What’s The Kraze: 2024 Was For the Girls
It’s been a little crazy out there for the ladies lately, so let’s take some time to appreciate our favorite female artists and their accomplishments in 2024.
Kelly (Co-Editor-in-Chief): Women had a fantastic night at the MelOn Music Awards. They swept all the daesangs, with aespa taking everything except “Record of the Year” which went to (G)I-DLE. Soyeon also won the “Songwriter Award.” After such a wild week for girl groups, it feels so refreshing to be able to celebrate these wins.
Jay (Marketing Director): I’m so hyped for TWICE’s comeback with Megan Thee Stallion! I’m ready to see what this album will bring! But I always look forward to end of the year performances and you know the girl groups always bring it every year. Can we also talk about how there are more girl groups touring this year? What a time!
Kelly: It’s true. I feel like there’s a new girl group tour announced every week. What a time to be alive, indeed.
Jay: I remember always complaining to friends and asking when girl groups would finally tour here. And I’m not the biggest girl group listener out there, but if there is a girl group close enough and on a time frame I can attend, I will go!
Jean (Photographer): For favorite female soloists, it's IU, LEE HI and Yoon Mirae, though Lee Youngji is fabulous and has had a great year. For groups, my crown goes to returning queens 2NE1, who are touring now. There's already been some great artists mentioned but personal faves include MAMAMOO and Red Velvet, though I’m thoroughly impressed with (G)I-DLE and KISS OF LIFE this year. I do miss groups like Crayon Pop and Orange Caramel who put so much fun into this genre, and agree that the ladies have been very impressive this year.
Cidney (Writer): I got into K-Pop because of a girl group (thank you 4Minute). I don’t know what it was, but just watching them perform had me at the edge of my seat. From there, it just grew, and I got into more girl groups like Girls’ Generation, Wonder Girls, AOA, AFTER SCHOOL, and TWICE. Now I have my ults Red Velvet, EXID, STAYC, ITZY, KISS OF LIFE, aespa, and Dreamcatcher. Now for soloists I gotta give it to my girls Sunmi, LEE HI, IU, Chungha, and BIBI. Their music stays on repeat!!
Roxy (Chief Marketing Officer): I feel like KISS OF LIFE definitely deserves their flowers. It’s crazy how viral their B-sides go like every comeback. “Igloo” stays stuck in my head constantly. This year too, I feel like aespa has done so much and really solidified themselves in K-Pop history.
Jacob (Writer): Girl groups in general had a great year! There were so many hits that charted for months, and there was a lot of artist variety for those. It's also been a great year for reunions: 2NE1, FIESTAR, Lovelyz, and KARA are the ones I remember off the top of my head. Of course, there's also the GFRIEND reunion in January 2025 that I likely won't shut up about when that album releases. There's a lot to be excited for!