Arena / MBC / Yuehua Entertainment
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 of these K-Pop artists will be the next big thing in K-Pop?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.DKZ's JaeChan
Bang YeDam
Adora
TEMPEST's HanBin
Xdinary Heroes' JooYeon
Billlie's Moon SuA
DKB's Harry June
PURPLE KISS' ChaeIn
TNX's JunHyeok
CLASS:y's Kim SeonYou
Which other K-Pop idols/soloists would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section down below!
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