One of the major aspects that have made K-Pop so popular is the performances of its artists, particularly on music shows. With each release of a song or album comes a chance for fans to watch their favorite idols showcase their performance talents on stage. And in 2022, we were thrilled to have witnessed so many breathtaking performances from various idol groups, who in their own right, created and delivered noteworthy performances. In this year-end article, we will be sharing the top 16 best male K-Pop group performances that were truly outstanding this year.
1. ATEEZ - ‘Guerilla’
Energy, power, charisma, dexterity, and finesse. 2022 has undoubtedly been the year of ATEEZ. Their growth doesn’t just project their global popularity alone but with their sound and performances. To our amazement, each stage with this comeback topped the last, it felt like they had to show they were the real, truly the performance kings of this generation, and they delivered accordingly. ‘Guerrilla’ was much more than a comeback, it was a statement. A performance that made many take note, not just of ATEEZ’s impressive musicality but on how to deliver an awe-inspiring performance that cannot be mimicked. P.s the fact that they thoroughly enjoyed each stage performance made this comeback even more special.
2. SEVENTEEN - ‘HOT’
Oh SEVENTEEN! Where do we even begin?! Perhaps there are no words that would aptly describe the level of perfection that SEVENTEEN exuded with their performances this year but we can try. “Outstanding”, “The Standard Performers”, “Refreshingly Unique”, “Synchronized To Perfection” and “Energy”. These are some of the words we would affix to this performance. SEVENTEEN really dropped it like hot, too hot that no one else could perhaps step on the stage till it cooled down.
3. Stray Kids - ‘MANIAC’ and ‘Case 143’
This year, Stray Kids delivered like no other and we all gladly received everything they presented to us. With 2 iconic comebacks and performances that followed suit, Stray Kids made the music show performances more than just a routine but an enjoyable experience they wanted to share with their fans. Colorful, thrilling, and filled with hard-hitting movements that we can only do in our dreams, Stray Kids made us do a double take with each move they made on stage, leaving us in a state of awe and respect for their outstanding talents. Stray Kids simply owned 2022.
4. ASTRO - ‘Candy Sugar Pop’
From solo activities to unit debuts and comebacks, 2022 has been a busy year for ASTRO, and frankly, we are thrilled that they keep churning out quality contents. We had a sweet tooth watching the performances of this song and invariably found ourselves craving more. A performance you cannot get enough of, from their colorful stage outfits to their clean and intricate movements, gorgeous vocals, and charming charisma, ASTRO served a delicious bowl of candy, one we greedily and happily munched at. Don’t tell our dentist though.
5. TREASURE - ‘JIKJIN’ and ‘HELLO’
TREASURE had us fiercely revving our engines with ‘JIKJIN’ and feeling the rush of excitement over a first crush with ‘HELLO’. With two contrasting sounds and concepts, TREASURE did not just show off their impressive versatility with their music this year, but with their performances as well. From fierce to sweet, regardless of the concept, TREASURE proved to be a priceless gem with a shine so bright, we just have to say “where have you been all my life?”
6. MONSTA X - ‘LOVE’
In the last 2 years, MONSTA X has duly reminded everyone that their reign as The Performance Group is unending as they continued to showcase their excellent skills with each comeback. This year, we were totally in love with their stage performances yet again. From the settings to the concepts, the energy, the vocals, rap, outfits, expressions, and the choreography, MONSTA X presented all the elements that makes for a memorable stage performance and they did it with such a flair and panache that is truly amazing.
7. ONEUS - ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Same Scent’
Over the years, ONEUS have proven to be performance kings so it is no surprise that this year, they continued to deliver accordingly. However, this statement takes away nothing from the sheer hard work and commitment the members have put in to deliver these incredible stage performances. An art form, both comebacks this year were masterpieces. They painted the stage with their colorful vocals, clean and refined motions, and charismatic facial expressions that made us want more and more!
8. CIX - ‘458’
It is time that CIX earns the global recognition they’ve duly deserved. Their musical artistry is quite impressive and it overflows on their stage performances as well. There is an exhilarating feeling that is derived from watching CIX perform. A feeling of chills and goosebumps are the reactions they exude from their audience with their performances. One is left in a state of awe which is swiftly followed by a feeling of pure admiration for their impeccable performance style.
9. TXT - ‘Good Boy Gone Bad’
What can we say, we like them bad! They came and did what they needed to do! Which was to leave us in an exasperated state and panting for air after watching this fiery performance. TXT are a well-rounded group of talented individuals who shine brightly in their various positions, moving like a well-oiled machine, their stage performances are crisply clean, fiercely packed with intense dance moves, and beautifully portrayed with their captivating expressions as well. A solid 10/10 stage performance.
10. ENHYPEN - ‘Future Perfect (Pass The Mic)’
Stage geniuses in the making, ENHYPEN’s stage performances this year were straight out of the textbook of “How to deliver a memorable stage performance.” We can classify them as stage performance mercenaries as they completely slay the stage and leave everyone breathless afterward. Sharp, powerful, and in unison, their motions on this stage were a sight to behold, and complemented by their mesmerizing facial expressions, you are simply enthralled by their performance.
11. NCT 127 - ‘2 Baddies’
NCT 127 have proven to be masters of this thing called stage performance. Their stage presence has always been top tier, mastery level, and perhaps it could serve as a reference material for other groups as well. One thing that marvels us about the members of NCT is that, despite how many in numbers the members are and the different units they perform in, with different sounds and concepts, there is still that sheer level of finesse and undeniable chemistry they present on stage that elevates their performances.
12. P1Harmony - ‘Du Du Doom’ and ‘Back Down’
P1Harmony has been in their creative bag this year and we love to see it. With two impressive comebacks this year, they didn’t just show they are a harmonious unit alone but powerful performers as well. With this continued level of consistency in amazing and quality stages, we can only imagine the trajectory high their talents will take them in the future.
13. NCT DREAM - ‘Glitch Mode’ and ‘Beatbox’
Fresh, cool, and trendy, NCT DREAM’s comeback performances for both ‘Beatbox ’ and ‘Glitch Mode’ were the required infusion of refreshing air K-Pop needed this year. Each stage had its own color and they were both beautiful to behold.
14. DKZ - ‘Uh-Heung’
Embodying the ferocious energy of a tiger, DKZ tore up the stage with their performance of ‘Uh-Heung’. Following their trajectory rise in popularity this year, many had eyes on them to see what kind of colors they will show with their performance. Clean, sharp, smooth, and clear motions, soaring live vocals, captivating facial expressions, and energy! With ‘Uh-Heung’, DKZ deservedly earns their A+ and continues to flame the excitement and curiosity of fans who look forward to more from them.
15. TEMPEST - ‘Bad News’, ‘Can’t Stop Shining’, and ‘Dragon’
In a year filled with incredible music, TEMPEST has proven they deserve the term “super rookies”, following three incredible releases, despite debuting this year. Asides from their refreshing and clearly diverse concepts and sound, one area where TEMPEST shines the brightest is on stage. From their interpretation of the songs with their movements to their styling, TEMPEST presents various elements that don’t just make their stage exciting but are thoroughly entertaining to watch as well.
16. WEi - ‘Spray’
Someone call the fire department because WEi just burned up the stage and it needs to be sprayed! WEi are definitely honing their technique as performers and over the years, each stage has recorded some form of growth and mastery. With ‘Spray’ we feel a certain rush of excitement that emanates from their movements on stage. Sexy yet elegant, powerful yet soft, and smooth yet hints of ferocity, WEi presented a beautiful duality with their performances and we are proud to watch it. Also, those stage outfits! Wow!
Honorary mentions
Here are some group performances that didn’t make the official ranking but still were duly noteworthy.
1. SF9 - ‘SCREAM’
Truly sensational, SF9 might have been missing some members with their comeback but that didn’t prevent them from delivering an amazing performance that made us want to scream out their name in excitement.
2. JinJin and Rocky - ‘Just Breath’
We giggled, we smiled, we laughed, we were left in awe, and ultimately, we completely appreciated this stage performance. Rocky and JinJin delivered an impressive album with “Restore” this year and with these performances, all we could do was relish the fun and joyful dish that their music and performance served.
3. BAE173 - ‘DaSH’
BAE173 are definitely a fiery force to be reckoned with and its high time they receive their flowers. This self-produced group are not lacking in ANY DEPARTMENT and with each comeback, they prove they deserve a place in the minds and Playlist of music fans.
4. TNX - ‘MOVE’
Great, absolutely fantastic. TNX showed off their budding talents with their debut performance and it has us in pure excitement of the kind of creative colors they will show in the future.
5. iKON - ‘BUT YOU’
iKON remains iconic as, despite their long hiatus, they came back like they never left the stage with “FLASHBACK” and its lead single ‘BUT YOU’. True to their form, we expected something exceptional from them and they delivered with so much ease and finesse that made us say “there is no one BUT YOU iKON”.
6. TAN - ‘Du Du Du’ and ‘Louder’
From an impressive debut to an even more impressive comeback, TAN are showing off their musical and performance prowess like no other. With their unique style and concepts, we are admittedly impressed and excited about their future works.
7. NINE.i - ‘Parellel Universe’ and ‘Young Boy’
A group we aptly predict will be one of the driving forces of the next generation, when it comes to performances, specifically synchronized live performances, the members of NINE.i are proving to be budding fresh talents that deserve everyone’s attention. And they duly earned ours with this stage performance. Which of these performances did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments section below. The Best Male K-Pop Stage Performers KPOP STORIES|Sep 29, 2022 Top 15 Best Male Group Stage Performances (First Half Of 2022) KPOP STORIES|Jun 30, 2022 Top 12 Best Solo Stage Performances (First Half Of The Year) KPOP STORIES|Jun 29, 2022
