In a recent News 1 survey involving 31 music experts, IVE reigned as the group with the highest expectations from the K-pop industry. Along with the rookie girl group, officials also voted for BLACKPINK and G-Dragon, whose respective comebacks are anticipated to happen this 2022.  

On Jan. 3, the Korean media outlet News 1 conducted a survey among music experts to choose "2022 Most Expected Singer," wherein a total of 31 people from numerous music agencies such as DSP Media, RBW, Jellyfish, YG Entertainment, TOP Media, Woollim and more participated.

IVE, BTS, aespa, IU: Here are the Most Anticipated Singers in 2022

(Photo : IVE (News1))

As a result, IVE was selected as the "most anticipated singer in 2022" with a total of 11 votes.

The rookie girl group, who just debuted in December, quickly emerged as a "hot rookie" by dominating the music charts with their title song "ELEVEN" from their first single album and selling 150,000 copies in a week of the album release.

An official explained, "As it is a girl group that has set many records at the same time as its debut, we expect growth in the future."

ALSO READ: IVE's Love Calls Pouring in from the Advertising and Broadcasting Industry Due to Group's High Demand

(Photo : BTS (News1))

Needless to say, the global K-pop group BTS and "rookie monster" aespa topped the list as well and tied at No. 2 with 10 votes each.

Officials who selected BTS emphasized, "I'm curious about those who are about to join the military, and I'm especially looking forward to winning the Grammy Awards."

(Photo : aespa (News1))

As for aespa, who created three consecutive hits "Black Mamba," "Next Level" and "Savage" just more than a year after their debut, received high anticipation from music experts in terms of the further explanation of their solid worldview connected to SM's "Metaversal Origin Story."

(Photo : IU (News1))

IU then completed the top 3 with six votes.

"Every album released recently has a clear style, and I'm looking forward to what kind of music color you will show next year," a music expert said.

BLACKPINK, G-Dragon, Wanna One & More: Will They Finally Return in 2022?

(Photo : BLACKPINK (News1))

BLACKPINK, who didn't have any release in 2021 as a whole group, entered the list as one of the most anticipated singers this year.

Expectations are high on what kind of music the group will release, following the massive success of their first full-length album, "THE ALBUM" in October 2020.

(Photo : G-Dragon (News1))

G-Dragon of BIGBANG also made it, with the hope that the K-pop icon will finally return to the music industry.

Although the idol communicates with his fans through SNS, the last hint that he was preparing for a project was in 2020, when YG Entertainment confirmed his comeback.

(Photo : Wanna One (News1))

Following Wanna One's reunion at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Music Awards (MAMA) since their disbandment, music experts conveyed their anticipation whether the group will have any special release this year due to huge response to the group from fans.

Lastly, expectations for this year's new girl group were also tapped. JYP Entertainment's new seven-member girl group, set to debut in February, and the girl group to be launched by HYBE Label (ADOR) led by CBO Min Hee Jin, received votes as well.

Here is the Full List of the Most Anticipated Singers in 2022:

IVE (11 votes)
BTS, aespa (10 votes)
IU (6 votes)
Rookie girl groups (5 votes)
StayC (4 votes)

(3 votes)
SEVENTEEN
Stray Kids
NCT
Lim Young Woong

(2 votes)
ATEEZ
TOMORROW X TOGETHER

(1 vote)
BLACKPINK
G-Dragon
Gaho, Kim Hojoong
NU'EST
THE BOYZ
Lucy
MONSTA X
MIRAE
Billlie
Wanna One
ASTRO
OH MY GIRL
ONEUS
Weeekly
LOONA
KARD
Kep1er
CRAVITY
TREASURE
Purple Kiss
Fromis9
P1Harmony

READ MORE: Media Outlet Highlights 7 Agencies Set to Debut New K-pop Groups in 2022: Which Group Do You Anticipate the Most?

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Written by Eunice Dawson