K-Pop Groups of 2022: The Most Talked About Musicians, Labels

There’s no question about it — girl groups dominated the K-pop world in 2022. From brand new groups like NewJeans, Le Sserafim and IVE, to (G)I-DLE‘s jaw-dropping comeback “NXDE” — the girls did not come to play! Keep reading to see the most talked about K-pop groups of 2022.

One of the most iconic debuts that K-pop has probably ever seen is that of NewJeans. The five-member girl group consisting of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein was produced by BTS’ company HYBE and managed by an independent label called ADOR. The CEO of ADOR, and CBO (Chief Brand Officer) of HYBE, is Min Hee-Jin, who is most well-known for her work with K-pop groups like Red Velvet, Exo, F(x), Girl’s Generation and NCT DREAM.

The K-pop genre is known for its large-scale debuts of new groups, which usually consists of months of video teasers, sneak peeks of the group and introducing the members one by one. What made NewJeans different was their complete subversion of that debut formula.

The girls released their first song and music video for “Attention” on July 21, 2022, without any warning — no teasers, no promo pictures, nothing. They then released four separate music videos for the same song called “Hype Boy,” another music video for “Hurt” and then their official debut song and music video for “Cookie.”

Speaking on NewJeans’ unique group concept, Hee-Jin said in a press release, “‘Attention’ brings not only the quintet’s faces to light but also highlights the group’s name, NewJeans. Pop music is a culture that is very close to our daily life, so it is like the clothes we wear everyday. Just as jeans have withstood the test of time and found popularity among many regardless of their age and gender, NewJeans aspires to become an icon of generations — one you never grow tiresome of putting on.”

Le Sserafim also made their debut a few months earlier under BTS’ label — and was the first girl group to do so in 10 years! The girl group consisting of Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Hong Eunchae and former member Kim Garam (who exited the group in July 2022) debuted on May 2, 2022, with the release of their debut EP Fearless and lead single “Fearless.”

Scroll through our gallery to see the most talked about K-pop groups of 2022!

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BTS

If you thought we were going to make a list about the most talked about K-pop groups and not lead with BTS, you would be *very* mistaken. While BTS, a.k.a. the most popular group in the world, announced their hiatus in May and began their military service in the South Korean army in December — that hasn’t stopped their solo music careers!
J-Hope dropped his album Jack In the Box in July and then headlined Lollapalooza a month later, making him the first K-pop act to do so. Jin was next in his solo pursuits, and dropped “The Astronaut” in October before enlisting in the army in December. Finally, RM dropped his first official album Indigo on December 2.

NewJeans

The K-pop genre is known for its large-scale debuts of new groups, consisting of months of video teasers, sneak peeks of the group and introducing the members one by one. What made NewJeans different was their complete subversion of that debut formula, dropping their single for “Attention” out of absolutely nowhere in July.

They won Best New Artist at the 2022 Melon Music Awards, making them the fastest K-pop group to ever receive a Daesang or “Grand Prize” in Korean.

Le Sserafim

Le Sserafim was the first K-pop girl group to debut under BTS’ label Big Hit Entertainment (also known as HYBE) in 10 years! They came in hot with their EP Fearless in May and made their comeback with “ANTIFRAGILE” in October. Le Sserafim’s addictive choreography, bold music and stunning visuals has made their group a must-watch — especially in the next few years (or even months!).

BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK had quite the year! The group which includes Lisa, Jennie, Rosé and Jisoo released their second album BORN PINK in September 2022 along with lead singles “Pink Venom” and “Shut Down.” They embarked on a world tour in October and were named Time Magazine‘s Entertainer of the Year in December. Go off, queens!

Stray Kids

Stray Kids are one of the most well-known boy groups in the K-pop game. The eight-member group which includes members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N., made their comeback with “MANIAC” in March and “CASE 143” in October. The group is known for their popular “noise music” which is produced by members Bang Chan, Han and Changbin who make up the production group “3RACHA.”

(G)I-DLE

(G)I-DLE came back hard with their single “NXDE” in October — and we’re still not over it (nor will we ever be).

Unlike most K-pop girl groups, (G)I-DLE are directly involved in the creation of their music, in particular, Soyeon has helped write and produce a majority of the group’s songs. Additionally, the girl band consisting of Soyeon, Miyeon, Minnie, Yuqi and Shuhua, is considered one of the most successful South Korean girl groups from outside of the “big three” record labels (SM, JYP and YG Entertainments).

Seventeen

Seventeen is one of the most beloved K-pop groups, possibly ever. The 13-member group (yes, 13) made their comeback with their album Face the Sun in May. They have been labeled “Performance Kings,” “Theater Kids of K-Pop” and “K-Pop Performance Powerhouse” by various domestic and international media outlets.

Attention, PleaseThese Were the Most Talked About K-Pop Groups of 2022: NewJeans, Le SSerafim and So Much More

BTS

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