fantagio / TEMPEST's Twitter / JYP Entertainment
The K-Pop world is an ever-evolving industry, constantly in competitive flux with the flow of extraordinary creativity. It expands indefinitely with the arrival of new talent and the unprecedented growth of existing artists. Every year, there are innumerable aspiring idols who enter training but only a fortunate few trainees finally make their debut.
2022 has been no exception. The first half of this year was filled with some incredibly talented artists making their debut, taking their first step into the cultural movement that is currently dominating the global music field. These young artists placed their bids to solidify their positions in the industry, giving it their all from the very beginning.
Here are the top 10 K-Pop debuts from the first half of 2022!
Note: This list is inclusive of K-Pop groups, subunits, and soloists that debuted on or before June 31, 2022. It is not based on sales.
1. TWICE's NaYeon & MONSTA X's KiHyun
Two golden vocalists made their solo debuts in the first half of 2022: TWICE's NaYeon and MONSTA X's KiHyun. NaYeon released her 1st mini-album "IM NAYEON" on June 24, giving us the pop anthem of the year, shining in all her glory as one of the reigning queens of K-Pop.
KiHyun took us the rock way, imbuing his 3-track single album "Voyager" with a stunning range of emotions that can only be described as fearless and poignant. Just like the title suggests, it is a musical journey of excellence that reaffirms KiHyun's position as the best of the best.
2. LE SSERAFIM
Despite being ridden with controversy, LE SSERAFIM's debut can hardly be disregarded, especially when it comes to its artistic novelty, production value, and compositional merits. 'Fearless' is a fine piece of art representative of not only the 4th generation of K-Pop but also the future and the endless possibilities it holds. The EP of the same name is a complete, well-rounded endeavor that makes us even more excited for what the group has in store for us next.
3. ASTRO's JINJIN&ROCKY
ASTRO's 2nd and highly-awaited subunit JINJIN&ROCKY officially debuted on January 17, 2022, with the mini-album "Restore". From alt-rock to funk, TrenChill to ballads, duets to solo tracks, JinJin and Rocky pour their musicality into a golden platter for us to relish. Moreover, both the members participated in the songwriting, composition, and arrangement of the songs. Needless to say, it is simply a delight for the ears!
4. Kep1er & NMIXX
Formed in 2021 through the survival reality show "Girls Planet 999", Kep1er's debut was one of the most anticipated K-Pop events of 2022 and they delivered. The EP "First Impact" with the lead single 'Wa Da Da' is intergalactic techno-pop at its best and we love to see it!
NMIXX, JYP Entertainment's first girl group since ITZY, debuted on February 22, 2022, with the single album "Ad Mare" and its title track 'O.O'. True to their name, the group was introduced with an exceptionally unique, bold, and daring medley of sonic aesthetics that highlight their strengths and posit their potential. While some critics considered it polarising, NMIXX's debut certainly elicited curiosity and interest among fans and non-fans alike.
5. ILY:1 & TNX
If you have been a fan of K-Pop since the older generations, you'll love this debut too. ILY:1 is here to bring the addictive, joyous and energetic spirit of bubblegum K-Pop back! The group debuted on April 4, 2022, with "Love In Bloom" and the lead single of the same name is just a boost of serotonin. From the vocals to the rap line, production, and more, ILY:1's debut was unbelievably splendid.
In total contrast to ILY:1's loveliness, we have the most power-packed debuting group of 2022: TNX. Created through the competition show "Loud", this group was outstanding from the moment they arrived in the scene. The lead single 'Move' from their debut EP "Way Up" is fire, passion, and intensity incarnate. The cinematic scale is undeniable. TNX perfected the dark concept on their first try and we cannot begin to anticipate what comes next.
6. VIVIZ
Perhaps the debut that brought fans the most satisfaction and euphoria in the first half of 2022 was that of VIVIZ on February 9, 2022. 3 former members of GFRIEND - EunHa, SinB, and UmJi came together to form this group under BPM Entertainment. With all 3 artists being aces in their own right, fans knew that their debut would be on a whole new level. However, they outdid themselves and the industry with "Beam Of Prism" and the title track 'Bop Bop!'.
7. (G)I-DLE's MiYeon
The main vocalist of one of the leading girl groups in the K-Pop industry, (G)I-DLE, the one who broke the internet with her voice as Ahri in K/DA, MiYeon finally made her solo debut on April 27, 2022, and it was everything we could have imagined, and more. Aptly titled "MY", MiYeon's debut mini-album expresses a sense of individuality, self-expression, and honesty that genuinely touches the heart. This is MiYeon's artistry on full display and it is exquisite.
8. DAY6's WonPil
The one and only artist on this list to have made their solo debut with a studio album, DAY6 member WonPil stunned the music industry with "Pilmography". He wrote all the songs on the album, either in part or entirely, and even participated in the composition. If there's one thing that shines brighter than the sun on this album, it is WonPil's sincerity, which manifests itself through his musical identity. This man was born to heal us with his art. We cannot wait for him to return safely from the military.
9. TEMPEST
TEMPEST came in with guns ablaze, ready to jump into the eye of the storm with their debut on March 2, 2022. The group's fantastic first mini-album, "It's Me, It's We" and the title track 'Bad News' immediately shone the spotlight on their incredible synchronization and cohesive energy, drawing appreciation from fans and critics alike. Without a doubt, it was as refreshing and exciting as it gets. TEMPEST is gearing up to take over the world and we're just happy to be along for the ride.
10. YOUNITE
Finally, this list would not be complete without the colourful, vivid, and lively debut of YOUNITE! The group made their debut on April 20, 2022 with 'YOUNI-BIRTH' and its double title tracks, 'Everybody' and '1 Of 9', both of which immaculately evoked a sense of 90s nostalgia without letting go of their trendiness. The rest of the EP is pleasantly surprising in terms of diversity and leaves a lasting impression. Besides, these young geniuses have some amazing stage presence too! If that's not a total package, we don't know what is!
What was your favorite K-Pop debut from the first half of 2022?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.TWICE's NaYeon
MONSTA X's KiHyun
LE SSERAFIM
ASTRO's JINJIN&ROCKY
Kep1er
NMIXX
ILY:1
TNX
VIVIZ
(G)I-DLE's MiYeon
DAY6's WonPil
TEMPEST
YOUNITE
Tell us your top 10 ranking in the comments section down below!
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