Which rookie groups dominated the K-pop scene in 2021? In a survey, 31 music experts and officials named aespa, IVE, ENHYPEN and more as the "Best Rookie Idols" this year. Who reigned as No. 1?

On December 20, the Korean media outlet News1 released its 2021 Year-End Settlement that summarized the fourth-generation idols who showed a strong step toward the top of the music industry as "hot rookies" this year.

Music Experts & Officials Name aespa as 'Best Rookie Idols' in 2021

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Towards the end of 2021, via News1, music officials from various agencies to come up with the list of "2021 Best Newcomers in the K-pop industry."

A total of 31 experts participated in the survey, which included Director Kim Sang Ho (JYP Entertainment), Director Kim Jiwon (SM Entertainment), Director Cho Woo Young (YG Entertainment), Director Choi Sunjin (Pledis Entertainment), Director Kim Yongsup (FNC Entertainment) and more.

Although a large number of notable rookies appeared in the music industry this 2021, aespa launched by SM Entertainment reigned as No. 1 as the best.

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aespa received 15 votes, with almost half of the respondents and music experts highlighting why the quartet ranked first.

"They had an excellent planning, marketing, and music," "Next level's success stood out," "They quickly became a popular girl group," "aespa is the most influential group this year," and "aespa played a big role in imprinting the concept of Metaverse to the public," music experts explained.

IVE, STAYC, ENHYPEN & More: 'Best Rookie Idols' in 2021 Selected by Music Experts & Officials

Along with aespa, IVE, which is less than a month old, emerged as a "hot rookie" with 10 votes.

Music professionals said, "At the same time as they appeared, they showed overwhelming records in all areas, including initial, music shows, music, and music video views."

"Major members such as Jang Wonyoung are expected to be top-ranked as K-pop singers as well as future acting and advertising models," another official predicted.

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Trailing behind the two top girl groups from fourth-gen K-pop is STAYC, which gained 2 votes along with ENHYPEN and tied at No. 3.

Both debuted in November 2020. After a year, these groups rose as "Rookie Monsters," who garnered achievements, may they be in terms of physical sales, digital standing and influence.

Billie, MIRAE and EPEX all gained 1 vote each, completing the top 8. Among music experts, one agency didn't make a choice, making it a total of 30 votes.

READ MORE: ENHYPEN Wins 5th 'Rookie of the Year' Trophy Since Debut + Becomes First & Only 4th-Gen Idol Group to Receive the Award at the AAA

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Written by Eunice Dawson