HORI7ON's official Instagram / KQ Entertainment / Fantagio
Each week, Kpopmap hosts a Twitter space "Kpopmap Hallyu Lab" where our global editors share their take on all things K-Pop and K-Dramas with inputs from our readers/listeners as well. This week, our topic drew in a lot of interest from global fans as we shared our picks of the rookie K-Pop idol groups we have been falling in love with lately.
Kpopmap is hosting our Twitter Space @ Wed 2PM KST. #KpopmapHallyuLab
Topic: 2023 Rookie K-Pop Idol Groups We LoveJoin us to talk about the 2023 rookie groups you like.
SPOILER ALERT: #ZEROBASEONE #LUN8 #HORI7ON pic.twitter.com/esy856UA6d
— Kpopmap (@Kpopmap) July 18, 2023
Fans were duly excited for this episode of the Lab as they got to hear us expressively talk about our favorite rookies, many of which were also on their stan cards. In this conversational type article, we will be sharing the responses of our editors, who took their keen time to share their inputs on these topics and questions.
Question 1: Who are your favorite groups right now? And how long have you been following them?
The lab started with the age-old question on the K-Pop groups we were all staining right now and how we became a fan of them. Some of the answers from our editors were quite similar, projecting our taste in music and how we got into K-Pop as well.
Starship Entertainment
Laure: My top favorites are definitely MONSTA X (OT7) and SF9, I love their music and members so much. I have been following MONSTA X since their debut (and supporting WonHo since his solo debut as well) and I have been following SF9 since 2016-17 and joined their fandom as well. I am also a fan of INFINITE (my first K-Pop group) and have been pulled into the ATEEZ fandom recently. But I listen to a lot of groups.
SM Entertainment
Eunice: So I’ve always been a SONE, with GG being the group that has gotten me into K-Pop anyway (I remember falling for them after seeing the ‘Genie’ video in 2011. Then, while I wasn’t with EXO since their debut, I was down the black hole in 2013 (yes, ‘Growl’s fault), so I am quite a fossil EXO-L as well. Then for more recent groups, I am loving NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM, especially liking Huh YunJin!
Big Hit Music
Ishani: Well, for me, I’ve been ride or die with BTS and SEVENTEEN since their debut. Besides them, I am currently also loving NCT DREAM, LE SSERAFIM, EXO, TXT, ATEEZ, and Stray Kids, among K-Pop groups. RIght now, I’m waiting on more music from ASTRO and my fresh fave HORI7ON’s debut.
High Up Entertainment
Dyllan: If I were to narrow down to favorites, in terms of girl groups I’ve always liked STAYC since their debut in 2020. They just had such a unique sound that I immediately thought I had to support them and buy their albums. Then there’s LE SSERAFIM who I got hooked on because I was a big WIZ*ONE. So ChaeWon and Sakura got me interested, but the group as a whole got me to stay. Then for boy groups, I’m a longtime WINNER fan. I’ve been following them since they were formed through their survival show in 2013. I feel like I’ve been through so much with them and their journey as artists.
KQ Entertainment
Michael: well, if we are talking ultimate biases, my list is short but all about quality! We have EXO, ATEEZ, ONEWE, LUMINOUS, SEVENTEEN, ONEUS, TXT, MONSTA X, and lately, I have been so into VAV. They surprised me with 'Designer' and I can't help but fall for their charms.
Question 2: When it comes to new rookie groups, what are some qualities that would make you interested in them? What draws you to a new group?
With a crop of new groups debuting almost every year, there is no doubt a list of qualities or charms they have to possess to make fans fall in love with them. Here, we shared some of the key things that make us interested in a rookie group or the ways we know we are about to stan them.
Ishani: For me, I think it’s when I feel like they’re going above and beyond to do their best. Like, you can feel the passion and sincerity in their words and actions. That’s probably why I have never disliked any debuts so far. It’s such a meaningful thing for them and their excitement/nervousness just wins me over. But what makes me stan is definitely the music. You know how there are some songs that you just crave? Like you wake up and it’s a sunny day and immediately, LUN8’s 'Voyager' or HORI7ON's 'Lovey Dovey' comes to mind, that’s when I knew, I need to stan. So, when I find myself going out of my way and wanting to listen to their music and adding them to my playlists, I know I’ll be stanning.
Eunice: I think I need a bop that will hook me in. That will get me started, and become curious. This is the case for me, especially when I have even just one song on repeat. I have a certain type of voice that I like, so if they have it, that'll pull me in further. Then, if they have fun content as well, that will definitely put a hold on me.
Dyllan: I think I’m pretty much in the same boat. Because I know I’ll like a group when I replay their song at least a million times. Okay, that’s a little exaggeration, but it’s definitely the song that draws me in first. Then, hopefully, they have some YouTube content ready to watch that showcases their bright vibrant personalities. Because if I end up automatically smiling while watching them, I just know that I’ll want to remain a fan for a long time.
Laure: It is quite similar for me as well. I check the concept and music first and if I like I will check out their team atmosphere and personalities. I pay a lot of attention to not only fan cams but reality shows as I must feel happy and comfortable with the members. Once you get closer to the group, it is even better to watch the stages. Like you say Dyllan, you end up smiling. Especially rookie groups have this charm of making you support and root for them.
But to add one point for how I get interested in a new rookie group, I watched quite a few survival shows and if I hear one of the trainees I was supporting is debuting or re-debuting, I can only check. With so many groups debuting, this is quite a big factor for me.
Michael: I think for me, it is about performances and vocals. When I think about things like this, as rookies the group who had everything and more is ATEEZ. I mean 'Pirate King'?! Come on! Even just that humming hook alone is enough to make anyone impressed. The concept, choreography, vocals, and even rap were just fire. So I think when everything is complete, then I am hooked.
Question 3: Out of the groups that have debuted so far in 2023, who were you most excited about? And feel free to name more than 1 rookie group
The year 2023 is poised to be an impressive one with regard to the idol groups who will be making their debuts. Many of whom have already made theirs. In this segment, our editors shared their opinions on the groups whom they are very well excited about and some of the ones they were looking forward to as well.
Ishani: Well, when it comes to already-debuted artists, I definitely was most thrilled by 8TURN, LUN8, and MAVE. 8TURN and LUN8 have real members, of course, and MAVE has virtual members, but all 3 groups make some amazing, catchy, and unique music. Like, ‘Pandora’ was a bop and a half. As for LUN8, they’re just super refreshing and lively and just make me happy. 8TURN is quite quirky and isn’t afraid to experiment, so I love that.
Then, among soon-to-debut groups, I’m super excited for HORI7ON. They already have music out and we’re getting to know them through their reality show, so it feels like I’ve known them for a while now, and I’m definitely rooting for them. Their music is my style too, so yay for me!
Eunice: So last year, I actually was liking a song that I wasn’t sure how I first heard it. I liked it but I didn’t know who it was, and I didn’t think it was a song from a rookie. By chance, I found the song on YouTube, I think it played randomly - thank you YouTube algorithm. It was ‘Generation’ by tripleS. tripleS didn’t debut fully as a group last year, and only their unit AAA was promoted back then. So, when I found out that they were debuting this year officially, I was eager to hear their debut track as a whole group. When ‘Rising’ came out, it was definitely a track that exceeded my expectations! I love the concept, and their lives on music shows were pretty spot on!
Dyllan: So one of the names that comes to mind is KISS OF LIFE. I knew about Natty and Julie beforehand, so once I heard the news that they were debuting, I definitely felt excited for them. These two are just so talented and it would have been a shame if they did not remain in the K-Pop industry. I think also LUN8 definitely caught my eye. I was already hooked by their logo motion video that incorporated the moon and a little TMI, I love the moon, stars, and outer space, so that was a definite plus for me. Then their cover of DAY6’s ‘You Were Pretty’ sealed the deal for me. Even with just the 4 of them, their vocals were out of this world. So I knew I had to keep an eye out for LUN8.
Laure: I was going to mention LUN8 too. I got curious at first for a superficial reason, I liked their pre-debut pictures, and it made me stop scrolling on Twitter. So I was waiting for their debut. Luckily ‘Wild Heart’ is super good and gives the vibes I like (compared to their other song 'Voyager'). I feel they really look good with this concept. High potential for sure.
But to name my top 1, I will go for ZEROBASEONE! I watched “Boys Planet” and like the members who debuted. So I could only wait for their debut. They have a lot of talents and I feel the chemistry between the members as well. Teamwork is important to me. And TMI but I went to their debut media showcase and I was close to the stage, I could feel how hard they prepared and their energy. I don’t know how to explain it but maybe the simplest way is to say they’ve got a new fan here.
Michael: I will also go for ZB1 as well. Honestly, I have been looking forward to seeing the kind of charms Kim Jiwoong will show as an idol and while he owns my heart, the other members are finding their ways into my stan card as well. Mr. Park GunWook and your lovely smile, I see you. Asides from ZB1 another group that is just blowing my mind with their talent is 8TURN. I am beyond impressed with this comeback and their performances so far. You know how it is so easy to find a bias sometimes in a group but for me, with 8TURN, my eyes just keep darting from left and right following each member with much interest. They are super good and I expect them to blow up real soon. In popularity not literally though.
Question 4: So from the rookie idol groups that you mentioned, who is your bias?
The question every K-Pop fans readily love to answer, in this segment, our editors shared their ultimate biases in the rookie groups who have stolen their attention this year so far.
ZEROBASEONE's official Instagram
Laure: It usually takes time for me to decide because then I don’t change at all, it is for life. For ZEROBASEONE, I like all the members but I think most likely Sung HanBin because he has this angel aura surrounding him in the way he speaks and acts as well. He seems like a smart and responsible person. No need to mention that his dancing and singing are also outstanding. During “Boys Planet”, he is the only one that made me rewind a stage to see his wink. Looking at the amount of things I would like to say more about him, seems like he is my bias. But Park GunWook keeps on grabbing my attention on stage so we will see.
Fantagio
HORI7ON's official Instagram
Ishani: This is my favorite topic Dyllan, so thank you for asking. Unlike Laure, my biases keep changing from member to member so I always say I’m an all-team stan but currently, at this very moment, my very clear LUN8 bias is Ian. Voice, visuals, personality - he has it all, and I really respect his journey, from "I-LAND" to now. So, I feel like I can connect with him emotionally. As for 8TURN and MAVE, I don’t really have a bias YET but I feel like it’ll change soon, and for HORI7ON, I’m OT7 for sure but listen, I'll be lying if I said Reyster isn't very close to stealing my heart.
WAKEONE Entertainment
Eunice: Well, as much as I wish I had a bias in the group I picked, I have yet to choose anyone on tripleS. Maybe I need to check more of their content to be able to settle on someone. However, if I can dare pick from the other groups mentioned, I think I am proud of Seok Matthew’s debut the most, being one of my picks on “Boys Planet.”
Dyllan: So I’ve been watching quite a few ZEROBASEONE clips of them on variety shows, and I’m just loving Seok Matthew so much. He’s definitely rising up my bias list.
8TURN's official Instagram
Michael: Okay, since I am to pick just one, I think leader JaeYun is fastly growing on me. I think first because he is the leader, he has a dutiful and strong presence but he is also proving to be fiercely talented and he is super handsome too. So, I am not sure he lacks in any department.
Question 5: Is there a rookie group that took you by surprise? A group that you didn’t expect to like so much?
Sometimes, there are groups that just creep up on us and before we know it, we are already in love with them and promoting them to our friends as well. Here, our editors shared some of the groups who have surprised them with their talents and charms lately.
KQ Entertainment
Laure: “By surprise” is a bit of a stretch but I was surprised to be this interested in xikers. As I mentioned before I am interested in ATEEZ, so -of course- I was going to check out xikers' debut since they are from the same agency but it does not mean I would like it. I was surprised by their stage presence. I was like if they are already like this at their debut…. The future is bright. I watched a lot of their fan cams and I was impressed.
Michael: Actually, I was going to say xikers as well, but judging by their pre-debut contents, I think now, I am not surprised that they are this talented.
The Wind's official Instagram
Dyllan: I’d have to say The Wind. While I was focused on other groups like LUN8 and xikers, it feels like TheWind came out of nowhere. I’m pretty sure the moment they debuted, I spent the next few days just having their debut album on repeat. The amount of times I caught myself humming to their title track ‘ISLAND’ is just too many to count.
KISS OF LIFE's official Instagram
Ishani: I think KISS OF LIFE really took me by surprise. The group has a strong sense of concept and I personally am enjoying their music very much so far. Besides, KISS OF LIFE debuted with an EP where each member got solo tracks. My favorite is ‘Play Love Games’ by HaNeul but that’s beside the point. I think it was a super effective debut, definitely original and one of a kind, and shows the members’ individual strengths along with, obviously, the group dynamic. It was right up my alley and I’m definitely looking forward to their future.
Eunice: I think I will be riding on Ishani’s pick, it’s also KISS OF LIFE for me. I honestly didn’t really anticipate their debut but ‘Shhh’ and ‘Bye My Neverland’ are tracks that were really easy to listen to.
Dyllan: Natty and Julie were known quantities for me. But the entire group definitely made me say “Wow”. And their dance challenge is pretty darn adorable at the end.
Michael: Oh speaking of solo tracks, perhaps we would have to give a big shoutout to MLD Entertainment as the HORI7ON members each be having a solo track in their 21 songs debut album. An impressive feat for sure!
Question 6: So if you could, choose a rookie group and promote them to our listeners. Let our lovely listeners know why this is an idol group they should stan.
Every K-Pop fan vies for the opportunity to promote their favorite group and idols and hopefully get more fans to support them as well. In this segment, our editors took a chance to promote their favorite rookie groups to our listeners.
Ishani: Okay, let me take this time to promote HORI7ON since they’re about to debut. So, guys, firstly, this is the very first all-Filipino boy group debuting in South Korea. Secondly, they’re super good at what they do, so there’s no doubt that you’ll be impressed when it comes to artistic standards. And thirdly, they’re extremely endearing, like you’ll literally want to protect them at all costs. Fourth, they were created by a survival show so you have that content to catch up on and watch their journey before they debut. My song recommendation is ‘Lovey Dovey’ but they’re debuting on July 24 with the album “Friend-Ship” and lead single ‘Six7een’. So, check it out and I promise, you’ll love it.
Dyllan: So I’d like to promote The Wind. Their overflowing innocence latches onto your heart and their title track ‘ISLAND’ will instantly put you in a happy mood. Just give The Wind a chance and you will be smiling from ear to ear in no time. Stan TheWind for years of happiness and success and great skin.
Eunice: I just wanna say, guys, don’t miss out on tripleS! For starters, you SHOULD (yes emphasizing on SHOULD) listen to ‘Generation’ and ‘Rising’, and you’ll definitely be bobbing your head to them. Then listen to the latest release, by one of their sub-units, +(KR)stal Eyes, ‘Touch’. Such a classic track!
Laure: So if we talk about 2023 rookies, I don’t think ZEROBASEONE needs my promotion that much with all their records. I will go for LUN8 because as mentioned before they really are worth checking out. If you are still looking for your summer bop, check out ‘Wild Heart’. You will find yourself smiling I promise you.
Michael: Okay guys, we are all looking forward to the continuity of K-Pop and if there is one rookie group I believe will continue to foster the genre and even expand its sound and creativity, it is 8TURN. They are a super rookie group with amazing concepts, brilliant and jaw-dropping choreography, amazing vocals, and a fierce rap line. And also, if visuals are your spec then look no further as you will have 8 handsome and dreamy idols who deserve to be on your stan card!
Question 6: Let’s pretend we all get a time machine to use for one round trip. And once you go back in time, you have unlimited access to music shows, fan sign events, and so much more. Which idol group’s debut era are you visiting?
It's always such a thrill to note that you tagged alone right from the beginning on the journey of your favorite groups, from their debut till now, sharing in their struggles and triumphs as well. In this segment, our editors choose the idol group whose debut era they would love to revisit.
TVXQ's official Instagram
Dyllan: This will probably show my age and how long I’ve been listening to K-Pop, but bring me back to TVXQ’s debut era. I’d love to be in the crowd to sing along to ‘Hug’. And you bet I’ll be screaming ChangMin’s name with everyone else. Yes, ChangMin was and still is my TVXQ bias.
SM Entertainment
Eunice: I will probably be taking advantage of this opportunity to go back to EXO’s debut. While I didn’t appreciate them at their debut if given the chance to go back right now, I do wish to see them with better appreciative eyes. Anyone who wants to come with me? XD
Michael: Honestly, same with Eunice! I need to witness EXO right from the beginning. As a late fan, I sought of feel like I have missed a whole lot about the group so if that opportunity ever comes, I am taking it!!!
SM Entertainment
Ishani: Wow, this one is hard. Well, since I was with this group since their debut anyway, if we’re allowed to go back, meet them, and tell them about their future, I would pick BTS. If we just get to be present and enjoy ourselves and bask in their glory, I would pick 2NE1. I feel like that era was the coolest in all of K-Pop, no questions asked, and I just want to be a part of it. While I’m there, I’ll sneak into some BIGBANG concerts too, cause why not?
Laure: Actually, I have similar reasons to Dyllan, I really like SHINee but missed their rookies days, I joined K-Pop when they were promoting ‘Hello’ in late 2010 so I missed around 2-3 years of activities. I really need to see ‘Replay’, ‘Lucifer’, ‘Ring Ding Dong’ and ‘Amigo’ live.
The lab wasn't just restricted to our editors alone as many of our listeners were given a chance to speak. Since the topic of the day was rookie groups, many fans of the group HORI7ON came on the space to express their excitement for the K-Pop debut of the remarkable group who had already been thrilling the hearts of fans with their exciting talents and charms. The rookie group will be making their K-Pop debut with the release of their first full album "Friend-SHIP" on the 24th of July. You can check out the teaser and highlight medley below.
Did you miss our lab this week? Well, fret not as there will be another one next week Wednesday where we will be talking about "2nd Lead Syndrome" in K-Dramas.
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- HORI7ON's Reyster Is An Unstoppable Dancing Machine With Endless Charms
- Weekly Top 10 K-Pop Idols Who Received The Most Hearts In The HEART TOP 100 As Voted By Global Fans (1st Week Of February)
- Weekly Top 10 K-Pop Idols Who Received The Most Hearts In The HEART TOP 100 As Voted By Global Fans (4th Week Of January)
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