In 2020, I got into K-Pop on a deeper level than I had ever taken the time to before. This year found me further expanding my horizons, digging into the discographies of acts that I hadn't gotten around to and stumbling upon new favorites along the way.
Below, just five of the K-Pop groups and soloists that I fell for in 2021.
Background: Debuted by Fantagio Corp. in 2016, ASTRO consists of six members—Eunwoo (24), Jinjin (25), MJ (27), Moonbin (23), Rocky (22) and Sanha (21). Earlier this month, the group was one of five South Korean acts to be named Best Musician at the Asia Artist Awards.
First Taste:"널 찾아가 (Knock)" (2020)
First Comeback:"ONE" (April 5, 2021)
Favorite B-Side*:"Butterfly Effect" (2021)
Bias: Eunwoo
2. ATEEZ
Background: KQ Entertainment's ATEEZ—comprised of Hongjoong (23), Seonghwa (23), Yunho (22), Yeosang (22), San (22), Mingi (22), Wooyoung (22) and Jongho (21)—was formed in 2018. After making an international breakthrough in 2019, they spent most of the next two years promoting their ZERO : FEVER suite of EPs.
First Taste:"INCEPTION" (2020)
First Comeback:"Deja Vu" (September 13, 2021)
Favorite B-Side:"Take Me Home" (2021)
Bias: San
3. HyunA
Background: I'm in no position to be providing background on HyunA. A K-Pop icon and the definition of a survivor, the 29 year old has been consistently captivating audiences since debuting as a member of Wonder Girls in 2007 and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2021, she released her seventh mini album and made history when she debuted as a unit with longtime partner DAWN.
First Taste:"Roll Deep" (feat. JUNG ILHOON, 2015)
First Comeback:"I'm Not Cool" (January 28, 2021)
Favorite B-Side:"Party, Feel, Love" (feat. DAWN)
4. SF9
Background: This nine-member group has remained one of K-Pop's dark horses since debuting in 2016, despite an impressive showing on Mnet's Kingdom: Legendary War. All nine members—Youngbin (28), Inseong (28), Jaeyoon (27), Dawon (26), Rowoon (25), Zuho (25), Yoo Taeyang (24), Hwiyoung (22) and Chani (21)—renewed their contracts with FNC Entertainment earlier this year.
First Taste:"Tear Drop" (2021)
First Comeback:"Trauma" (November 22, 2021)
Favorite B-Side*:"(나만 그래 ) Am I the Only One" (2020)
Bias: Yoo Taeyang
5. WOODZ
Background: Having rose to prominence as a member of Chinese-South Korean group UNIQ, WOODZ (real name Cho Seung-youn, 25) debuted as a soloist under the name Luizy in 2016. Heavily involved in the composition and lyrics of his music, he dropped several critically-acclaimed singles in 2021 before releasing his third mini album ONLY LOVERS LEFT in October.
First Taste:"FEEL LIKE" (2021)
First Comeback:"WAITING" (October 5, 2021)
Favorite B-Side:"Accident" (2020)
What artist(s) did you start stanning this year?
* This is constantly changing!