Revisiting 2024’s “Artists to Watch” List

Nine artists who I expected to have a HUGE year!

At the beginning of 2024, on the 17 Carat K-Pop podcast, I predicted which K-pop artists would have a massive year. Here’s how things turned out for each of them!

Artist: KISS OF LIFE
Their 2024: Big

• The group had comebacks in April, July, and October.
• They released several OSTs.
• HANEUL featured on GK’s song “IDC.”
• NATTY featured on “Taxi Blurr” by Jay Park and “dusk twilight” by ADORA.
• They won at the Circle Chart Awards, Korea First Brand Awards, K-World Dream Awards, Asian Artist Awards, and more.
• They revealed their official light stick.
• They embarked on the “KISS ROAD” World Tour, which required additional shows to accommodate the high demand!

Artist: NMIXX
Their 2024: Big

• They released two mini-albums and several other songs.
• They participated in KCON LA.
• They participated in a Billboard Latin Music Week event.
• Their award wins included ones at the Hanteo Music Awards and the Korea First Brand Awards.
• Members’ modeling gigs included Haewon and Sullyoon for Le Coq Sportif.
• Haewon co-hosted the ISACs (Idol Star Athletic Championships).

Artist: P1Harmony
Their 2024: Big

• They went on the “[P1ustage H : UTOP1A]” Tour.
• They released a full album, Killin’ It; a mini-album, SAD SONG, which they had worldwide pop-up shops for; and a STAGE FIGHTER OST, “R.O.P (Reign of Peace).”
• They partnered with Soundwaves to release artwork for charity, made out of the actual sound waves from their music! The proceeds went to Kulture City, a nonprofit focused on “sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities.”
• Performances included KCON LA and the Governors Ball.
• They became the first K-pop boy band to attend the American Country Music Awards!
• Their award wins included ones at the K-World Dream Awards and the Korea Grand Music Awards.
• They released a limited-time collection of figurines.

Artist: HUH YUNJIN as a Soloist
Her 2024: Big
While HUH YUNJIN obviously had a bigger year as a member of LE SSERAFIM…

• Performing at Coachella, the EMAs, and the VMAs pre-show;
• Being a part of ad campaigns and a new Casetify collection;
• Winning at the Golden Disc Awards, Japan Record Awards, Asian Artist Awards, and many other shows;
• Surpassing one million album sales, thanks to EASY;
• And MUCH more…

She also released some new solo material, including…

• “Yes or No,” with GroovyRoom and Crush; 
• “STUPID IN LOVE,” with MAX, which they performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show;
• And “i don’t know,” a B-side on j-hope’s album.

Artist: RIIZE
Their 2024: Big, but not in the expected ways!
Despite a year of tension and turmoil, RIIZE managed to…

• Release a mini-album, an album repackage, and a Japanese EP.
• Get a special plaque of appreciation from LA’s City Council.
• Meet fans worldwide and then air the “FAN-CON ‘RIIZING DAY’ FINALE” via Weverse.
• Perform at Tecate Emblema in Mexico City.

• Perform and win at the MAMAs - and receive an award from *NSYNC’s Lance Bass!
• Win at other awards shows, including the Circle Chart Awards, Korea Grand Music Awards, Korea First Brand Awards, and Melon Music Awards.
• Perform at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
• Be a part of Fanta’s latest ad campaign.
• Release their official light stick.
• Be an MC on M Countdown (in the case of Sohee).

Artist: G-DRAGON
His 2024: Big

• He made his long-awaited return to music, with the witty and hidden-meaning-filled “POWER” single and video, as well as the surprise release “HOME SWEET HOME.”

• He performed and won at the MAMAs.
• He signed with EMPIRE.
• He won the trademarks for both “GD” and “G-DRAGON.”
• He announced a partnership with Frédéric Malle to release his own fragrance.
• He was designated a Visiting Professor at KAIST (The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)! He now represents the institute globally and will partner with them on technological research.

Artist: TWS
Their 2024: Huge!

• They had comebacks in January and June.
• Performances included KCON LA, the MAMAs, the Grammy’s “Global Spin Series,” MTV’s “Fresh Out” series, and an iHeartRadio event that fans got to watch from anywhere in the world through virtual reality!
• Their awards show wins included the K-World Dream Awards, Asia Star Entertainment Awards, Asian Artists Awards, MAMAs, Melon Music Awards, and more.
• They modeled for brands from SKOOLOOKS to Celine.
• Less than a full year since debuting, they signed with both Geffen Records (in the U.S.) and Virgin Music (in Japan) for global promotions!

Artist: aespa
Their 2024: MASSIVE! 

• Their new releases included several mini-albums, an OST with TOKiMONSTA, and a remake of “Regret of the Times” by Seo Taiji and Boys. 
• Their awards show wins included the Asian Artist Awards, Circle Chart Awards, Fact Music Awards, Hanteo Music Awards, KBS Entertainment Awards, K-World Dream Awards, Korea First Brand Awards, MAMAs, Melon Music Awards, and more! 
• Big performances included ones at the MAMAs and as part of the MLB “Seoul Series.” 
• They announced the extension - and upgrade to arenas! - of the “SYNK : Parallel Line” World Tour.
• They attended fashion shows and modeled for iconic brands.
• They became Incheon Airport Honorary Ambassadors.

They were also busy as solo stars:

• GISELLE became an official LOEWE ambassador and wore the brand to the store’s Seoul Grand Opening.
• KARINA was on Synchro U and featured in the “MY ARTi FILM” performance series.
• NINGNING became a Versace Global Ambassador.
• WINTER released a collaboration with BANG YEDAM, “Officially Cool,” and she modeled for Ralph Lauren.

Artist: BLACKPINK Members as Soloists
Their 2024: MASSIVE!
JENNIE…

• Released a song with Matt Champion, “Slow Motion,” which she performed during a surprise Camp Flog Gnaw festival appearance.
• Released the single “Mantra,” which she performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and used to mark her first time on M Countdown in eight years!
• Wore a custom ALAIA look to the Met Gala!
• Walked the runway for JACQUEMUS during Milan Fashion Week and revealed a blonde makeover at a Chanel show during Paris Fashion Week.
• Signed a solo deal with Columbia Records.
• Launched solo Twitter/X and TikTok accounts.
• Teased new music in a Beats by Dre air pods ad.
• Won in four MAMAs categories.
• Was announced as part of the 2025 Coachella lineup.
• Made history by becoming the first female K-pop soloist to get a U.S. Platinum certification for a single.
• Became the first female K-pop soloist to have a BRIT-certified single, thanks to “One of the Girls.”

JISOO…

• Started her own agency, Blissoo.
• Became the first musician to represent Self-Portrait, a London fashion house.
• Attended Fashion Month events.
• Modeled for clothing brands including Tommy Hilfiger and Alo Yoga.
• Joined the Dear U Bubble app.
• Earned a Circle Chart Award and two Golden Disc Awards.
• Was booked and busy when it comes to acting! As of publication time, her three biggest acting projects slated for 2025 releases are the following: Newtopia, a zombie TV show out February 7; Boyfriend on Demand, a rom-com with a to-be-announced release date; and The Prophet: Omniscient Reader, a movie that also has a to-be-announced release date.

LISA…

• Started the company LLOUD and signed with a Sony Music subsidiary for global promotions.
• Released several singles: “Rockstar,” “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me),” and “New Woman” (with Rosalía).
• Was announced as part of the 2025 Coachella lineup.
• Became a Louis Vuitton House Ambassador.
• Announced a 2025 release date for her debut full-length album, Alter Ego.
• Had an INCREDIBLE night at the MTV VMAs, performing, wearing a custom Mugler gown on the red carpet, and winning three awards!
• Won two EMAs.
• Was featured in a teaser for her big-time acting debut, the new season of The White Lotus.
• Performed at the Global Citizen Festival, Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes, and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. (A post from that show earned the brand well over $1.5 million in media exposure!)
• Was featured in Rolling Stone's “Musicians on Musicians” series, in conversation with Tyla.

• Was featured in Vanity Fair’s 31st annual “Hollywood Issue,” among A-listers like Nicole Kidman.

ROSÉ…

• Released her debut full-length album, rosie, which surpassed one billion Spotify streams before the year’s end!
• Released the hit single “APT.” with Bruno Mars, which was performed at the MAMAs.
• Became the first K-pop act to sign with Atlantic Records.
• Signed a separate publishing deal with Warner Chappell.
• Attended Fashion Month shows.
• Started representing PUMA globally.
• Was on YouTube shows like “Hot Ones.”
• Performed on The Tonight Show.

BLACKPINK also collectively continued receiving accolades, including a BRIT Gold Certification and awards show wins. 

Stay tuned for more “Year in Review” recaps, including…

• The year in Korean TV and movies
• 24 under-discussed stories from the world of K-pop in 2024
• YOUR “Best of 2024” picks - VOTING ENDS IN A FEW HOURS!
• And more!

View the Substack version of this piece here!