Best K-Pop Songs of 2024: Staff Picks

Though it came late, Kep1er’s “Shooting Star” — the temporary girl group’s last release with nine members — is a genuine revelation. While their bombastic debut single “WA DA DA” struck the K-pop world like a meteor, this synth-pop ride through the cosmos, from its celestial falsettos to the spacey Vocoder that goes full Imogen Heap, is truly in a universe of its own. On top of that, the song serves as a poignant reminder: even light that streaks the sky for a short time can leave behind a beautiful wake. — Abby Webster

Dreamcatcher‘s dedicated focus to rock music could have quickly grown stale a few albums into their K-pop careers, but the thundering, progressive nature of a single like “JUSTICE” shows how the group is still keeping things exciting — even after celebrating their milestone seventh anniversary. — Jeff Benjamin

Korean hip-hop idol ZICO teams up with JENNIE on the swaggering “SPOT!”, a collaborative single that topped Billboard’s South Korea Songs chart. Over a New Jack Swing rhythm, ZICO is all swagger and attitude, but the BLACKPINK singer is hardly one to be intimidated. She brings an unflappable confidence to the mic as she demands the party go “up and down and round and round,” and when it’s his turn again, ZICO has no choice but to agree. — Joe Lynch

While 2024 is closing with the unexpected sadness of Loossemble ending their contract with record label CDENM, the five former LOONA members managed to go out with one of the most addictive tracks of the year. “TTYL” draws listeners in with an experimental, catchy pop appeal that made LOONA such a beloved act worldwide while simultaneously establishing the quintet as their own global K-pop force. — J.B.

Consisting of seven rising K-pop hopefuls who competed in the sensational Boys Planet singing competition, EVNNE was initially fashioned as the “bad boys” counterpart to the show’s winning group, ZEROBASEONE, until the summer single “Badder Love” dropped. The septet delivered musical melancholy and dulcet declarations to discuss complicated relationships. EVNNE might have first declared themselves as “Trouble” and “Ugly” on their initial breakout singles, but every rebel has a soft side — and, luckily, EVNNE shares that with listeners on an excellent track. — J.B.

While Lee Young Ji has become a recognizable face to K-pop fans for her viral TV appearances and interviewing celebs over drinks on her YouTube series, the 22-year-old delivered her first-ever music project this year, five years since first breaking out on the High School Rapper competition series. The lead single of her 16 Fantasy EP, “Small Girl” featuring D.O. of EXO, broke into the top 40 of the Billboard Global 200 and delivered an encouraging, universal anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like an underdog. She did so by showcasing a witty worldview, as well as her pop, R&B and hip-hop sensibilities alongside one of K-pop’s top vocalists. — J.B.

AKMU’s June single “Hero” is a radiant celebration of the brother-sister duo’s signature folk-pop sensibilities. With another intricate sonic tapestry composition from elder sibling Lee Chanhyuk, AKMU layer their harmonies with an almost playful echo that invites listeners into their musical world. Just as the track’s warm acoustic strums begin to settle, the infectious “Shubi doobi love to you” hook bursts in like a ray of sunshine, offering a joyful, easygoing energy. It’s a song that feels tailor-made for basking in summer’s glow, effortlessly combining nostalgia and modernity in a way only the AKMU siblings can. — J.B.

Over a rubbery bass line, revving engine noises and thumping synths, (G)I-DLE throw down hard on “Super Lady,” which touches on their hip-hop influences and adds a bit of dubstep, too. “Super Lady” starts in the fast lane, and thanks to the quintet’s fiery verses and commanding performance, it keeps on racing to the finish line. Plus, the leather-and-diamond-laden video gives an impressive peek into the girl group’s stage prowess. – J.L.

While 2024 was a quieter year for Lim Young Woong in terms of musical output, the Mr. Trot superstar did his all to ensure the highest quality. Lim co-wrote both “Home” and “Warmth” for his double single release from May while contributing to the composition of the latter, which could explain why his performance feels even more powerful and personal. “Warmth” begins as a simple piano ballad with LYW’s emotive crooning, with additional instruments slowly added throughout, before the final minute brings in a gorgeous choir to back Lim in a truly goosebump-inducing moment.

Even if “Warmth” is just one of two songs Lim Young Woong put out this year, it feels like a clear vision of an evolved and upgraded artist. – J.B.

NewJeans may have faced turbulence in 2024, but “How Sweet” is a testament to their resilience and undeniable musical charm. A breezy break-up anthem that shows how the quintet crafts tailor-made summer singles, the track radiates warmth and freedom with its light instrumentation perfectly complementing the group’s ethereal harmonies. Their voices weaving throughout the verses and chorus add a layered richness that ensures the song grows sweeter with each listen.

While “How Sweet” didn’t crack the Billboard Hot 100 — marking their first absence on the main singles chart since debuting in 2022 — its No. 12 peak on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 reaffirms their staying power. Few K-pop acts manage to chart in the Bubbling Under spaces, highlighting the enduring interest in NewJeans’ music, even during a quieter year as they navigated industry hiccups, including the internal conflicts at ADOR under HYBE. It’s a reminder that this group remains fresh and timeless, much like their name. — J.B.

While it’s technically not the BIGBANG reunion we’ve been holding out for, G-Dragon teaming up with his band mates Taeyang and Daesung as part of his long-awaited comeback on “Home Sweet Home” remains a triumphant musical moment for this year in K-pop. The track brims with the high-energy, experimental production that positioned BIGBANG as a pioneering force in K-pop’s global rise and an instant reminder of the trio’s undeniable chemistry. G-Dragon’s razor-sharp verses, Taeyang’s soulful vocals and Daesung’s emotive delivery weave seamlessly through lyrics steeped in nostalgia, cleverly referencing past BIGBANG hits like “Fantastic Baby” and “Still Life” while nodding to their iconic Billboard 200-charting albums Alive and MADE.

The song title couldn’t be more fitting — it’s clear that all three are, indeed, “home” on this sweet yet bold anthem, reaffirming their bond and BIGBANG’s enduring impact on music. — J.B.

Pop music is meant to be escapist. It usually won’t tell you that point blank, though ITZY has always reveled in being different. “I was born inside your head,” Lia sings over guitar plucks on their gorgeous, ghostly single “Imaginary Friend,” which casts fantasy as a protective shield against a world on fire: “When there’s monsters on your ceiling / I’ll keep you safe so you can dream.” The girls sidestep confident roars for a softer register, yet their signature self-empowerment is still there: in the end, that courage you’re searching for will come from within. — A.W.    

“Magnetic” isn’t the first song to consider the strange, invisible forces that draw people together — though it was ILLIT’s very first song, period, which makes its entrance onto the Hot 100 chart historic for a K-pop debut. Its superhuman powers of attraction are not actually all that complicated: the no-frills magic of its chopped vocals (“You, you, you, you”/“Bae, bae, bae, bae”) and easy listening electro-pop had an instant pull. Every listen finds more to love, yet its charm was always plain to see. As ILLIT would say, our hearts were already going lub-dub. — A.W.

With its clear house inspirations, RIIZE could have easily settled into the laidback groove established in the track’s opening. Instead, “Impossible” continues to swell and grow with each verse — and collective spin, kick and shuffle in the accompanying choreography — into an increasingly explosive pop anthem by the song’s end. — J.B.

After KISS OF LIFE garnered global attention with March’s “Midas Touch,” the girl group struck gold with their Afrobeat-infused summer anthem “Sticky” to cement their place on the international stage. The infectious single marked a significant milestone for the quartet, becoming their first entry on the South Korean Songs chart, where it peaked at No. 7, breaking into the top 100 of the Billboard Global 200, and a No. 10 peak on the U.S.-based World Digital Song Sales chart.

But beyond its chart success, “Sticky” perfectly encapsulates KISS OF LIFE’s feel-good yet mature sensibilities. The track’s bright rhythm contrasts sharply with the group’s earlier hip-hop and retro-inspired releases for a refreshing sonic shift that lets Julie, Natty, Belle and Haneul deliver a playful yet polished new performance. With the worldwide resonance for “Sticky,” it is evident that versatility is key for KISS OF LIFE. — J.B.

South Korean singer-actor BIBI scored an outside-the-box smash in South Korean (and an entry on the Billboard Global 200) with “Bam Yang Gang,” a song about interpersonal relationships disguised as a tune about a red bean-based chestnut dessert. Melding martial drumming, a waltzing rhythm, electronic bloops that bring to mind a ‘50s sci-fi flick and the sweetness of pop music from bygone eras, “Bam Yang Gang” is not unlike what it feels like to be an American biting into a sweet bean-based dessert for the first time: It’s strange and unexpected, but immediately leaves you wanting more. – J.L.

A transcendent blend of the best of Eurodance and Y2K sensibilities wrapped in a celestial soundscape, “Virtual Angel” has shimmering synths and choir-like harmonies for a mesmerizing composition that feels as if it represents spiritual and digital music, both nostalgic and forward-thinking, almost like a new-age hymn for K-pop audiences.

Plus, no doubt, the poignant “I’ll be there for you when your wings break” lyrics on the chorus resonates deeply with longtime fans, with the single marking a symbolic reunion for former LOONA members HeeJin, HaSeul, Kim Lip, JinSoul and Choerry under ARTMS, with this year marking eight years since their start in the girl group. — J.B.

Further solidifying fromis_9 as reigning summer queens, “Supersonic” infuses the girl group’s signature bright charm with Miami bass-infused beats. Co-produced by labelmate and frequent SEVENTEEN collaborator BUMZU, the single landed the outfit their first top 10 hit on Billboard‘s South Korea Songs chart and spent three months on the tally — a testament to its infectious, long-lasting appeal.

As fromis_9 prepare to depart PLEDIS Entertainment by the year’s end, “Supersonic” certainly serves as a high note in their discography, showcasing their potential for more success wherever they land next. — J.B.

The very best Red Velvet songs feel like a cat-and-mouse game, and in the dark, disco-ready “Cosmic,” falling into their orbit is as inviting as ever. “How about you stay a little longer?” they coyly request on the high-flying chorus, though Wendy makes it clear there’s next to no room for refusal: “I just can’t say goodnight,” she belts as a chills-inducing climax. Can you blame her? It’s just so hard to imagine wanting to escape Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy and Yeri’s inevitable pull when their harmonies sound this heavenly. — A.W.  

If you’ve missed K-pop’s second-gen, look no further than ONF’s “Bye My Monster.” Rich and cinematic, the song wouldn’t have seemed out of place next to the melodrama of INFINITE or VIXX’s singles more than a decade ago. However, keeping with modern trends, ONF plays with phrases from the classical music canon: softly lilting, romantic strings of Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 run headlong into pop-punk guitars and angsty falsettos. “Trapped within chaos,” co-writer and rapper Wyatt broods, even if this cohesive instrumental is really something of a masterclass in balance. — A.W.  

“Plot Twist” is the surprise hit anthem that cemented TWS’ title as 2024’s standout K-pop rookie of the year. True to its name, the breakout hit delivers unexpected yet seamless shifts in production, weaving an exhilarating narrative from its gripping opening notes to the rousing chant that closes the track. The mix of drums, guitar and synths — and the various ways the instruments join throughout each song section — captures the unfiltered thrill of life’s surprises and the electric rush of first encounters. Even as TWS introduced their sound as “boyhood pop,” the themes of the track led it to become a long-running hit that charted on the Billboard Global 200 for two months.

With “Plot Twist,” TWS has not only hinted at surprising sounds but set a thrilling precedent for their career as a group full of surprises, ready to keep listeners hooked at every twist and turn. — J.B.

A solo offering from PENTAGON commander HUI, “Hmm BOP” is feel-good funk song (boasting playful tongue pops, no less) that soars into the stratosphere thanks to HUI’s irrepressible energy, personality and vocal range. While the song title references Hanson, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson are more likely the sonic inspirations here, especially when HUI starts riffing on “zip-hop, we don’t stop” before exploding into those ecstatic falsetto releases at the end. — J.L.

While ATEEZ has long been a standard of excellence in K-pop maximalism, “Ice on My Teeth” is their brilliant pivot to deliver the same punch with pulled-back subtlety. A string-speckled trap beat backs the boys, fully stepping into well-earned, braggadocio power (ATEEZ leader Hongjoong spits, “Celebrate it since it’s rare to see in this country”) with unexpected lyrical takes on otherwise played-out, lyrical hip-hop tropes (A less creative group might shout out their grills, but ATZ say, “I bought diamonds at my dentist”).

Since ATEEZ started in 2018 as an underdog talent from one of K-pop’s medium-sized agencies in KQ Entertainment, the group, their team and their fans have consistently been on a mission to prove themselves in the K-pop and global market. After wrapping up multiple stadium concerts in 2024 and earning a second No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with Golden Hour : Part 2, it’s finally time for ATEEZ to toast to themselves — and the guys sound like they’re entirely comfortable lapping up their wins. Despite the ease it delivers, “Ice on My Teeth” is a well-earned party. — J.B.

In 2010, the phrase “perfect all-kill” was coined to describe a song simultaneously topping multiple iChart tallies after IU’s “Nagging” pulled off the feat. This year, “Love Wins All” – IU’s first single as a lead artist in three years – became another perfect all-kill for the South Korean singer-songwriter. “Love Wins All” is a gentle piano-and-strings ballad that gradually builds in vocal intensity over four-and-a-half minutes. It’s not over the top, but it is a tearjerker – especially when you take into account the post-apocalyptic lovers music video co-starring V of BTS. – J.L.

“Supernova” isn’t just the standout single that kicked off aespa’s first studio album Armageddon — it’s the definitive K-pop track of the year. Packed into three electrifying minutes, “Supernova” masterfully balances innovation and structure. There are three full choruses, dynamic verses, a soaring bridge and a jaw-dropping dance break, all while aespa maintains a sense of completeness and cohesion.

The cosmic dance anthem features razor-sharp rap verses from Karina and Giselle and shimmering powerhouse vocals with starry finesse from Winter and NingNing, with the members seamlessly interchanging roles to showcase their versatility. Another hallmark of aespa’s ambitious nature is the whirring synthesizers introduced in the second verse, which exemplify their commitment to breaking formulaic molds. Plus, “Supernova” samples Afrika Bambaataa’s 1982 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Planet Rock,” blending nostalgic electro influences with hyperpop brilliance in a clever nod to honoring the past while looking to the future.

“Supernova” conquered the charts, going No. 1 on Billboard‘s South Korea Songs chart, entering the top 5 on the U.S.-based World Digital Song Sales, as well as spending 25 weeks on the Billboard Global 200; it’s also currently sweeping the song of the year categories at K-pop award shows (including the 2024 MAMA and Melon Music Awards so far). Plus, its longevity on social media ensured that its infectious beat and captivating choreography stayed in the public eye while the boundary-pushing production continued to collect critical acclaim. Even Grimes couldn’t resist, delivering a futuristic remix that added her cybernetic touch while preserving the original’s essence. It’s an instant classic that spotlights aespa’s ability to thrill fans, critics and fellow artists alike. — J.B.