11 Hottest Debuts Of K-Pop Groups From 2023

The K-Pop scene is always expanding with numerous rookie groups making their debut every year. With the amount of new groups and upcoming debuts, Kpopmap has even compiled a list, which you can view down below.

With the various groups currently promoting and influx of new idols, it can be difficult to keep track of everyone. And while they all produce amazing music, combined with loveable personalities, there are a number of groups that netizens honed in on and could not stop talking about.

Here are some of the groups that had the hottest debuts in 2023.

Note: This list is in no particular order and does not include sub-unit or soloist debuts.

1. ZEROBASEONE

Comprised of 9 members, ZEROBASEONE went through an arduous journey as contestants on survival program, "Boys Planet," in order to join the debut lineup. When the show ended and the boy group was finalized, viewers were ecstatic. It did not take very long until ZEROBASEONE made their official debut with the title track 'In Bloom,' performing to the roar of fans everywhere.

2. xikers

ATEEZ has built up an impressive legacy and when news came out that their label, KQ Entertainment, would be debuting a new boy group, netizens could not contain their excitement. Even pre-debut, xikers were able to gain valuable stage experience and showcase their talents. 2023 marked the beginning of xikers' journey as an idol group, earning a hot response from the K-Pop community.

3. LUN8

LUN8 received a ton of hype and attention from the time they were announced. This is due to the fact that it had been about seven years since their label, Fantagio, had debuted a boy group. As they slowly released vocal covers, teasers, and album highlights, fans could not help but gravitate towards the rookies. LUN8 have since become a bright shining light, illuminating all the dark spots of 2023.

4. HORI7ON

After the conclusion of idol survival show, "Dream Maker", HORI7ON was poised to take the world by storm. They gradually released a series of pre-debut singles before making their official debut on July 24, 2023. They made history as the first all-Filipino boy group in the K-Pop scene, showcasing their brilliant talent whenever possible. They've gained wave after wave of new fans who fervently support the idol group in all of their endeavors. A new era of K-Pop is on the HORI7ON, and the MLD boy group looks to lead it.

5. BOYNEXTDOOR

KOZ Entertainment

2023 is a year where history was made as BOYNEXTDOOR became the first boy group from KOZ Entertainment. As a company under HYBE and under the leadership of iconic artist ZICO, netizens were curious to see what the idol group had in store. They made a splash right from the start, exceeding all expectations put forth by the community and critics alike. Their swoon-worthy vocals and smooth dance moves were enough to make all eyes hone in on the rookie boy group.

6. RIIZE

SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment has built up a reputation for globally renowned idol groups who lead the charge in various aspects. So with the announcement of RIIZE, the K-Pop community had their eyes locked onto the fresh-faced rookies. They came out the gates blazing hot, strumming their own unique melody that had everyone dancing along. From visuals to talent, RIIZE were not lacking in any aspect, making fans excited to become witnesses to their idol journey.

7. EVNNE

Jellyfish Entertainment

While not making the debut lineup for a survival show can be disheartening, it's not the end of the world. For these seven "Boys Planet" contestants, Jellyfish Entertainment decided to bring them together to form the group, EVNNE. After watching them improve week after week, fans were confident in their ability to rise to the top. EVNNE's debut left an impact, a trend that's sure to continue as they further their career.

8. 8TURN

MNH Entertainment

8TURN started off the year with a bang, making their official debut on January 30th, 2023. Being the first boy group from MNH Entertainment, netizens and critics alike focused their attention towards the budding idols. 8TURN's debut was a roaring success, met with countless cheers from fans at every stage.

9. AMPERS&ONE

FNC Entertainment

While FNC Entertainment started off as a home to bands, they've produced chart topping boy groups in SF9 and P1Harmony. Now, AMPERS&ONE looks to carry on the legacy set forth by their predecessors. They are made up of seven members from all across the globe, with four former survival show contestants. Building upon this experience and showcasing a breadth of skill, netizens cannot help but expect big things from AMPERS&ONE.

10. BABYMONSTER

YG Entertainment

Being the first YG Entertainment girl group since BLACKPINK, expectations are high for BABYMONSTER. There's no doubt that the members are more than talented, as they showcased powerful performances through their survival documentary. Now that they've made their official debut, everyone in the K-Pop community seems to be talking about them, ready to witness the girl group live up to their name.

11. KISS OF LIFE

S2 Entertainment

True to their name, the girl group breathed new life into the K-Pop scene through their unique sound and trendy debut song. KISS OF LIFE received an explosive response, with fans offering endless praise for the members' incredible skills. With top-notch vocals and an alluring energy, KISS OF LIFE are poised to become leaders in this new surging wave of K-Pop groups.

Who was your favorite debut from 2023? Let us know in the comments!