Speaking of impressive debuts to spectacular comebacks in 2024, the K-pop scene has been nothing short of extraordinary, demonstrating once again the genre’s ability to capture our hearts. The eclectic mix of popular songs below reinforces K-pop’s global dominance, and we are thrilled to present our list of the 10 best K-pop songs of 2024, in order of their release.
“Love Wins All” – IU
“Love Wins All” is IU’s euphonious singing, reminiscent of a tender love ballad in an emotionally charged K-drama. IU’s smooth vocals shine especially while hitting those high registers.
The song’s visuals flatter its essence thanks to IU and V (BTS) playing lovers in a dystopian future battling for survival while reflecting on good times—cozy moments, marriage, and love.
IU’s voice lends the piece sensitivities by juxtaposing the emotive and expressive characteristics of the music and lyrics. Words or none at all serve an overall visual composition of gestures, acts, and scenes in this fine artistic musical imagination.
“Super lady” – (G)I-dle
“Super Lady” combines concept and performance making a strong statement. Its words, underpinning women’s empowerment in sync with the song’s throbbing rhythms, are a call to action for women to own their power—a tribute to their beauty and resilience. Its massive, concert-like setting gives the video a larger-than-life presence.
Sonically, “Super Lady” is a fusion of styles, with the gritty energy of G-house and the racing rhythms of electro-house, plus aggressive drumming and hymns offering a solid base for the soaring, anthemic melodies and bass. Dynamic vocals, rap, sound, and striking visuals create a rich aesthetic and listening experience drawing deeper into its message—something that (G)I-dle has become known for.
“Magnetic” – Illit
Fresh from the rookie girl group that debuted in March this year with its EP Super Real Me comes a pretty, cute “Magnetic.” With its soaring statistics and inclusion in multiple major song charts, the lead single off the record has had a fantastic run already, making Illit one of the best debuts of 2024.
“Magnetic” marries a soothing ambient tone with electronic dance music. It extols Illit’s endearing image, that of a young girl pursuing her crush. A bright-eyed, dreamy pop tune that, in Illit’s distinguished singing, fizzes with the beauty of innocence and feelings.
“Impossible” – Riize
Uplifting house beats and dreamy synth up the ante in “Impossible,” a song that celebrates the power of teamwork. Dynamic rhythms are at the heart of its house music experience. The melodic elements, stacked together with Riize’s deft rendition of “Emotional Pop,” create a distinct sound.“Impossible” also provides an ideal dance experience, pure, unrestrained expressiveness on trance-inducing beats. I love the choreography and the euphoric, floaty vibe of the music and its ability to elicit an effective emotional response, which is where “Impossible” shines through.
“Spot!” – Zico, feat. Jennie
As Zico and Jennie’s (Blackpink) singular styles meet on “Spot!” it’s quite the jam and fun to behold. The hip-hop hit is a perfect party number; the repeating “Up and down, round and round, hit the spot, spot, spot, spot” adds to the feels—an urge to have fun.
Jennie’s hook line impresses, and Zico’s flow [as usual] is hip in one swaggering track. The collaboration was released in the summer of 2024, and it has since secured its spot as one of the year’s top K-pop releases.
“Maestro” – Seventeen
Seventeen slays “Maestro” in style. It uses elements from the band’s earlier releases: “Adore U,” “Very Nice,” “Oh My,” “Fear,” “Rock with You,” “Cheers,” and “Super,” in addition to a new sound and concept.
“Maestro” drips energy and has a snappy pre-chorus transition. Subtly fusing R&B and EDM beats creates a sultry sonic ambiance, and the dramatic arrangement adds extra entertainment value.
The song’s narrative envisions a future when artificial intelligence (AI) dominates, even music and creativity. “Who is the real Maestro?” it asks, as the inventive accompanying music video stimulates. Robot strikes among tech-heavy sets indicate AI supremacy in music, which may result in rigid decision-making, prioritizing algorithm-friendly sounds over those with emotions and authenticity.
“Supernova” – Aespa
Aespa’s debut full-length album, Armageddon, signals a new chapter in its discography. Armageddon feels like an exhilarating musical odyssey encapsulating Aespa’s “concept and identity” and traversing both the physical and virtual realms into the multiverse.
The imposing double title track “Supernova,” of dance and hyper-pop ingredients, presents each member with a superpower, giving diverse viewpoints on Armageddon’s underlying story. Its highlights are its distinct, metallic, and catchy music; the chorus, especially, lends more oomph. “Supernova” is Aespa’s vocal power play, stage presence, and the grandeur it brings into its performances.
“Cosmic” – Red Velvet
“Cosmic” is a soaring Red Velvet song fresh from its extensive repertoire. Sonically alluring, “Cosmic”’s dreamy music video—of floral, summer-world aesthetics—gingers up the dance-pop track of synth melodies and disco beats.
A dynamic chorus, a stunning bridge section, and gorgeous, fluid melodies play up the spirit—a tranquil listening experience that gradually builds up in rhythms—a Red Velvet magic, its choral delight, and beautiful, mystical details of the synth-driven melodies.
“Who” – Jimin
Jimin’s (BTS) star power and performance, which characterize the song, make the accompanying video increasingly enigmatic. His cool, free self, accompanied by dancers performing under neon lights, strolling around the boulevards at nighttime and singing, “Who is my heart waiting for?” seeking that special “someone” he’s never met.
The ambient lighting, Jimin’s dance moves, signature tone, unique vocals, and the music—the strings, rhythms, and synth notes—all coalesce into something surreal. “Who” is a palette of sounds spotlighting Jimin’s voice just right—making the song sound a bit trippy and one of my favorites.
“APT” – Rosé & Bruno Mars
A Korean drinking game inspires a song, and the song becomes a resounding global hit thanks to Rosé (Blackpink) & Bruno Mars. The mega-hit blends many things: pop—pop punk, pop rock, and electropop—with elements of rock music.
The song kicks off with the APT game slogan, then progresses into Bruno’s rap and Rosé’s part, amping up the vibe. The prelude into the engaging chorus serves it right, rendering a one-of-a-kind [K]pop song defined by the appeal of two global superstars and their teamwork. “APT” is a great song, but a greater cultural product that not only refreshes enthusiasm for K-pop but also Korean culture into the bargain.
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