Before we welcome 2024, here’s a quick rundown to all the scandals, romances, and tragedies in K-pop:
1. Rookie monsters
The year saw rookie group NewJeans dominate the scene in Korea and globally. Zerobaseone, a group of nine artists chosen through Mnet’s idol survival program, ‘Boys Planet,’ debuted in July with EP, ‘Youth in the Shade.’ Riize, SM’s first K-pop boy group in seven years, two months later with the debut album, ‘Get a Guitar.’
2. FIFTY FIFTY lawsuit
FIFTY FIFTY broke out onto the charts with their hit ‘Cupid.’ The K-pop girl group quartet was involved in a lawsuit with agency Attrakt for alleged breach of contract. After a months-long legal battle, Keena was the only member to stay with the agency.
3. Military enlistments
J-Hope, Suga, RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook started their individual enlistments.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve approximately two years of mandatory military service for the country.
4. Establishment of agencies
More K-pop stars have been charting their own course, witnessing an uptick in forming independent agencies for their solo endeavors. Stars include Jennie, EXO’s D.O., and Pentagon’s Kino.
5. Tragedies
In April, K-pop boy group Astro’s Moonbin was found dead at his home in an apparent suicide. He had been taking part in his first world tour at the time as part of a duo with member Sanha.