The 25 best K-pop songs of 2024

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for K-pop girl groups in 2024. While there were many who hit new, well-deserved highs in their careers – including aespa going ‘Supernova’ on us and KISS OF LIFE’s ‘Sticky’ sweet summer anthem – there’s also been a slew of disbandments (cignature and Cherry Bullet), controversies (NewJeans and MADEIN) and label changes (fromis_9 and Loossemble) that have shocked casual and loyal listeners alike.

Yet, the one undeniable fact of 2024 is that the ladies were the talk of the town for a third year running, ruling both radio waves and headlines – as well as this end-of-year list. (Sorry, boys.) From ILLIT’s inescapable, galvanising debut to Red Velvet‘s ride through the solar system, here are the songs that made 2024 a fantastic year for K-pop.

Puah Ziwei, Associate Commissioning Editor (Music)

Words by: Daniel Anderson, Tássia Assis, Crystal Bell, Mika Chen, Carmen Chin, Rhian Daly, Sara Delgado, Tamar Herman, Ivana E. Morales, Tanu I. Raj, Abby Webster, George Yang and Gladys Yeo

25. Chung Ha – ‘I’m Ready’

This fiercely charismatic track was a welcome return for K-pop all-rounder Chung Ha, who’d taken a step away from the industry for the better part of two years. But as she declares on this track: “I’m ready to get this, ready to get this / Ready to get this stage / Anyone test me / Whenever, chase me / I have nothing to fear.”

A dark, pulsating beat underlies the powerful dance track, driving it along at an unrelenting pace, echoing past fan favourites like ‘Stay Tonight’ and ‘Dream of You’. Chung Ha, however, imbues ‘I’m Ready’ with a menacing edge, one that signals she’s truly back to stay. GY

24. Lisa – ‘New Woman’ (feat. Rosalia)

Before the dust that ‘Rockstar’ left in its wake fully settled, BLACKPINK’s Lisa returned, guns blazing, with ‘New Woman’. While the former was an undeniable ode to her superstardom, the latter christened the final stage of her metamorphosis into the glorious ‘New Woman’ she’s become.

From the charismatic Rosalía feature to the artful airiness of the pre-chorus (which flexes Lisa’s vocal chops in a way that was criminally underutilised by her former label), ‘New Woman’ has a lot going for it – all which comes together effortlessly as one of the most intoxicating fares of the year. MC

23. BIBI – ‘Bam Yang Gang’

To stand out among the many stellar releases that BIBI has been part of this year is no small feat, but ‘Bam Yang Gang’ achieves it with the same effortlessness and dreamy charm that drove us to it in the first place. The song won out with its poignant simplicity mourning the breakdown of communication in a relationship.

Where it rose to excellence, however, is the gradual shift of tone as the song progressed. From feeling guilty about her emotional needs, BIBI goes on to realise that her desires had been straightforward after all and that the simple, pure love she had been craving could perhaps be found in other pursuits. TR

22. TWS – ‘Plot Twist’

First meetings never go as planned. Will you flub hellos? Trip over your shoelaces? Ready to play off any faux pas, rookies TWS view each new face as an adventure on the charming ‘Plot Twist’: “My question is my courage, tell me ‘What’s your namе?’”

Between alarm clock synths, schoolyard chants and fizzy basslines, their giddy, sincere debut single recalls a bygone era of bright, bubbly K-pop boybands. But joie de vivre of this magnitude proves irresistible any year, with TWS’ initial impression going off without a hitch. AW

21. NMIXX – ‘Dash’

NMIXX are a particularly interesting K-pop group – they’ve been much more experimental than most others in the industry, with their releases often polarising audiences. But in the time since their debut, NMIXX have found a beautiful balance between innovation and mainstream appeal.

‘Dash’ never sounds like disparate songs being forced together, but a gorgeous blend where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The pre-chorus gives the group space to show off their vocal chops, the rap-like chorus is undeniably catchy and the rock-tinged bridge gives the song that special sauce. It all adds up to become NMIXX’s best single to date. GY

20. YENA – ‘NEMONEMO’

Yena has always stood out amongst her peers with her loud, campy and often rock-oriented sound. The frenzied, electronic-infused ‘NEMONEMO’ is a natural extension of that energy, wrapped up in a hyperactive package that recalls unique qualities usually only found in J-pop.

On ‘NEMONEMO’, she cleverly compares a relationship to a square, where the arguments and disagreements are like sharp corners that can prick her. The lyrical change in the last chorus shows that even if she gets hurt by the corners, it’s still worth it because of the chance at love. GY

19. ATEEZ – ‘Work’

There’s nothing quite as memeable as the opening line of ‘Work’: “Gotta work; gotta make that money, make purse.” The ever-relatable eternal struggle to earn a living makes this ATEEZ single such a great musical moment of 2024 – but that’s not the only thing going for it.

The song’s underlying clarinet melody feels like it should clash with the rhythmic hip-hop of it all, but if anything it just enhances the moody verses and swaggering raps. This is the boyband assured in their craft and their ability to live up to bravado, even as they play around with the expectations of what an ATEEZ song sounds like. TH

18. KISS OF LIFE – ‘Igloo’

2024 has been a banner year for KISS OF LIFE, but ‘Igloo’ has emerged as an unexpected and bold statement piece from the group. Employing slick, minimalist production that embodies effortless confidence, the quartet take a brazen but fruitful gamble by deviating from their usual R&B-pop inclinations.

The ease with which they slip into this smug, hip-hop alter ego is proof of the band’s versatility and eagerness to experiment beyond their comfort zone. Amid a K-pop canon lousy with attempts at Y2K, KISS OF LIFE have emerged as one of the few acts with a rooted identity and the ability to take from the past and make it their own. CC

17. IU – ‘Love Wins All’

Given the state of the world right now, it’s easy to lose faith that good can triumph over evil and love can defeat hatred. But IU’s cinematic epic of a ballad, ‘Love Wins All’, clung to the belief that was still possible, the queen of K-pop urging a partner to join her in that conviction.

“Run away from the world, run on / Go to the end with me, my lover,” she cried over a spiral of strings and piano beautiful enough to restore your own faith in the power of love – in a way that really only IU can. “Our love wins all.” RD

16. STAYC – ‘GPT’

Whether it’s stealing our jobs, generating subpar essays or generally being a bleak precursor of a dystopian future, there’s been much discourse surrounding artificial intelligence in recent years. But leave it to STAYC to use an AI-powered chatbot as a metaphor for the melancholia of unrequited love.

With an instrumental that’s as quirky as its concept, ‘GPT’ is a perfect snapshot of what it feels like to be dizzy with love, asking your crush heartwrenching questions only to realise that they’ve not answered a single one in return. After all, what’s more heartbreaking than getting “…” as a reply to “Baby, I love you”? MC

15. ARTMS – ‘Virtual Angel’

Part magical girls, part weeping angels, part vaporwave-punk cult dystopia, the allegories in ARTMS’ ‘Virtual Angel’ sent our minds spinning. The intense Eurodance arrangement combined with the flashy editing of the music video played right into the belief that one cannot look at angels for too long.

But it was the “Human eye” version of the music video that truly tied it all together, bringing to mind the group’s own trajectory: a dizzying rise to fame, before being embroiled in controversy and emerging as phoenixes from the ashes. It’s all an acute reminder of one’s own shortcomings and helplessness, a pain only alleviated through the support of friends. TR

14. NewJeans – ‘How Sweet’

Cloaked in their signature Y2K sheen, NewJeans fire off a breezy summer breakup song brimming with saccharine sass. Danielle floats in with whispered accusations – branding a lover “toxic” and a “demon” – puncturing the track’s airy veneer with sly, jocular darts.

It may be understated compared to their more commanding and boisterous hits, but ‘How Sweet’ captures the satisfying liberation of cutting ties. With cheerful aplomb, NewJeans reclaim storylines and prove that for them, it’s always as simple and delicious as biting an apple. DA

13. Baekhyun – ‘Pineapple Slice’

Great singers prove their greatness when they make a hook like ‘Pineapple Slice’ work. Chungking Express references aside, you need to have something else going on to make a piece of fruit the most desired meal of the day – and Baekhyun does just that.

‘Pineapple Slice’ is pure dazzling pop with a swirl of smooth R&B – a Michelin-worthy creation that only he could embody so fluently: “Sending you an invite / Thrilling and exciting / I’m drivin’ you insane / Spreading through your whole body.” Currently in his post-military duty, new-CEO glow, the EXO singer reminds us why he’s still on top of the game. TA

12. Yves – ‘LOOP’

They say when one door closes, another opens. In Yves’ case, the unfortunate dissolution of LOONA (a classic case of mismanaged potential) ended up being a blessing in disguise, one that allowed us to witness her solo debut, ‘LOOP’, in all its house-drenched glory.

Pulsing on a minimalist dance beat that’s every bit as delectable as it is magnetic, ‘LOOP’ would’ve found its home right in the heart of the ’70s ballroom scene of New York. Yves revels in the complexities of uncertain romance with every sleek bass and airy refrain, declaring “Yeah, I’m lost, and I like it”. MC

11. RESCENE – ‘Love Attack’

RESCENE arrived in the K-pop sphere with a sparkling pop confidence that stood apart and positioned themselves as one of the most exciting new groups of the year. Their debut rendered a gleeful surprise, but the follow-up ‘Love Attack’ crystallised their sonic course.

The verses are in equal parts punchy and fun, building to a delightful chorus that overflows with breezy melodies and heavenly vocals. ‘Love Attack’ is all about drawing new horizons with an irresistible romance, but in a greater perspective, it’s an invitation to uncover RESCENE’s boundless potential. IV

10. Kep1er – ‘Shooting Star’

Some might call ‘Shooting Star’ an ending, but it’s more of a launchpad into a new era for Kep1er, a group that, despite the odds and looming disbandment, truly found their footing in 2024. Their final release with all nine original members, the synthwave track burns bright, igniting with shimmering synths, ethereal vocals and an energy that propels them forward.

Even in its quieter moments, ‘Shooting Star’ makes an impact; the harmoniser effect in the pre-chorus creates a layered, otherworldly texture, adding depth and enhancing its emotive pull. What was initially intended as a farewell has since come to radiate promise, a sense of anticipation for what’s to come. CB

9. LE SSERAFIM – ‘1-800-hot-n-fun’

In an age where phone conversations spark anxiety, ‘1-800-hot-n-fun’ makes a convincing case to bring back toll-free calls – especially if it guarantees a spot to party with LE SSERAFIM. This flirty hot-girl anthem packages cheeky dialogue with a jolting electric guitar riff that anchors the chorus.

The highlight, though, is the line: “Where the heck is Saki?” – a teasing wink to member Sakura that feels like we’re privy to one of the group’s inside jokes. ‘1-800-hot-n-fun’ isn’t just a direct line to the girl group; it’s the track you’ll have on repeat and on speed dial for a wild night out. DA

8. tripleS – ‘Girls Never Die’

With their chimeric vision and 24 distinct voices, tripleS are redefining what it means to be a girl group. That ethos shines through in their single ‘Girls Never Die’, which offers a refreshingly raw take on girlhood, eschewing the usual rose-tinted portrayal for something more honest.

The collective voice the vulnerability of young womanhood, underscoring its introspective tone over a laid-back groove laced with dreamy synths. Moody yet empowering, it leans into tripleS’ ethereal soundscape, delivering an anthem that insists: “Girls never die, girls never cry.” It’s a potent message that’s as modern as it is timeless. CB

7. RIIZE – ‘Impossible’

This pop-house knockout bursts with unrelenting ecstasy, from its wispy harmonies to the delightful, Daft Punk-ish synth flourishes. It’s a song that carries itself in sleek nostalgia and an irresistible bliss, making three minutes feel more like 30 seconds.

RIIZE’s youthful energy is the main force behind this effect, majestically steering the track through its breezy turns and unrelenting pace. Their voices are tinted with eagerness – as if the best summer of their lives was only a finger’s distance away. And with a soundtrack like ‘Impossible’, maybe it really was. TA

6. fromis_9 – ‘Supersonic’

‘Supersonic’ may very well be the last release we get from fromis_9 – the group will part ways with their label at the end of the year, leaving their future undetermined – but the sun-drenched Miami bass banger clarifies exactly why we need the dynamic girl group to stick around.

After chiding the heat in raspy lower registers and vocal fry (“Drink and drink but still parched”), then come the high notes and whistle tones with the velocity of a water cannon blast. Refreshing as a cool glass of H2O, ‘Supersonic’ is the perfect remedy for the potential drought to come. AW

5. Red Velvet – ‘Cosmic’

It has been ten years since Red Velvet ascended as one of the brightest stars in the K-pop universe. And to celebrate the victories of such a storied career, it was only logical that the quintet would present something just as glorious.

So they gifted us ‘Cosmic’, a sun-kissed track sprinkled with eeriness – in true Red Velvet fashion – about a transitory love they yearn to make everlasting. Its melodies dance between radiance and gloom, however, it’s on the bridge where the song transforms into an interstellar voyage, lifted by the group’s vocal magic. IV

4. KISS OF LIFE – ‘Sticky’

While rookie girl group KISS OF LIFE have carved out a reputation as this K-pop generation’s femme fatales, the quartet decided to dip their toes into a more laid-back, playful image this summer with ‘Sticky’ – and the results were fabulous.

Despite its minimalist production, the quartet easily fill the space with skilful, melodic vocal runs and riffs, with main vocalist Belle leading the charge. Refreshing and addictive, this Afrobeats-inspired track bursts with flirty energy, whisking you off into a tropical getaway teeming with romantic tension as they sing: “How long before we fall in love?” GY

3. ILLIT – ‘Magnetic’

One of the most infectious debut singles K-pop has seen this year, with some absolutely mesmerising finger-focused choreography, ‘Magnetic’ arrived in March and promptly made ILLIT the earworm pop princesses of early-2024. The breathy, repeated “you, you, you”s of the infectious chorus couldn’t help but find a way into your heart and playlists.

With dreamlike synths, scattered beats and glitchy callouts awash in digital distortion, the soundscape ILLIT present is as magical as it is, well, magnetic. Part club song, part video game anthem, ‘Magnetic’ is effusively addictive, proving that sometimes magnetic objects really do only have positive traits. TH

2. Rosé and Bruno Mars – ‘APT.’

Expectations were high before the release of ‘APT.’ – it was Rosé’s first solo offering since leaving YG Entertainment after all – but the BLACKPINK star came out swinging with the earworm of the season. Inspired by a Korean drinking game of the same name, the song is as wonderfully catchy as it is smartly grounded in relatability.

With pink-tinged flirty iconography, a genius interpolation of Toni Basil’s ‘Mickey’ and an infectiously funky chanted chorus, ‘APT.’ will go down in history as the perfect case study on how to launch a solo career. The cherry on top of a great package? The assist (vocally, but also creatively) from the ever-charismatic Bruno Mars. SD

1. aespa – ‘Supernova’

If there was one name on everybody’s lips this year, it was aespa. After last year’s ‘Spicy’ and ‘Drama’, the world waited with bated breath as the quartet readied their first studio album – and they sure as hell did not disappoint. Leading the charge was the explosive ‘Supernova’, an impossibly catchy electronic dance number that quickly shot the group to astronomical heights.

Glitchy, alien-like synths skitter frantically throughout the track, maintaining a steady, heart-racing momentum throughout. Although aespa have had a solid run throughout their career, ‘Supernova’ so accurately foretells the unbelievable creative and commercial success this year (“Event’s imminent ah-oh-ay / Blowin’ up crazy ah-oh-ay / Questions keep comin’ ah-oh-ay / Where did we come from oh”) that it may well have been written in the stars. Thrilling and bold, ‘Supernova’ is a three-minute trip into a futuristic cyberpunk utopia, leaving you wanting more the second it’s over. GY

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