With an already impressive year filled with incredible performances, here are our top 15 best male group stage performances for the first half of 2022.
1. ASTRO - ‘Candy Sugar Pop’
ASTRO’s comeback was the kind of candy the doctor would recommend as its sweet taste serves as the boost needed for healing the body and soul. Over the years, ASTRO has played with various genres and concepts of music, and while they excel exceedingly well in all of them, we must say cheery pop ASTRO is our favorite as they do not just sound so good but breathtaking too. Stage performance-wise, they always slay and this stage was no different as they delivered accordingly. Euphonious vocals, sharp rap verses, delighting facial expressions, and crisp and beautifully in-sync dance moves. When it comes to stage performances, ASTRO is on a different level.
2. TREASURE - ‘JIKJIN’
This list would not be complete if the group that left us amazed by their sensational comeback wasn’t on it. TREASURE’s ‘JIKJIN’ was an anthem with its catchy rhythm, incredible hook, and chorus. The stage performances for this song were just what we’d come to expect from the multitalented group, absolutely brilliant. From their live vocals, powerful dance moves, charismatic stage presence, and striking visuals, TREASURE had our hearts racing with ‘JIKJIN’.
3. SEVENTEEN - ‘HOT’
SEVENTEEN reminded everyone that they were the performance kings with their insanely clean and in-synced choreography and live vocals. Moving like a well-oiled machine and matching each other’s energy, they truly left the stage in flames from their extremely hot performance. A group whose practice video looks like a full-fledged performance on its own, when they deliver such levels of perfection on every single stage, it is no surprise they go so hard every time they practice.
4. iKON - ‘BUT YOU’
This year so far, it feels like 3rd gen boy groups came to remind everyone that they set the standard for what we enjoy today. iKON has been one of the best boy groups for years now, and despite their long hiatus off the stage, with this comeback, it felt like they never left. Clearly, the stage is home as beyond just the elements that made the stage performances for ‘But You’ exceptional, from their amazing vocals to the refreshingly cool dance moves, and their ever-so-striking visuals, another key element that makes their performance great is the glaringly clear passion for the stage and their desire to make it as amazing as they possibly can.
5. ONEUS - ‘Bring It On’
ONEUS is special, with a style so unique and distinct that it cannot be referenced to another group. The performance powerhouse has solidified their positioning as one of the best stage performers across the generations of K-Pop as with every stage performance, they clearly get better. They have owned their crafts as true performers and keep justifying the tag placed on them. ‘Bring It On’ was a clear statement. Powerful, colorful, exhilarating, eccentric, and passionate. These are the terms we would use to describe ONEUS’ stage performances of this song. Leaving viewers stunned and in awe, once you regain your composure after witnessing such a level of perfection, the only words that would come to mind are “Yes, that was truly ONEUS”
6. Stray Kids - ‘MANIAC’
One thing about Stray Kids is that they know how to embody a concept and tell a story with their performances. Every subtle movement speaks to traits that are attached to the term maniac and their ability to infuse that into their performance with sheer style and finesse is probably why they are regarded as one of the best of this generation. This performance powerhouse shows that when it comes to stage performances, they will always deliver an amazing stage and live you in anticipation for the next one. Also known for having one of the best rap lines in K-Pop today, they leave us in chills with their fiery verses, adding so much flair and charisma to their performances.
7. MONSTA X - ‘LOVE’
The energy, the outfits, the vocals, the rap, the dance moves, the beautiful concept, etc. True to MONSTA X’s form there are so many things that make their stage performances outstanding and memorable, it is not just one thing you remember from their performance but all of them. In our opinion, one of the reasons why MONSTA X is so exceptional is how distinct their individual styles are, different with each member possessing his own color, together, even while performing on the same stage, you get a different feel for the song/performance from each of the members, and that makes their performances so entertaining to watch.
8. BTOB - ‘The Song’
Vocals! Pure powerful vocals! BTOB’s comeback was the perfect gift to fans who had been eagerly waiting for the group to perform as a whole unit again. And they satisfied every desire as they not just gave us one of the best albums this year but also a very memorable stage performance as well. Clean and beautiful, they proved that sometimes, you don’t need the razzle-dazzle to leave a visible impact on the minds of your viewers/audience, just the sheer talent is more than enough.
9. NCT DREAM - ‘Glitch Mode’ and ‘Beatbox’
The NCT members are perhaps one of the most hardworking groups in K-Pop today, churning out great music and delivering incredible performances, the multitalented group keeps us on our toes as we try to see what they do next. With two impeccable comebacks this year already, NCT DREAM has been the sub unit getting tons of traction so far this year. With their intense choreography, flaming charisma, bright vocals, and swagger-filled rap verses, both stage performances for ‘Glitch Mode’ and ‘Beatbox’ were simply amazing, with each stage possessing different yet equally incredible charms.
10. TNX - ‘MOVE’
TNX is the new talk of the town for due reasons. They are exceptional. They might just be rookies who are barely a month into their careers but they have already made a point with their music and performances. ‘MOVE’ is the right way you make a debut, with every movement they made being the awe factor, the stage performances of this song have keyed the interest of many who along with us, are excited for the various layers of charms the rookie group will show us in the future.
11. TXT - ‘Good Boy Gone Bad’
Bless the hearts of the fictional character that broke the hearts of TXT members as we get the masterpiece of an album and the sheer incredible stage performances that ensued from this comeback. Embracing the concept and theme the good boys are dead and buried as erupting from the darkness are the bad boys who are here to break hearts and leave us slain by their exhibiting performances. From their outfits to the set, the vocals, and the choreography, TXT accomplished their mission as every time we watch their performances we are left breathless and in a perplexed state of wonder and a pure satisfaction from watching them.
12. VICTON - ‘Stupid O’clock’
First of all the camera team deserves a raise as they did an amazing job on this stage. They understood that fans needed to see VICTON from all angles and they clearly delivered on that assignment. VICTON’s comeback album truly befits the term “excellent” and the title track of the song duly serves as its perfect introduction. With their various comebacks, their growth as artists and performers has been visible and with this one, we still see that unquenchable fire that burns through them and lights up the stage.
13. PENTAGON - ‘Feelin Like’
With the ‘Feelin Like’ stage performance, PENTAGON gave us looks, vocals, powerful dance moves, and visuals! Finally getting the due recognition they deserve for their impressive musical and performance talents, ‘Feelin Like’ had us feeling like we were in a state of bliss as were being entertained by men who were talented in every aspect. A feeling we look forward to experiencing with their next comeback.
14. TEMPEST - ‘Bad News’
Here comes TEMPEST, an exciting rookie group filled with talented members who are equipped with the skills to become one of the best groups in the future. Making a massive impact with their debut, TEMPEST met every stage performance expectations. Energetic, sharp, and uncluttered movements, great vocals, stunning looks, impressive stage presence, and awareness. The song might have been titled ‘Bad News’ but with these performances, it is clearly ‘Good news’ as they have sealed their place as the idol group with one of the best debuts this year and one of the best stage performances as well.
15. BAE173 - ‘JAWS’
A group that deserves all the attention and adulation for their incredible skills, when it comes to performances, BAE173 invariably stands out. Their energy on stage is incredible as they leave no stone unturned in their quest to deliver an iconic and entertaining stage performance. ‘JAWS’ is an amazing song and their stage performances once again proved our point. With their intense choreography, there are still elements of grace that make it beautiful to watch. There is something unique about BAE173, and it is time everyone pays attention or they miss out on a great group. Top 12 Best Solo Stage Performances (First Half Of The Year) KPOP STORIES|Jun 29, 2022
