Nothing really beats finding an album or artist you play on repeat, over and over again. Over the last few years, we’ve seen artists like BLACKPINK, BTS, EXO, and IU, cement themselves as a permanent fixture of our playlists. From catchy lyrics and amazing visuals to unique concepts and more, it’s no surprise K-Pop artists that debuted this year are no different.
Here are the five new K-Pop artists we can’t get out of our heads.
EPEX
EPEX is an eight-member boy group from C9 Entertainment. The group consists of Wish, Keum, MU, A-Min, Baekseung, Ayden, Yewang, and Jeff. The name EPEX represents the gathering of eight youths to reach eight different apexes and collectively form a powerful. Pretty fitting right?
The group debuted on June 8, 2021, with the EP “Bipolar Pt.1: Prelude of Anxiety.” While the album did receive some backlash prior to release due to its sensitive themes, it has since been well-received by fans as it strives to raise awareness for mental health with the title track expressing the negative effects of social media. Look for their comeback on October 26th with “Bipolar Pt.2: Prelude of Love” which radiates a more sweet concept.
Kingdom
KINGDOM is a seven-member group from GF Entertainment. The group consists of Dann, Arthur, Mujin, Louis, Ivan, Jahan, and Chiwoo where each member represents a different king in history. One member per album will serve as the protagonist of their first seven albums so the concepts, themes, and song styling may differ from album to album as fans get to know each member.
The group debuted on February 18th, 2021 with the album History of “Kingdom: Part I. Arthur,” but have since come back in July with “Kingdom: Part II. Chiwoo,” and a third comeback planned for mid-October with “Kingdom: Part III. Ivan.” While the songs are highly conceptual, they are also addicting as they effortlessly blend genres, instruments, and vocal capabilities.
OMEGA X
This eleven-member boy group from Spire Entertainment is a mix of familiar faces looking for a second chance. This group is consists of Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Hangyeom, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Junghoon, Hyuk, and Yechan. Their name is taken from the last letter of the Greek alphabet (Omega) as well as X and signifies the group’s aim to be the final boss.
The group debuted on June 30, 2021, with the mini-album, “VAMOS,” and recently came back in September with the single album, “WHAT’S GOIN’ ON.” Not only did the group sell out their debut album in six days and had to do a second print, but then broke that record by more than quadruple with their single album. Whether you’re looking for a special mix of sound and energy, cool choreography, or a Cinderella esq back story, OMEGA X has it all.
PURPLE KISS
PURPLE KISS is a seven-member group from RBW Entertainment. The group consists of Park Jieun, Na Goeun, Dosie, Ireh, Yuki, Chaein, and Swan, they are also the second-ever girl group from RBW Entertainment – behind legendary MAMAMOO. No pressure or anything.
Even before their debut, they released two pre-debut singles – the rock-influenced “My Heart Skip A Beat” and slower R&B “Can We Talk Again.” The group officially debuted on March 15, 2021, with the mini-album “INTO VIOLET,” and have been making waves ever since. With over 16 million views of their latest track “Zombie,” it’s safe to they are ready to take the fourth generation K-Pop scene by storm.
T1419
T1419 is a nine-member boy group from MLD Entertainment. The multi-cultural group consists of Noa, Sian, Kevin, Gunwoo, Leo, On, Zero, Kairi, and Kio. The name T1419 represents teenagers ages 14-19 that express their passion, problems, etc. through music.
The group debuted on January 11, 2021, with the min-album “Before Sunrise Part. 1,” but have since come back in March with “Before Sunrise Part. 2,” and again in August with “Before Sunrise Part. 3.” With a song library that ranges from early 2000s American rap-inspired and EDM to brassy dance breaks that are pure K-Pop, it will be fun to see how this young group grows in the coming albums.
Which of these new groups is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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