The world of Kpop can be confusing to new fans. It’s more than just a sub-genre of pop – it’s a culture in itself; reality shows, the Gaon chart, debut stage, performance stage, MV and streaming parties.
I want to make it easier for you – if you’re thinking of starting the journey into Kpop then why not start with a Rookie band. Sure it’s fun to follow an already-established group like BTS (and there’s no reason to stop) but one thing I’ve enjoyed about following a new group is experiencing the highs and the lows, the creative struggle to get a niche and foothold in the industry (shout out to K.A.R.D)
Here are 5 (in no particular order!) which I think will make your world a better place.
ATEEZ
Debuting in October 2018, this group is one of my fave rookie groups at the mo. Part of their whole vibe is trying to make sure fans feel included on the journey and nows the best time – their at the start of their career and if their first EP is anything to go by, then it’s going to be a BIG one.
There are 8 members in the group each fulfilling different roles, as standard in Kpop groups.
Song recommendation for you: Twilight – this wasn’t massively promoted by the group but it’s the song which hooked me. Very commercial and catchy! Promise is another song you need in your life.
K.A.R.D
I mentioned KARD up there, so lets go into more depth.
KARD (one of my fave groups) is a mixed-gendered group consisting of 4 members; J.Seph, BM, Somin and Jisoo. They debuted a little earlier than ATEEZ, in 2017. Technically this doesn’t make them a rookie group but I will always take a second to promote my huns.
The 4 piece is pretty unique, combining 2 male and 2 female idols. I personally think this brings a fresh twist on things and a very different vibe to their performances – but don’t take my word for it. Check them out yourself!
Song recommendation for you: Holla Holla will forever be my favourite track, but their new hit is growing on me too – BOMB BOMB.
ITZY
Lets take a second to appreciate Itzy… They’re signed to one of the big entertainments companies JYP (home to some of my fave bands i.e. GOT7, Stray Kids and Day6) and even though they’ve just debuted, they’ve already secured themselves awards for their track Dalla Dalla.
The group consists of 5 members: Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna. Fun fact: Chaeryeong actually auditioned for TWICE but was unsuccessful (not that it seems to matter, Itzy already seem to be taking over).
Song recommendation for you: We can’t talk about Itzy and not talk about their award-winning debut single Dalla Dalla. Listen to that and get back to me!
ONEUS
This group is so fresh they’re practically undercooked…. They released their debut EP (Light Us) on January 9, 2019. The band consists of six members: Ravn, Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong and Xion and beyond that I can’t tell you much more because I have literally just discovered them myself!
Important point: Ravn is currently on hiatus from the group due to personal reasons which is why you may only seem them as a 4-piece at the moment.
Song recommendation for you: Valkryie is the lead single from their debut album and it’s honestly such a breath of fresh air. It’s dramatic and edgy and I think you’re going to love it.
(G)I-dle
I have to include the girls here – even though they are technically flying sky high at the mo and I don’t think they’re technically rookies… but lets let it slide for now. A masterstroke for the band was collaborating with Madison Beer and Jaira Burns on the smash hit POP/STARS as the supergroup K/DA. It’s so good and you’re depriving yourself of a bop ig you don’t check it out – it’s how I found them!
They have a tendency to mix in a lot of latin vibes into their music and their latest track Senorita doesn’t disappoint.
Need to know: there are six members: Miyeon, Minnie, Soojin, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua.
Song recommendation for you: Hann (Alone) is not just one of their best tracks, but it’s also one of my all-time fave Kpop tracks!