< TVXQ >
TVXQ's return was one of the biggest and most highly-anticipated chapters in the history of K-Pop. In November of 2010, their agency announced that Shim Changmin and Jung Yunho would re-appear as a duo team after a two-year hiatus; not only that, but they also revealed that they would continue to work under the name, 'TVXQ'. Though their fanbase was heartbroken over this controversial decision, they were not alone in buzzing excitedly over TVXQ's impending return.
Their comeback, to put it lightly, was explosive.
SM Entertainment released the music video for "Keep Your Head Down" on January 3rd, and the international K-Pop community couldn't stop talking about the aggressive choreography, the dynamic energy of the song, and the slightly controversial lyrics.
Though the boys commanded "Keep Your Head Down", they kept theirs up like the princes they were raised to become.
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< G.NA >
When G.NA debuted back in 2010 with "I'll Back Off So You Can Live", she garnered a ton of anti-fans because of her cozy interactions with B2ST's Doojoon in her music video. But thanks to her ultra-cute comeback track, "Black & White", she's softened the backlash from her anti-fans, and even won most of them over!
The song tells of a hot-and-cold romance between a couple who seem like polar opposites. G.NA's bubbly voice inflects a lighthearted mood into an otherwise frustrating situation. Music fans couldn't get enough of the sweet love song, and G.NA went on to win #1 on 'Inkigayo', 'Music Bank', and 'M! Countdown'. She also secured a best-seller title from dosirak's digital music charts for the month of February.
With her charming, bright smile and unwavering energy, G.NA is definitely becoming one of the hottest artists of the year!
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< Dalmatian >
The boys of Dalmatian are anything but rookies when you combine their individual years of experience in the music industry. For example, Day Day was the rap instructor for JYP Entertainment, leader Inati was with People Crew, and Daniel had trained alongside B2ST's Yoseob. And yet somehow, Dalmatian remains as one of the most under-estimated musical groups in K-Pop.
The boys dropped their first mini-album back in February with their double title-tracks: "Lover Cop" and "That Man Disapproves". Praise rang out high for the clean, fresh production, and for Dalmatian's ability in bringing fun, feel-good music back to the forefront.
Though they're not receiving the exposure they deserve, we have a feeling that Dalmatian won't be the 'underdogs' for much longer.
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< Jewelry >
Jewelry stands tall as one of Korea's longest-running girl groups, for they debuted back in 2001. During their 10 year career, they've said goodbye to many beloved members, including Seo In Young and Park Jung Ah; but rest assured, they've passed the baton onto a new generation that's impressed with their fresh charms and crackling energy.
With their two new members, Jewelry dropped their comeback single in January and received a warm 'welcome back!' to the industry. Their fun comeback track, "Back It Up", carries retro flavor with modern b-girl swag.
Recently, these ladies wrapped up their promotions, but we're sure they've got equally delicious ear-candy waiting for us around the bend.
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< ZE:A >
Lately, boy groups seem to love looking extra-masculine and tough for their image concepts. ZE:A started off looking sharp and a little glamorous, but they've reeled that back for their new single, "Here I Am". Music fans approved of the group's romantic style, and their music video heightened the image by having the members play the roles of charming guardian angels.
Their agency, Star Empire, said that ZE:A's latest album, "Lovability", sought to capture the essence of spring by having it embody "love confessions full of nine different charms."
With their sweet new look, ZE:A has been sweeping hearts right and left!
==
< SECRET >
Before they came back with "Shy Boy", SECRET was one of those girl groups who everyone liked, but seldom raved about. But once they kicked off their new promotion cycle, no one could stop talking about the cute song, especially because of the girls' fresh spin on a retro '50s style!
Initially, when the girls were told about their new look, they confessed that they were depressed because they were expecting something more bold. But they resolved to do their best and churn out something uniquely different for their audience.
The results were shocking, not only to SECRET but to general music fans as well. Within the first week, all initial copies of the single were sold out. Then girls went on to win #1 spots on music programs, and thus cemented their position as a girl group to watch out for.
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< INFINITE >
INFINITE stirred up a lot of hype before they made their official comeback with "Before the Dawn", thanks to their seductively dark preview.
Well the boys definitely didn't disappoint, as they delivered a suspenseful track with an equally tense music video. The members are seen trying to escape a twisted labyrinth to a song that croons about an obsessive love.
Their dynamic transformation earned INFINITE much praise, and it continued to roll in after netizens noted their sharp 'scorpion' dance, which many have observed is incredibly difficult to pull off with a fluid, synchronized motion.
This boy group definitely launched their comeback with heightened interest, and they've continued to garner more with their follow-up track, "Nothing's Over".
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< Girl's Day >
Praised as the "turnaround-idols", the members of Girl's Day are earning more love by the day as K-Pop fans come to appreciate that these girls aren't just your run-of-the-mill girl group. Their powerful vocals, cute charms, and unwavering determination to make it to the top resulted in 2010's unforgettable track, "Nothing Lasts Forever".
After resting for months, the girls recently came back with "Twinkle Twinkle", a cheerful song that could almost be cartoonish, but we don't think it's a bad thing, as it definitely makes them stand out from the passive, flowery image that most girl groups don around springtime.
Though it's only their 3rd single, Girl's Day continues to impress with their constant change-ups in image and concepts, and we're sure that they'll continue to fly high.
==
< TEEN TOP >
When TEEN TOP made their debut last year, their youthful energy and vibrancy caught the attention of many new fans. This time, the boys managed to deliver another promising promotion cycle with their comeback track, "Supa Luv", which showcased their potential and growth.
The boys of TEEN TOP were raised by K-Pop legends, Shinhwa, and they're particularly close to members Andy and Eric. Under their tutelage, they were trained to become a top male idol group with a distinctive color. Fans went wild over their 'silver cyborg' concept for "Supa Luv", and were pleasantly surprised when the group put it aside for something a little softer for their follow-up track, "Angel".
TEEN TOP are killers when it comes to addictive pop music, and they certainly drove that point home with their comeback this year.
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< Big Bang >
Finally, we come to Big Bang. What's there to say about one of the biggest comebacks of the year that hasn't already been said? These boys have built up an anticipation that was practically electric and threatened to set stages a-fire with their explosive fan response.
After a two-year hiatus, the boys returned with "Tonight" from their fourth mini-album. Almost every single track from that album landed in the top 10 rankings of digital music charts, and their title track still maintains a strong hold in the top 5 spots.
YG Entertainment has stated that the boys would work on their new album once they wrap up promotions for the mini-album. We can't wait to hear what they've got in store, as their comeback only demonstrated that Big Bang always delivers quality that goes above and beyond.
Top 10 Comebacks of Q1 2011
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