10 K-Pop Groups Who Deserve To Be Called “Monster Rookies”, According To Fans

In a fast-paced industry like the K-Pop one — where new groups debut almost every other week — standing out  is a remarkable feat. Some groups, however, have achieved this with such impact that they’ve earned the title of “Monster Rookies.” Here’s a list of 10 K-Pop groups who have made a substantial mark in their early years, as recognized by fans, awards, and critics alike.

1. NewJeans

NewJeans burst onto the K-pop scene in 2022, quickly garnering attention for their unique music style and impressive achievements. They won several prestigious awards, including Rookie of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards and Song of the Year at the Golden Disc Awards. Their debut song, “Attention,” was a massive hit, leading them to top several music charts. They also broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest 1 billion streams on Spotify in just 219 days, a testament to their global appeal.​

2. ITZY

Since their debut in 2019, ITZY has been known for their charismatic performances and catchy music. They hold the record for the fastest music show win by a K-Pop girl group, achieving this just nine days after their debut. Their song “Dalla Dalla” also broke records, becoming the fastest K-Pop debut music video to reach 100 million views. Their follow-up releases — including “ICY” and “WANNABE” — immediately jumped to the top of every Korean chart, proving their power.

3. SHINee

Since their debut, SHINee has been recognized for their exceptional vocal talent and innovative music styles. They were quick to set themselves apart with their artistic versatility, gaining a dedicated fanbase early in their career. The SM Entertainment boy group was also the very first group to have achieved the “Rookie Grand Slam” by winning every Rookie of the Year award possible.

4. WINNER

Winner had an impressive debut, topping charts in South Korea with their first album 2014 S/S. They also won several “Best New Artist” awards in major Korean music award shows, highlighting their immediate impact on the industry.

5. IVE

Since their debut, IVE has been making waves in the K-Pop scene. Their first single achieved significant commercial success, and they quickly racked up several music show wins as well as the big Grand Prizes(also known as Daesangs), through hits like “Love Dive” and “I AM.”

6. BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK’s debut album set new records for sales and chart performance. They were the first K-Pop girl group to achieve numerous milestones on international charts, including Billboard, showcasing their global influence.

7. TXT

TXT’s debut album was a commercial success, charting in various countries including the United States. They won several rookie awards and were quickly recognized for their artistic potential and international appeal.

8. EXO

EXO saw unprecedented success with their debut, breaking sales records and winning numerous awards, including the “Best New Artist.” Their debut album’s massive sales set a new standard for K-Pop rookies.

9. X1

Despite their brief career, X1 made a significant impact with their debut album, achieving record-breaking sales. They won the hearts of countless fans, and their debut showcase was one of the largest for a K-Pop group.

10. LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM’s debut was met with great anticipation and they lived up to it by achieving significant sales and chart positions. Their early success in both domestic and international charts marked them as a group to watch in the K-Pop scene.