Rookie Glory: 10 Years of "Best New Male Artists" at the 'MAMA Awards'

The MAMA awards is one of the most eagerly awaited events on the K-pop calendar. K-pop artists and fans alike look forward to this grand celebration, where majestic performances from artists light up the stage and honour the year's most outstanding achievements in music. One of the most anticipated awards at MAMA is the 'Best New Artist of the Year,’ presented to both male and female rookies who have made the most significant impact with their debut.

Let’s delve into the winners of ‘Best New Male Artist’ at MAMA over the past decade, celebrating the achievements of rookie male groups.

2024 : TWS

This year the ‘Best New Male Artist award’ at MAMA went to Pledis Entertainment’s rookie boy group TWS (Twenty Four Seven With Us). TWS made an immediate impact with their hit debut track, “Plot Twist,” that established them as one of the standout rookie groups of 2024.

2023 : ZEROBASEONE

ZEROBASEONE won the ‘Best New Male Artist’ in MAMA 2023, following their debut after the popular survival show ‘Boys Planet.’ The group’s debut with ‘Youth in the Shade’ and their title track “In Bloom” showcased their youthful energy and performance skills.

2022 : Xdinary Heroes

Xdinary Heroes from JYP Entertainment’s sub-label Studio J is the only rock band in the list. They set themselves apart from other rookie groups with their distinctive sound and style and won the ‘Best New Male Artist’ at MAMA 2022.

2021 : ENHYPEN

In 2021, the winner of MAMA’s ‘Best New Male Artist’ category was ENHYPEN, a boy group formed through the survival show ‘I-LAND.’ They debuted with “Given-Taken” and quickly became known for their captivating storytelling and high-energy performances.

2020 : TREASURE

In 2020, TREASURE made their highly anticipated debut with “BOY,” showcasing their energetic performances and youthful image. Formed by YG Entertainment through the reality survival show ‘YG Treasure Box,’ they won the ‘Best New Male Artist’ at MAMA that year.

2019 : TXT

Expectations and hype were high regarding (Tomorrow X Together) TXT’s debut, as they were the first boy group to debut from BigHit Music after BTS. Their debut met with the expectations, earning them the ‘Best New Male Artist’ at MAMA 2019.

2018 : Stray Kids

In 2018, Stray Kids, the boy group from JYP Entertainment, took home the MAMA’s ‘Best New Male Artist.’ Upon debut, they quickly gained a reputation for their hard-hitting, high-energy performances and innovative approach to music.

2017 : Wanna One

Formed through the popular survival show 'Produce 101 Season 2,’ Wanna One is one of the most popular project boy groups to emerge. Their debut with ‘1X1=1 (To Be One)’ was met with overwhelming success, and they won the award for ‘Best New Male Artist’ in MAMA 2017.

2016 : NCT 127

In 2016, NCT 127, a sub-unit of SM Entertainment’s NCT, won MAMA’s ‘Best New Male Artist.’ NCT 127 quickly gained attention for their bold concepts, catchy music, and powerful performances and is the only unit of NCT to earn this award.

2015 : iKON

Following the footsteps of their predecessor, iKON claimed the ‘Best New Male Artist’ award in MAMA 2015, solidifying their place as one of the top rookie groups of the year. Rookie iKON swiftly garnered attention with their charismatic performances and strong hip-hop influences.

2014 : WINNER

In 2014 MAMA, WINNER took home the 'Best New Male Artist’ award after their much-anticipated debut with ‘2014 S/S.’ As the first boy group to debut from YG Entertainment after the success of BIGBANG, expectations were high, and WINNER lived up to the hype.

Who is your favourite Male ‘Rookie of the Year’? Comments below.

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