Juniel and EXO-K Emerge as Best Rookies at Korea Entertainment Arts Awards

Singer-songwriter Juniel and six-member, all-male group EXO-K are 2012’s Rookies of the Year at the Korea Entertainment Arts Awards.

Juniel made her debut in June, with her title track “Illa Illa” from the mini-album “My First June.” The song was made even more popular by being selected as the theme for one of the characters in SBS weekend drama, “A Gentleman’s Dignity.” Juniel is recently back on the scene with her sophomore effort, “1&1,” featuring the title track “Bad Guy.”

Upon receiving the award, she said, “The Rookie of the Year Award makes me very happy, thank you. In the future, I hope to give good performances. A lot of people have helped cheer for me, so to fans, thank you all and I love you. I will work harder.”

Meanwhile, EXO-K debuted with “What Is Love” in January. The track is from the mini-album “MAMA,” which was released to the market in April. EXO-K, whose members are Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun, is the Korean sub-group of SM Entertainment’s EXO.

Both Juniel and EXO-K are also in contention for Best New Artist in their respective categories at the 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA.)