Diya Nair, Kochi, Kerala

Do you know how many K-pop groups debuted in 2020? 43! That’s right, 43 K-pop groups debuted in 2020. Today we are sharing about 10 rising K-Pop boy groups and male soloists that deserve your attention. Take a look at them here:

THE BOYZ (더보이즈)

Rising stars of the fourth generation of K-pop, even though The Boyz made their debut in 2017, their recent win at ‘Road to Kingdom’ catapulted them into the spotlight. The title track ‘The Stealer’ acquired four music show wins and charted at #12 in Melon chart compared to their previous release Reveal, which charted at #522. The group boasts all-rounded members in every aspect of performance, from splendid choreographies to heartwarming vocals to catchy raps, TBZ has got them all. The Boyz won APAN Music Bonsang in 2021 and their first ever Golden Disk Award for the ‘Next Generation Award.

P1Harmony (피원하모니)

P1Harmony debuted with the title track Siren, which is heavily influenced by the hip-hop genre and has addictive riffs. The debut album Disharmony: Stand Out plays with multiple distinct genres and styles, letting all the members shine in their own way. The group comprises impressive performers, which is easily clear by the stunning dance covers they have on their YouTube channel. Something praiseworthy about P1Harmony is the fact that the members are involved in the songwriting process; this is certainly admirable as they are a rookie group.

WEi (위아이)

One of the most impressive facts about WEi is that all the six members have been participants in different survival shows with 5 out of 6 of the members debuting even before the official debut of the group. They show off their experience through their choreography and music-producing skills. WEi’s all the recent comebacks establishes this, especially with the group’s leader Jang Dae-hyeon producing the title All or Nothing and WEi flaunting a powerful choreography. Another interesting thing about this group is their ability to switch between different concepts in a single album.

ONEUS (원어스)

Oneus is criminally underrated even with the amount of talent packed within the group. They have kept the edgy and elegant concept of a creepily alluring vampire vibe alive with their fashion, cinematography, lyrics and makeup since their debut. Leedo participates in the making of almost all their songs, while the making of the choreography is mostly helped by Seoho and Hwanwoong. Since we are talking about their performance, we absolutely can’t miss the brilliance of their choreographies and the effortlessness with which Oneus pulls them off on stage.

KIM WOO-SEOK (김우석)

Kim Woo-seok became a household name in South Korea after his appearance in 2019’ ‘Produce X 101’. Throughout the show, he consistently ranked in the top 10 and became a member of X1. After X1 went their separate ways, Woo-seok debuted as a solo artist with Red Moon, it is from his first solo debut mini album 1ST DESIRE [GREED] which was a tremendous success. Red Moon is a slow and sensual styled song with heavy bass which builds up to a climax and explodes into a bolder song.

CIX (씨아이엑스)

Debuting with the title Movie Star in 2019, nobody can deny the fact that it was one of the most impressive debuts of the year. CIX gambles in different voices, every comeback making their releases anticipatory for their listeners; from the seductive and sleek Movie Star to chilling and eerie jungle, to light and flowy cinema. The members own a neat dancing style and spectacular performance skills.

ONF (온앤오프)

The group ON AND OFF comprises six members, of which three belong to the ON team (vocals) led by Hyojin comprising E-Tion and MK, while the OFF team (dance) led by J-US comprises Wyatt and U. Their music videos have cool storylines which are carried out with impressive cinematography. They scored their first music show win with Beautiful Beautiful. ONF’s previous release of Ugly Dance from their first repackaged album, City Of ONF, garnered positive reactions from the Korean public.

VERIVERY (베리베리)

The first thing that comes to mind while talking about Verivery is the level of synchronization that the group possesses in their explosive choreographies. Verivery is essentially an ‘all-rounder group’ with well-rounded vocalists, rappers and dancers, but their roles don’t just end there. The members compose songs, choreograph their routines and produce MV’S for the group’s release. Verivery’s earlier albums have DIY versions that were wholly created by the members.

WOODZ

Another alumnus of ‘Produce X 101’, Woodz is a powerhouse of talent and charisma. He made his debut in the Korean-Chinese boy group ‘UNIQ’, and in 2019 he ranked in 5th position and made it to X1 as the group’s all-rounder member. In 2020, he made his debut under the name of Woodz with the title track Love Me Harder. As an artist, Woodz experiments with alternative R&B and atmospheric music. Even though under his current name he is primarily a vocalist, Woodz is also an exceptional rapper and dancer. Woodz doesn’t stick to one sound to play it safe, but flaunts his artistry with eclectic music and an electric personality.

VICTON (빅톤)

After facing near disbandment and over a year of no activities, Victon bounced back after its members Seungwoo and Byungchan participated in ‘Produce X 101’, with Seungwoo making it to X1. Meanwhile, the group sold out its fan meeting and held concerts around Asia. Victon broke their personal records with nostalgic night, Continuous and Mayday and released their first full-length album VOICE: The future is now which became their best-selling album. Five of the members have ventured into acting, while the other two have debuted as models at the 2021 Seoul Fashion Week.

The members of Victon have been excelling at standards that are set for them, with the group winning the ‘Male Idol- Hot Trend Award’ at the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Award.

Who’s your favourite rising K-Pop group or idol? Tell us in the comments!