[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 80-71

80. Chungha – PLAY [PLAY]
One of the standouts from Chungha in 2020, PLAY sees the young artist playing around with something more latin-inspired. It doesn’t fall into the sexy trap, but instead brings an explosive chorus that is powered by its pumping beat and brass.

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79. aespa – Black Mamba [Black Mamba]
Over six years since SM’s last girl group debut, aespa came onto the scene with their strange concept. Luckily, the group also debuted with the attention grabbing dance/pop track, Black Mamba, that has the girls going for a cooler and slicker sound.

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78. MAMAMOO – Dingga (딩가딩가) [Dingga]
MAMAMOO saw their most successful year in 2020 with strong album, digital and solo sales. Dingga goes for a bit of a funkier vibe, which feels perfectly fitting with the groups spontaneous image. It has its cute moments and never seems to let up on its fun energy.

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77. EVERGLOW – DUN DUN [Reminiscence]
Following up on their strong girl crush sound of 2019, DUN DUN goes in hard. With its constant build up, the song never feels like it falls flat, striking heavy with its pounding beat and flashy synths.

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76. MONSTA X – FANTASIA [FANTASIA X]
After the loss of Wonho last year, it has felt like the group lost some momentum. Still, MONSTA X has not let down on the music, continuing to release their trademark in-your-face pop tracks. FANTASIA works around its catchy hook, injecting rap and chants to keep it exciting and powerful.

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75. J.Y. Park & Sunmi – When We Disco [When We Disco]
I love disco music, so when K-pop goes disco then I usually fall for it. When We Disco sees two charismatic pop artists go at it. The fluttering beat, slicing synths and catchy melody take things back to the 70’s but with a Korean twist.

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74. Yerin Baek – Hate You [tellusaboutyourself]
I missed putting Yerin’s songs in 2019 for my last year end list and it has been my biggest regret. Hate You isn’t quite as strong as the promotional tracks on her last album, but its laid back vibe and Yerin’s unique tone keep it intoxicating. The simply executed hook is easy to flow into.

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73. DreamNote – Wish (바라다) [Dream Wish]
The thing with Wish is that it isn’t an amazing track or something that stands out as totally unique, but there is something absolutely great about it. It feels like a wonderfully crafted pop track, slowly building up its energy to punch hard for its soaring chorus. It has so many great moments about it.

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72. Weki Meki – OOPSY [HIDE and SEEK]
Weki Meki had one of their most active years in 2020 and despite some declining sales, the group has continued to bring some solid pop tracks. OOPSY is reminiscent of “Picky Picky”, hitting it nicely with the slick melody and catchy hooks. It’s a bit generic, but has lots of fun charms about it.

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71. Ailee – When We Were In Love (우리 사랑한 동안) [I’m]
If a K-Pop idol isn’t releasing a pounding pop track, they are most likely going to release a classic Korean pop ballad. When We Were In Love is your usual sounding ballad from Korea, but it is propelled by Ailee’s stunning voice and a beautiful melody.

[Special] 2019 Top 100 K-Pop Songs 10-1

10. NCT 127 – Superhuman [NCT #127 WE ARE SUPERHUMAN]
I’ve never been a particularly big fan of the NCT units because many of their songs follow a stronger hip-hop foundation. However, Superhuman seems to have wanted me to listen to it. It’s striking 90’s delivery is hard to escape and it’s thumping beat combined with its euphoric melody takes things to the next level. Hope to hear this kind of gorgeous delivery again.

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09. Cosmic Girls – La La Love [WJ STAY?]
After the insane quality of 2018’s title tracks from WJSN, I was a little unsure of my feelings towards La La Love. It’s muddled verses have grown on me with there seductive takes, but it’s that flashy gorgeous that really heightens the songs beauty. It seems to combine the pop hooks of “Save Me, Save You”, while bringing the dreaminess of “Dreams Come True”.

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08. ONF – We Must Love (사랑하게 될 거야) [We Must Love]
It’s weird, at first I actually regarded We Must Love as ONF’s weakest title track but throughout the year, it’s charms had slowly unraveled. It’s short and gentle verses give way to commanding chorus opening before sliding into an absolutely intoxicating synthline that brings it an early 00’s quality. It’s nothing that feels particularly unique, but it’s quality is without a doubt, stellar.

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07. VERIVERY – Ring Ring Ring (불러줘) [VERI-US]
Taking us back into the early 90’s, we get VERIVERY again with there take on New-Jack-Swing. Like their other title tracks from 2019, VERIVERY delivered a quality tune with Ring Ring Ring. It’s a bit weird that they really hit out of the park with their debut though, but it’s that bright and youthful chorus that brings us a the fun mix of melodic and repetitive.

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06. Sunmi – Noir (누아르) [Noir]
For me, Noir is Sunmi’s best song yet. Unlike the trendy “Gashina”, commanding “Heroine” nor the seductive “Siren”, Noir takes on a calmer trip that sees Sunmi playing with her sound a bit more. It’s not in your face, but there is something really intoxicating with how the chorus plays around with the melody and background vocals. I just hope Sunmi continues to experiment with her sound further.

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05. KNK – SUNSET [KNK S/S COLLECTION]
I wasn’t really expecting KNK to make much of a comeback and if they did, I was expecting more along the lines of their last few songs. Instead, SUNSET completely knocks me off my feet. Here we get some darker house elements that see the group taking on a different sound and style. It’s dizzying verses make way for a pretty bare chorus, but it’s instrumental carries things with its swirling energy.

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04. Weki Meki – Tiki-Taka (99%) [WEEK END LOL]
When Weki Meki debuted, they were just not my cup of tea. Their debut single definitely grew on me, but never quite got me into the group. While the group has slowly continued to upgrade their sound, it finally peaked with Tiki-Taka (99%), which is easily the group’s best song and one of the best summer tunes I’ve listened to. It feels like nothing new, but it just has a stellar melody and driven instrumental that fits perfectly for the bright season.

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03. TWICE – FANCY [FANCY YOU]
While I’ve loved many TWICE songs before, FANCY was the song that made me a total fan. It was the song that launched the year that showed growth in the group’s music and it really shows. It still keeps the group’s sticky hooks and feels like they got an upgrade in their image and sound. It’s slick synths and explosive energy gives way to the group’s most aegyo-less vocal performances and I love it.

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02. ONF – Why [GO LIVE]
I had a difficult time deciding with ONF track to rank higher but I finally ended up with Why. This isn’t a song that I find myself listening to often. In fact, it feels quite difficult for me to put on repeat because there is a heavier tone to it. However, once it flies into that chorus, it’s hard to put things down. It feels like it plays on “We Must Love”s synthlines but brings a more emotional depth to its overall delivery.

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01. A Pink – %% (응응) [PERCENT]
2018 saw A Pink finally changing up their sound to something a bit more mature after 7 years of “cute” and “lovely”. I enjoyed the group’s music before, but “I’m So Sick” was such a slick change that I couldn’t help fall in love. %% wasn’t what I wanted at first. It was certainly a change but it felt like a step down. Throughout the year though, it’s bouncy synths and seductive melody really drove into my mind. It’s the kind of song that unravels something different with each listen and it still continues to grab my attention.

[Special] 2019 Top 100 K-Pop Songs 90-81

90. 1THE9 – Spotlight [XIX]
Debuting as a project group from the reality show, Under Nineteen, 1THE9 only have one year of activities. I’m usually not a big fan of hip-hop inspired tunes, but Spotlight is a fairly catchy tune with some great hooks and a sassier “old western” influence.

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89. ONEUS – Twilight (태양이 떨어진다) [RAISE US]
ONEUS debuted this year to decent success and strong output, although I’ve felt their title tracks have become progressively worse. Twilight is a solid follow-up with its dramatic build up and eventual synth-driven EDM blast.

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88. GWSN – RED SUN (021) [THE PARK IN THE NIGHT part three]
GWSN has been able to establish themselves with a quirky take on bubblegum-EDM pop. While RED SUN (021) is their weakest title track yet with its stronger tropical house and EDM influences, there are some great moments scattered throughout.

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87. Dreamcatcher – Deja Vu (데자부) [Raid of Dream]
While Dreamcatcher has continuously released rock-influenced dance tunes, each of them tries to add different elements. Deja Vu opens almost ballad-like with its softer delivery and piano before flying out of the gates in usual Dreamcatcher fashion.

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86. Cherry Bullet – Really Really (네가 참 좋아) [LOVE ADVENTURE]
Cherry Bullet started their debut year strong but eventually saw the departure of three members. I didn’t particularly care for Really Really at first, but its infectious video game-like synth and stomping beat are too much fun.

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85. Baek Yerin – Maybe It’s Not Our Fault (그건 아마 우리의 잘못은 아닐 거야) [Our love is great]
With her airy vocals and soft R&B music, Baek Yerin always seems to deliver some solid tunes despite my hesitation towards K-R&B. Maybe It’s Not Our Fault recalls her debut single from years back with its gentle beat and glittering backdrop.

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84. GOT7 – ECLIPSE [SPINNING TOP : BETWEEN SECURITY & INSECURITY]
I skimmed over GOT7’s material for most of the year, but heading back into it has made me realize the strong title tracks I’ve missed. ECLIPSE loses the funk elements of their last few songs and replaces it with a demanding EDM beat and emotional vocals.

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83. Sunmi – LALALAY (날라리) [LALALAY]
Probably her most polarizing song to date, LALALAY takes on more trendy elements but gives us a drop instead of a fleshed out chorus. Its squeaky, Middle Eastern influenced synth can get a bit much, but it’s made up for by its attitude-filled verses.

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82. JBJ95 – SPARKS (불꽃처럼) [SPARK]
I actually completely forgot about SPARKS until recently, but I’m surprised I did because it is a solid pop tune. JBJ95 work that euphoric chorus that flies into a catchy hook and commanding rap.

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81. GFRIEND – Fever (열대야) [FEVER SEASON]
GFRIEND decided to show a different side of themselves by changing up their sound. While there are a few similar elements to their classic powerful pop sound, Fever is largely focused on its dramatic tropical house elements.

[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.

[Special] 2017 Top 100 K-Pop Songs 20-11

20. G-Dragon – Untitled, 2014 [Kwon Ji Yong]
A lot of BIG BANG stuff is hit or miss with me and I haven’t really followed much of their solo stuff outside of the occasional tune. Untitled, 2014 really surprised me though. A piano-focused pop ballad, the song is absolutely stunning and emotional. The lyrics talk about a failed relationship that he wants to revisit. While the lyrics are a bit cliche, it’s sung in such a genuine way that it really elevates the song. Not the mention the melody is really beautiful and it really dips and gives a bit of unpredictability. Definitely one of G-Dragon’s strongest tracks.

19. Sunmi – Gashina [Gashina]
One of the biggest hits of the year, Gashina was Sunmi’s return as a solo artist and it is a great re-introduction. It plays on that synthpop sound, but has some clever aspects to it. Certainly, the visual aspect of the song is what really catapulted it to fame, but the song is still a solid listen. Sunmi’s voice fits really well here and she is able to give an attitude-filled performance. While the song relies largely on a drop, the synth line is catchy and works well with the repetitive hook.

18. SNUPER – Meteor (유성) [Meteor]
SNUPER really took things up a notch in 2017. I absolutely loved Back:Hug and Meteor, which made it really difficult to decide which one I wanted to feature. Meteor ultimately came out on top because of its sleek play on tropical house and intense moments. The chorus melody is really catchy, but it’s the hook in the second half that really steps things up. The harmonies tied with the pulsating music really blend together so well and help to create something more mythical. It’s a juggernaut of a tune.

17. Girls Next Door – Deep Blue Eyes [Idol Drama Operation Team OST Part.2]
Produced by B1A4 member, Jinyoung, the song certainly has the charming synthpop sound that he has become more well-known for. Backed by a number of different girl group members, Deep Blue Eyes brings an interesting twist with its fun and unpredictable hooks. The whole song has some really stellar parts and every section in memorable. Definitely the highlight of the song is D.ana rap that comes up halfway through the song that surprisingly fits the song so well. The only thing I wish it had was someone with the vocals to really elevate the song to the next level, but it’s still a solid listen.

16. Girls’ Generation – All Night [Holiday Night]
Although the group had a rocky year despite it being their 10th Anniversary, Girls’ Generation definitely came back with something fun. Out of the two promoted tracks, All Night was my favourite as it had a maturity to it that really fit the group’s changing image. A catchy dance-pop tune, All Night brings a bit more attitude and really helps each member to stand out. The odd drop into the chorus and the gorgeous middle eight are the highlights of the song. I do wish there was a bit more of Taeyeon as her voice really helps the song pop.

15. SF9 – Easy Love [Breaking Sensation]
Easy Love was a nice surprise for me. While the SF9 had three comebacks in 2017, it was definitely the strongest for me. Roar was a pounding hip-hop inspired tune and O Sole Mio had some great latin elements to it, but it’s the full-fledged dance/pop Easy Love that really grabbed my attention. The verses aren’t the most memorable, but it’s that intense and exciting chorus that really takes the cake. The melody is really stunning and it is surprisingly emotional in its delivery. The ending where it really takes things up a notch really highlights its strength.

14. Taeyeon – I Got Love [My Voice]
Taeyeon has remained active as a solo artist and despite the comeback with Girls’ Generation in 2017, she also released two (and a half) albums. I Got Love was the pre-release to her first studio album and it is the type of song that really changes things up. It’s definitely more on the upbeat side of things and has a heavy beat and interesting drop that keeps the song moving. What I love is how confident Taeyeon sounds singing this song and that build up she does into the twangy drop really shows her vocal prowess.

13. Produce 101 – It’s Me (Pick Me) (나야 나) [It’s Me (Pick Me)]
It’s Me (Pick Me) really came with a lot of anticipating considering the amount of popularity the first season’s “Pick Me” had. I was definitely satisfied with the end result as the song is an absolute powerhouse. The EDM sound paired with its insanely intoxicating hooks really brought something that could have only been accomplished on this scale. The synth lines are clean and memorable, while that pick me hook in the drop really help to bring some contrast to the more intense vocal delivery of the rest of the song. It’s just so fun!

12. HyunAh – BABE [Following]
HyunAh hasn’t really wowed me for a while. Not since 2014’s Red have I felt that she has had a song that truly shows her strengths. BABE is her strongest song in years and really captures that middle ground of HyunAh’s sexy image and cuter personality. The song isn’t the type of song that really makes you interested at first and at times, the hook is a bit odd, however, it definitely has replay value and it is the type of song that gets stuck in your head after a while. It’s a really showcase of her.

11. Wanna One – Energetic [1X1=1(TO BE ONE)]
Wanna One came off with huge popularity from Produce 101 and their first release would really be looked at with much anticipation. Unlike I.O.I’s “Dream Girls”, which felt generic but a bit bland, Energetic does a good job of bringing the mainstream sound with a solid delivery (I love Dream Girls btw). It’s execution is so streamlined, but the whole song is solid. The dramatic start that swings into that intense chorus and right into some chill rap breakdowns, the song just knows how to bring it on all fronts. Not to mention it features some strong vocalists that really pump the song up.