5 new K-pop groups from 2021 to watch in 2022, from BugABoo to Purple Kiss
- A number of rookie K-pop groups made their debut in 2021, and these five acts were the most impressive
- From IVE, who impressed with December single Eleven, to K-pop rockers Xdinary Heroes, here are our top five
As the coronavirus pandemic continued into 2021, K-pop debuts slowed down this year, as many companies didn’t want new talent to enter the industry at such a confusing timey. But a handful of new acts did debut, and 2021’s best K-pop rookies impressed with their performances straight out the door.
In no order here are the five most intriguing K-pop debuts of 2021 you should keep an eye on in 2022.
IVE
IVE arrived at the eleventh hour of 2021 with their single Eleven dropping on December 1. Since then, the six-member girl group has blown up in South Korea, topping pretty much all the music charts, and becoming a hit in other regions across the world.
The addictive song, plus two former IZ*One members being part of the group, have rapidly drawn attention, and though they’re new on the scene, they are impossible to ignore after having the most impactful debut in 2021.
Xdinary Heroes
In 2021, in the second year of a global pandemic that has taken millions of lives and changed the world forever, death feels closer than ever. New K-pop-rockers Xdinary Heroes emphasise that in their debut song Happy Death Day, evoking punk and grunge sounds in their brash introduction to the world.
Produced by JYP Entertainment, best known in 2021 for Twice and Stray Kids, they’re the second band style group under the company, joining the softer pop-rockers Day6 on the company’s roster. Like all the other groups JYP has put out over the years, Xdinary Heroes are a band to keep an eye on.
BugABoo
If you walk away from listening to BugABoo’s debut single BugAboo without having its titular phrase stuck in your head, your headphones probably need to be recharged. Produced by K-pop hit maker Ryan Jhun, BugABoo’s first song is festive and addictive, and with a fun B-grade horror flick feel to it, and shows a lot of promise.