The year 2014 marked a pivotal moment in the Korean music industry, witnessing the emergence of talented artists and groups that would help shape the future of K-pop the way we know it. As we reflect on the vibrant sounds and memorable moments in 2014, it's hard to believe that a decade has passed since these debuts. The impact of 2014 resonates strongly, and it feels like just yesterday when these artists took their first steps into the spotlight.

Embark on a nostalgic journey as we revisit the debut year of 2014 and celebrate the tenth-year anniversary of some of the most influential names in Korean music. Each artist has left an indelible mark on the industry, from soloists to groups. Join us as we delve into the stories of these remarkable talents who took the stage for the first time a decade ago.

AKMU 

AKMU, short for Akdong Musician, debuted on April 6, 2014, under YG Entertainment. Comprising siblings Lee Chan Hyuk and Lee Su Hyun, the duo captivated audiences with their unique sound and exceptional musicality. Their debut album, "PLAY", showcased their versatility and garnered widespread acclaim, winning Top 10 Album Award during the 2014 Bugs Awards, and Best Pop Album during the 2014 Korean Music Awards. The album's title track and one of the singles, "200%",  also won awards such as Top 10 Song during the 2014 Bugs Awards, Best Folk/Blues Song during the 2014 Melon Music Awards and the Song of the Year (April) from the Gaon Chart Music Awards.

AKMU's debut was not only a commercial success but also earned them numerous awards, such as Rookie of The Year during the 2014 Bugs Awards, Top 10 Artists during the 2014 Melon Music Awards and the 2014 SBS Awards Festival, and was also nominated for the Best New Artist at the 2014 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). Today, they stand as one of the best duos we know in the industry as they continue to showcase their musical prowess as genius singer-songwriters. 

GOT7

JYP Entertainment introduced the world to GOT7 on January 16, 2014. Comprising members Jay B, Mark, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom, the group brought fresh energy to the scene. Their debut extended play (EP), "Got It?," featured the hit title track "Girls Girls Girls" and set the stage for their future success. Their debut EP peaked at number two on the Gaon Album Chart and number one on Billboard's World Albums Chart. 

After debuting, they already received recognition domestically and internationally, and has received notable nominations such as Best New Artist and Artist of the Year during the 2014 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). GOT7's impactful debut laid the foundation for their global fandom. Ahgase continues to support the members as they venture into their respective solo careers and endeavors.

Heize

Jang Da Hye, who is better known by her stage name, Heize, recognized for her soulful voice and unique style, made her debut on March 21, 2014. After making her debut in 2014 with the EP "Heize", she promoted it by the singles "After I've Wandered A Bit" featuring Crucial Star, and "Even the Little Club". After a year of debuting, Heize took part in Mnet's reality rap show "Unpretty Rapstar" but was eliminated in the semi-finals. However, this still became a gateway to make her name more well-known and brought more attention to her as an artist. 

Heize has since become a prominent figure in the Korean music scene, earning acclaim for her genre-defying approach and collaborations with various artists. 

Lovelyz

Woollim Entertainment introduced their first girl group, the eight-member girl group Lovelyz, on November 12, 2014. Consisting of Baby Soul, Jiae, Jisoo, Mijoo, Kei, Jin, Sujeong, and Yein, Lovelyz made waves with their debut album, "Girls' Invasion." The album ranked ninth on Taiwan's Five Music Korea-Japan weekly chart and first on Japan's Tower Records albums chart. The album's lead single, "Candy Jelly Love," captivated fans with its sweet charm, marking the beginning of Lovelyz's journey as a beloved girl group.

The girl group continued to work hard and eventually amassed love and support from fans and casual listeners. A year after their debut, they receive much more support and commercial success through their hit single "Ah-Choo", maintaining its position on most major Korean music charts throughout 2015 and early 2016, making it Lovelyz's biggest hit.

Mamamoo

The well-known powerhouse quartet, Mamamoo, debuted under RBW, on June 18, 2014, with their first extended play (EP) 'Hello,' which featured the lead single "Mr. Ambiguous". Critics considered their debut as one of the best K-Pop debuts of 2014. Comprising of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa, the group showcased their versatile vocal and performance skills, and was well-known for their unique charm and breaking stereotypes through their songs.

In July 2014, a month after debut, Mamamoo released their first original soundtrack contribution titled "Love Lane" for the Korean drama "Marriage, Not Dating".  By the end of 2014, as a rookie, Mamamoo ranked tenth highest among idol girl groups for digital sales, 19th in album sales, and 11th in overall sales according to Gaon's year-end rankings. They went on to win New Artist of the Year during the 2014 Gaon Chart Music Awards and Rookie of the Year during the 2014 Seoul Success Awards. Even ten years after their debut, they are continuously loved by audiences, with the members continuing promoting as a group despite being signed in different agencies and venturing in their solo works.

Red Velvet

SM Entertainment unveiled Red Velvet on August 1, 2014, with members Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, and Joy, whom will be joined on by Yeri on March 11, 2015. The talented quintet has been continuously lauded with their vocal prowess and captivating musical styles. Their debut single, "Happiness," showcased the group's diverse talents and set the stage for their success. "Happiness" was the second-most viewed K-pop music video worldwide in August 2014 and Red Velvet became the first K-pop girl group to chart a debut single on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart, where it peaked at number four. 

Red Velvet's successful debut was evident due to the huge fanbase they gained, and eventually won Rookie Award during from the Golden Disc Awards, Korean Entertainment Arts Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. The five member girl-group continues to thrive with the love from Reveluvs and even casual listeners, and keeps on being the gift that keeps on giving with their recent comeback, "Chill Kill" last November 13, 2023. 

Winner

YG Entertainment's boy group, Winner, was formed through Mnet's survival program "WIN: Who Is Next" leading to their official debut on August 17, 2014, comprising members Jinu, Seunghoon, Mino, Seungyoon, and former member Taehyun. Winner's debut album, "2014 S/S," featured hits like "Empty" and "Color Ring", and became the fastest group to win on a music show through M! Countdown, doing so in five days. "2014 S/S" charted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart as well as the Billboard World Albums Chart, while lead singles "Empty" and "Color Ring" claimed first and third respectively on the Gaon Digital Chart.

Their unique approach to music garnered attention, and Winner secured popularity and commercial success which earned them the Top 10 Artist Award and Best New Artist on Melon Music Awards, followed by multiple Best New Artist awards on shows including Golden Disc Awards and Gaon Chart Music Awards. The group also found success in China, soon earning the Best New Force Group award at the QQ Music Awards alongside the Most Popular Korean Group award on the Youku Tudou Young Choice 2014. Inner Circle, their fanbase, are eagerly waiting for the group's comeback, as for now they support the members' solo endeavors and wait for Mino and Seungyoon's discharge.

Zico

Block B's leader, Zico, made his solo debut on November 7, 2014, with his official solo debut single entitled "Tough Cookie" featuring Don Mills. Known for his exceptional rap skills and production prowess, Zico showcased a diverse range of musical styles in his debut. With his debut single, he won the Best Rap Song during the 2014 KMC Awards. 

With his consistent hardwork, he won various accolades, such as Best Male Artist Award during the 2016 and 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and more. He also received huge success with the hit "Any Song", winning Song of the Year (Daesang) during the 2020 Genie Music Awards, Digital Bonsang and Trend of the Year Award from the 2020 Golden Disc Awards, and Best HipHop & Urban Music from the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). Zico started a dance challenge on TikTok to promote the song which has gone viral, changing the landscape of song promotion inevitably. 

Crush

Soloist Crush, known for his soulful R&B vibes, officially made his debut as a soloist on April 1, 2014, under Amoeba Culture. His debut single, "Sometimes," instantly established him as a force in the Korean music scene as it peaked at number 8 in the Circle Digital Chart. His first album, Crush on You, was released on June 5, 2014, and went on to win Best R&B & Soul Album at the 12th Korean Music Awards. 

He was also known as one of the prominent OST singers in Korea, which started during his debut year. In August 2014, he sang the OST "Sleepless Night" for the hit SBS drama "It's Okay, That's Love". This will eventually pave his way into being a well-known artist, especially with his well-loved song "Beautiful",  the OST of the international hit drama "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God".

As we revisit the vibrant debuts of these artists and groups from 2014, it's evident that the impact of that year continues to resonate in the Korean music industry. Whether as soloists or members of acclaimed groups, these talents have shaped the landscape of K-pop and are celebrated for their contributions to the global phenomenon that is Korean music. A decade may have passed, but the legacy of these artists remains etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.