The K-pop industry saw a wave of impressive debuts in 2024, with groups like ILLIT, TWS, and NCT Wish quickly rising to stardom.
From topping global charts to earning prestigious awards, these rookie groups have set a high bar for newcomers.
ILLIT: Relatable and Trendy
HYBE’s Belift Lab debuted its first girl group, ILLIT, in March, formed through the survival show R U Next?. Their mini-album Super Real Me and lead single “Magnetic” gained massive traction, landing on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Official Singles Chart.
- Achievements:
- No. 68 on the Billboard Global 200 Artist chart.
- Multiple awards, including Best New Female Artist at MAMA and Japan Record Awards.
Critics attribute their success to their Y2K-inspired aesthetic and relatable themes, making them a standout act in 2024.
TWS: A Narrative of Youth
Pledis Entertainment’s boy group TWS debuted in January with the single “Plot Twist” from their mini-album Sparkling Blue. The group followed up with two more albums, Summer Beat! and Last Bell, topping Japan’s Oricon charts.
- Key Highlights:
- Billboard Global 200 chart presence.
- New Artist of the Year at MMA 2024.
TWS’s three-part album series narrates a story of youth, resonating deeply with fans globally.
NCT Wish: Dynamic Growth
SM Entertainment launched NCT Wish, the latest unit in its NCT project, in February. Their debut single “WISH” and mini-album Steady achieved remarkable success, with over 790,000 preorders for the latter.
- Chart Success:
- Dominated Hanteo and Circle album charts.
Their dynamic sales growth solidifies their position as a strong addition to the NCT brand.
Global Debuts and Challenges
Other notable debuts include:
- Babymonster (YG Entertainment): Full album DRIP entered Billboard 200.
- KATSEYE (HYBE): First global girl group debuted in June.
- VCHA (JYP Entertainment): Despite pre-debut buzz, the group faces uncertainty due to internal legal disputes.
- Izna (WakeOne): Garnered global attention with their debut album N/a.
The Future of K-pop Rookies
Critics emphasize the importance of unique group identities and broader public appeal. As these rookies carve their niche, they also set a new standard for balancing individuality with universal accessibility.
2024 has proven that K-pop rookies are no longer just newcomers—they’re powerhouses redefining the industry.
