In 2024, the domestic music scene was more diverse and intense than ever. Artists who created new trends while crossing the global stage, and musicians who continued to challenge music by breaking down genre boundaries, lit up Rolling Stone Korea's 'Star of the Year: Domestic' ranking. We introduce 9 artists who are leading the present and future of K-pop.
NewJeans, which depicts the 'future of K-pop' with Y2K sensibility and sophisticated musicality, has shown its unrivaled presence in 2024 as well. It has secured a solid position in the global market by continuously dominating the Billboard charts, and has been recognized for both popularity and musicality with albums such as [How Sweet] and [Supernatural]. Its brand power is also overwhelming, and it is exerting influence in various fields such as fashion and advertising.
Having established their identity as a 'metaverse girl group', aespa returned in 2024 with more mature music and concepts. They dominated domestic and international charts, receiving favorable reviews for their powerful performances and experimental sounds through albums such as [Armageddon] and [Whiplash]. They expanded their global fandom through world tours, further solidifying their position as a representative 4th generation K-pop group.
G-DRAGON, the icon of K-pop, is back. His solo project [POWER], which was released after a long wait from the public, is worthy of the expression 'overwhelming'. G-Dragon, who showed a strong presence in the domestic and international music industry with his unique music and fashion sense, proved that every move he makes is still a 'trend'.
SEVENTEEN, who once again showed the power of a 'self-produced idol'. The regular album and unit activities released in 2024 received explosive responses, and their performances proved that they are still world-class. A group that successfully completed a stadium tour and further expanded the global influence of K-pop.
Rosé (ROSÉ)
Rosé is the main vocalist of BLACKPINK and also shows her unique presence as a solo artist. In 2024, she released her first full-length album [rosie] and received favorable reviews for its musical depth and sincerity. As a global brand ambassador and an artist who crosses between music and fashion, 2024 will also be a memorable year for Rosé.
DAY6,
who have pioneered a new path in band music, have captured both musicality and popularity this year as well. With their emotional melodies and solid performance skills, they have firmly established themselves as a representative K-pop band, and have left a deep impression on fans both domestically and internationally.
RM (RM)
As the leader of BTS, RM has established a solid musical identity as a solo artist. His second solo album [Right Place, Wrong Person], released in 2024, received rave reviews from critics and listeners for its deep lyrics and experimental sounds, further expanding his territory as a 'musician' rather than just K-pop.
The unchanging vocal queen, Taeyeon continued to move fans' emotions in 2024 with even more mature music. She proved her unique sensibility and singing ability by mastering various genres, and once again proved her solid position as a solo artist.
Music, fashion, and identity. In 2024, JENNIE has been active with intense solo activities. After establishing her solo label Od Atelier, she released the digital single [Mantra], showing off her perfect three-way combination of skills, style, and performance. JENNIE is building a solid brand as a solo artist.
(G)I-DLE (G)I-
DLE continues to differentiate themselves with their own music and concept. The songs released in 2024 contain strong messages and have deepened the group's musical color. Their self-producing ability and unique style have secured them a unique position in the K-pop scene.
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and yes NJs!!!
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