33 K-Pop Industry Insiders Vote For “Rookie Of The Year,” And It Unanimously Came Down To Two Groups

Korean media outlet News1 recently contacted 33 directors, presidents, and managers of K-Pop’s leading entertainment companies, including HYBE Labels, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, KQ Entertainment, and more, to vote on the top rookie group of the year.

With 63 votes cast, two of this year’s hottest rookie groups unanimously pulled the majority of the votes; six groups in total received votes.

6. ATBO

Three groups were tied in votes for “rookie of the year.” ATBO debuted in July after showcasing their talents on the talent show, The Origin – A, B, or What?

The group won “Rookie of the Year” in the singer category at the 2022 Asia Model Awards and the “Focus Award” at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards.

5. TEMPEST

TEMPEST debuted on March 2 and has already released three mini-albums. The group took home the “Best Male Rookie Award” at the 2022 Genie Music Awards, the “New Wave Award- Singer” at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards, and “Male Idol Rookie of the Year” at the 2022 Brand of the Year Awards.

4. NMIXX

JYP Entertainment‘s newest girl group NMIXX debuted on February 2nd and quickly made a name for themselves as a group with unreal vocals and visuals.

The group won “Favorite New Artist” at the 2022 MAMA Awards and both the “New Wave Award – Music” and “Best Emotive Award – Music” at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards.

3. LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM debuted on May 2 and won over the nation’s hearts with their confident and powerful concept, referencing their struggles and triumphs in their lyrics.

The group received ten votes from industry insiders and has already won eight awards from various year-end award ceremonies.

2. IVE

IVE debuted on December 1, 2021, and earned a total of 21 votes, earning the second most votes among K-Pop’s 4th-gen rookies.

The talented 6-member group had everyone singing along to their hit songs “Eleven,” “Love Dive,” and most recently, “After Like,” making it easy to understand why insiders agreed they were one of the best rookie groups!

The group has already won an impressive 24 awards at various year-end music award ceremonies.

1. NewJeans

NewJeans received 29 votes, becoming the top-voted rookie group by industry insiders! The group debuted as ADOR‘s first girl group on July 22, 2022, surprising the world with their sudden debut.

They took over the industry with their Y2K concept and catchy songs, earning their spot as the top-voted rookie group of the year!

The group has already taken home five awards from year-end award ceremonies, including their first Daesang for “Performance of the Year” at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards.