The K-Pop world has been busier than ever with the comebacks of so many groups. BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE are just a few of the big names that have dominated the world charts over the past month, and with all the hustle and bustle it can be easy to forget the rookies in the K-Pop industry that are conquering the globe one step at a time.

The Arrival of EVERGLOW

EVERGLOW is a freshman group, debuting on March 18 with their first three-track album, ARRIVAL OF EVERGLOW. The group is made up of six members signed under Yuehua Entertainment: Kim Sihyeon, Han Eunji (stage name Mia), Jo Serim (stage name ONDA), Wang Yiren, Heo Yoorim (stage name Aisha), and Park Jiwon (stage name E:U). A few of these members will be familiar to those ride-or-die fans of the variety shows Produce 101 and Idol School. Sihyeon was a contestant in Produce 101 sealing 40th place, and in Produce 48 snagging 27th place. Yiren also made an appearance on Produce 48, where she took the 28th spot and was named the number one Visual Center. Serim took a different route, going on survival show Idol School and capturing the 40th place. Although initially not successful in their endeavors, their talent and dedication gave them another opportunity to show their love for music to the world.

A Powerful Debut: “Bon Bon Chocolat”

K-Pop is known for its pristine camerawork and musical complexity; however, nothing could have prepared us for the powerful debut of EVERGLOW’s “Bon Bon Chocolat.” Filled with musical diversity as well as a handsome choreography, this seemed more like a comeback than a debut.

There are two interesting characteristics of this song. Firstly, within the piece was an extensive use of autotune on many of the members’ voices. Though not a very common tool used among girl groups, EVERGLOW abandoned tradition and used it to the fullest measure, enhancing the musical experience and giving the song a depth not often seen in girl groups. Another interesting fact is the contribution by songwriters Michel Schulz and Melanie Fontana, both American songwriters with a substantial experience in music. Most notable is the involvement of Fontana, with her being an EDM and pop songwriter (she also had an influence on BTS’s “Euphoria” and TXT’s “Crown”), one can only suspect where she left her footprint in the piece.

Onward and Upward

EVERGLOW has been busier than ever, making their way onto MCOUNTDOWN and giving themselves a firm standing at number five on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, the sixth highest chart position when it comes to girl groups. A seemingly difficult accomplishment, they somehow attained it on their first try. The aura and stage presence of the group also make it easy to see them forcefully claim their place among veteran groups, giving them a significant standing in the K-Pop industry. As we wait earnestly for their comeback (as early as it is), only time will tell the full impact that this rookie group will have on the world in the wake of more powerful groups like BLACKPINK and Red Velvet. In the meantime, grab a cup of coffee and take a look at their MCOUNTDOWN debut performance and dance practice video here: