It is quite exciting to see a wave of new groups emerging from big entertainment companies like HYBE, SM Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment. These announcements are a clear indication that we’re entering the era of the ‘5th generation idols’.
Here are some of the new K-pop groups that will be debuting in the first half of 2023
TWS
PLEDIS Entertainment, which is a label under HYBE, will be debuting a new six-member boy group called TWS on January 22. The label has introduced a new boy group nine years after SEVENTEEN’s debut. They’re already generating a lot of buzz even before their official debut.
TWS is short for ‘TWENTY FOUR SEVEN WITH US’, which represents being together with TWS all the time, 24/7. The group aims to spread positive energy and create a lively atmosphere that keeps us engaged in every moment. Their name reflects their determination to bring bright energy and make fans want to be a part of their journey.
TWS is making their official debut with a mini album, Sparkling Blue, containing a total of 5 songs.
I’LL-IT
BELIFT LAB, which is also a label under HYBE, will be debuting a new girl group called I’LL-IT in the first half of this year. I’LL-IT was formed through the JTBC audition program, R U Next?, that aired in 2023.
Originally I’Ll-IT had a six-member lineup: Youngseo, Yunha, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. But before their debut, Youngseo left BELIFT LAB, now, it will be debuting as a five-member group.
Fans are curious about the concept they’ll bring to the music industry, especially since they’ve already shown immense talent through R U NEXT?
NCT NEW TEAM
SM Entertainment is planning to debut a 6-member rookie boy group called NCT New Team in the first half of this year. They were formed through the pre-debut reality show NCT Universe: Last Start and had a successful pre-debut tour in Japan last year, with 24 shows in 9 cities.
NCT New Team will be the final unit of NCT, with the goal of ‘infinite expansion’, and they’ll be based in Japan.
VCHA
JYP Entertainment announced the launch of a new multinational group, VCHA, in September. VCHA is a group that was formed through the collaborative project A2K (America To Korea) between JYP Entertainment and Republic Records.
The group consists of six talented members: Lexi from the USA, KG from the USA, Camilla from Canada, Savanna from the USA, Kaylee who is Korean-American, and Kendall from the USA.
With their pre-debut singles in September and December, they’re already making waves in the music industry. They were even recognized as one of the 25 Artists To Watch In 2024 by Grammy and NYLON magazine.
VCHA is gearing up for their debut with a single that perfectly reflects their goals for the new year – to become the Girls of the Year. The single is set to release on January 26 and will feature two tracks: a title track and a B-side track called XO Call Me.