2019 may have been the most exciting year yet in Kpop group debuts, but do you know what that means? 2020 will be even better as we get to watch their talents bloom! Here is a great starter's kit to last year's debuts and a list of who you must keep an eye on as 2020 begins.
1. ITZY
Winning over ten rookie and new artist awards including from the Seoul Music Awards, Asia Artist Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Melon Music Awards, ITZY is definitely here to run the scene! JYP Entertainment brought us favorites like Twice, Stray Kids, and Got7 and now ITZY's prowess is undeniable, too. The five members, Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna, are powerful alone and together with stellar dancing, moving vocals, attention-demanding visuals, and inspiring personalities. Their empowerment will rub off on you, too, just from watching a performance!
2. TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Also known as TXT, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, Soobin and Huening Kai always put on a seemingly effortless, sharp performance covered with flare and charm! They also won over ten awards such as new artist, new male artist, and rookie of the year from entities like the Melon Music Awards, Asia Artist Awards, and Mnet Asian Music Awards. These five gentlemen's two albums and collection of singles are full of catchy vocals and they've never failed to make me laugh along whenever they're guests on a T.V show. TXT holds a wonderful balance between how each member stands out on their own and how they're also very harmonious as a team. Their love songs have some unique lines, metaphors, and points of view and many of their music videos are simple and endearing in a way that lets you focus on them and their talents without extra effects and crowded settings. From BigHit Entertainment, which also brings us BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER is definitely the next big hit of Kpop!
3. SuperM
Truly living up to their name as a super team and nickname as the Avengers of Kpop, Ten ( also in WayV, NCT U), Baekhyun (EXO), Taemin (SHINee), Mark (NCT U, NCT 127, graduate from NCT Dream), Taeyong (NCT U, NCT127), Lucas (WayV, NCT U) and Kai (EXO) debuted in October 2019 as SM Entertainment's super group that will focus on promotion overseas. Currently completing their second tour through the U.S, SuperM is a group bursting with charisma, talent, and years of experience behind every member. Their songs are fresh with cool, mature vibes and powerful vocals. Whether you're already a fan of the members or are just stepping into the Kpop world, there is something for everyone to love about this collection of talent that fit so well together.
4. EVERGLOW
Sihyeon, E:U, Onda, Mia, Aisha, and Yiren busted into their debut in March 2019 with stunning confidence. Their videos are full of unique style and visuals and their songs are some of the catchiest power-ups of the year. From independent strength to pretty innocence, EVERGLOW excels at expressing a variety of themes through eye-catching dances and unforgettable voices. On T.V and variety shows, they are beyond hysterical and fun with their bright personalities, witty comments, and high energy. Attention will certainly stay on Yuehua Entertainment's EVERGLOW as 2020 kicks off.
5. Cherry Bullet
Cherry Bullet fired into our hearts with their debut in January 2019 under FNC Entertainment. With videogame themes running throughout their videos and visuals, Haeyoon, Yuju, Bora, Jiwon, Remi, Chaerin, and May (and formerly Mirae, Kokoro, and Linlin) are stunning forces with bright personalities and cute songs. The group and their work feel very on-trend and their visuals super stylish. I'd take a closet filled with their music video, performance, and everyday outfits any time. Be on the look out for what their killer talents and charm bring us next in 2020!
2019 was brimming with exciting debuts and while not everyone's been listed, you should definitely check out all of Kpop's new stars! Getting to know a new group can be overwhelming; some great places to start are their appearances on idol shows like Idol Room or Weekly Idol, any shows made specifically for the group, and live performances at award shows or events. Here's to wishing you find your next bias group and 2020 is filled with new musical adventures!