The 20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2024 (So Far): Critic’s Picks

One in all Okay-pop’s most dynamic collaborations this 12 months, “SPOT!” blends ZICO’s and Jennie’s distinctive kinds right into a chart-topping fusion of hip-hop and pop. The observe’s catchy hooks and intelligent lyrics might solely be pulled off with two stars as charismatic as this duo — guaranteeing it turned a standout hit, finally incomes ZICO his first No. 1 on World Digital Tune Gross sales and filling the Okay-pop vet with “pleasure.”

Whereas parts of Afrobeats proceed to affect Okay-pop throughout the business, TRI.BE’s “Diamond” is a particular instance. The lady group collectively chants on the refrain, “Not each second, however on daily basis/ I’ll grow to be happier,” virtually hypnotizing the listener to embrace the tune’s constructive sentiment. With a common message and lyrics in Korean, English and Spanish, “Diamond” marked a possible second of world breakthrough for TRI.BE and collaborator Shinsadong Tiger — making it all of the extra heartbreaking we misplaced the inventive Okay-pop producer in February. However the tune stays a gorgeous reward left to the group and listeners worldwide.

With highly effective vocal performances and anthemic melodies that evoke a way of hope and resilience, “Lighthouse” lets TEMPEST’s members shine because the versatile group they’re — with the dynamic association and uplifting lyrics certain to mark a particular place within the group’s discography and in followers’ hearts.

Whereas Junho could also be extra energetic along with his performing profession at this time than music, “When We Meet Once more” is a candy reminder of the 2PM member’s candy crooning model and talent to sound as if sophisticated pop productions are a part of his private story. Hopefully this observe is a tease of extra music coming from the multifaceted star later this 12 months.

A masterclass within the mixing of R&B and Okay-pop, “Sure or No” brings a complicated, atmospheric manufacturing through the beloved DJ-producer duo Groovyroom. Exploring indecision and vulnerability, Crush’s soulful voice comes to enhance Huh Yunjin’s expressive supply, giving a each easy and emotional really feel to their collab. A standout single, “Sure or No” exemplifies how GroovyRoom continues to push musical boundaries to grow to be a number one power in bringing collectively the Okay-pop and R&B scenes.

Rising rookie soloist Gyubin proved herself one to observe with a implausible debut single. “Actually Like You” has among the sweetest melodies in Okay-pop at this time with intelligent, relatable songwriting just like the current crop of rising pop stars like Gracie Abrams and Sabrina Carpenter: “You make me so puffed up/ Like after I had an excessive amount of caffeine/ The whole lot feels so good / My coronary heart beats so quick however I don’t care.”

A tune that just about felt overdue, “Taking pictures Star” embraces the planetary idea behind Kep1er’s title with otherworldly vocal results adopted by a few of this 12 months’s most vibrant Okay-pop hooks. Whereas Kep1er introduced that members Yeseo and Mashiro will depart in July and the remainder of the group will transfer ahead as seven, the then-nontet took the utmost benefit of their closing launch along with a tune encapsulating the sensation of reaching for the celebrities.

A former member of NU’EST, BAEKHO showcases his emo-rock abilities with the discharge of Love or Die, a collaborative EP with indie rap-rock sensation BigOne. The title observe demonstrates the seamless synergy between mixing BAEKHO’s Okay-pop melodicism and BigOne’s edge — and retains the get together going with further EDM and unplugged variations.

Opening with (G)I-DLE chief and “Tremendous Woman” producer Soyeon’s piercing name to arms, this anthem made its mark by not solely defining the lady group’s empowering messages however with a serious vary of musicality proven all through. From the guitar-laden build-up to the dramatic electro-pop refrain, after which the big-room EDM breakdown to shut out the observe, (G)I-DLE proves that being a “Tremendous Woman” means you’ll be able to deal with all types of genres and kinds in beneath three minutes.

For its newest folk-pop triumph with “Hero,” the sibling duo’s signature concord kinds performs round with completely different echoing and layering — earlier than the sunny “Shubi doobi like to you” hook enters, which appears like comforting aural sunshine within the hotter months.

A mesmerizing mix of dreamy waltz rhythms with BIBI’s distinctive and emotive vocal model, “Bam Yang Gang” paired melancholic lyrics with a whimsical music video to additional improve one of many 12 months’s most sudden breakout Okay-pop hits. However the compelling narrative BIBI’s grow to be recognized for in her visuals, mixed with the observe’s catchy, bittersweet chorus, helped this one linger in listeners’ minds.

Capturing the essence of introspective longing that comes within the night hours, the moody beats and Paul Blanco’s unmistakably easy and soulful vocals make “Each Night time” one more R&B gem from the rising star. The observe’s minimalist moments permits Blanco’s emotional supply to shine as he declares, “I wish to come house to you each single evening.”

A hypnotic fusion of digital and pop parts, “Magnetic” was not solely the right title to explain ILLIT’s glossy debut single, but in addition the way it additionally pulled in listeners world wide. The observe entered the Billboard Sizzling 100 at No. 91, a unprecedented feat for a Okay-pop group’s first tune, whereas additionally touchdown within the high 10 of the World 200 and World 200 Excl US charts. A observe that’s each futuristic and refreshingly nostalgic, these rookies ought to solely appeal to greater issues transferring ahead.

With its driving, Euro-house beat blended with hovering and uplifting vocals, “Not possible” creates a way of urgency and dedication, making it probably the greatest inspirational Okay-pop anthems this 12 months — solely made better by its high-kick spinning choreography.

As CIX approaches its five-year anniversary this month, the group’s discography has grow to be so extremely revered that a number of press shops have made it a degree to get the band’s favourite songs, because it’s all so recommendable. The blokes’ comeback single “Lovers or Enemies” as soon as once more delivers a observe that manages to deliver a heartfelt high quality to robo-style Auto-Tune. Count on the subsequent interview to present this observe much more shine.

A break-up observe with a refreshing really feel, the breezy heat of “How Candy” is ideal for {the summertime} and as an anthem of freedom. With the group’s harmonies effortlessly gliding over each other, NewJeans’ newest infectious Okay-pop hit will get higher with every hear.

With hauntingly lovely orchestration connected to dramatic lyrics, “Bye My Monster” makes use of a storytelling theme of self-preservation to clarify tips on how to go away somebody you’re keen on for a greater future for all. With a brand new observe begging to be carried out dwell with a full orchestra sooner or later, ONF proceed to be certainly one of Okay-pop’s most enjoyable acts — refusing to observe tendencies and as an alternative blazing new, inventive paths.

The tune that broke out new HYBE and PLEDIS Leisure boy band TWS, “Plot Twist” stays true to its title with unexpected-but-dynamic turns throughout the manufacturing, hooking listeners from the primary observe to the anthemic chant that closes the observe. It’s a sonic journey, embodying the thrill of not solely Okay-pop creatives however of life’s total unpredictability.

aespa actually couldn’t have requested for a greater kickoff for its first full-length album Armageddon. A glittering cosmic dance observe, “Supernova” introduces a brand new chapter of aespa’s storytelling into the group’s universe, and opens doorways to a complete new dimension. Showcasing KARINA’s and GISELLE’s biting rap kinds with WINTER’s and NINGNING’s vocals at their very best — and the members all capable of mix roles — “Supernova” appears like the kind of observe solely aespa might pull off. The whirring synthesizers that be part of halfway by the second verse are a closing cherry on high to point out how “Supernova” isn’t utilizing copy-paste formulation — a staple all through aespa’s strongest music moments.

A 3-minute sonic journey strategically packed to showcase HUI’s full inventive versatility, “Hmm BOP” blends thumping funk-pop manufacturing with strolling basslines and glossy brass, whereas the PENTAGON chief’s multi-octave vocal vary shines for probably the greatest idol vocal performances of the 12 months. The tune’s unconventional construction solely highlights how “Hmm BOP” can weave collectively basic inspiration and modern-day experimentation for an anthem that may attraction throughout generations.