Among K-pop rookies who debuted in 2023, which group stood out? In a survey among music experts, these 8 groups were selected as "Best Rookie of the Year"!

On December 16, News1 released a ranking of "Best Rookie of the Year" based on the result of a survey the media outlet held among 32 music industry experts. Some of the big companies who joined the survey include HYBE, JYP, Starship Entertainment, DSP Media, Cube, SM Entertainment, and many more.

Each official can only select one artist and amid the large number of rookie groups this year, only 8 groups reigned.

RIIZE Crowned #1 'Best Rookie of the Year'

Based on the rankings, RIIZE claimed the "Best Rookie of the Year" crown by earning 15 votes out of 32!

The septet made their official debut in September with their debut album, "Get a Guitar," released under SM Entertainment.

Impressively, the album sold more than 1.01 million copies during the first week of release (based on the Hanteo Chart), and they became a million-seller with a single album!

The title track "Get a Guitar" also made its name on Melon's top 100 charts, daily, weekly and monthly charts, proving that it is a "hot rookie" by showing strong performance in music charts.

Experts who selected RIIZE explained the reason they chose the group, saying:

• "It is a group that opens the era of SM 3.0 and has been inspired by skills, talent, and new media."
• "They left a big impact as a rookie through a good song called 'Get a Guitar."
• "The emergence of hexagonal idols."
• "As it stands out among rookies in terms of skills and visuals, the era of SM 3.0 will depend on RIIZE."

'Best Rookie of the Year: ZEROBASEONE, FIFTY FIFTY, Triple S, More Make It To the List

Trailing behind RIIZE in second place is ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), who garnered nine votes.

Debuting through Mnet's survival audition program, "Boys Planet," the nonet was supported by a huge stable fandom and their fans' tremendous firepower was felt after they sold more than 1.82 million copies during the week of its debut album "YOUTH IN THE SHADE" in July.

This was the highest initial record with their debut album, becoming a "million seller" immediately upon debut.

ZB1 achieved the title "double million sellers" briefly in November with their second mini album "MELTING POINT," which recorded more than 2.13 million initial copies.

The music industry officials cited reasons they voted for the group and said:

• "With their debut, they created a stir starting with album sales and showed the potential to sell out Gocheok concerts."
• "They broke new records in various areas such as albums and performances every day."

Following ZB1, FIFTY FIFTY, which currently has Keena as its only member, ranked third with 2 votes.

The original quartet gained worldwide popularity following its megahit, "Cupid." CJ Studio's boy group WHIB tied with them with 2 votes as well.

 Here Are the 8 'Best rookies of the Year' (2023)

1. RIIZE (15 votes)
2. ZEROBASEONE (9 votes)
3. FIFTY FIFTY& WHIB (2 votes)
4. NewJeans (1 vote)
5.  BOYNEXTDOOR
6.  Triple S
7.  82MAJOR

READ MORE: 10 Most Buzzworthy Rookie K-pop Groups in December 2023: NewJeans, RIIZE, MORE!

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Written by Eunice Dawson.