Who will be the biggest K-pop group of 2019? Here are the contenders

The Korean pop phenomenon has been going strong for the past few years. With their catchy songs and flashy dance moves, it's no wonder they've attracted so many fans around the globe.

With the worldwide success of boyband BTS, it makes us wonder who would be the next act to follow in their footsteps?

We track the most promising K-pop acts of 2019.

GIRL GROUPS

EVERGLOW

Debuting in March this year, Yuehua's new girl group Everglow is aiming for global domination.

The group made their debut with the song 'Bon Bon Chocolat' and has been steadily rising in popularity ever since.

Idol competition Produce 48 contestants Kim Shihyun and Wang Ireon also made their debut through the group, solidifying their fanbase.

ITZY

Following the success of Twice, JYP Entertainment debuted their new five-member girl group, ITZY in February.

These 'monster rookies' became the fastest girl group to achieve a music show win, coming up tops on music chart show M Countdown within nine days of their debut.

The group's girl crush concept has been a hot issue within the K-pop community, and with their catchy lyrics and complicated choreographies, it seems JYP really struck gold with this group.

GWSN

Though the group debuted in late-2018, they recently made their second comeback this year with their hit song, Pinky Star (RUN).

The seven-member group has also set its sights on international fame with members from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

GWSN initially drew buzz for their busking and covers of difficult boy group choreographies.

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In fact, the girl group will be coming to Singapore for Hallyupopfest 2019 on May 25, so grab your tickets if you want to catch them. Priority ticket sales start March 29, 10am.

BOY GROUPS

AB6IX

Hip-hop label Brand New Music's new boy group has not debuted yet, but they already have a solid fanbase.

Boasting a four-person lineup from Produce 101 Season 2, as well as alumni from its debut group Wanna One, the project is Brand New Music's first foray into K-pop idol territory.

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A strong contender for rookie of the year in our books, its rumoured members are said to be excellent at producing their own songs while not lacking in the dancing and singing departments.

With more hints dropping recently, it seems like a debut is imminent for AB6IX.

PRODUCE X 101'S DEBUT GROUP

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While the show has not settled on a name for its newest debut group, it is expected that the winning group would be the talk of the town.

Though the reality programme is due to start in May, fans have already picked out their favourites amongst the contestants.

Of which, some contestants like UP10TION's WooSeok and Victon's Byeongchan are latching on dreams of a re-emergence.

DSP Media's Son Dongpyo was revealed as the 'center' (lead member) for this season's theme song and it's likely that he would follow in the footsteps of the previous groups' centers to be the first to debut.

NU'EST

Okay, we know, this is not a new group.

Into the seventh year since their debut, 2019 will mark the first time in two years since NU'EST is promoted as a five-member group (they were previously a foursome known as NU'EST W).

The group enjoyed an explosive surge in popularity after some members participated in Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017.

With member Hwang Minhyun re-joining the group after his time with Wanna One ended, the group is set to reunite with their fans, LOVEs, through a three-day concert in Seoul.

The boys are also set to perform in Singapore at this year's Hallyupopfest. As the headlining acts of the festival, LOVEs can expect to meet the boys through red carpet access and exclusive artiste engagements.

SOLO ACTS

KIM JAEHWAN

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Wanna One's lead vocalist is expected to make his debut as a solo singer soon.

Before he was known as a Wanna One member, the singer had been in rock bands and busked on the streets of Seoul.

Skilled in the guitar and piano, fans can't help but wonder what concept this talented idol will emerge with.

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With a hint dropped on his Instagram earlier this week, we are guessing that he is going to make his debut anytime now.

JEON SOMI

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Dubbed the 'original national centre', Jeon Somi caused a buzz when she left JYP Entertainment and signed on to YG's sub-label, The Black Label.

The Canadian-South Korean was the first winner of Produce 101 Season 1 and attracted attention for her energetic personality as well as powerful dancing.

Though no date has been set, she is rumoured to be making her debut in May, with famous South Korean music producer Teddy working on her album.

With all these acts lined up, the fight for top artist of 2019 seems like the toughest one yet.

kimberlyfoo@asiaone.com