These are the ‘new growth engines’ that will further solidify global K-pop. FIFTY FIFTY, triple S, 82major, YOUNG POSSE, UNIS, and KickFlip, who will hold the THE AWARDS signature trophy ‘D CUBE’.

On the 18th, the groups FIFTY FIFTY, triple S, 82major, YOUNG POSSE, UNIS, and KickFlip were selected as the winners of ‘THE AWARDS Discovery’, which is awarded to artists who will become the core axes of K-pop. Considering the ‘speed up’ the main awards ceremony to be held on the 22nd, THE AWARDS will hold a ‘pre-award ceremony’ for the BEST category, including Discovery, five times until the 21st, the day before the awards ceremony.

THE AWARDS established THE AWARDS Discovery, the ‘Discovery of the Year Award’, to support artists who have become a strong driving force for the growth of K-pop with their notable performances from last year to early this year.

FIFTY FIFTY, the main characters of the ‘Cupid’ syndrome, made a comeback last fall with their second mini-album, succeeding in the double mega hit with the title song ‘SOS’ and the b-side ‘Gravity’. This kind of activity has become a decisive factor in further solidifying their position as a global K-pop ‘core girl group’, centered around North America.

With a full 24-member lineup as their foundation, Triple S has introduced various units and entered the ranks of leading 5th-generation K-pop idols with ‘Girls Never Die’ popularized. Triple S is particularly drawing attention for presenting a new alternative to the K-pop system, such as having their fandom directly come forward and combine and actually implement various units.

82 Major rose to stardom at the end of last year with ‘Tip of the Tongue’. ‘Tip of the Tongue’ has greatly contributed to establishing 82 Major‘s own identity and has also played a significant role in expanding the scope of K-pop.

As evidenced by their nickname ‘National Hip Hop Daughter’, Youngpa has established herself as a symbol of ‘girls hip-hop’. These ’queens of genres‘ have established themselves as the focus of attention in the K-pop and global music industry for what kind of musical worldview they will present this year.

The path that JYP’s ‘super rookie’ Kickflip will take this year is also something to keep an eye on. As one of the big rookies who opened the door to K-pop in the year of Eulsa, Kickflip has already proven their potential as the new future of K-pop with two hit songs, ‘Yeah, That’s Right‘ and ’Mama Said (What Are You Trying to Be?)‘.

The 1st The Awards, hosted by Sports Donga and co-hosted by ’UPICK‘ and WSM, will be held at 6 PM on February 22nd at the Hwajeong Gymnasium of Korea University in Seoul. It will be broadcast exclusively on Channel A starting at 10:30 PM on the same day.


Reporter Heo Min-nyeong mignon@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.