Sorry if this pick is too mainstream for some people, but I think Keyakizaka46 is easily, EASILY the best new group this year. I’ve been a huge fan of Nogizaka46 since before the fandom decided to bandwagon over. This group took that same elegance and grace they were known for, and made it their own with an epic infusion of personality and energy. All three of their singles were very enjoyable this year, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
In addition, their television programs are the best idol shows on TV right now. Their mix of being a slightly more elegant group, yet containing so much personality is wonderful to watch. If you follow me on Twitter, you know I may go to Japan this year. If I can really attend a handshake event or concert this group puts on, I would be content for the rest of my fandom life. Seriously.
There was a LOT of great K-Pop this year. Brave Girls, LABOUM, Rainbow, and Stellar especially were very impressive, but AOA wins the year for me. The “Good Luck” single was ridiculously strong. The title song is a lot of fun, but “10 Seconds” is by far my favorite K-Pop song of the year. It’s so mellow and beautiful. I think I downloaded literally every single performance relating to this single. It really was a great one. My K-Pop fandom is very contained with music and videos being all I take in. Even so its been very enjoyable and AOA has already started the year off strong, so I’ll be very excited to see what 2017 brings for this sexy, showy music industry from our friends across the sea.
And Choa’s really hot. Just sayin’.
