The most disappointing debuts in K-Pop in 2024

In an industry that thrives on anticipation, few things are as disappointing as a highly anticipated debut that fails to live up to expectations. Unfortunately, 2024 saw more than its fair share of letdowns, with several rookie groups struggling to make a significant impact despite their agencies’ big promises. Here’s a closer look at some of the most talked-about and disappointing K-pop debuts of the year.

BADVILLAIN: A Misstep for BPM Entertainment

May 2024 saw the debut of BADVILLAIN, a rookie girl group from BPM Entertainment. With the backing of well-known artists like Taemin and Viv G, the group’s debut was highly anticipated. However, from the get-go, the buzz around them quickly soured. Even before they hit the stage, accusations of copying Baby Monster’s concept surfaced, with sharp-eyed fans noticing similarities between their teaser images and those released by YG for Baby Monster in 2023. This negative perception only grew as the group’s music video amassed millions of views, raising suspicions about artificially inflated numbers through paid ads.

Despite the initial hype, BADVILLAIN’s debut was met with a lukewarm reception: their debut album sold only a few thousand copies, and their music video likes were significantly lower than expected. The mismatch between their massive views and underwhelming sales left fans questioning if the company was trying to force a success that never materialized.

NMIXX: A Struggle to Define a Unique Sound

The next group on the list of the most disappointing debuts in K-Pop in 2024 is JYP Entertainment’s NMIXX.

NMIXX debuted in February 2022 with high expectations, promising to redefine K-pop with its genre-blending concept, “Mix Pop.” However, the debut track “O” was met with a mixed reception, with many fans criticizing it for being overwhelming and chaotic. The group also faced plagiarism accusations, with fans pointing out similarities between their music video and that of ATEEZ’s “Illusion.” While NMIXX has since gained a dedicated following and their later tracks have been more well-received, their debut was far from the smooth introduction they had hoped for.

The negative feedback raised questions about whether JYP intentionally created buzz through controversy, using bad press as a marketing strategy. Regardless, the group has shown growth, and its future looks brighter with its recent releases.

Meovv: Teddy’s Latest Project Falls Short

Fans were excited when The Black Label, founded by YG Entertainment’s legendary producer Teddy, announced the debut of a new girl group, Meovv, in August 2024. With Teddy’s reputation for producing hit songs for BLACKPINK, expectations were sky-high. However, the group’s debut song, “Meow,” failed to deliver. Despite their stunning visuals, the music video and song felt generic and overly familiar, with many commenting that it followed the same YG formula that has begun to feel outdated.

The group’s first performances were lackluster, and while they received praise for their stage presence, the overall reception was far from what fans had hoped for. Critics also noted that the repetitive use of the “meow” sound in the song added little to the track’s impact. Though some fans still have hope for their future, Meovv’s debut was ultimately a missed opportunity.

BABYMONSTER: YG’s Struggles Continue

YG Entertainment’s new girl group BABYMONSTER was one of the most highly anticipated debuts of 2023. However, their debut song, “Batter Up,” failed to meet the massive expectations that had been built over months of teasers and delays. The song itself felt too familiar, heavily drawing on the typical YG sound, which many felt didn’t suit the youthful image of the group. On top of that, their debut was also met with accusations of cultural appropriation, as one member, Ruka, was seen wearing a durag in the music video, while Chaita sported what appeared to be bright yellow box braids. These choices sparked significant disappointment among their international audience.

The debut’s lukewarm reception was compounded by the group’s lack of visibility, with fans noting that YG seemed to be neglecting their promotion. Despite the disappointing start, there are still those who see potential in the group, hoping that with time, they will find their unique sound and concept.

2024: A Year of Missed Opportunities

While 2024 was filled with new debuts, it also showcased just how difficult it can be to live up to the hype. From Bad Villain’s troubled debut to Meow’s underwhelming arrival, it’s clear that success in the K-pop industry is never guaranteed. However, each of these groups still has time to refine their sound and image, and with proper support, they may eventually find the success they were initially promised.

What was the most disappointing debut in K-Pop in 2024, according to your opinion? Let us know in the comments!