Top 25 Rookie Artists of 2022: Honorable Mentions

My end-of-year rookie countdown has always been one of my favorites, hence why it always comes half a month or so before the rest of my list. Admittedly, it is not nearly as important in a technical sense as the song or album countdowns are, but it stands as a glimpse into a potential future, one to see where the new groups could end up in the future. So how have my top artists ended up a few years from my rookie rankings? To be honest, not too well. I was reviewing my 2021 rookie rankings and was shocked to see how awkwardly some positions have aged. Have I improved my processes this year? Unlikely. Nonetheless, I am quite satisfied with my rankings.

Honorable Mentions

25-11

10-1

Without any further ado, let us get into the rules.

• Any artist who made their first official debut from December 1, 2021, to November 31, 2022, is eligible.

• Pre-Debuts don't count (Limelight), nor do temporary one-time project groups (Queendom).

• Supergroups, solo debuts, and group reformations and recreations do count.

• Redebuts in new languages don't count.

• Disbanded groups or retired artists don't count.

Now, let us open with honorable mentions.

32. Kep1er

Kep1er’s debut music was wild and varied, yet undeniably confusing and disjointed as Mnet show groups tend to be. 

31. XG

XG’s music has been trite and uninspired, but there is no denying the strength of some of their hooks, especially in tracks such as Mascara.

30. Xdinary Heroes

Xdinary Heroes’ music has been loud, brash and annoying. Nonetheless, their pre-debut teasers remain exciting, as does the prospect of a real K-Pop punk band.

29. Younite

Younite released some absolute stinkers this year, but pre-debut track Everybody showed the group’s immense potential.

28. Yuju

None of Yuju’s releases were quite good, but she has enormous skill as a vocalist, skill that could be used anytime soon.

27. Mimiirose

Mimiirose’s music is unique and fun in the best way. Unfortunately, they have yet to garner any notoriety, which could be harmful in the long-run.

26. TAN

Much like other boy band debutants on this list, Tan’s debut year was sonically inconsistent. However, they have great potential if they keep up with their debut EP’s sound.