The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2023

After releasing a constant string of smash singles by means of 2021 and 2022, IVE wasted no time bringing out a complete album of hits on their debut LP. Not solely does I’ve IVE ship on the woman group’s earworm expectations by way of the flexible pop-bop “Kitsch,” thundering anthem “I Am” and the call-to-order album opener “Blue Blood,” nevertheless it additionally showcases the ladies’ sturdy songwriting capabilities. Rappers Rei and Gaeul co-wrote a number of tracks, chief Yujin is credited as the only lyricist on the candy and synth-y “Heroine” and Wonyoung wrote the whole thing of surging electro-pop lower “Mine” and the fan-dedicated “Shine With Me.” — JEFF BENJAMIN

After years of attempting his luck throughout totally different singing competitions—and ultimately hitting it large with a fourth-place end on Produce 101 and a spot within the boy band Wanna One—Kim Jae Hwan shortly established himself as a powerhouse vocalist. For his sixth mini album, the solo star refreshed his palette with the transferring, folk-pop buzz observe “Spring Breeze” and the unexpectedly funky pop jam “Fortunate!” which options iKON’s Bobby (however wouldn’t sound misplaced with a Bruno Mars look). Bouncing by means of tracks backed by classic synthesizers, rhythmic R&B manufacturing and jazzy pianos, J.A.M (Journey Above Music) brings KJH out of his big-ballad consolation zone to mark his most formidable solo effort but. — J.B.

Whereas NewJeans’ grasp available on the market noticed them ship three singles to the Billboard Sizzling 100 (together with a profession excessive with “Tremendous Shy” at No. 48), ignoring the remainder of the Get Up listening expertise is a big mistake. With the quintet’s mushy voices juxtaposed over throbbing 808s, album opener “New Denims” units the scene for some sonic experimentation, reminiscent of on their hyped-up observe “ETA.” Regardless of the ultimate two tracks clocking in at lower than three minutes mixed, the dreamy neo-soul of the “Get Up” interlude transferring into the satisfying syncopation of EP nearer “ASAP” leaves the listener satiated however greater than prepared to absorb no matter NewJeans brings for subsequent yr. — J.B.

It’s been six years since Purple Velvet launched a brand new full-length album, with 2015’s The Purple and 2017’s Good Velvet thought-about a few of Okay-pop’s finest modern-day LPs. Solely time will inform if the woman group’s extremely anticipated return to the full-length album format can forge a long-lasting legacy in comparison with its predecessors, however this album boasts quite a few shining moments. The opening duo of “Chill Kill” and “Knock Knock (Who’s There?)” sees the quintet mix shiny melodies with darkish, brooding pop themes, paying homage to signature Purple Velvet hits like “Dangerous Boy” and “Psycho.” Deeper into the file, “Will I Ever See You Once more” is a Technicolor dream woven with dancing synths whereas “Underwater” emerges as one in every of Purple Velvet’s most satisfyingly sultry moments. — J.B.

Since hitting the Korean hip-hop scene in 2020, CAMO’s icy mix of hip-hop and pop melodies has solidified her as a must-watch MC. Her debut full-length serves as a canvas for CAMO’s full experimental vary, showcasing her capability to seamlessly traverse musical landscapes, with the unexpectedly low-key “Six Weeks” unveiling an emotional, acoustic facet, too. Stress Makes Diamonds additionally boasts an eclectic visitor listing that includes prime names in Korean hip-hop (like Jay Park and Sik-Okay) together with rising feminine rap abilities from around the globe (Tommy Genesis from Canada; Awich from Japan), positioning CAMO to maintain pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and pop contained in the ever-evolving panorama of Korean music. — J.B.

Not solely is All the way down to Earth Taeyang’s first solo album in six years, and first undertaking underneath new dwelling THEBLACKLABEL, the six-song EP stays true to its title as one of many yr’s most trustworthy releases. The subtle mixture of tracks brings out big-name options: BTS’ Jimin on the R&B-tinged lead single “Vibe,” which earned each artists their first Sizzling 100 entry when it entered at No. 76 this yr; BLACKPINK’s Lisa on the melodic “Shoong!”; and rapper Beenzino on the jazz-pop deal with “Inspiration.” However the album’s crowning second comes from the piano ballad “Seed” with its potent lyricism and heartfelt depth, making this the singer-songwriter’s most transferring and compelling vocal efficiency to this point. — JESSICA OAK

Celtic Okay-pop, anybody? Opening with what’s finest described as a Korean-pop tackle a full of life Irish jig, “Voyage” units the tone for Kim Sejeong’s first full-length album to cowl a variety of listening experiences. Letting her pure vocal timbre lead every observe, the singer-actress dives into crunchy electronica on the one “Prime or Cliff”; enlists sudden psychedelic and punk rock influences for “Jenga”; and brings us into an intimate, acoustic jazz-vocal efficiency on “If We Do” (full with a trumpet solo). Whereas Sejeong has frolicked as a part of woman teams I.O.I, gugudan and SEMINA since getting into the business in 2016, the star’s lyrical and manufacturing contributions to the 11-track Door present she has tons extra to point out as a musician. — J.B.

D.O.’s dramatic rush of clean falsetto notes in “Extraordinary Days,” silky excessive notes on “Misplaced,” emotional depth on “The View” and shadowy croons on lead single “Someone” show the EXO member’s propulsive sense of rhythm, to not point out a vocal timbre that’s simply embedded in a mix of polished and acoustic productions. One of the vital gratifying vocal performances of the yr, Expectation follows the EXO member’s debut EP Empathy from 2021. Hopefully, this extraordinary voice doesn’t wait as lengthy for one more solo undertaking. — J.O.

After spending extra time centered on his appearing profession, Jinyoung made his long-awaited return to the music scene along with his first solo album, Chapter 0: WITH. The lead single, “Cotton Sweet,” is a candy, dreamy pop observe that highlights Jinyoung’s soothing, suave vocal finesse. Past his musical comeback, Jinyoung’s pure choreography expertise additionally reappear by way of the pastel “Cotton Sweet” music video, the place the star’s model-like attractiveness and stylish dance expertise take middle stage.

Solely penned by the GOT7 member himself, Chapter 0: WITH is a showcase of Jinyoung’s full abilities as a songwriter. With credit as a co-composer and producer throughout the EP as nicely, Jinyoung’s first full solo undertaking (after greater than a decade within the Okay-pop scene) was greater than definitely worth the wait. — J.B.

ISTJ is known as after the Myers-Briggs Sort Indicator character of somebody who’s “Introverted, Sensing, Considering and Judging” — and NCT DREAM’s third full-length album hardly stays in a single sonic or stylistic lane. Working example: the hip-hop–impressed lead single/title observe encourages listeners to interrupt out of preconceived expectations and join as people. The poignant buzz single “Damaged Recollections” affirms the unit’s pop prowess, accentuated by a remix that includes “Golden Hour” singer JVKE, whereas the infectious, full of life harmonies of “Yogurt Shake” maintain the potential to spark a viral TikTok dance problem. However amongst all of the style and form shifting, the album concludes with “Like We Simply Met,” a heartfelt ballad penned by all of the members expressing their hope to stick with followers for eternity. — J.B.

A testomony to the woman group’s unwavering dedication to wonderful musical experimentation, Billlie’s third installment of their Billage of Notion sequence is one other top-to-bottom victory. B-side gem “lionheart (the true me)” boasts a thumping refrain that might simply contend as lead single materials whereas “nonetheless” emerges as one in every of 2023’s most artistic Okay-pop creations with the file firing out vocal distortions, childlike squeaking, lush harmonizing and highly effective belting inside seconds. However with its dreamy synth-pop manufacturing and seductive, staccato refrain, “EUNOIA” turned the breakthrough single for Billlie, incomes their first No. 1 spot on a Korean music chart, which is able to hopefully be important in propelling Billlie ahead with the momentum they deserve in 2024. — J.B.

A pacesetter in Korea’s new technology of rappers, ASH ISLAND has grown up in entrance of audiences along with his sophomore full-length, delivering on the early promise he confirmed as a teen competing on the Korean TV present Excessive Faculty Rapper. The mature, Paul Blanco-featuring opener “Goodbye” units the tone for the LP’s mix of pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop. As made clear from singles “WONDER” and “Rose within the Coronary heart,” the 24-year-old appears set on utilizing this LP to highlight extra of his singing, utilizing well-placed options from MCs like The Quiett and Chillin Homie to ship on the tougher hip-hop entrance.

ROSE was a satisfying, cohesive undertaking at 9 tracks, however ASH sweetened the expertise with July’s three-track EP Extra Roses, which included equally wonderful tracks such because the Auto-Tune ballad “Black Rose” and the R&B-doused dance lower “Smoking Roses.” Placing each initiatives collectively makes for among the finest R&B/pop/hip-hop hybrids from Korea this yr. — J.B.

Famend for pushing sonic boundaries, TOMORROW X TOGETHER seized their inaugural No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with an unprecedented degree of accessibility whereas staying true to the group’s whimsical musical storytelling. Opener “Satan by the Window” highlights the group’s versatility from the beginning earlier than infectious lead single “Sugar Rush Trip” follows for one in every of TXT’s catchiest pop singles to this point. Collaborating with Coi Leray, the buoyant “Glad Fools” injects an additional dose of vitality into the album (with all 5 members, in addition to Leray, co-writing on the R&B/Bossa nova hybrid) whereas “Tinnitus (Wanna Be a Rock)” ventures into new territories with Afrobeat influences. Not only a chart triumph, The Title Chapter: Temptation additional solidified TXT’s place as a trailblazer on the worldwide music scene. — J.B.

EXO’s seventh full-length album is a stunning catalog of all eight member’s unequalled greatness as a vocal group. The tight, nine-song undertaking flows from vocalists Chen, Baekhyun, D.O., Suho, Xiumin and Kai with ease and confidence whereas rappers Chanyeol and Sehun add a further layer of depth with their charismatic flows. Style-blending standouts embody the infectious vocal efficiency on the opening observe and foremost single, “Cream Soda”; an lively R&B-pop mix in “Remorse It”; hovering synth-pop on “Cinderella”; and the seductive-but-mellow vibe of buzz observe “Hear Me Out.” — J.O.

One of many artistic forces behind Monsta X, JOOHONEY breaks free from all expectations for his first full solo endeavor. The six tracks of Lights function a melting pot of the star’s various musical influences, seamlessly mixing his singing and rapping talents whereas spotlighting his appreciation for hip-hop, rock, jazz and conventional Korean music. Lead single “Freedom” isn’t only a testomony to JOOHONEY’s multifaceted kinds, however sends an important message to the Okay-pop group to encourage artists to interrupt free from constraints and expectations to acknowledge their artistic and emotional wants. — J.B.

All through ENHYPEN’s Destiny World Tour this fall (which landed the boy band on this yr’s general Prime 100 tour rating), the septet hyped up November’s Blood Orange album as “the comeback of the yr” and their pleasure was nicely warranted. Not solely was lead single “Candy Venom” one in every of 2023’s smoothest disco-pop choices to this point, however standout B-sides just like the surging “Blind” mark a few of ENHYPEN’s finest vocal performances whereas “Orange Flower (You Full Me)” sounds prime for a viral crossover like the fellows’ TikTok hits “Polaroid Love” and “TFW (That Feeling When).” The outcomes led to a brand new finest gross sales week for ENHYPEN when the EP entered the Billboard 200 at No. 4 earlier this month with 90,000 equal album items earned. — J.B.

Stray Children continued to dominate the U.S. with their summer season full-length album 5-STAR, securing their third consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and their most profitable gross sales week to this point in America. Not too stunning given the 12-track undertaking acts as a testomony to the meticulous consideration the group pours into every composition, with Stray Children’ manufacturing unit of 3RACHA (a.okay.a. Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN) boasting songwriting, composition and manufacturing credit throughout each observe. 5-STAR challenges SKZ in unprecedented sonic methods, exemplified by the formidable and genre-defying lead single “S-Class,” but in addition in standouts like “TOPLINE” (that includes Korean rap legend Tiger JK — the group’s first-ever collaboration on a file) and the fan-dedicated, all-English observe “Youtiful.” — J.B.

Launched by an eye-opening Disney+ documentary and dropped at life by means of a world tour, D-Day emerged as a poignant, intimate glimpse into Suga’s charming thoughts. Within the third undertaking underneath his Agust D moniker, Suga delves into his most private reflections on file, exploring loneliness, freedom and letting go of the previous. Past the lyricism revealing Suga’s innermost ideas, the emotional weight of discussing his well being and household within the standout observe “Amygdala” are heightened by deft manufacturing selections like Suga’s singing and use of Auto-Tune. D-Day additionally pays tribute to one in every of Suga’s private musical heroes, because the beautiful and haunting “Snooze” options legendary Japanese composer and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto, as nicely WOOSUNG of The Rose. Tragically, Sakamoto handed away lower than a month earlier than the album’s launch, infusing D-Day with a way of legacy and cross-generational continuity. — J.B.

Residing as much as their identify as a self-producing group, (G)I-DLE wrote practically every thing on their I Really feel EP with members Soyeon, Minnie and Yuqi taking lead roles in songwriting, composing and manufacturing. Maybe greater than ever, the ladies’ character is felt because the outfit strikes by means of a variety of on a regular basis views: “Allergy” lists all-too-real anxieties round hating social media, strain to snag identify manufacturers and maintaining together with your friends within the newest #problem (“She’s so fairly, yeah, so beautiful / Shе acquired every thing, why am I not her?”) whereas “Queencard” is about comedically embracing your interior queen bee (“Queencard, I’m scorching/ My boob and booty’s scorching/ Highlight, take a look at me/ I’m a star!”). Decrease-key tracks just like the emotional synth-pop lower “Paradise” and minimalist “Peter Pan” element rising pains all through maturity. All of it comes from (G)I-DLE’s coronary heart, making this an vital chapter for a bunch rising up with their followers. — J.B.

SEVENTEEN’s landmark tenth Mini Album: FML (which stands for both “F–okay My Life” or “Battle for My Life,” relying on which interpretation you are taking), signifies the group’s largest chart triumph (its their largest gross sales week within the U.S. but) and showcases the group at a brand new pinnacle of creativity. The tightly packed EP deftly balances SEVENTEEN’s signature mix of genres, emphasizing their versatility and musical maturity by going from the group’s most subdued single but on “F*ck My Life” earlier than transferring to their intense heroic anthem “Tremendous,” the place the fellows declare, “I really like my crew, I really like my crew!”

In the meantime, the unit songs “Fireplace” (highlighting the Hip-Hop Crew), “I Don’t Perceive however I Luv U” (Efficiency Crew) and “Mud” (Vocal Crew) stand out as a few of every subgroup’s finest and most sudden work to this point by subverting every crew’s style expectations—particularly the Efficiency Crew’s slow-grooving tune. As FML exhibits SEVENTEEN navigating life’s complexities, their newest launch not solely breaks information for the crew but in addition celebrates an everlasting innovation on the worldwide music stage. — J.B.

Not solely is it ATEEZ’s longest album to this point at 12 tracks, The World EP.Fin : Will can be the group’s most formidable—and assured—endeavor. Listening to ATEEZ albums is akin to embarking on a cinematic journey, and Will is not any exception, capturing the listener’s consideration with the declarative intro “We Know,” the place the fellows converse on to all enemies and nonbelievers: “You higher run…/ My mic is on.”

The album’s tracks traverse highs and lows, in addition to a deeper exploration of every member’s individuality with the octet recording album tracks as items or solos for the primary time. However foremost single “Loopy Kind” elevates ATEEZ’s signature fiery vitality to new heights, present process a manufacturing switch-up and culminating in an anthemic march that boldly declares, “We’re altering the sport/ Ayy, oh, ayy, we’re dancing each day.” It’s a well timed manifesto for a bunch who simply defied business odds with their first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 earlier this month. — J.B.

aespa’s My World: The third Mini Album had excessive expectations after unveiling 4 wonderful new tracks (“Salty & Candy,” “Thirsty,” “I’m Sad” and “‘Til We Meet Once more”) at their first-ever solo live performance Synk: Hyper Line in February. The album begins with the majestic “Welcome to My World,” a synth-pop marvel with a charming, curious “characteristic” from the mysterious AI being inside aespa’s lore, Naevis. Whereas lead single “Spicy” delivers aespa’s signature sonic booms, its music video showcases the group’s extra human facet because the cool ladies ruling their college. — J.B.

WOODZ’s OO-LI album is a transformative journey for the artist, marking his first launch underneath EDAM Leisure because the inaugural musician signed to the corporate fashioned for beloved Okay-pop icon IU. The undertaking commenced with the pre-release buzz single “Abyss,” whose music video opened with a title card promising, “A really private story by WOODZ.” Setting the intimate and trustworthy tone for the undertaking, the sincerity extends past the touching lyrics and supply of “Abyss” to the gospel-infused foremost single “Journey,” undoubtedly reflecting WOODZ’s enterprise into a brand new chapter with EDAM. Venturing deeper into his love for rock, standout B-sides like “Drowning” and “Busted” showcase WOODZ’s vocal energy over manufacturing that takes inspiration from punk and metallic.

However amidst the heavy rock influences, WOODZ exhibits he has surprises for listeners with a observe like “Deep Deep Sleep,” the all-English album opener that highlights his falsetto and soulful facet, including a moody and mysterious twist to the album. OO-LI not solely captures a key second in WOODZ’s creative evolution however proves he’s one of the thrilling Okay-pop artists within the recreation with a variety that distinguishes him from his friends. — J.B.

Incorporating V’s ingrained love of jazz music (he performed saxophone in his childhood), Layover is a substantial departure from any BTS album, presenting the star in a realm all his personal. An previous soul, V’s first solo file unfolds as a lo-fi soul, jazz, and R&B journey the place singles like “Love Me Once more” and “Sluggish Dancing” deliver a mix of romantic melancholy, with the dedication to V’s musical imaginative and prescient evident in selections like an unconventional however beautiful flute solo within the latter. At lower than 20 minutes, Layover is a succinct, but immersive, listening expertise, changing into progressively smoother and sweeter all through till it culminates within the falsetto-led finale “For Us” and a piano-based various model of “Sluggish Dancing.”

Teaming up with ADOR CEO and NewJeans’ mastermind Min Hee Jin, every observe is complemented by its personal music video to immerse followers in V’s world, with every visible awash in classic filters to recall previous many years. With a slew of dwell Tiny Desk Korea and band session performances that deepen the connection and assist deliver his imaginative and prescient to life, Layover lays the muse for what guarantees to be a captivating solo profession for the BTS member. — J.B.

Whereas it’s considerably felony to assume that 15 years after ONEW’s debut with SHINee in 2008 we solely simply acquired his first full Korean album, the singer-songwriter himself would say that now was the proper time for Circle. A musical journey not like something launched this yr, ONEW shared that he had tried to file the album’s title observe earlier than dropping his Cube EP in early 2022, however felt it wasn’t on the degree of perfection it deserved and held onto the tune. ONEW then concerned himself in each facet of Circle‘s manufacturing course of, from meticulous mixing and mastering to tuning, beats, recording and mastering, testifying to the singer-songwriter’s dedication to creative expression.

The one “O (Circle)” opens the album with an intriguing mix of electronica and strings, whereas its gospel-tinged refrain emphasizes lyrics concerning the round nature of life and the way recollections, emotions and desires are all fleeting. The ten tracks on Circle develop distinctive transformations from begin to end: the breezy melodies in “Cough” are paired with loneliness-themed lyrics and a melancholy instrumental breakdown, whereas “Rain on Me” begins with aggressive acoustic guitar strumming earlier than transitioning into an atmospheric, percussive ballad. Candy surprises abound, too: ONEW scats on the jazz-rap hybrid “Caramel” and offers a glimpse into his indie-rock facet on “Parachute.”

The album’s easy move is anchored by ONEW’s famously strong but understated vocals. As Circle concludes with the tender piano ballad “At all times” which addresses themes of loyalty and resilience, the listener wonders if it’s an allegory for ONEW’s public journey by means of well being challenges, together with vocal wire surgical procedure. Even with none writing credit on Circle, ONEW’s presence is undeniably felt on this seamless assortment that boasts an emotional depth introduced on by 15 years within the recreation. That’s the sort of introspection you may’t rush or physician by means of A&R however have to cycle by means of and arrive at when the second is correct. From scheduling this album’s launch to the messages on the ultimate observe, time is certainly on ONEW’s facet to ship such a undertaking. — J.B.