22 Important Events in K-Pop in 2022 (1)

22 Important Events in K-Pop in 2022 (1)

As time goes by, the influence of K-Pop is increasing. The K-Pop industry is expanding into music, fashion, and international diplomacy. From BTS's Grammy Awards performance to Blackpink attending the VMAs, and the return of original K-Pop stars such as Girls' Generation, Kara, and 2NE1, K-Pop has taken an important place in global pop culture.

Now that the first half of 2023 has passed, let's take a look back at the most important events in K-Pop in 2022.

1. HyunA and Dawn's Breakup

The self-proclaimed best K-Pop star couple, HyunA and Dawn, broke up. They had been in a relationship for six years and even announced their engagement in February of last year. However, in early December, they announced their breakup through Instagram to their fans. Although we don't know what the future holds for these two, everyone is rooting for them.

2. Conquering Paris Fashion Week

The crossover of BTS and Blackpink in 2022 may have been the most surprising thing. Many A-list celebrities attended Celine's Spring-Summer 2023 men's wear show, but hundreds of fans waited outside Palais de Tokyo in Paris just to catch a glimpse of Lisa, V, and his co-star, Park Bo-gum. When the three appeared at Paris Fashion Week and shook hands, the audience erupted in cheers, demonstrating the influence of K-Pop stars.

3. NCT Johnny in a Peter Do Suit at the Met Gala

Last year, NCT's Johnny became the first male K-Pop artist to attend the Met Gala, shining in a long satin black coat and a stylish suit vest paired with black combat boots, adding a contemporary reinterpretation to the theme. All of his outfits were designed by New York-based designer Peter Do.

4. New Jeans releases "Hype Boy"

"Hype Boy" is a summer single released by New Jeans, a rookie girl group from ADOR, a subsidiary of HIVE. It is one of the most attention-grabbing songs of the year, perfectly blending 1990s R&B and mid-2000s pop.

5. Seventeen releases "CHEERS"

The leader group, composed of S.coups, Hoshi, and Woozi, created a hot track as hot as the July heat with "CHEERS". The song explores the trap and hip-hop genres, raising a toast to the joy of life. It features Woozi's swag-filled vocals and whisper-like raps.

6. BTS goes back in time with "Run BTS!"

BTS invited fans on a nostalgic trip through their anthology album "Proof". Although the album includes three new songs, the highlight was undoubtedly "Run BTS!", which reevaluated their starting point through their powerful hip-hop, choreography that proves their performance skills, and lyrics that show wisdom beyond their years. Sugar's bundle hairstyle in the practice video is also an essential point to note.

7. J-Hope headlines Lollapalooza

BTS holds numerous K-pop first titles, and last year, J-Hope's Lollapalooza headline performance was added to the list. As the first Korean artist to headline a major US festival, dance captain J-Hope attracted about 105,000 audiences. He performed songs from his solo debut album "Jack in a Box" and his 2018 mixtape "Hope World", and even brought collaborator Becky G to perform their first live performance of "Chicken Noodle Soup". With just one solo performance, J-Hope proved that he is not only a member of the world's most famous boy group but also a superstar solo artist.

8. BLACKPINK comes back and goes on a world tour

After two years, BLACKPINK's complete comeback reminded everyone that no one has the right to criticize their bodies or relationships with tracks like "Shut Down," "Typa Girl," and "Tally." Through their second album, BLACKPINK proved their true musical growth.

9. MONSTA X samples the sound of a squeaky bed in "Love"

MONSTA X released one of the most intense and complete songs of 2022, inspired by 90s West Coast hip-hop sound and reminiscent of Blackstreet's "No Diggity." Starting with Hyungwon's opening line, "Love" provides everything we need, including clean horn sections, sweet harmonies, smooth raps, the sound of a squeaky bed, the sparkling beauty of the members, and I.M's cane choreography.

10. Girls' Generation returns after five years

In 2022, the era of girl groups, Girls' Generation made a complete comeback after 15 years since their debut. The return of the original hitmaker, Girls' Generation, was an event that couldn't be missed in K-pop. In particular, their single "Forever 1," produced by kenzie, who produced their debut song "Into the New World" in 2007, was even more meaningful. "Forever 1" became a love letter to fans, letting them know that even with some members changing agencies, they are still one group.