[Special] 2020 Top 100 K-Pop Songs 30-21

30. DRIPPIN – Nostalgia [Boyager]
One of the most exciting debuts of the year, Woollim’s newest boy band came out with a great tune. Nostalgia does take some more nostlagic elements of prior boy bands with its explosive EXO-like chorus but still keeps it up-to-date in its slick choruses.

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29. SuperM – One (Monster & Infinity) [Super One]
I genuinely enjoyed “Jopping” from 2019, but I was baffled with One (Monster & Infinity) at first. Combining two songs into one is a fun idea, but I find the verses to be a bit bare. The magic really happens in its commanding chorus, where the harmonies are fleshed out and really bring out the magic of the melody.

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28. OH MY GIRL – Nonstop (살짝 설렜어) [NONSTOP]
I was really happy to see that OH MY GIRL had such a great year, although I was initially disappointed with the change in sound they made. Still, Nonstop really grew on me. It’s tropical house elements are a bit 2017, but its happy and vibrant energy is what carries the song. It’s catchy, joyful and was much needed for 2020.

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27. Sunmi – pporappippam (보라빛 밤) [pporappippam]
Sunmi’s music seems so cohesive but still retains enough differences in each individual song that it helps to really flourish her sound. pporappippam feels like a combination of “Siren” and “Heroine”, powered by its chugging guitar and retro synths. It’s totally Sunmi.

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26. KEEMBO – Scandalous [Scandalous]
One of the most underrated acts of 2020, KEEMBO is a duo comprising of former SPICA members. Both known for the vocal abilities, it sounds like the perfect combination, especially considering they are backed by Sweetune. Scandalous is their most uptempo offering, hitting it with the flashy synths, but still bringing an almost indie vibe.

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25. MAMAMOO – WANNA BE MYSELF [WANNA BE MYSELF]
For some reason, my favourite songs from MAMAMOO every year seem to be their extra releases. WANNA BE MYSELF stands out because of its disco-inspired backdrop. Packing some dramatic strings, light synths and groovy bass, the song’s melody pushes and pulls in the right places.

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24. ITZY – WANNABE [IT’z ME]
One of the biggest 4th generation groups, ITZY continued their bratty pop sound with WANNABE. The verses power along, bringing some fun transitions that really showcase the group’s style. However, the chorus hits hard on the more melodic side of things, recalling what made “Dalla Dalla” so great.

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23. Younha – Dark Cloud (먹구름) [UNSTABLE MINDSET]
Released right at the beginning of 2020, Dark Cloud was overshadowed by its B-side, “Winter Flower”, which featured BTS member RM. I much prefer Dark Cloud because it feels totally in line with Younha’s sound. An emotion pop/rock ballad that showcases her vocals, this song only progressively more and more powerful.

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22. ATEEZ – Answer [TREASURE EPILOGUE : Action To Answer]
ATEEZ has yet to become a group I stan, but I still look out for their releases. Answer especially grew on me a lot. Although I already enjoyed it when it was released, the song’s soaring chorus is just so easy to get wrapped into. Tied with the boy band’s usual hard-hitting raps, the song goes full out.

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21. IZ*ONE – Fiesta [BLOOM*IZ]
With IZ*ONE releasing so many different songs for 2020, it was Fiesta that has still remained my favourite of the year’s releases. Starting off in a classic and elegant style, the song gradually opens up, heightening in speed and intensity before launching into its slick chorus. It’s not the catchiest melody, but the overall package is exhilarating.

[Special] 2020 Top 100 K-Pop Songs 70-61

70. GFriend – Crossroads (교차로) [Hui: Labyrinth]
GFriend had one of their most productive years, releasing two mini-albums and one full album. Crossroads was the start, bringing a glimpse of classic GFriend and their more elegant style. It swings back and forth with its sweeping strings, taking influences from J-Pop.

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69. AB6IX – The Answer (답을 줘) [VIVID]
AB6IX hasn’t really hit me out of the ballpark yet, but The Answer is the closest they have come. Changing up sounds for something brighter, the song opens sounding like a classic hip-hop inspired tune. Then it transforms in its chorus, bringing a funky bass and slick guitar before cashing in for its fun post-chorus breakdown.

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68. IZ*ONE – Panorama [One-reeler / Act VI]
Another productive group in 2020, IZ*ONE has released several EPs and albums. Panorama returns us to the stomping pop sound of “Fiesta”, with its slicker chorus and funk-driven arrangement. It doesn’t quite hit the same spot in terms of melody, but its high octane sound makes up for it.

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67. CLC – HELICOPTER [HELICOPTER]
Despite having one of their most active years in 2019, CLC only released one single in 2020. HELICOPTER is a hard-hitting pop/EDM track that takes cues from their 2019 song, “ME”. This isn’t a bad thing though. It’s more on the generic side, but its slow build and easy to sink in hook make it a powerful and catchy listen.

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66. BTS – Dynamite [Dynamite]
Bringing their first English single, Dynamite feels like the perfect evolution of BTS’ sound. Its classic disco/funk sound takes a lot of influences from the current 80’s revival but brings a contemporary swing with its clap beats and groovy essence. If the vocals weren’t so processed, this would have been jackpot.

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65. REDSQUARE – ColorFull [Prequel]
I wasn’t expecting such a strong debut from REDSQUARE. ColorFull isn’t anything new, but its stomping beat and powerful backing works wonderfully in highlighting the song’s array of hooks. The cool raps, strong vocals and catchy melody make it one of the year’s best debuts.

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64. 1THE9 – Bad Guy [Turn Over]
Temporary group 1THE9 saw a strange year in terms of releases and contracts, however, they were able to release this gem. While the verses are a bit of a downer, Bad Guy excels in its chorus. It’s rapid build into an explosive pop track pays homage to the sounds of early 10’s K-Pop groups.

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63. April – Now or Never [Hello Summer]
After a year of nothing, April finally saw some breakout success in 2020. Now or Never was their follow-up to the popular “LALALILALA”, bringing a summery pop tune that has the girls changing up their sound again. It’s not a classic pop hit, but its carefree feel is a nice throwback to the sounds of SISTAR.

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62. Eric Nam – Paradise [The Other Side]
Eric Nam hasn’t really been on my radar musically since his debut release, but Paradise was a nice surprise. It goes for a more serious tone, but still has a propulsive enough beat to keep it energized and intense. It’s catchy melody just slithers throughout, carried by Eric’s strong vocals.

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61. NCT U – 90’s Love [NCT RESONANCE Pt.2]
The 90’s are my favourite decade of music so I love it when artists take influences from there. Well, 90’s Love is a clear throwback to that mix of hip-hop and R&B. The verses are full of rapping, but don’t feel like they can breathe with propulsive energy. The chorus is more chanting, but it still holds a fun enough hook and melody to keep the vibe exciting.

[Special] 2019 Top 100 K-Pop Songs 20-11

20. Red Velvet – Umpah Umpah (음파음파) [‘The ReVe Festival’ Day 2]
While “Zimzalabim” came with mixed reception due to its odd structure, Umpah Umpah‘s more straightforward delivery didn’t really garner a much different reaction. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoy this track. It feels perfectly tailored for the summer season with its grandiose chorus and lighthearted verses. It’s just nice to get a great pop melody from the group.

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19. CLC – No [No.1]
CLC saw a great year in 2019, showing some success and garnering their first win. No started the year off with a blast and continued the group’s harder-edged sound. The song combines a killer chorus with a fun spoken hook that keeps it sassy and memorable. Of course, it doesn’t slouch in other parts and feels like a continuous punch.

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18. Cosmic Girls – As You Wish (이루리) [As You Wish]
Cosmic Girls has become my favourite girl group of the new generation. While 2019 saw their sound diverge a little from their dreamier pop sound, the group came out with three solid mini albums and three stellar title tracks. As You Wish has the group going for a more high-octane pop sound and the song never feels like it lets up. The song’s final minute is among the best ending moments of 2019.

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17. TWICE – Feel Special [Feel Special]
Despite being active in their fifth year already, TWICE had become increasingly criticized for their focus on aegyo-focused bubblegum pop. 2019 brought out a new TWICE that hit a more mature sound. Feel Special feels like the perfect continuation of “FANCY” with its heavy synth-based arrangement and infectious hooks. It’s a bit overproduced, but it slaps anyway.

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16. IZ*ONE – Violetta (비올레타) [HEART*IZ]
IZ*ONE had a pretty crazy year. Starting off with their second mini-album and doing especially well before halting all activities in the second half of the year due to the Produce 101 scandal although it seems they will be coming back in 2020. Violetta feels like a great follow-up to their debut track, “La Vie en Rose”, sharing many similar aspects. However, the song hits harder with everything. Stronger beat, flashier synths, catchier hooks.

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15. TXT – Crown (어느날 머리에서 뿔이 자랐다) [THE DREAM CHAPTER: STAR]
Despite being a newly debuted group, TXT has already had one of the strongest debuts ever. Crown brings a purely pop delivery that just showcases the group more youthful vibe. While I’m still not a fan of BigHit’s vocal editing, it’s hard to deny the song’s breezing energy and infectious chorus.

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14. Cosmic Girls – Boogie Up [For the Summer]
Despite trying to stray from their synth-based sound in 2017, “HAPPY” and “Kiss Me” saw a lot of mixed reactions when they were released. Trying to bring the summery fun back, Boogie Up feels like Cosmic Girls hitting the right spot when it comes to branching out. Despite not having a full fledged chorus, the song’s flashy arrangement helps to carry the summer energy.

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13. Stray Kids – MIROH [Clé 1 : MIROH]
Stray Kids were pretty much not on my radar before I heard MIROH. I’m not a huge fan of hip-hop inspired pop tunes, so I had a difficult time getting into their earlier material. However, MIROH tries to change things up. It still has the group’s hip-hop vibes, but instead of dropping us into a low energy, trap-inspired chorus, we get this crazy, high-octane delivery. It’s attention grabbing.

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12. EXO – Obsession [OBSESSION]
I didn’t quite get what EXO was going for with Obsession when it first released. Cut down by a few members, it was the group’s return and felt a little weird. However, once the song hit, it hit hard. It has this crazy structure that just feels unpredictable, but is still anchored by a catchy chorus that comes off rather light when compared to the intensity around it.

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11. Chungha – Gotta Go (벌써 12시) [Gotta Go]
Chungha continued to have great success flowing into 2019 and started the year with this intense number. Much of her past title tracks were flowy or rather summery, but Gotta Go feels more like a harder-hitting version of “Roller Coaster”. The song has a really interesting chorus where it feels like things slow down a bit before everything really opens up.

[Special] 2018 Top 100 K-Pop Songs 20-11

20. VIXX – Scentist (향) [EAU DE VIXX]
VIXX has been going down the route of focusing on drops and repetition than actual fleshed out choruses, but in my opinion, this is their best song in a while. While 2017’s “Shangri-La” had some Eastern influences to the music, there is something haunting about the song. The verses are rather lackluster, but I love it when it gets into that chorus things just amp up, especially in the second chorus where another piece is tagged on to make things even more intense. Scentist wasn’t that interesting to me a while back, but it sneaked its way up.

19. April – Oh! My Mistake (예쁜 게 죄) [The Ruby]
April has recently been going the grandiose and classic style with numbers like “April Story”, “Take My Hand” and “Blue Bird”. While I enjoyed “Blue Bird”, I was completely shocked at how infectious the synth-pop Oh! My Mistake was. I thought it was a bit of a mess when I listened to it initially, but subsequent listens really brought out its charms. It’s one of those songs that sounds like every part of it has hooks (ala AOA’s “Heart Attack”) and it feels like I hear new things each time I listen to it. I absolutely love that chorus and its even stronger in the last minute.

18. Hyolyn – SEESEA (바다보러갈래) [SEESEA]
Going the solo route was an obvious choice for Hyolyn who has some great dancing and vocal skills. SEESEA is the perfect summer song. It’s breezy, effortless and sensual but still has that touch of brightness to keep its energy infectious. Hyolyn’s raspy vocals fit it wonderfully and unlike the more subdued vocal performance in “Dally”, Hyolyn lets her voice shine in the end. The chorus is especially gorgeous with its silky melody and vocal snippets that help to create a fuller experience.

17. OH MY GIRL – Secret Garden (비밀정원) [Secret Garden]
“Remember Me” was the song that I was most excited to hear with its stomping synth-pop execution. However, it’s the classic charms of Secret Garden that seem to pull me back each time. What really gets me is that gorgeous orchestral chorus that makes an explosive entrance. It’s not the most cool or hook-heavy song on my list, but I feel like its overall delivery brings more emotion than a lot of other songs on the list and its the type of song that leaves me in a good mood.

16. PENTAGON – Shine (빛나리) [Positive]
PENTAGON was easily my favourite boy band of 2017 and while they started off amazingly strong in 2018 with this catchy number, the rest of the year left a little more to be desired with the group’s scandal and somewhat lacking follow-up release. Shine is a juggernaut though and it kills me to think that I did not like this song that much on first listen. I thought it was completely ridiculous with its humorous vocal delivery and funky hooks. However, it’s hard to ignore this song. It has an earworm of a chorus and the guys bring so much personality that it really helps drive the song even further.

15. Sunmi – Siren (사이렌) [WARNING]
While Sunmi saw some controversy with 2018’s early release, “Heroine”, she returned with an absolutely stunning tune. Siren is a return of that 80’s synth-pop sound that was so present in the Wonder Girls’ last studio album release and it is a perfect fit for Sunmi. She commands its powerful chorus with “Get away out of my face” before bringing a more playful side with the “na na na” hooks. It brings such a fun contrast to a song that is driven by a stomping beat and flashy synths.

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14. Red Velvet – Bad Boy [The Perfect Red Velvet]
While Red Velvet has experimented with their Velvet side quite a few times already, I don’t think they quite hit the spot as perfectly as with Bad Boy. With a stronger R&B influence, this is easily the group’s most mature title track and it pays off. While I’ve loved the fun and wacky songs that the group has done in the past, this one is one of their more stream-lined songs and has a clearer focus in what it wants to achieve. The chorus isn’t the type that hits you in your face, but instead slinks its way into your head. I think what really gets me is the great vocal performance from the girls.

13. UNB – BLACK HEART [BLACK HEART]
UNB were the boy band to come out of the show, The Unit, and while they were shortlived, there was a lot of potential here. The saddest part is that the group only released like a mini-album and a single before dissipating. BLACK HEART brings some retro funk with the bouncy piano foundation found in the chorus that is covered by a pounding beat and touches of brass and crazy synths. When you focus on the music, it feels a bit like a mess, but it works so nicely with that attention grabbing melody and hook. The energy is absolutely infectious.

12. BoA – ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT [ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT]
As a BoA fan since good old 2004, 2018 was a great year with several releases from the international pop star. While I absolutely adored the powerful “WOMAN” and more mainstream “Nega Dola”, it was this stream-lined pop track that has kept me hooked the whole year. It has the right amount of hooks, but doesn’t sacrifice melody for repetition and retains a good balance while providing BoA with one of her most intoxicating choruses. Her nasally vocals also brings a lot of character to ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT.

11. IZ*ONE – La Vie en Rose (라비앙로즈) [COLOR*IZ]
The most recent winning group from the Produce series in Korea, IZ*ONE hit off with a stellar debut. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the song this much, but there is something really charming to me about La Vie en Rose. While the song does have a pretty empty and drop-like chorus, I like that it compensates things by making the verses and pre-choruses so long and interesting. They start off slow, but there is so much change in the vocal performances and deliveries that it helps keep the energy up. The song also has a great synth refrain that is almost traditional in its sound.