K-pop is really blowing up this year, and fans are getting a treat with tons of amazing songs. Although we are just in the middle of the year, top K-pop albums and songs are already being selected for award season. From super energetic girl group tracks to cool, well-made songs from our favorite artists, there is something for every taste.
K-pop is still making waves on the Billboard Global 200, with artists like ZICO and BIBI getting their first spots on the list. At the same time, Crush (G)I-DLE, aespa, and NewJeans have all bumped up their rankings, with aespa hitting their highest yet with their hit "Supernova" staying on the chart for almost two months.
Also, ZICO and Jennie from BLACKPINK are at the top of the U.S.-based World Digital Song Sales, which is ZICO's first No. 1 and Jennie's second after more than five years. Meanwhile, Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAFIM has joined the ranks this year, showing how her solo music and collaborations with big names like BTS’ J-Hope, MAX, Groovyroom, and Crush have been doing so well in just one year.
As the saying goes, nothing's ever permanent, and the top song on your Spotify could change next month, but for now, I am sharing some of the best K-pop tunes I have come across so far in 2024:
1: ROCKSTAR by Lisa
When Lisa said, "Baby I'm a ROCKSTAR!" She meant it!
In Lisa's situation, a song doesn't need to be an official single to go viral. 2021's Money trend lasted for months after its main track, LALISA, blew up. A new single “Rockstar” dropped after a long break from making music, and it's the first track from her own record label, LLOUD management.
Lisa's “Rockstar” is an awesome, lively song that really shows off her cool stage vibe and her skills in rapping. The song mixes a tough beat with catchy parts, making it a hit with both fans and critics. The music video, with its eye-catching looks and strong dance moves, has gone nuts online, making it even more clear that Lisa is a worldwide sensation.
Rockstar has been a big hit overseas and has been up for four awards at the 2024 Video Music Awards (VMAs). The awards are for Best K-pop, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, and Best Choreography. People have especially loved the fact that the song was shot in Thailand, which is where Lisa is from.
Image credits : TV10 from Wikimedia commons
2: WHO by Jimin
Fans really enjoyed the music setup in Who by Jimin! The guitar added awesome rhythm, and the lively beat made Who really stand out. The keyboard in the middle was a cool addition, creating a smooth and thoughtful break when Jimin talks about wanting a lover he hasn't met yet.
The synths really added some depth to the song. Fans especially loved the descending flute-like synth in the chorus. The tunes flowed nicely, and I appreciated how Jimin's voice cut through the mix, making sure his vocals were front and center in both the song and our thoughts.
The song could serve as an anthem for the hopeless romantics out there, who ask, "Who is my heart waiting for?"
Image credits : VC Cosmetics from Wikimedia commons
4. CHK CHK BOOM by Stray kids
Stray Kids' latest song, "Chk Chk Boom," is a super-charged track that shows off the group's unique mix of rap and singing skills. The song's strong rhythm and lively setup make it stand out from their other music videos. "Chk Chk Boom" has been a big hit on streaming sites, especially in the West, where the group is getting more fans every day. The dance moves in the song have also gone viral on social media, making it even more popular.
Fans really like the cool vibes in the music, especially when it's loud and intense in the chorus and at the end of the song (which is my favorite part of Chk Chk Boom). It really pops out in these parts and goes well with what's popular now while still keeping Stray Kids' usual vibe of heavy synth beats. CHANGBIN and JISUNG's rapping was definitely something new and different from their usual stuff, but it was cool.
Image credits: JYPAuditions from Wikimedia commons
5: SUPERNOVA by aespa
Aespa's "Supernova" is a super cool song that fits right in with their whole AI-powered vibe. It mixes synth-pop and EDM, making it a sound that's both fresh and hard to resist. People have been raving about how ahead of the game the music is and how awesome the group's singing is.
The song has hit the top in South Korea, and it's also doing really well in the US and Europe. The group's members also have some amazing looks in the music video.
Right from the start, I knew Supernova was going to be amazing. In my book, it's probably a top-notch performance from aespa. The music's cyber-style is what really makes the song shine.
The music part alone seemed to pull in some of the catchiest bits from aespa's newer tunes. I also liked how the background details in Supernova spiced things up a bit, giving each part a unique twist. This mix really made Supernova more enjoyable and interesting to me.
Image credits : Unknown from Wikimedia commons
6: SUPERNATURAL by NewJeans
NewJeans' "Supernatural" is a dreamy, otherworldly song that really showcases the group's special way of singing and making music. The song's smooth sound and captivating tune have turned it into a hit with fans. It's doing well in the local charts and is also catching on overseas, especially in Southeast Asia.
The mix of English and Korean lyrics makes it a great pick for your next karaoke night with buddies. NewJeans never let you down, just like their other songs, "Supernatural" also comes with two music videos.
Supernatural's laid-back mix is more like city pop than a huge dance party vibe.
Image credits : theMEGASTUDY from Wikimedia commons
As we finish up our top K-pop songs for 2024, it's obvious that the genre is always changing and grabbing people's attention everywhere. This year has been full of cool new sounds, awesome performances, and catchy songs from both the big names and the up-and-coming stars. Every song on our list really shows off the amazing talent in K-pop and how the genre is always breaking new ground and leading the way.
So, keep these songs in your playlist to keep it interesting and your mood up. Keep dancing, keep listening, and get ready for more awesome K-pop stuff coming your way!
