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K-pop's 10 best idol group debuts

Posted by ssarahWho1 pt Tuesday, August 18, 2015
2AM, 2NE1, B.A.P, CNBLUE, miss A, SHINee, Girls
10. B.A.P - Warrior
B.A.P's debut was strong, period. They were marketed in a way that showed their function as one solid unit (that unanimous blond hair), but also showed how each member had something legit to offer (young rapper Zelo anyone?). "Warrior" was not a song that technically matched my taste or one that I could personally enjoy listening to, but oh goodness the whole thing really stole my attention. Their song was beastly, and the last boy idol group I remembered really owning that title was 2PM. Their choreography was powerful, and their live performances even more impressive. It was definitely a good one.
9. SHINee - Replay
Yes, yes, and yes! Y'all know this is a classic right here, and this was a group that executed their debut almost too perfectly. Their youthfulness was captured in one music video, and the boys were so talented that the song wasn't tainted whatsoever on stage. I personally believe that this smooth R&B debut single "Replay" is one of the best from SM's entire discography, and it's one of those songs that can distinctly take any of us K-pop fans back to its exact time period. Oh bliss~
8. MAMAMOO - Mr. Ambiguous
Look at that sass, extra 'tude, and expressions. It's all too natural that they oozed with confidence, making it hard to believe that this was their DEBUT stage. Plus, every single member can sing exceptionally well, even the rapper… and that is why they were loved as a rookie group. It makes sense that when you put a group of individuals together who can each sing/rap and hold their own part, it will result in a performance that the group is obviously comfortable with and can go above and beyond with. MAMAMOO always delivers, amazingly at that too.
7. 2AM - This Song
I initially chose a live performance to showcase 2AM's vocals in their debut song, but decided to put their music video up instead after I teared up from it (sniffle). First off, I believe that "This Song" was successful because it was sincerely created and written by JYP, with lyrics that are both original and universally empathized by those who hear it. Next, no other group could have put such raw emotions into this song besides 2AM themselves. I mean, it was their debut song after long years of training and member elimination battles (remember JYP's show "Hot Blood"). The four members made the song intimately theirs, and their debut was loved my many.
6. Girls' Generation - Into the New World
Shall we revisit the humble beginnings of the most successful girl group in South Korea? It was definitely an impressive beginning, with stellar vocals and dancing from all 9 members of the group. This is the strongest I've ever heard Yuri's voice, and Hyoyeon actually got a full out dance break that did her talent justice. Unfortunately, they haven't done such a song and dance like this since their debut… and I know we all want to see it again! Nonetheless, "Into the New World" was a perfectly synced production from both SM and the girls. It's no wonder many rookie girl groups refer to it for direction.
5. CNBLUE - I'm a Loner
You know how F.T. Island is a beloved rock band in South Korea? There really wasn't any other bands close in proximity to F.T. Island, so of course fans were excited to hear that a younger brother version of F.T. Island was to make their debut. Their first mini album in Korea stayed at the top of the charts for two weeks and their first title track "I'm a Loner" peaked at number 2, solidifying their break into the industry. With "I'm a Loner," they went on to win many music charts programs and awards. I'm not surprised since they're all talented musicians, good-looking too, and had a dang good song to debut with.
4. TVXQ - Hug
Let's just all cry to one of the most beautiful debut stages from one of the most legendary groups in the history of K-pop. They start off with an a capella cover of a Christmas hymn that is later joined by the one and only BoA, and must I explain even more with their debut track "Hug"? Beautiful.
3. miss A - Bad Girl Good Girl
miss A was one of the most watched debuts in South Korea. They became the fastest girl group to take the number 1 spot on a music show, and their song stayed number 1 for four straight weeks, breaking the previous record by Girls' Generation. What made Miss A so special? JYP did a thing that no one else quite attempted yet; he put together an idol group where 50% of its members were non-Korean. Not only that, there was much hype about the group coming out from JYP especially for the absence of Wonder Girls in the Korean scene. Regardless of this, the song "Bad Girl Good Girl" itself was wildly addicting (one of JYP's best), and the whole package including the music video, choreography, and their live performances - slayed.
2. 2NE1 - Fire
Whether you're a Blackjack or not, a mere bystander, or a straight up hater, you can't deny that "Fire" made heads turn. When they debuted, it was like a fresh burst of air as they went against the typical route of most girl groups, and all of a sudden, being fierce was the new trend. The song became an instant hit in Korea, topping all the charts on and offline. Park Bom's legs became popular as well as Dara's signature palm tree hair, and the dance was done by anyone and everyone. The best thing about 2NE1's debut song was that it fully encompassed what they were AND going to be all about. They really haven't strayed far from "Fire." Oh and of course, the song was too fun and catchy to ignore.
1. Ladies' Code - Bad Girl
Let's remember a really, really good rookie group. Billboard named them one of the top 5 groups to watch for after their debut year, and I agreed. Ladies' Code was probably one of the best, and if not, THE best female girl group debut of 2013. I remember when they first came out with "Bad Girl," it took me by surprise because I was not ready for such strong vocals. Each of their songs since their debut did not lose its sound of powerful and full vocals, and I know we can all agree that is an impressive and quite special ability.

SEE ALSO: Stars shine on the Red Carpet of the '2024 SBS Drama Awards'

  1. 2AM
  2. 2NE1
  3. B.A.P
  4. CNBLUE
  5. miss A
  6. SHINee
  7. Girls' Generation
  8. TVXQ
  9. Ladies' Code
  10. MAMAMOO
  11. BEST DEBUTS
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