curated by: laura and martina

written by: martina

In my nearly three years as a K-pop fan, I’ve fallen in (and out of) love with so many groups and soloists. I’ve brushed up on the discographies of older groups and kept up with new debuts, and along the way, I have found myself completely absorbed in a musical world that seems endless in its supply of content. At times, this is overwhelming. Most of the time, however, this makes for a constant flow of incredible monthly songs. If you’re really in it, there’s sure to be at least one new song that catches your attention every release day. Below is a collection of mine and Laura’s top 40 K-Pop songs of the year (at the end of each entry are our initials to let you know who selected which song). All songs were released in 2024 and are in no particular order. 

Magnetic – ILLIT

Every year, a handful of K-pop songs make it out of the genre bubble and into the minds of anyone with social media and a knack for dance challenges. ILLIT’s debut song and addictive hand-focused choreography are an unforgettable part of this year, whether you liked the song or not. (MR)

Brought The Heat Back – ENHYPEN

ENHYPEN’s releases were on fire this year. After leading off their ROMANCE: UNTOLD album with the relatively uncomplicated “XO (Only If You Say Yes),” they immediately turned up the heat with a B-side that stood out from the rest of the tracklist. The repetitive “Ya ya ya” in the chorus and the breakdown towards the end are just two parts of this song that bring it to another level within an impressive discography. (MR)

Midas Touch – KISS OF LIFE

KISS OF LIFE is the girl group of my dreams. Their cool girl energy and contagious passion while performing make them such a joy to watch, and “Midas Touch” brought my love for them to a whole new level. The instrumental is reminiscent of 2000s Disney music, precisely that of the Cheetah Girls. The bridge that seamlessly references each of their solo debut songs is just the icing on top of a perfect song. (MR)

Smart – LE SSERAFIM

Regarding trending choreography, “Smart” is in at least the top five. This is one of those songs that comes out at the beginning of the year but sticks around long enough to regain its rightful place as a summer anthem. The comparisons to Tyla’s “Water” helped solidify the girl group’s relevance as a force in the K-pop genre. (LR)

20 – BOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR is one of the most exciting boy groups right now. Their heavily self-written lyrics, stage presence, and ability to put out refreshingly energetic yet sincere songs like “20” are just a few reasons to believe that. On their mini album 19.99, they dive into the growing pains of experiencing your last days as a teenager before you turn 20. “20” faces those fears head-on in a painfully authentic way that I felt deep in my bones on the first listen. (MR)

Popcorn – D.O.

Although we went an entire year without an EXO comeback, we were lucky to receive several solo projects, including D.O.’s Blossom mini album. Its title track, “Popcorn,” is a sickeningly sweet love song that is only elevated by his signature flawless vocal style and a simple, almost acoustic, instrumental. He compares his rapidly beating heart to popping kernels in a way that nearly makes you feel like he’s singing to you. (MR)

Walk – NCT 127

If you told me that NCT 127 would release my favorite boy group song of the year, I might’ve thought you didn’t know me. NCT releases are very hit or miss for me, where the ones that I like end up at the top of my Spotify Wrapped, and the ones I dislike end up on some kind of personal hit list. “Walk” is a song I loved as soon as I watched the music video, and I can’t seem to get it out of my head six months later. That bridge just builds and builds until the final chorus explodes, and I have to start it from the beginning for the fifth time. (MR)

Ice On My Teeth – ATEEZ

On their second mini album of the year, Golden Hour Pt. 2, ATEEZ entirely owned their success. It may have been the most monumental year of their career so far with appearances at Coachella and Paris Fashion Week, and their recent hip-hop sound allows them to revel in everything that means for them. The raps are unapologetically boastful, and the strings in the instrumental provide a beautifully chaotic energy to the song. (MR)

Cosmic – Red Velvet

Every year, we’re lucky enough to have at least one Red Velvet release that makes us forget how long it’s been since their last album. This summer’s “Cosmic” was a magical celebration of their 10th anniversary as a group that rose to breathtaking heights with Wendy’s bridge and their ever-impressive harmonies that always give me goosebumps. (MR)

Impossible – RIIZE

Going back to songs of the summer that weren’t technically released in the summer, RIIZE’s lively single feels like it was made to blast from the speakers of a pool party in the 2010s with the electronic-led instrumental. Its impossible choreography (no pun intended) hits every beat and keeps the energy up until the last note. (LR)

Whiplash – aespa

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a new aespa release. Their fifth mini album gave rise to “Whiplash,” a title track that proves that the girl group will continue to try and nail new sounds. The repetitive second half of the chorus wasn’t my cup of tea at first, but one watch of the performance and the music video made me forget I ever felt anything but absolutely obsessed with it. Ningning is a standout member of this song for me. (LR)

FRI(END)S – V

BTS’s jazz-loving vocalist released a mesmerizing plea to “put the end in friends” with “FRI(ENDS)” earlier this spring. It’s short but oh-so-sweet and draws you in the moment V’s sultry voice comes through. The chorus is so catchy that you could learn every lyric after one listen, and the outro alone nearly makes up for the song’s length. (LR)

Boom Boom Bass – RIIZE

From the first line, “My baby like to string me on,” I’m on my feet. I’m moving, grooving, and in disbelief that music this good is free to listen to whenever I want. The dance practice video initially got me into this song. Still, Sohee’s vocals and Wonbin’s stage presence pulled me into their discography with excitement and the urge to stream this song every two and a half minutes. (MR)

Chk Chk Boom – Stray Kids

Stray Kids have been everywhere this year. Their first release of the year was an enticing rap-driven title track, “Chk Chk Boom,” that brought their signature coolness levels to the surface. Han’s rap after the first chorus is a standout moment, as he guides the beat into the following verses and chorus. Every member’s voice takes on a smug quality that rounds out the track’s strengths. (LR)

MAESTRO – SEVENTEEN

SEVENTEEN are no strangers to a grand title track that literally or metaphorically fills a stage. “MAESTRO” opens with a simple piano instrumental that morphs into a groovy beat rounded out by a Mingyu verse that sets a mild tone for a song that becomes something more significant than itself by the end. The choruses aren’t jam-packed with heavy instrumentals or cascading vocals, but the emptiness allows more space for the verses and choreography to shine. (LR)

Unconditional – JAEHYUN

In typical SM Entertainment fashion, one of their most promising artists dropped a perfect solo album, followed somehow by an even more perfect single, and then enlisted to complete his mandatory military service. JAEHYUN’s potential as a soloist separate from NCT is palpable in how nonchalantly he delivers the opening line of “Unconditional” and proceeds to switch from sky-high falsetto verses to breathy choruses throughout the song. (MR)

How Sweet – NewJeans

The short version is that it’s been quite the year for NewJeans. Despite all of that, they managed to release four classic y2k-esque songs. Of their two title tracks, “How Sweet” feels the most authentically NewJeans with its addictive chorus and funky instrumental. I wish them nothing but sweet things in the new year. (LR)

POWER – G-DRAGON

On “POWER,” his first release in about six years, K-Pop icon G-DRAGON hits back at allegations against him last year with unapologetic honesty. “Prove ’em all wrong, I got all the receipts” is one of the more pointed lines. At the same time, most of the song is written in subtle metaphors, comparing his circumstances to others’, sometimes “unavoidable” situations for someone so famous. (LR)

Selfish Waltz – ATEEZ

Before I listened to “Selfish Waltz,” my expectations were high. People were calling it their best song the day it was released and placing it in the same category as city pop anthems “Take Me Home,” “Cyberpunk,” and “Silver Light.” Despite these expectations and near-peer pressure that built up, the song shattered through all that. Co-produced by ATEEZ’s captain Hongjoong, it’s arguably their most impressive song to date, both sonically and lyrically. With lyrics comparing a monotonous toxic relationship to dancing a waltz repeatedly, I want Hongjoong in the studio more often. (MR)

Armageddon – aespa

It feels like common sense to say that 2024 was aespa’s year. They had one of the best release streaks I’ve seen in the genre and have completely grown into the concept they debuted with in a way that makes me feel like I severely underestimated them. “Armageddon” is such a cleverly written song that’s a fierce distinction in aespa’s diverse discography. (MR)

Don’t Worry, Be Happy – SF9

Despite almost a decade in the industry, SF9 remains a highly underrated group. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is a prime example of the bubbly boy group sound that people pretend is almost nonexistent at least once a year. If you know where to look, you’ll find an experienced group who perfectly molds themselves into whichever concept they promote, including a carefree-sounding track about learning to get through a breakup with the promise that everything will be okay. (MR)

DASH – NMIXX

NMIXX is another group that’s grown into their debut image tremendously. While still switching on that signature “MIXX POP” transition late into the song, “DASH” feels like a fully fleshed-out iteration of what we all knew the group was capable of when they debuted with some of the most jarring K-Pop music I’ve ever heard. This track excites me for their future, embracing the youthful, hip girl group sound they’ve started to carve out for themselves. (MR)

No Doubt – ENHYPEN

ENHYPEN’s second entry on the list is a hip deluxe addition to their ROMANCE: UNTOLD album released this summer. This track fits perfectly on the album with the more minimalistic “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” and the lively “Brought The Heat Back,” but it still manages to stand out with how easily the members fit into these cool guy personas. There’s no doubt that this song is already on your playlist. (LR)

Deja Vu – TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Despite a slight shift from what became known as their typical sound, TXT released two successful mini albums this year and performed globally. “Deja Vu” was their first release of the year and features powerful chorus vocals from Yeonjun and Hueningkai and melodic falsettos from Soobin, Taehyun, and Beomgyu. The final chorus ends almost out of nowhere and leaves you wanting more. (LR)

Igloo – KISS OF LIFE

It’s not hard to realize that the most iconic performances this year came from girl groups. KISS OF LIFE’s b-sides are pretty unmatched, but “Igloo” was a song everyone was singing along to when it came out. They might just be the most incredible girls in the game right now, and this track proves it in just over two minutes. (MR)

Girls Never Die – tripleS

When a group contains 24 members, it’s only natural that they’ll release larger-than-life anthemic songs. “Girls Never Die” is a love letter to acknowledging and embracing your flaws. Watching the music video made me weirdly emotional, but that might be a normal response to seeing so many young women present themselves as a unified group following their dreams. It’s the kind of song I hope to hear in a stadium one day, but they’ll need a huge stage. (LR)

TTYL – Loossemble

This year saw so much success for the former LOONA members, including the 5-member group Loossemble featuring HyunJin, YeoJin, ViVi, Go Won, and HyeJu. Their third mini album’s title track, “TTYL,” is an electronic dance track that highlights the angelic vocals of the girls in a way that encourages you to fall in love with them for the first time (or all over again). (LR)

Strategy – TWICE ft. Megan Thee Stallion

This song came out just a few weeks ago, but it’s one of my favorite girl group releases of the year. I’m not the most consistent TWICE listener, but when they get me, they really get me. Their vocals, paired with the catchiness of the chorus and the simple choreography, make this a certified 10/10 from me. Megan also shines with a different rap tone towards the end of her verse while blending perfectly into the breakdown and final chorus. (MR)

CRAZY – LE SSERAFIM ft. PinkPantheress

LE SSERAFIM is a group that has mastered the art of delivering memorable hooks and chorus lines. If you listened to “CRAZY” once, it’s likely that you couldn’t stop repeating “Da, da-da-da, da-da-da-da” or “All the girls are Girling, Girling” whether you wanted to or not. The club beat, vogue-induced choreography, and snappy verses by PinkPantheress in this remix make for a match made in heaven for your ears. (LR)

Supersonic – fromis_9

There’s something so otherworldly about a fromis_9 song. They’ve perfected the right amount of belting that every chorus needs to produce the appropriate emotional reaction in their listeners. Or at least that’s how it feels. It’s an immediate summer hit that also feels like a goodbye. Personally, I hope it’s just a matter of seeing you later. (MR)

Earth, Wind & Fire – BOY NEXT DOOR

This is their second entry on this list (not the last), and it’s closer to the typical BOYNEXTDOOR sound. High energy, clever raps, and oozing with charm, “Earth, Wind & Fire” is an ode to loving someone so much that calling them your “girlfriend” isn’t nearly enough to describe what they mean to you. (MR)

SAD SONG – P1Harmony

P1Harmony came out of the gate swinging this year with their first full album, “Killin’ It,” released in February. Seven months later, they dropped “SAD SONG,” a fast-paced track filled with impressive harmonies and yet another rap from 19-year-old Jongseob that feels like it was written by someone who’s been in the game for decades. The bridge is a particular highlight of this song for me. (LR)

Who – Jimin

Among the handful of releases from BTS members in the midst of completing their mandatory military service came a mini album from Jimin. Its title track, “Who,” is a thoroughly English song about wondering who his heart is waiting for. His distinctive tone and wide range make this far from your typical pop song. (LR)

Walkin On Water – Stray Kids

Just a couple weeks ago, Stray Kids released HOP, a mixtape-style album featuring three new songs and eight solo tracks. “Walk in On Water” is a group track that showcases Stray Kids at their most authentic. The 90s-style hip-hop instrumental brings the rap verses to the surface and harmoniously blends them into the rest of the song. Comparing their success to walking on water and staying afloat is a perfect metaphor for their current career. (LR)

HEYA – IVE

Every time the chorus of “HEYA” hits, I feel like I’m being hypnotized. Something about the pre-chorus and its echoing harmonies just lock me in a trance. Their individual vocal presence shines through so strongly in this song to the point where it’s almost too easy to tell them apart. This release came out of nowhere since I don’t keep up with them too closely, but I’m always excited for a new IVE comeback. (MR)

Dangerous – BOY NEXT DOOR

In their last entry on this list, resident boys are next doorstep, one foot into the shoes of their mentor, ZICO. This group houses some extremely underrated rappers, Jaehyun, Taesan, and Leehan, and satisfying, uniquely-toned vocalists Woonhak, Riwoo, and Sungho. The rappers shine in this song with their cocky delivery of lyrics about having a taste for teenage rebellion. (LR)

APT. – ROSÉ ft. Bruno Mars

BLACKPINK’s star vocalist returned with her first solo release in just over three years with “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars. Based on a popular Korean drinking game, this song quickly took South Korea and the world by storm thanks to the raw talent of these collaborators and Mars’ ability to release nothing but the most memorable pop songs. The hand choreography certainly doesn’t hurt the song’s appeal when it’s so fun to learn. (MR)

Spell – SEVENTEEN

Although it came out in the spring, “Spell” feels like a contender for the song of the summer based purely on the music video. SEVENTEEN’s performance unit, comprised of members Woozi, Hoshi, Minghao, and Dino, released yet another trance-inducing song with equally pleasing choreography that has a 100% chance of putting you under their spell. (LR)

WORK – ATEEZ

With their last two mini albums, ATEEZ has veered into a more subtle, cool sound than what listeners might be used to from them. “WORK” latches onto an almost comedic clarinet beat that pairs surprisingly well with the gritty tones of their two rappers and the hypnotic vocal delivery of members like Jongho and Seonghwa. Yes, we must work, but we’ll be cool about it. (MR)

Sticky – KISS OF LIFE

If it weren’t already aespa’s year, I might argue that it was KISS OF LIFE’s. Their debut and first comeback last year made a significant impact, but nothing like the success they’ve seen in 2024. “Sticky” earned them their first music show win and immediately earned a nomination for the most iconic choreography of the year. The quartet embraced the summer heat at the perfect time with a clear vision and a welcome earworm chorus. (MR)

It’s been an incredible year for new K-pop music, and we can’t wait to hear what next year brings.

Stream the entire list below: