Miyao, Nine, Aldef, Kiki, Kick Flip, Klein, Hatuha, and SMTR25…Who's the best rookie?
Sep 12, 2025
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On the 12th, the KGMA Organizing Committee announced Miyao, Nine, All-Day Project, Kiki, Kickflip, Close Your Eyes, Hatsutu Hearts (hereinafter in alphabetical order) and SMTR25 with the lineup of the 2nd Korea Grand Music Awards (2025 KGMA) to be held at Inspire Arena in Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon on November 14 and 15.
Miyao (Suin, Gawon, Anna, Narine, Ella) got off to a good start this year with the first EP double title song 'Hands Up' and 'Drop Top' hitting at the same time in May. Those who have impressed K-pop fans with their unrivaled performance on hip-hop-based sound are gaining popularity with the reverse of 'Hands Up'.
Nine (Steven, Seo Jung-woo, Cha Woong-ki, Jang Shu Aibo, Park Han, JL, Park Joo-won, Zeon, and Daisuke) are boy groups born through the SBS audition program Universe League. They achieved 369,985 copies at the beginning with their first EP 'Who We Are' released in July, ranking 5th in the first place in the boy group's debut album.
The All Day Project (Annie, Tarzan, Bailey, Woo Chan, and Young Seo) is a mixed group that caused a stir in the music industry, topping the music charts immediately after its debut with the double title songs 'FameS' and 'Wicked' in June. Those who have captured the hearts of domestic and global fans with sensuous music and stylish performances continue to show the best synergy that a mixed group can produce and continue the unrivaled momentum of 'de-newcomer level'.
Kiki (Jiyu, Isol, Sui, Haum, Kiya) debuted in February, making a strong first impression with the title song 'I Do Me'. Those who succeeded in capturing K-pop fans with their differentiated charms that stimulated nostalgic have emerged as girl group representatives of '5th Generation' by making a series of hits to 'Dancing Alone' released in August.
Kickflip (Kyuhun, Amaru, Donghwa, Juwang, Minje, Keju, Donghyun) proved its status as a K-pop rookie by taking the stage of a large American music festival 'Rollapalooza Chicago' half a year after its debut as a new singer in the music industry that first appeared in January this year. On the 22nd, he will release his 3rd mini-album 'My First Flip' and start three official activities this year alone.
Close Your Eyes (Jeon Min-wook, Majing Xiang, Jang Yeo-jun, Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyung-bae) is a multinational boy group formed by JTBC audition program 'Project 7' which aired last year. In April, the debut song 'All Poems and Novels in Me' topped the music program six days after its release, making it the shortest-term music program among boy groups that debuted in the 2020s.
Harts-to-Harts (Jiwoo, Yuha, Stella, Jooeun, Ana, Ian, Carmen, and Yeon) were a girl group introduced by SM Entertainment for the first time in five years, drawing attention even before their debut. The debut single 'The Chase' released in February sold more than 400,000 copies, emerging as the next-generation representative girl group with the No. 1 record in the initial sales of the girl group's debut album. I'm on a long run with the song 'Style' released last June.
SMTR25, a project team of 25 male trainees who will be the next generation of SM Entertainment, was also listed in the 2025 KGMA lineup. Previously, it received hot attention from global fans for its high-quality performances at the 'SM Town Live 2025' and '2025 TIMA International Music Awards'. KGMA is the first time they will be on an official stage in Korea. As SM's new male idol debut group is scheduled to appear at SMTR25, K-pop fans at home and abroad are expected to pay considerable attention to their first stage.
star77@sportschosun.com
