According to statista.com, in a survey conducted in 18 countries (in 2021), South Korean pop music (K-Pop) was said to have become ‘very popular’ with 39% of their respondents worldwide. With K-Pop growing in popularity worldwide, the pool of fans to stan artists has increased, as well. However, some may find that the K-Pop industry is so saturated that many talented artists get overlooked. There are numerous artists in the K-Pop industry who are extremely talented but are underappreciated and yet to be discovered by even more fans. At Kpopmap, we have identified some K-Pop groups that we believe deserve even more spotlight and recognition in 2023. In 2022, we created a list of 10 K-Pop Groups We’d Like To See Get More Recognition In 2022. The list included artists such as OMEGA X, SECRET NUMBER, A.C.E, Billlie, Ciipher, DREAMCATCHER, KINGDOM, woo!ah!, bugAboo, and ONF. Read more about why we thought they deserved more spotlight in the below article. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the K-Pop groups that we think deserve more attention in 2023. 10 K-Pop Groups We’d Like To See Get More Recognition In 2022 KPOP STORIES|Jan 21, 2022 Note: This list is not in any particular order. It is not a ranking. Additionally, the poll included at the end of the article is intended to gather readers’ opinions and will thus remain constantly open. However, no results article based on the findings will be published.
1. Weki Meki
Background
Despite their excellence, Weki Meki is one of the most sorely unappreciated girl groups in K-Pop. Having debuted in 2017 under Fantagio Entertainment, Weki Meki might be considered a fairly successful group by the average K-Pop listener. However, for a fan who is familiar with the group’s innate trendsetting nature and addictive musical sound, they are a group that definitely deserves to be bigger than they currently are. Not only are they incredible live performers with amazing stage presence but they are to be credited for the inception of the term ’teen crush’ and its concept. It’s quite a big achievement to be at the frontier of an entire concept in K-Pop. However, the group seems to face long periods without a comeback.
Some of their recent activities
The group’s most recent comeback was with their album “I AM ME.” and the title track ‘Siesta’ in November 2021, which was easily one of the most exciting releases of the year. In February 2022, Fantagio Entertainment published profile photos of each of the members, building anticipation for the girls to focus more on their individual activities throughout the year. The members have had a number of acting roles, MC gigs, a solo debut, and many more activities this year.
Reason to receive more recognition
As impressive as the members have been in their personal capacity, fans still long for news of a comeback and to see all the members on stage together soon. They are one of the K-Pop groups whose fans are waiting for them the most. For example, many fans had hoped that Weki Meki would participate in “Queendom 2” this year as one of the official activities that would gain them even more much-deserved spotlight. In fact, they were the most voted girl group on Kpopmap’s poll on the topic in this article with 35,240+ votes (as of Dec.1). Weki Meki’s contract will last until August 2024 before they decide on their contract renewal. Hopefully, in 2023, the group will be able to make a bang with their music and become known by more people as so many Ki-Ling (their fandom) hope.
2. WOODZ
Background
Having made his solo debut in 2016, WOODZ is another artist who is considered quite successful in his own right but definitely deserves even more spotlight. As a former X1 member, a current member of UNIQ, and a soloist, there is nothing that WOODZ lacks when it comes to performing. He is well-known for his honey-filled soulful vocals and affinity for pulling off an array of concepts. However, he has not had an easy path to success. You can read more about his journey in this article. WOODZ is not only a powerhouse vocalist but an all-rounder on stage who deserves to be known for his multifaceted skill. In fact, due to his duplicity, it is actually a mystery to his fans how WOODZ is not more popular. Hence, he has landed a spot on this list.
Some of his recent activities
WOODZ made a comeback with his fourth mini album “Colorful Trauma” and the title track ‘I Hate You’ in May 2022.
Reason to receive more recognition
His talent aside, WOODZ is one of the artists that you can tell genuinely enjoys what they do. Watching one of his stages, right off the bat, one can tell the amount of thought, consideration, and artistry that went into crafting the performance. More people deserve to experience his performances and especially to delve into his no-skip discography which is full of musical surprises. He has recently moved to EDAM Entertainment and many MOODZ (his fandom) are optimistic that 2023 will be his year to be discovered as an even bigger star than he already is thanks to a fresh start at his new agency.
3. DKB
Background
Having debuted in 2020, DKB is a 9-member boy group under Brave Entertainment. The group has been gaining steady momentum with each comeback, proving their talent again and again. However, there are still many K-Pop fans who are sleeping on the group’s golden discography and stage presence. They are especially known for the addictive quality of their music that fans listen to on repeat. They are also known for working and practicing exceptionally hard to show their fans only the best side of themselves.
Some of their recent activities
DKB had a busy year with a couple of album releases that showed their wide music range. In April, they came back with their fourth mini album “Rebel” and the title track ‘Sober’. In August, they came back with their fifth mini album “Autumn” and the title track ‘24/7’. The group also had two successful concert tours in North America and Latin America this year.
Reason to receive more recognition
This group is one that is visibly passionate about performing and clearly puts in the work. Many fans rave about their performances and how DKB’s discography deserves to be on so many more K-Pop listeners’ playlists. It is also important to note how the group is a self-producing group which is also rare to come across in a group as new to the industry as they are. Not only would it be extra meaningful for their music to get more recognition in 2023, but it would also be well-deserved.
4. PURPLE KISS
Background
Having debuted in 2021, PURPLE KISS is a 6-member (previously 7-member) girl group under RBW Entertainment. Despite only having debuted last year, this group takes everyone’s breath away when they discover their talent. They have a stage presence that makes them seem like more seasoned idols than they actually are, even handling improvisation, riffing, and more effortlessly. It is truly captivating to see.
Some of their recent activities
2022 was a busy year for PURPLE KISS as they had two comebacks. Their first comeback this year was with their third mini album “MemeM” and the title track ‘Pretty Psycho’. Their most recent comeback was with their fourth mini album “Geekyland” and the title track ‘Nerdy’.
Reason to receive more recognition
This group is yet another group that is sorely underappreciated. It is not always easy to come across a group where each member is as talented as the members of PURPLE KISS. They also boast a great group dynamic that leads to watching beautiful and wholesome interactions for fans. They are heartwarming idols who deserve attention for their self-producing skills, too. PURPLE KISS is especially considered one of the best vocal groups (including their rap line) among the 4th generation which makes it even more vital for them to receive more recognition. We can only hope that more fans will discover their standout talent in 2023.
5. OnlyOneOf
Background
Having debuted in 2019, OnlyOneOf is a 6-member (previously 7 members) boy group under 8D Entertainment. The group has made quite the name for itself, especially in Japan. In fact, they have made a bold impression internationally due to their artful concepts and unique sound. Their artistry has drawn the attention of many from music to choreography and every little detail in between.
Some of their recent activities
Their recent comebacks included their fourth mini album “Instinct Part. 2” and the title track ‘Skinz’ in January 2022; and their first Japanese best album around the same period. They also released the Japanese singles ‘Suit Dance’ in May and ‘ズルい女 (Zurui Onna)’ in October 2022 (pre-released in September). Recently OnlyOneOf announced that they will be heading on a Grand America tour from March 2023. Stay tuned to Kpopmap for an article with the cities and ticket details once they are released!
Reason to receive more recognition
Not only is the quality of their music of top quality, but the group is also one of the most intentional groups in K-Pop when it comes to delivering important social messages. They are advocates for important social matters such as LGBTQI+ representation which is often uncommon to see supported out loud in the world of K-Pop. Not only are they verbal advocates but they incorporate their beliefs into their music, as well, adding to the meaningful aspect of their art. OnlyOneOf is also another classic case of not receiving the amount of spotlight that they deserve. Despite their top-tier artistry and musicality, they are sometimes overlooked in conversations about the best male K-Pop groups. Hopefully, this can be corrected in 2023 and more K-Pop fans can get to know this gem of a group.
6. E’LAST
Background
Having debuted in 2020. E’LAST is an 8-member boy group under E Entertainment. They are known for their fresh sound that stands out in a sea of K-Pop melodies. This group has set itself apart from many other K-Pop artists in multiple ways since their debut. They have not only delivered an ethereal and theatrical concept but they are one of those groups that seems like they truly live their concept. Their performances have an air about them that highlights the huge amount of artistry that has clearly gone into their creative process.
Some of their recent activities
E’LAST made their last comeback with their third mini album “Roar” and the title track ‘Creature’ in April 2022. The group also recently when on a concert tour of Latin America with fans leaving rave reviews about their performances and stage presence.
Reason to receive more recognition
Many fans are especially hoping for them to go on tour to more areas like the USA and other parts of Asia next year. They are one of those groups who are simply not receiving the attention that they so deeply deserve, despite their outstanding talent. It would also do the world of K-Pop good if they got to know their sweet personalities, as well. We definitely hope to see this K-Pop group on more fans’ radars in 2023.
7. BAE173
Background
Having debuted in 2020, BAE173 is a 9-member group under PocketDol Studio. With members who are former members of X1 and former survival show participants (namely “Produce X 101”, “The Unit”, “Under Nineteen”, and “BOYS24”), their debut was highly-anticipated. The group is especially recognized for their live vocals and musical talent in more aspects than just performing on stage. Many of the members are musically inclined and capable of playing various instruments, constantly improving their understanding of music. They are well-known for their synchronization and their ability to utilize their strengths as individuals within a group during a performance. You can see their synergy at work on stage. However, despite their amazing talents, they could definitely use more recognition from K-Pop fans.
Some of their recent activities
The BAE173 members have had a busy year with two comebacks. The first was with their third mini album “Intersection : Blaze” and the title track ‘Jaws’; and the second comeback (the most recent one) was with their fourth mini album “ODYSSEY : DaSH” and the title track ‘Dash’.
Reason to receive more recognition
BAE173 is another group that fans are hoping to see go on tour in 2023. Fans from Asia and the USA have especially been expressing their desire to see the group live in the new year. Additionally, BAE173 was voted as one of the most influential 4th generation boy groups by a group of industry officials in September this year. This speaks to the impact that they already have and their exponential potential to grow even bigger and be discovered by more K-Pop fans in 2023.
8. PIXY
Background
Having debuted in February 2021, PIXY is a 5-member (previously 6-member) girl group that is under ALLART Entertainment. Despite not even being 2 years old, the group has already released three mini-albums. They are known for their addictive musical sound and strong concept/worldbuilding that emphasizes their talents in all the right ways.
Some of their recent activities
Their most recent comeback was with their third mini album “Reborn” with the title track ‘Villain’. The album proved to be quite successful as it sold almost double the number of copies compared to their second mini-album on the first day of sales. The number of copies sold on the first day was almost identical to the number of copies their previous album had sold in one week. The group also just came back from a concert tour in Europe this past October, filling the hearts of their international fans with excitement and the prospect of more regions visited in the future.
Reason to receive more recognition
Just as their track ‘Villain’ starts with the line, “PIXY has been reborn,” fans are hoping that PIXY can continue to show new sides of themselves to K-Pop fans and the public in 2023. Just as their album sales with their latest album have proven, this group can only go upwards from here on out. Although they are still considered a rookie group by many people, they have huge potential to become one of the top girl groups if they can gain the right momentum. Their music and talent are of superior quality that many groups only achieve a few years into their careers. Hopefully, 2023 will be a year of exponential fandom growth for them as more people discover their unique sound.
9. DKZ
Background
Having debuted in 2018 under Dongyo Entertainment, DKZ is a group that started with 5 members and is formerly known by the name DONGKIZ. 2022 marked a hit on the reset button for the group. In March, it was announced that the group’s name would change to DKZ and that one member would be leaving the group and that new members would be joining the group. DKZ is well-known for its impeccable synchronicity, stellar live performances, performance charisma, and great discography. The group has had a phenomenal year as they have risen in popularity. It is to the point where they went viral for the difference in their album sales since their debut until now. Many fans were discussing how special it was for DKZ’s agency to have kept releasing albums despite their low album sales at the beginning of their career. The group has grown from selling around 100+ copies for their first album in the first week (“DONGKIZ On The Block”) to selling 107,900+ copies in their first-week album sales for their 6th single album (“Chase Episode 2. Maum”). This is a rare occurrence in the industry but their perseverance is starting to pay off.
Some of their recent activities
In October 2022, the group released their seventh single album “Chase Episode 3. Beum” and the title track ‘Uh-Heung’. The group also recently won the final round of Mnet’s “ROAD TO MAX” which earned them a special MCountdown STAGE, K-CON performance, and MAMA 2022 performance.
Reason to receive more recognition
A lot of their recent success has been credited to the momentum that some members have gained in terms of popularity in 2022. This has been due to acting in dramas (DKZ’s JaeChan in “Semantic Error”), acting in musicals (DKZ’s KyoungYoon, JongHyeong, and MinGyu), and numerous other activities. These are definitely amazing achievements to be celebrated. With this rise in interest from the public, it’s hopeful that more people will discover the charm of DKZ and they will hopefully be celebrated even more for their music in its own capacity, too. Fans are expressing the above hope and also hoping that the group’s achievements in 2022, such as getting their first win on a music show and reaching streaming milestones, are a foreshadowing of a burst of success in 2023.
10. TO1
Background
Formed on the survival show “World Klass” and having debuted in April 2020 as TOO, then re-debuted as TO1 in 2021; TO1 is a 9-member (previously 10 members) boy group under WAKEONE Entertainment. In 2022, multiple members left the group, and the new members Daigo, Renta, and YeoJeong joined the group. The group is known not only for their immense performance talent but also their humorous personalities and variety personas. They are one of those K-Pop groups that simply embody fun both on and offstage.
Some of their recent activities
The group made a recent comeback with their fourth mini album “UP2U” and the title track ‘Freeze Tag’. This is their second release for the year with the first having been their third mini album “Why Not??” and the title track ‘Drummin’. The group also made a huge impression on K-Pop fans at KCON 2022 this year.
Reason to receive more recognition
TO1 fans had a slightly tumultuous year in 2022, which has overshadowed TO1’s music to new fans or other K-Pop listeners in some cases. However, this group is not to be ignored when it comes to the impact of their music and their sheer talent. Their talent is consistent. Many fans are hoping that 2023 will be a year where TO1 can gain more recognition for their skills and music, reaching a new audience and gaining more positive spotlight. If you’re a fan of one of the groups that we have mentioned above, please share any interesting information that you want other K-Pop fans to know about your favorite group in the comments! Let them know why they should stan them! Do you have any other K-Pop groups that you think deserve more spotlight and recognition in 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments! 39 New K-Pop Groups That Debuted In 2022 KPOP STORIES|Dec 13, 2022 We appreciate your attention!
