I had this list written in my journal for awhile and it because I never wrote it down on a LTA KPOP episode. Therefore, I am doing it now. As I started this season, I was writing a whole bunch of list down and I look back and notice that I haven't wrote down my top rookies groups that debuted in 2017 or 2016. So this episode would be groups that debuted in 2017. This list hasn't change a lot from the original list but I would tell you why the groups are in their current ranking.
1. Wanna One
Wanna One is from the Produce 101 Season 2. The group consists of the final top eleven trainees at the end of the finale live show. The members are: Yoon Ji Sung, Ha Sung Woon, Hwang Min Hyun, Ong Seong Woo, Kim Jae Hwan, Kang Daniel, Park Ji Hoon, Park Woo Jin, Bae Jin Young, Lee Dae Hwi and Lai Guan Lin. The group officially disband in 2019 after their final concert Therefore, although their contract stated that they will disband at the end of December 2018.
I knew Wanna One was going to be a successful group while watching the produce season. I pretty sure everyone did too. They work hard and were recognized for it. They ranked number two on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list for 2018 and was recognized for their brand recognition and marketing power. Every comeback was a success, even their debut was successful too. It was sad to see them disband, but we all saw this coming already. Yes, I would love to see them reunited in the coming years and continue supporting each of the members in their own career paths.
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| Image is from genius.com |
I knew Wanna One was going to be a successful group while watching the produce season. I pretty sure everyone did too. They work hard and were recognized for it. They ranked number two on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list for 2018 and was recognized for their brand recognition and marketing power. Every comeback was a success, even their debut was successful too. It was sad to see them disband, but we all saw this coming already. Yes, I would love to see them reunited in the coming years and continue supporting each of the members in their own career paths.
All the members has officially made their debut or comeback after the disband of Wanna One. Yoon Ji Sung made his solo debut and enlist in the military. Ha Sung Woon made his solo debut and I'm still waiting for a HOTSHOT comeback. Hwang Min Hyun return back to NU'EST and made a comeback with the song Bet Bet. Ong Seong Woo made his acting debut in the Moment of Eighteen. Kim Jae Hwan signed with Swing Entertainment that house Wanna One and made his solo debut. Kang Daniel established his own agency and made his solo debut. Park Ji Hoon made his solo debut and was cast in the drama Flower Crew: Joseon Marraige Agency. Park Woo Jin and Lee Dae Hwi return to their agency to debut with AB6IX. Bae Jin Young return to his agency and debut as a solo artist before debuting in the CIX. Lai Guan Lin debut in a project duo group with Wooseok of Pentagon and debut as an actor in a Chinese drama A Little Thing Called First Love.
2. Weki Meki
Weki Meki is form by Fantagio and consists of two I.O.I members and some Produce 101 trainees. The members of Weki Meki are: Ji Su Yeon, Elly, Choi Yoo Jung, Kim Do Yeon, Sei, Lua, Rina and Lucy. After the disbandment of I.O.I, Kim Do Yeon and Choi Yoo Jung return to Fantagio to make their debut in Weki Meki. Elly and Sei were trainees who participated in Produce 101 along side Choi Yoo Jung and Kim Do Yeon. Sei participated in Produce 101 under a different agency before joining Fantagio after she was eliminated off the show.
I was really happy to see Kim Do Yeon and Choi Yoo Jung because I love I.O.I and couldn't wait for their debuts. I originally though that Fantagio was going to go wrong with this debut just because Hello Venus weren't getting much attention from them but I was really happy to see that Weki Meki is doing very well, today. Although they didn't win Rookie of the Year, they should of, because they were amazing. Although they lack the popularity compare to other group or even I.O.I, they are working their way up and I'm pretty sure they can be very successful. What I am very sad about is that fans who love and supported them in I.O.I didn't seem to care much about the girls after their debut outside of I.O.I. Not to say everyone but I just feel like they aren't supportive anymore. Let me know if I am wrong, I just feel like it.
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| Image is from billboard.com |
I was really happy to see Kim Do Yeon and Choi Yoo Jung because I love I.O.I and couldn't wait for their debuts. I originally though that Fantagio was going to go wrong with this debut just because Hello Venus weren't getting much attention from them but I was really happy to see that Weki Meki is doing very well, today. Although they didn't win Rookie of the Year, they should of, because they were amazing. Although they lack the popularity compare to other group or even I.O.I, they are working their way up and I'm pretty sure they can be very successful. What I am very sad about is that fans who love and supported them in I.O.I didn't seem to care much about the girls after their debut outside of I.O.I. Not to say everyone but I just feel like they aren't supportive anymore. Let me know if I am wrong, I just feel like it.
3. Pristin
Pristin is form by Pledis originally called Pledis Girlz. The group consists of ten members: Lim Na Young, Roa, Yuha, Eunwoo, Rena, Kyulkyung, Yehana, Sung Yeon, Xiyeon and Kyla. Seven out of the ten members appear on Produce 101 and two of the members made it to the final line up to debut with I.O.I. The five members return back to Pledis to create the group Pledis Girlz as they wait for Lim Na Young and Kyulkyung to return back to Pledis after the disbandment of I.O.I to debut as Pristin.
The group debut in 2017 after the disbandment of I.O.I and created a subunit group, Pristin V, in 2018. They officially have disband in 2019 after two albums and one year of hiatus except from the subunit group. It is very sad to say that they have disband because everyone excepted more from them and the company. They won Rookie of the Year from Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and they were very talented girls. They were the female version of SEVENTEEN. We can blame it on the company but again, we don't have any information at all behind what happen behind the close doors (of the company). I would like the members do re-debut and become very successful in their paths. The reason why they are at number three and not two is because of their short time period although they won Rookie of the Year. I love this group just as much as I love Weki Meki because they both have I.O.I members.
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| Image is from Amino Apps |
The group debut in 2017 after the disbandment of I.O.I and created a subunit group, Pristin V, in 2018. They officially have disband in 2019 after two albums and one year of hiatus except from the subunit group. It is very sad to say that they have disband because everyone excepted more from them and the company. They won Rookie of the Year from Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and they were very talented girls. They were the female version of SEVENTEEN. We can blame it on the company but again, we don't have any information at all behind what happen behind the close doors (of the company). I would like the members do re-debut and become very successful in their paths. The reason why they are at number three and not two is because of their short time period although they won Rookie of the Year. I love this group just as much as I love Weki Meki because they both have I.O.I members.
4. Golden Child
Golden Child is form under Woollim Entertainment which house Lovelyz and Infinite. They were originally an eleven member group before Park Jae Seok departed the group in January 2018. The members includes: Lee Dae Yeol, Y, Lee Jang Jun, Tag, Bae Seung Min, Bong Jae Hyun, Kim Ji Beom, Kim Dong Hyun, Hong Joo Chan and Choi Bo Min.
Woollim launched a pre-debut project for trainees, W Project, which five of the members of Golden Child and former members Jae Seok were introduced under. Golden Child is the first boy group that Woollim have launch after seven years since Infinite. Lee Dae Yeol is the younger brother of Lee Sung Yeol of Infinite.
Golden Child came to me as an surprise. I didn't know that Woollim launched a pre-debut group at all and when they debuted I was very happy. Woollim was only know for Infinite and Lovelyz and other than that I wanted more. Golden Child debut song was a great and addicting song and I'm looking forward to their career. I was very surprise when I found out that Dae Yeol was actually Sung Yeol's younger brother. Again, very surprise. I just thought that they look very similar.
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| Image from kprofiles.com |
Woollim launched a pre-debut project for trainees, W Project, which five of the members of Golden Child and former members Jae Seok were introduced under. Golden Child is the first boy group that Woollim have launch after seven years since Infinite. Lee Dae Yeol is the younger brother of Lee Sung Yeol of Infinite.
Golden Child came to me as an surprise. I didn't know that Woollim launched a pre-debut group at all and when they debuted I was very happy. Woollim was only know for Infinite and Lovelyz and other than that I wanted more. Golden Child debut song was a great and addicting song and I'm looking forward to their career. I was very surprise when I found out that Dae Yeol was actually Sung Yeol's younger brother. Again, very surprise. I just thought that they look very similar.
5. JBJ
JBJ is form from six trainees who previously participated on Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017. They were managed by Fave Entertainment. The group officially debuted on October 18, 2017 and disbanded on April 30, 2018. The members includes: Roh Tae Hyun, Kenta Takada, Kim Sang Gyun, Jin Long Guo, Kwon Hyun Bin and Kim Dong Han. The name JBJ means 'A Really Desirable Combination' and 'Just Be Joyful.'
After the disbandment of JBJ, the members return to their agency. Roh Tae Hyun return to HOTSHOT. Kenta Takada and Kim Sang Gyun debuted together under the name JBJ95, which commemorates JBJ and referred to their mutual birth year. Jin Long Guo debuted in a duo group Longguo & Shihyun and currently a solo artists. Kwon Hyun Bin is debuted as an actor and currently preparing for this artist debut. Kim Dong Han debuted as an soloist under OUI Entertainment.
It's very sad to see them not make it to the final line up group but it was great to see them debut together in a group that is well loved by the fans. Amazingly, they are doing very well in their own current paths.
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| Image from kprofiles.com |
After the disbandment of JBJ, the members return to their agency. Roh Tae Hyun return to HOTSHOT. Kenta Takada and Kim Sang Gyun debuted together under the name JBJ95, which commemorates JBJ and referred to their mutual birth year. Jin Long Guo debuted in a duo group Longguo & Shihyun and currently a solo artists. Kwon Hyun Bin is debuted as an actor and currently preparing for this artist debut. Kim Dong Han debuted as an soloist under OUI Entertainment.
It's very sad to see them not make it to the final line up group but it was great to see them debut together in a group that is well loved by the fans. Amazingly, they are doing very well in their own current paths.
6. Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher is form under Happy Face Entertainment subsidiaries Dreamcatcher Company. Dreamcatcher was originally formed under the name MINX consisting of five members: JiU, SuA, Siyeon, Yoohyeon and Dami that debuted in 2014. In November or 2016, it was announced that they would re-debut in 2017 under the name of Dreamcatcher with the addition of two new members: Handong and Gahyeon. They officially debuted on January 13, 2017.
I personally loved MINX and was very disappointed when I heard that they were going to re-debut because they didn't even debut and promote very long at all. I was glad to see them come back harder and see that they gain more popularity than before with their new members and new concepts. Dreamcatcher is currently known for their dark vibe concepts which a lot of girl groups don't do much of. I still love Dreamcatcher but I would still love to see the five members of MINX continuing to promote as MINX as a subunit group that does other concepts.
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| Image from kprofiles.com |
I personally loved MINX and was very disappointed when I heard that they were going to re-debut because they didn't even debut and promote very long at all. I was glad to see them come back harder and see that they gain more popularity than before with their new members and new concepts. Dreamcatcher is currently known for their dark vibe concepts which a lot of girl groups don't do much of. I still love Dreamcatcher but I would still love to see the five members of MINX continuing to promote as MINX as a subunit group that does other concepts.
7. A.C.E
A.C.E is an acronym for Adventure Calling Emotions, a boy group formed by Beat Interactive. The group consists of five members: Jun, Donghun, Wow, Kim Byeong Kwon and Chan. Jun trained under Jellyfish Entertainment alongside VIXX before transferring. He also appeared on I Can See Your Voice as Kangta's look-alike. Donghun competed on Superstar K5 prior to becoming a trainee. He also appeared on I Can See Your Voice as well as winning the episode with GOT7. Wow trained at YG Entertainment alongside WINNER before moving to CJ E&M. Kim Byeong Kwan participated on KPOP STAR Season 1 but was eliminated during the final round of casting. He trained under JYP Entertainment alongside Chan, who was previously a member of the dance crew Alive87.
After their debut, A.C.E members joined survival shows. Jun and Chan joined KBS's survival show The Unit where Chan becomes a member of the final line up to debut as UNB. Donghun, Wow and Kim Byeong Kwan participated in JTBC's survival show Mix Nine where they passed the audition, receiving praise for their performances and abilities by Yang Hyun Suk. In the show's finale, Kim Byeong Kwan and Donghun rank in the final line up group to debuted but unfortunately, due to contracts the final debut line up of Mix Nine was cancelled.
I was introduce to the members of this group through the survival shows that they participated in and I'm so happy that all of them did very well. Chan was able to debut with UNB and although Donghun and Byeong Kwan wasn't able to debut with the final line up of Mix Nine, they gain more fans through the shows. When I was researching up more about them, that when I learn about their appearances in other shows and lead to me remember liking them already.
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| Image from allure.com |
After their debut, A.C.E members joined survival shows. Jun and Chan joined KBS's survival show The Unit where Chan becomes a member of the final line up to debut as UNB. Donghun, Wow and Kim Byeong Kwan participated in JTBC's survival show Mix Nine where they passed the audition, receiving praise for their performances and abilities by Yang Hyun Suk. In the show's finale, Kim Byeong Kwan and Donghun rank in the final line up group to debuted but unfortunately, due to contracts the final debut line up of Mix Nine was cancelled.
I was introduce to the members of this group through the survival shows that they participated in and I'm so happy that all of them did very well. Chan was able to debut with UNB and although Donghun and Byeong Kwan wasn't able to debut with the final line up of Mix Nine, they gain more fans through the shows. When I was researching up more about them, that when I learn about their appearances in other shows and lead to me remember liking them already.
8. KARD
KARD is formed by DSP Media with J.Seph, BM, Jeon Somin and Jeon Jiwoo that debuted on July 19. 2017. Somin was previously a member of DSP Media's Japan-based girl group Puretty that disband two years after its debut in 2012. She later joined KARA Project, where she competed to become a new member of KARA and finished in second place. She debuted as leader of DSP Media's girl group April in 2015 but depart the group in November. J.Seph and BM were planned to debut in a hip-hop duo but the plans of DSP Media changed. BM featured in Goo Ha Ra of KARA song 'La La La' and was also her dance partner for the MV and live performances of 'Choco Chip Cookies.' Jiwoo was a trainee under FNC Entertainment for two years before moving to DSP Media to debut with KARD after two months. They release two pre-debut project singles before debuting in 2017.
I was very happy to see Jeon Somin debuting again because I love her in KARA Project and April. I was very disappointed to see her leave the group but I sort of understand now because of the music differences between KARD and April. I personally still think that she goes well with every concepts and I would love to see her try another cuter or lighter color concepts. It's very hard to dislike a co-ed group because there aren't that much co-ed group in KPOP but overall this group is well love and like therefore I can see a very successful career for them.
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| Image from buzzfeed.com |
I was very happy to see Jeon Somin debuting again because I love her in KARA Project and April. I was very disappointed to see her leave the group but I sort of understand now because of the music differences between KARD and April. I personally still think that she goes well with every concepts and I would love to see her try another cuter or lighter color concepts. It's very hard to dislike a co-ed group because there aren't that much co-ed group in KPOP but overall this group is well love and like therefore I can see a very successful career for them.
9. IN2IT
IN2IT consists of seven members: Yoo Ji Ahn, Jung Yeon Tae, Hwang In Ho, Han Hyun Uk, Lee In Pro, Kim Sung Hyun and Isaac Voo who participated in the survival show Boys24. They were originally an either member group when they debuted in October 2017. Kim Jin Sub left the group in March 2018 due to health reasons. The group name, IN2IT, gives a direct meaning 'Intuit' as well the phrase 'In to it' which bring together the meaning 'the boys will make fans fall into their intuitive charms.' IN2IT is under MMO and Stone Music Entertainment.
I was going to watch Boys24 and as I continued reading more information about the show, I got lost in the information and never watch the show therefore I don't know much about the boys. I came across them in 2018 when I went to KCONLA where the boys appear on some of the stages during the convention before the concert. Overall, I'm really hoping for another comeback and more chance to get to know them more.
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| Image from kpopmap.com |
I was going to watch Boys24 and as I continued reading more information about the show, I got lost in the information and never watch the show therefore I don't know much about the boys. I came across them in 2018 when I went to KCONLA where the boys appear on some of the stages during the convention before the concert. Overall, I'm really hoping for another comeback and more chance to get to know them more.
10. The Boyz
The Boyz is form by Cre.ker Entertainment. The group was formerly known as Cre.Kerz. They are a twelve members group consisting of: Sang Yeon, Jacob, Young Hoon, Hyun Jae, Ju Yeon, Kevin, New, Q, Ju Haknyeon, Hwall, Sun Woo and Eric. In 2016 and early 2017, various members appeared in different artists' music videos as cameos and lead roles. Kevin appeared on KPOP STAR 6, where he was eliminated early in the competition. Sun Woo became a contestant on High School Rapper in January 2017, where he was also eliminated early in the competition. Ju Haknyeon participated in Produce 101 Season 2 and reached 19th place during the final episode.
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| Image from kpopmap.com |
I was only introduce to this group through Ju Haknyeon after Produce 101 Season 2 ended. I was surprise to see him joining the group and debuting so soon. I personally think he can train more but so far he is doing amazing in the group.
Honorable Mentions:
MXM | Hyeongseop X Euiwoong | Longguo and Shihyun
MXM, Hyeongseop X Euiwoong, and Longguo and Shihyun are all trainees who participated in Produce 101 Season 2. MXM debuted as members of AB6IX with Park Woo Jin and Lee Dae Hwi from Wanna One. Hyeongseop X Euiwoong are promoting as a duo at the moment, no news about any group debuts from their company. Longguo and Shihyun are a duo group and currently both members are promoting as solo artists too.
Credit: I do NOT own any of the images and all information about the groups are found on Wikipedia.
MXM, Hyeongseop X Euiwoong, and Longguo and Shihyun are all trainees who participated in Produce 101 Season 2. MXM debuted as members of AB6IX with Park Woo Jin and Lee Dae Hwi from Wanna One. Hyeongseop X Euiwoong are promoting as a duo at the moment, no news about any group debuts from their company. Longguo and Shihyun are a duo group and currently both members are promoting as solo artists too.
Credit: I do NOT own any of the images and all information about the groups are found on Wikipedia.
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