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This post is by guest writer Jara Rowe.
Kpop entertainment agencies of all sizes are always working to train and push new faces to match the ever changing music trends. Let’s take a look at some of the fresh faces and most promising idol groups we met in 2016.
Black Pink
Just about seven years had passed since YG Entertainment debuted their last girl group 2NE1. So many fans couldn’t have been more excited with YG’s latest four-member girl group, Black Pink. Similar to 2NE1, Black Pink is rooted in hip hop and exudes style, sass, and swag. But Black Pink has its own distinctive identity. The members come from diverse backgrounds such as Thailand and Australia, giving the group a much more international appeal. With that, the two singles from their debut album Square One quickly drew attention and wet on to hit #1 on Billboard World Digital Songs chart. Black Pink came back later in the year with Square Two, showcasing even more great work in their arsenal. With the official disbandment of 2NE1, Black Pink will rise to become the go-to girl group for YG lovers.
NCT
S.M. Entertainment continues to push boundaries on the very definition of idol groups with their latest creation NCT (New Culture Technology). The groundbreaking new concept is that NCT can have an unlimited number of members that are divided into several sub-units, which can include overlapping members, that will focus on different countries and cultures around the world. Given the novelty of the group and appearances through SM Rookies program, NCT already built a large following even before their debut. In 2016, the three sub-units that have debuted are: NCT U, NCT 127, and NCT Dream, each with a distinctive music style ranging from bubblegum pop, neo-soul, to hip hop. NCT 127 in particular proved their popularity with their debut EP peaking at #2 on the Billboard World Albums chart. NCT is set up to appeal to the masses and will continue to reinvent itself in 2017.
I.O.I
A product of the survival show, Produce 101, rookie girl group I.O.I (Ideal of Idol) took the Kpop industry by storm. The premise of the show was to allow 101 trainees from various agencies to compete for a chance to be part of a 11-member project group that would promote for exactly one year. After rounds of fierce competition, the final 11 trainees were selected by viewer votes, which inherently guaranteed their popularity. The group made their debut on May 4th with mini-album Chrysalis that included a number of hit songs from the show. I.O.I even promoted as soloists and sub-units, where they released Whatta Man using a more mature and edgy concept. The girls came back later in the year with sophomore album Miss Me? that included one of the best tracks of the year, Very Very Very. Although I.O.I is set to disband this month, the 11 talented members have already been put into existing groups or will be debuting as soloists later this year.
Astro
Astro is the latest creation of Fantagio, the company behind idol groups Hello Venus and 5urprise. The sextet garnered attention pre-debut as they starred in a web-drama called To Be Continued. They made their musical debut on February 23rd, with a trilogy album concept based off of seasons — Spring Up, Summer Vibes, and Autumn Story — that was released throughout 2016. Astro has not only won over fans with their adorable image, but also with their talents. Case in point, their Spring Up and Summer Vibes albums both peaked at number six on the Billboard’s World Albums chart. They’re also hands-on idols as member Rocky choreographs some of the group’s routines. Astro is still new to the Kpop scene and finding their unique sound, but these six young men certainly have a bright future ahead.
Pentagon
Pentagon, the rookie boy group from Cube Entertainment, is the result of another idol survival show, Pentagon Maker. Survival shows have become a sure way for agencies to drum up anticipation of an upcoming new group before they even debut. And this particular one had a large following since the beginning as SM The Ballad member Jin Ho and MIX&MATCH participant Hong Seok were included in the line. Both members went on to become part of the official ten Pentagon members who released their debut album on October 10th. Pentagon also stands out for being a multinational group, with Chinese and Japanese members. The group held their first solo concert at the end of 2016 and sold out in eight minutes, proving their popularity even as newbies. With Cube’s flagship boy group Beast moving on, Pentagon will be carrying the torch in 2017.
Cosmic Girls
Cosmic Girls, or WJSN, debuted in February with mini-album Would You Like? under Starship Entertainment. This 13-member girl group consists of both Korean and Chinese members, many of which have previous stage experiences before the group was even formed. Some of the members were contestants on K-pop Star, some appeared in other artists’ music videos, and their leader, Exy, was an Unpretty Rapstar participant. The group released two mini-albums in their first year and won Rising Star Award from Asia Artists Awards. Different from the sexy concept that labelmate Sistar is famous for, Cosmic Girls bring more youthful energy. They can be sweet and bubbly at times, but also play tough with hip hop edge, which leaves their future open to many possibilities.
Vromance
The most recent quirky, but talented, creation under Rainbow Bridge World is Vromance, the company’s first boy idol group. Touted as the male version of trendy unit Mamamoo, they undeniably have similar styles and equally impressive vocals. This quartet debuted in July 2016 with their first mini-alum, The Action, with title track She. Though chart response has been mediocre, but the memebers’ smooth and soulful vocals distinguishes them from other rookie idol groups in the year. Vromance’s unique music flavor and talent make them a group to look out for and expect much more from in the future.
K.A.R.D
One of the last idol groups to debut in 2016 is K.A.R.D under DSP Entertainment, which is the company behind the now-disbanded hit group, Kara. It’s perhaps the most special debut of the year as they are a co-ed group consisted of two male and two female members. To keep the mystery and enticement going, K.A.R.D heavily plays off of the deck of cards concept, and is planning on unveiling hidden card members with each new release. The group’s first single became highly anticipated after teaser for OhNaNa was released that revealed former Kara member, Youngji, as the hidden card. OhNaNa is a hot ditty that has quickly amassed a lot of attention with nearly four million views on YouTube in less than four weeks at the year end. Most co-ed groups don’t last long in the world of Kpop, but K.A.R.D seems to have the x-factor and may just prove us all wrong.
Which of these new Kpop idol groups are you most excited about in 2017? Tell us in the comments section below.
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