Treat us kindly, 2022.
2021 Has been a rollercoaster of a year for Kpop. From stadium packed concerts, to Grammy nominations, Covid 19 couldn't stop our favorite idols despite trying its best. With 2021 now all but gone, we get ready for the new year with our wish list of 22 things we hope to see for Kpop fans, us included obvs, in 2022. List is in no order of importance.
22 BTS RECEIVES MILITARY PARDON
Korea require their male citizens to enlist in the military for up to 2 years, but here is a caveat, those who bring good will or accomplishes an internationally acknowledged merit in the name of country may receive a permanent deferment or pardon from service. With BTS bringing Korea fame internationally, and if taken into consideration the gracious manner they are doing it with - the group's pardon should be a no brainer. Politicians in Korea have been avoiding the issue but with the next presidential election in 2022 we hope this will change. Free Our Boys! - You want good will, how is the billions of dollars BTS is bringing into the Korean economy?
21 COVID 19 IS CONTAINED ENOUGH FOR LIVE CONCERTS
Hwasa said it best when she yelled, 'F Covid'. The virus has decimated the world and has changed all of our lives but one thing remains and that is the hope to see our idols do what they do best live! Hopefully in 2022, the virus is contained enough so we can see more of our idols on stage. With signs showing Kpop events and venues are slowly opening back up (ie: BTS packing SoFi Stadium), we hope this trends continue for our idols with both large and newer fandoms.
20 THE RETURN OF THE KINGS: BIG BANG COMEBACK
Kpop has en massed an incredible amount of new fans recently and so there might be those who aren't familiar or have not witnessed the original Kings of Kpop: Big Bang. Although many feel that the throne now belongs to BTS, how amazing would it be to see the two promote a fresh new comeback together at the same time? That would be a dream scenario for Kpop fans. VIPS have been waiting patiently for a comeback and with GDragon hinting at one in the works, fans are collectively holding their breath.
19 THE LONG AWAITED A*PINK LIVE CONCERT
It has been a tough, tough year for A*pink fans. With very little promotions, if any, and the news of Son NaEun signing with YG, Pandas have been worried if they will ever see their favorite group perform together again. However, with news that the ladies will be mounting a full membered comeback in early 2022, Pandas everywhere are hoping to see the ladies live in a concert arena once again.
18 THE CORONATION OF A PRINCE(S): NCT STADIUM TOUR
We know the third generation belongs to BTS. There is little argument against the record breaking chart toppers, however the same can not be said of the 4th generation. In comes NCT. The group debuted in the third gen but has only recently starting amassing a large fandom. As the group SM debuted after third gen torch bearers EXO, the argument whether NCT is third or fourth gen wages on. One thing we know however, is that as of right now, NCT is the prince to BTS' reign as Kings. No more fitting then would it be for NCT to cement their status by following up BTS' stadium tours with one of their own. Talk about big shoes to fill, will NCT be able to do so? Hopefully we find out in 2022!
17 MNET GETS THEIR ACT TOGETHER
This has been on the wishlist of fans for several years now. With recent blunders on their hallmark award show as well as mounting controversies over the years, we hope that 2022 is the year that MNET proves to be the leading platform for KPOP content they set out to be.
16 HEAVY IS THE CROWN: 'BLACKPINK' 'RED VELVET'& 'TWICE' COMPETE IN QUEENDOM 2
What is the point of Queendom 2 if the Queens aren't on it?! We know that there is slim chance to none that this actually happens but can you imagine if the 3rd generation leaders are on the upcoming season Queendom? We would be able to decide once and for all who comes on top. Who would have your vote?
15 BLACKPINK FULL ALBUM + PROMOTIONS
You would think since BLACKPINK is one of the most sought after acts in music period, the ladies would be all up in everyone's 'area'. Hardly. In fact we haven't seen the ladies comeback as a group since October of 2020! What gives YG? We need the queens of the ball to rule court, all day - every day. We know the ladies have been sighted in LA as of late meeting with musicians such as 'The Weeknd', hopefully 2022 is the year that we see what YG and the girls have been cooking.
14 REDVELVET RE-SIGNS AS A GROUP
The group's contract has ended on August 2021, and seeing how the ladies are all still promoting with SM it's safe to say the ladies have resigned. However still, we would like an official statement quelling fan's fears. Although SM is famous for keeping their artists forever more, ie: SNSD, Super Junior, BoA, hopefully the same is true for our queens.
13 HERE IS OUR SONE: GIRLS GENERATION 8 MEMBER COMEBACK
Rumors have been circulating for months now at the possibility of a 8 member comeback for SNSD and SONEs are demanding answers! This makes so much sense as Tiffany seems to be more concentrating on domestic activities due to COVID 19, and all the ladies seem to be doing so well on their solo endeavors one would think now is the perfect time for the powerful group to comeback. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be that simple, in fact it might be the success of their solo promotions that may be delaying the come back. Whatever the case may be here is our hope that the girls unite for one more global takeover.
12 WW4TH GEN: JYPE, HYBE, YG DEBUT 4TH GEN GIRL GROUPS
With the tremendous success of AESPA, STAYC, ITZY and IVE, the table is set for the war over 4th generation girl group supremacy. Although ITZY fans are not feeling the news, JYPe's new group as well as YG and HYBE's girl groups will surely be bringing the sauce. Who will win? We can hardly wait to debate.
11 TWICE RE-SIGNS
We've listed above our hopes for Red Velvet re-signing, if they haven't already, but did point to recent precedent that shows SM artists staying with the label well after the end of their original contract. JYPe's Twice is another group who is up for a new contract with their 7 year contract will ending in 2022, however unlike SM, JYPe is not known for keeping their artists. In fact, NO artist from any of JYPE's girl group's ie: Wonder Girls, Miss A, is still with the label. That is right, not one of JYPE's girl group members are with the label. This is a precedent that ONCE has to be worried about. Hopefully JYPe find a way to make this work, because it makes absolutely zero business sense to lose the only group that can rival BLACKPINK right now.
10 STAYC & IVE CONTINUE TO GROW INTO RIVALS OF THE BIG 4
Not since Kpop's second generation has there ever been competition this strong against the Big 3 girl groups. By competition, we mean STAYC and IVE of course. STAYC since their debut has dropped hit after hit after hit. Largely due to their CEO/ producer 'Black Eyed Pilseung', who was behind many of Kpop's girl group hits, the girls have positioned themselves as real contenders.
There is little debate on who is the hottest girl group of the moment. The answer is a resounding 'IVE', as the ladies are crushing everything since their debut. Already considered visually the most superior of the fourth generation groups, if Starship plays their hand right IVE may be the winners of their generation when all is said and done.
9 YG GETS THEIR ACT TOGETHER
YG has a lot of soul searching to do. And by a lot, we mean A LOT. The third generation has been an absolute mess for the company. Besides, BLACKPINK, the group doesn't have a premiere act. The WINNER/IKON experiment has blown up in their face as neither group is considered a real contender to BTS EXO and SEVENTEEN. Also the lack of BLACKPINK promotions have turned away many fans, not to mention TREASURE their popular 4th gen boy group hasn't released music as a group since January of 2021.
With the imminent return of their 2nd Generation champions Big Bang, hopefully the label will be able to return to some sort of semblance of their golden years. Whether they will be able to open their trove of talented groups, we will have to wait and see but here's to hoping they do.
8 IU RELEASES NEW ALBUM AND DRAMA
With all the uncertainty of the 4th generation, what we do know for certain is that IU's music absolutely slaps! We hope her 'HIH-ness' drops as much music and films as many dramas as her heart desires for we know, we as fans will never know 'enough'.
7 TAEYANG SOLO
For those who don't know, Taeyang is a rare, rare, talent as far as kpop r&b singers go. If the rumors are true, we know GD is working on BIG BANG as we speak. We are hoping he finds time for his BFF's solo project as well. Taeyang's return will quench the thirst of millions of fans worldwide and show a new audience why he is so revered.
6 2PM REUNION STAGE WITH JAY PARK MAMA 2022
So we know this one is a reach. However a fan can dream right? With Jay at an all time and 2PM's resurgence in the industry, 2022 just might be the year if this collab was to ever happen. Of course there are a lot of drama that needs to be hashed out but there isn't a lot we would rather see than Jay sing 'Again & Again' with Nickhun one more time.
5 KIM JONG KOOK AND SONG JIHYO MAKES IT OFFICIAL
As love lines go in Kpop, this one has to be the longest in its history. The KJK, Song Jihyo connection has persisted for 6 years now on Running Man since Gary left. It's about time the couple make it official for all of our sake.
4 KIM WOO BIN AND SHIN MIN AH STAR IN THEIR VERY OWN SHOW
The visuals of Kim Woo Bin and Shin Min Ah alone would make this show a must watch! The happy newlyweds have the whole nation captivated, if only we can have a peak into their lives.. 90 mins at a time, once a week..
3 TREASURE RELEASE 2 FULL ABLUMS IN 2022
We just need this to happen please, thank you. And if the group promotes at the same time as TXT, yes please.
2 LISA ON 'STREET WOMAN FIGHTER 2'
YES, we know SWF2 is not slated for 2022 and YES, we know Chaeyeon was made to look like an amateur by the dancers BUT, this is LALISA we are talking about. I'm not sure how many dancers in the world dance better than her, coming up with her own choreo might be difficult but I don't think there is anyone on this past season of Street Woman Fighter that is able to make being so bad, look so good.
1 GD SOLO
No words needed.