K-pop this year. 

While the four-track EP as a whole isn’t as strong as the lead single (although “Blue Fire” does make an impression with its EDM-laced production), there’s a lot of potential for excellence. The band currently seem AWOL, however, with the last post on their YouTube channel dating five months ago, and have released no new music since Jtrap. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a comeback from this talented septet, so hopefully we’ll see them return in 2023. – RC  

3. Le Sserafim

While the quintet’s debut was wrought with controversy and saw the departure of a member, Le Sserafim still managed to cement themselves as one of the strongest acts of 2022 thanks to a combination of stellar music, bold performances and unwavering confidence.   

Their debut EP Fearless dropped in May and gave us an introduction to their elegant and experimental brand. ‘Le Sserafim’ is an anagram for ‘I’m fearless,’ and the alternative-pop lead single of the same name celebrates this message of self-confidence with its chorus. The song itself stands out thanks to the way it breaks the K-pop song ‘formula’; there are no rap verses, breakdowns, or bridges and the simplicity of just the chorus and verses is refreshing. The vocals are breathy and the members – Sakura, Eunchae, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha and ex-member Garam – maintain a similar tone with their voices to create a cohesive effect. Fearless as a whole makes for a strong first record, exploring everything from funk (“Blue Flame”) to techno (“The World Is My Oyster”) and allowing the group to deliver several memorable live performances as well. Le Sserafim’s most recent comeback as a quintet with the viral earworm “Antifragile” in October went the opposite way of “Fearless” and made each member’s style stand out, a clever move to showcase this promising group’s skills as individuals and as a team. As a whole, Le Sserafim’s message is about fighting for yourself and it’s a message we can definitely get behind. – RC

2. Superkind 

Hundreds of K-pop groups debut each year and the struggle to stand out and make a mark is undoubtedly the biggest challenge. Superkind, however, managed to game the system. 

The group is a blend of five human idols – Daemon, Eugene, Geon, Sio and JDV – and one virtual idol named Saejin. Superkind’s company Deep Studio Entertainment describes Saejin and Superkind as “a new approach to K-pop,” adding that they wanted the experience of stanning Superkind to be similar to playing a game – there are numerous worlds, character lore and plots, and the group handed the reins of their journey over to their audience. Fans can discuss and choose where Superkind’s next comeback will go, select storylines and concepts they want to see, and talk about the development of the lore with each other and the members of Superkind on Discord. 

Superkind dropped their booming first single “Watch Out” on June 20th, a synth-pop, hip-hop-laced track with a music video that sees the members perform within a digital rendering of the Roman Colosseum. The idols keep glitching in and out of the video to add to the digital theme of their entire concept, and Saejin (the virtual idol) blends in seamlessly by performing the choreography with his members – you’d never guess that he’s not actually there. His rendering is immaculate and the concept is clever, incorporating the idea of Superkind being a game we’re all playing. While they originally debuted with five members, the group has now added a sixth human artist (JDV) and will reportedly be expanding their lineup with more virtual artists like Saejin in the future. There are a lot of pros and cons to Superkind’s concept as a group (which we’ve discussed at length before) but the brilliance of the idea to combine virtual and human artists, and the endless scope for evolution across media makes Superkind an act we’re definitely keeping our eyes on. – RC

1 . NewJeans
Long before you had your favorite K-pop idols grooving to “Hype Boy” on TikTok or you simply could not shake off the singalong “Looking for attention,” NewJeans were poised as K-pop giant Hybe’s new girl group – vague, but enough to draw some eyeballs considering the group would follow the likes of BTS, TXT and Enhypen. But come July 22nd, and members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein overshadowed this tag with their chill soundscape and sticky choruses to become 2022’s most-talked-about debut. The group’s debut strategy was one K-pop had yet to try out. Instead of releasing a slew of debut promotional materials, NewJeans pulled a mini-Beyoncé with their debut single “Attention” and dropped it completely unannounced. And boy, did this strategy work like a charm!

The mid-2000s-inspired R&B/pop soundscape instantly piqued the attention of many with the group’s Y2K-inspired concept driving the hype further.  With the subdued production elements allowing the group’s gorgeous vocals to take centerstage, “Attention” was the right pick to showcase what the quintet would bring to the table. This was shortly followed by the viral sensation “Hybe Boy.” Nostalgic without completely submitting to the retro Y2K throwback, and with an earworm chorus, “Hybe Boy” solidified NewJeans’ bid to lead the Fifth Generation of K-pop.

Though “Cookie” – the third lead single off their self-titled debut EP – was overshadowed by controversies around the 14- to 18-year-old members singing suggestive lyrics layered with sexual innuendos, the song stayed true to the sonic cohesion and poise that helped NewJeans brand themselves as the group that kicked off a new generation of K-pop. – DD

Notable debuts

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Lapillus
Nine.i
ATOB
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