2022 has been an incredible year for K-Pop, with the emergence of a new generation well on its way to world domination. It also marked the return of legendary groups like BIGBANG, Girls' Generation, and KARA and representative icons like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, SEVENTEEN, and Red Velvet. Rookie and rising K-Pop groups who affirmed their claim to fame this year include LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, Kep1er, IVE, STAYC, TREASURE, AB6IX, and NewJeans. Established groups like Stray Kids, ASTRO, ITZY, ATEEZ, (G)I-DLE, SF9, ENHYPEN, aespa, TXT, THE BOYZ, P1Harmony, NCT DREAM, and CRAVITY soared higher than ever. Among soloists (excluding idol group members), B.I, WOODZ, WonHo, Kang Daniel, DPR IAN, Choi YeNa, and AleXa hit it out of the park.

While the above-mentioned groups have achieved and/or enjoyed mainstream global popularity and success in 2022, there are many more that might have passed under your radar. Some incredibly talented artists made their comebacks/debuts this year, and they are gearing up to take on the title of the next big aces of K-Pop.

Here are the top 10 K-Pop idols (including soloists) who we predict will be the next big thing!

Note: This list is our ranking, but you can vote for your favorite idol in the poll at the end of the article. As this is a poll for readers to vote and share their opinion on whenever they find this article, it will not be closed, and no result article will be published.

 

1. DKZ's JaeChan

If there's anyone who deserves the title of the ultimate all-rounder of 2022, it is undoubtedly DKZ's JaeChan. Besides gaining worldwide acclaim for his groundbreaking drama "Semantic Error" which also earned him a mention in Forbes Korea's "2022 Korea Power Celebrity 40 - Rising Star", JaeChan was also immensely prolific as an idol. 2022 brought DKZ their first daesang in the form of the "Male Idol - Rising Star Award" in the 2022 Brand of the Year Awards, as well as their first music show win, followed by consistent accolades and commercial success. JaeChan was able to showcase his masterful skill as not only a vocalist, rapper, and visual member but also a producer to a wider audience, thanks to his renewed popularity. It is extremely rewarding to see a group as talented as DKZ experiencing a new turn in their career, especially when they are only getting started. We cannot wait to see what JaeChan has in store for us next.

 

2. Bang YeDam

Viral sensation, icon, and idol, Bang YeDam, one of YG Entertainment's greatest assets and the former main vocalist of TREASURE, parted ways with the company and the group earlier this year. YG cited his desire to pursue a fully-fledged career in production as the reason why his contract was terminated with mutual agreement. For fans who have stuck beside YeDam ever since he first stepped into the entertainment industry at a very young age, this decision came with a bittersweet aftertaste. While it did mean that they won't be able to see him as a TREASURE member anymore, it also opened up the gates for creative freedom and YeDam's artistic authenticity to be expressed in all its glory. With the abundance of talent he has honed to perfection, we can already predict that Bang YeDam's solo career will be grander than anything we've seen before.

 

3. ADORA

Producer and singer-songwriter ADORA is a name synonymous with excellence. After an extraordinary career as an in-house producer for BigHit Music, ADORA made her debut as a soloist in 2021 and almost immediately received rave responses from fans and critics alike. The novelty of her work, laced with inherent originality and uniqueness, makes her stand out as an artist and has the potential to significantly impact and shape the K-Pop soundscape. What's more, is that she is also an amazing live performer! With her endearing personality and otherworldly talent, it is only a matter of time before ADORA becomes the next big pop star we have been waiting for.

 

4. TEMPEST's HanBin

The master of enchantment, TEMPEST's HanBin, is as beloved as he is talented - endlessly. Before taking on the position of the lead dancer and lead vocalist of TEMPEST, HanBin was a self-taught dancer who went on to found and lead the dance group CAC in Vietnam. He started gaining attention after his stint on the competition reality show "I-LAND", after which he debuted in TEMPEST and enjoyed unprecedented popularity and support from fans all over the world. As a musician, he is constantly challenging himself and, as such, evolving into one of the finest artists this generation has to offer. His knack for performance, mesmerizing stage presence, and duality are some of his strongest suits, and he has the skills to back them up. Without a doubt, HanBin's career is history in the making, and we're eager to see where he goes next.

 

5. Xdinary Heroes' JooYeon

Xdinary Heroes' JooYeon is one of those rare idols who do not hesitate to go against the flow of trends and carve a new path for themselves. Right from his styling to his sonic aesthetic, the way he carries and presents himself - everything about JooYeon is so inimitable that you cannot help but be intrigued. His natural magnetism is amplified by the fact that he quite literally has the Midas touch - turning any endeavor he undertakes into gold. Prior to his debut as an idol, JooYeon was a part of a dance group, and now, he's both the bassist and main vocalist of Xdinary Heroes. That's not all! JooYeon has an innate talent for entertainment and variety shows, which introduces a whole new world of possibilities for the future. It will certainly be interesting to see JooYeon add to his achievements one by one because we're sure that he will have an ocean of them coming soon.

 

6. Billlie's Moon SuA

A powerhouse in the truest sense of the word, Billlie's Moon SuA commands respect and attention wherever she goes. There's an elegant majesty in her presence and a certain poise in her confidence that pulls us in effortlessly. At the same time, she's also the most adorable and precious human being, which makes us want to protect her smile at all costs. She might be the official main rapper and lead vocalist of Billlie but she's also insanely talented as a dancer! With her endless charms and outstanding talent, it isn't surprising that her popularity graph has a constant upward trajectory. As Moon SuA moves forward to explore and experiment with her artistic expression even more, we have no doubt that she will continue to shine brighter than a diamond.

 

7. DKB's Harry June

Have you ever felt the gratification of discovering a hidden gem and watching them rise to unbelievable heights of success? That is exactly what BB experienced this year with DKB's Harry June getting the recognition he deserves for his phenomenal talents. Dancer, vocalist, and maknae of DKB, Harry June, showed the world what he's made of in 2022 with his participation in "Be Mbitious" - a dance reality show serving as the prequel to "Street Man Fighter". Not only did it draw attention to his remarkable mettle as a dancer but also to DKB as a group and, in turn, once again, to his own multifaceted charms and well-rounded skills. Just like that, Harry June was instantly on everyone's radar of rising stars. With all the anticipation for his future activities, we're certain that great things lie ahead of him.

 

8. PURPLE KISS' ChaeIn

If you've been looking for the definition of a prodigy, look no further! PURPLE KISS' ChaeIn is the answer to your search. Main vocalist, lead dancer, rapper, songwriter, composer, choreographer, ChaeIn is so talented that it almost seems unreal! She has creative genius running through her veins, and her personal artistry is truly a thing of wonder. When ChaeIn performs, it is virtually impossible to take your eyes off of her. Such is her hypnotizing charm and unrivaled stage presence. However, she is also the most grounded, playful, and lovable idol you'll ever meet. If you want to stan talent, stan ChaeIn and you'll thank us later because her ever-expanding potential will leave you spellbound.

 

9. TNX's JunHyeok

After one of the most successful and talked-about debuts of 2022, TNX is quickly growing to be a generation-defining group in K-Pop. The main vocalist of the group, JunHyeok is best known for his unique vocal colour, range, and command over the stage but what makes him such a stan magnet is the fact that he has all the makings of the perfect ace. This is because JunHyeok has unparalleled mastery over the technical skills involved in performance, as well as the inventive streak that allows him to transform even the simplest moves into bewitching displays of brilliance. You just cannot help but give in to his allure! With more experience, JunHyeok will definitely join the ranks of the greatest artists in K-Pop.

 

10. CLASS:y's Kim SeonYou

The youngest idol on this list, CLASS:y's Kim SeonYou, is a treasure trove of talent. She has the confidence of a veteran and the spunky freshness of a rookie, which means that she is both exciting and impressive at the same time. Holding down the title of a triple treat, being the main rapper, lead dancer, and vocalist of the group, Kim SeonYou has an unbeatable drive to become the best at what she does, and she's indeed on the right track. Kim SeonYou is unpredictable in the best way possible because we can never know how she will wow us next, and it is this quality of keeping us on our toes that makes her so memorable. So, when it comes to the next big thing in K-Pop, we're placing our bets on Kim SeonYou.

 

 

Which other K-Pop idols/soloists would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section down below!

 

'Chingu' is friend in Korean and in the Korean culture, a person automatically becomes a friend with another person when they find out that they were born in the same year.

If you are ever curious about which K-Pop idol is your 'chingu', check out the list below!

 

If you've been following Kpopmap for some time now, you will know about our exclusive editorial series called "Bias Duality". In this series, with articles released once every three weeks, we shine the spotlight on an artist who embodies the very essence of duality and has mastered the flair of harnessing their multifaceted talent to create the most brilliant, versatile art we have ever seen. As effortless as they make their craft look, there's a universe of talent that brings their hard work to fruition, and we must show appreciation where it's due.

In this article, we're compiling a masterlist of the K-Pop idols who have been featured in Kpopmap's "Bias Duality" series! All the K-Pop idols featured in this series following the first article were picked by global fans through polls. These idols embody duality beyond the simple definition of the term. From their vocals to their stage presence, their aesthetic, personality, and more, their duality will cast a spell on you, and you'll fall in love with them all over again.

Note: This list is not a ranking. It includes our "Bias Duality" articles published between April 25, 2022, and April 4, 2023, in their order of publication. Idol actors are included in this list. For actors (including those who have music careers but aren't part of an idol group), check out our separate masterlist here. The "Bias Duality" series is still ongoing, so this article will be updated with each release.

 

1. Kep1er's Bahiyyih 

The resident Princess of the 4th generation of K-Pop, crowned by the love and admiration of fans all over the world - Kep1er's Bahiyyih livened up the K-Pop scene like a refreshing wind of change, inspiring millions to reach for the stars.

Read all about Bahiyyih's duality here:

 

2. ASTRO's JinJin

A shining star in the artistic firmament of the global music industry, ASTRO's JinJin is a force to be reckoned with. JinJin is what I call the ace of aces, and a huge part of his electric appeal stems from the brilliant duality he embodies in a myriad range of performative spheres.

Read all about JinJin's duality here:

 

3. SF9's RoWoon

An idol, actor, poet, philosopher, and friend - RoWoon represents the truest meaning of the term "Artist For The People". Living up to the meaning of his real name Kim SeokWoo, RoWoon has made this world a sweeter place for millions just by virtue of his existence.

Read all about RoWoon's duality here:

 

4. Golden Child's Choi BoMin

The brightest ray of sunshine, Golden Child's BoMin's brand of artistry combines retro romanticism with futuristic vision, creating an inimitable blend that defines him. The future of the Korean art and entertainment industry is certainly in safe hands.

Read all about BoMin's duality here:

 

5. ZE:A's Park HyungSik

The artist of artists, the paragon of duality himself: ZE:A's Park HyungSik is the multifaceted idol, actor, thespian, and artist who stole the world's heart with his extraordinary talent.

Read all about Park HyungSik's duality here:

 

6. GOT7's YuGyeom

One of the finest young artists of our generation, GOT7's YuGyeom is a visionary whose unique sense of individuality and artistic identity shines through regardless of whether he's promoting in one of the most influential K-Pop groups in the world, GOT7, or solo.

Read all about YuGyeom's duality here:

 

7. ENHYPEN's HeeSeung

HeeSeung established himself as an ace in K-Pop before even debuting officially. With HeeSeung's luminous talent and unlimited potential, he aims for the moon and lands on the same.

Read all about HeeSeung's duality here:

 

8. NCT's Yuta

One of the most intriguing and uniquely brilliant artists in the world, NCT's Yuta is a ray of hope for innumerable young people all over the world who dream of becoming idols while looking up to him.

Read all about Yuta's duality here:

 

9. P1Harmony's Theo

An extraordinary idol who evokes love and respect both as an artist and an individual, P1Harmony's Theo was destined to reign at the top. His voice has the warmth to soothe our aching souls, and his performance has the cool charisma to make us swoon.

Read all about Theo's duality here:

 

10. ATEEZ's HongJoong

If there's one thing that comes to mind when speaking of HongJoong, it is the image of a Captain. HongJoong embodies an angelic charm with devilish allure and his duality is simply enchanting.

Read all about HongJoong's duality here:

 

11. MONSTA X's JooHoney

MONSTA X's JooHoney is one of the pioneers of the generation that took K-Pop to a whole new level. An idol who is irretrievably in love with his fans, one who is an artistic perfectionist, a strict mentor, a formidable performer, and an incredibly lovely human being, MONSTA X's JooHoney is truly one of a kind.

Read all about JooHoney's duality here:

 

12. WonHo

Driven by an insatiable urge to express himself, WonHo was born to stand on the world's stage and claim his rightful throne as the best of the best. From his vocal and compositional duality to his luxurious stage versatility, WonHo is incomparable.

Read all about WonHo's duality here:

 

13. SF9's Yoo TaeYang

With striking hypnotism, SF9's Yoo TaeYang, holds fire in his eyes and heaven in his smile. As luminous on the inside as he is on the outside, SF9's Yoo TaeYang shines in ways that brighten up the world.

Read all about Yoo TaeYang's duality here:

 

14. LE SSERAFIM's Miyawaki Sakura

One of the most powerful, influential, and talented stars of the global music industry, LE SSERAFIM's Miyawaki Sakura has soared to exceptional success at lightning speed ever since her debut, dominating the music industry. Miyawaki Sakura was born to be an idol.

Read all about Sakura's duality here:

 

15.  NCT/WAYV/SuperM's Ten

A rare gem, a prodigy in the truest sense of the word, and a virtuoso way ahead of his time, Ten Lee is the OG ace who emerged at the dawn of a new generation in K-Pop. Ten is a champion of duality both on and off the stage.

Read all about Ten's duality here:

 

16. BTOB's HUTA (Lee MinHyuk)

An idol who has been loved generation after generation in K-Pop, BTOB's Lee MinHyuk is a treasure trove of talent, visuals, charms, and more. Travel the world and the seven seas, and you'll still not find a man like Lee MinHyuk.

Read all about HUTA's duality here:

 

17. Red Velvet's SeulGi

Two things come to mind when you think of Red Velvet's SeulGi: the uber-talented creative genius with a chokehold on our senses and the baby bear who is so loveable that we would fight the world for her, and it is this duality that we aim to highlight in our article.

Read all about SeulGi's duality here:

 

18. ASTRO's MoonBin

MoonBin has the glow of star shine in his smile . His self-expression is a source of comfort, happiness, and celebration to millions all over the world, and that truly means more than anything in the times we live in today.

Read all about MoonBin's duality here:

 

19. Park JiHoon

Hallyu's pride, Park JiHoon is the complete package and then some. Regardless of the capacity in which Park JiHoon comes to us, he is so incredibly versatile and unthinkably talented that it makes him unpredictable in the most celebrated way possible.

Read all about Park JiHoon's duality here:

 

20. Ong SeongWu

Ong SeongWu is the young genius who got the whole world convinced that he is their first love. One of the brightest artists in the Korean entertainment industry, hard-carrying the future of Hallyu, Ong SeongWu is the very definition of versatility.

Read all about Ong SeongWu's duality here:

 

21. NCT's Jeno

Jeno is the shining star the world has its eyes on - an icon of this generation and the next. Whether it be on screen, on the stage, or on the runway, Jeno is a maestro in his own right, and we love to see it.

Read all about Jeno's duality here:

 

22. Kim SeJeong

Kim SeJeong is a goddess of a woman with otherworldly beauty, extraordinary talent, and the warmest heart. Not only does she shine like the most brilliant diamond, but just like its prismatic nature, she absorbs the love and light that is showered on her to create the most spectacular art.

Read all about SeJeong's duality here:

 

23. A.C.E's Wow

A.C.E's Wow makes us go weak in the knees with one look. He is a stunning force of nature - as expansive and deep as the ocean, as mighty as the mountains, as powerful as the wind, and as grounded as the earth.

Read all about Wow's duality here:

 

24. U-KISS/UNB's Lee JunYoung

Lee JunYoung defines diligence and passion and we've never seen a man with so much dimension. The highest expression of Lee JunYoung’s identity is in his art. Today, he is a lauded artist in the truest sense of the word who has conquered every single field he has laid eyes on.

Read all about Lee JunYoung's duality here:

 

25. VICTON's ByungChan

If there's anything that runs deeper than ByungChan's dimples, it is his duality. Whether it be as an idol, an actor, a variety star, or a model, ByungChan has an innately precious versatility to him that puts us in a trance.

Read all about ByungChan's duality here:

 

26. BAE173's Lee HanGyul

HanGyul is someone who inspires the greatest admiration with his unrelenting sincerity and unrivaled talent. His mettle and mentality are wrapped in steel and his versatility is out of this world.

Read all about HanGyul's duality here:

 

27. TNX's TaeHun

TaeHun is a brand new star in the universe of limitless talent. He has fire in his eyes, warmth in his smile, and light in his art. When the Creator was working on TaeHun, They must have had the Sun in mind.

Read all about TaeHun's duality here:

 

28. Stray Kids' Felix

Stray Kids' Felix is a remarkable artist whose incomparable sound changed the course of K-Pop. Whether we get teddy bear HaengBok or rockstar Felix, we will keep falling deeper and deeper in love with him every day.

Read all about Felix's duality here:

 

29. ASTRO's Yoon SanHa

All aboard the ASTRO Boat because our Captain Ddana is ready to take over our senses. One of the most beloved, endearing, talented, and intoxicatingly handsome K-Pop idols we have ever known, ASTRO's maknae Yoon SanHa is the living, walking definition of duality.

Read all about Yoon SanHa's duality here:

 

30.  NCT/WayV's Kun

Kun is one of the finest idols the K-pop industry has to offer. He is an angel of a man, with the most sincere, wholesome, and radiant personality who wants nothing but to share his art with the world and his life with his loved ones. The K in Kun stands for "King of the World" and in our "Bias Duality" article, we bow down to his royal charms.

Read all about Kun's duality here:

 

31. PENTAGON's Hui

When talking about the most inspirational and legendary K-Pop idols of all time, Hui is a name that is indispensable. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that an entire era of K-Pop was built and pioneered by Hui’s indelible contributions to the industry. At this point, his versatility has gained iconic status.

Read all about Hui's duality here:

 

32. WOODZ

One of the most unique, compelling, and honest voices in K-Pop - WOODZ is a visionary in the truest sense of the word. The depth of WOODZ's art is beyond measure, and his duality is simply fascinating.

Read all about WOODZ's duality here:

 

33. UP10TION's Kim WooSeok

Face genius, music genius, acting genius Kim WooSeok has been a dazzling force to be reckoned with in the Korean entertainment industry for quite a while now. Saying Kim WooSeok is an all-rounder would be an understatement because his talents know no bounds.

Read all about Kim WooSeok's duality here:

 

34. SUPERKIND's Eugene

The first thing you notice about SUPERKIND's Eugene is just how strikingly beautiful he is and the otherworldly aura that surrounds him. Look a little further, and his extraordinary talent reveals itself. Go a layer deeper, and his sincere, compassionate, and graceful personality shines through. Such is Eugene's personality.

Read all about Eugene's duality here:

 

You can find all our "Bias Duality" articles here.