Happy 2025 ONTD! I hope all your wishes come true this year.
As it is tradition, i bring y’all my annual best Kpop songs of the year.
You can check out the controversial previous rankings here:
2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021/ 2022 / 2023
Y’all know the drill, but if this is your first “best of” post, there’ some rules regarding this list, so let’s revisit them:
• Only tracks with OFFICIAL music videos. (Title tracks or B-sides)
• Only one song per group (Including subunits & solo releases….to have more variety)
NOTE: If Rose is in this list (which she is…) that means that Blackpink or Lisa/Jennie’s releases can’t be included, there are some odd exceptions regarding groups that share members (GOT the Beat, SuperM, ELZ7UP), also K-pop inspired/coded groups like Katseye/XG are not in this list.
Sorry if your faves aren’t included, disclaimer: I enjoy females a tad more.
45. Unis – Curious
With a very electric guitar forward song, the girls from Unis dropped Curious in 2024, setting them apart from the more bubblegum/cutesy trend. The song was accompanied with an equally fun MV.
44. DXMON – Girls, Love boys, Love girls
Do not ask me anything about these boys, but i can tell you that this song is a bop. I love it has 2012 vibes that I’m totally here for, especially the cheerleader chorus. It’s giving off those summer feels and a touch of MySpace nostalgia (oops, not trying to reveal my age here)!
gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” data-link=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=1dWsyXvPQlk” ></iframe>
43.MEOVV – MEOW
The stunning girls of MEOVV finally made their long-awaited debut, and I must say, the hype might have been a bit more than what we received. Don’t get me wrong, I think the song is catchy and I’m definitely enjoying it, but I can’t shake the feeling that it feels a bit like a diluted Blackpink b-side when I was hoping for something a little more innovative from them.
42.Kim Jonghyeon – Motto
NGL, i dont know this man, BUT i do enjoy this song, the repetitive chorus is catchy and there’s a cute pomeranian on the MV!
41. Evvne- Badder Love
With a 90s vibe and a very infectious and bright chorus, EVVNE wins a spot in this list for this anime-ish song that screams summer.
40.CLASS:y – Psycho and Beautiful
The only thing I know about these ladies is that they gave us a previous bop with “tick tick boom” but Psycho and Beautiful might be their best title track yet. The song is a bit experimental and with a more less in your face chorus the song sounds fresh and cool. The “me me me me me me me me me me me me” part is veryyyy catchy and overall the song is very very good.
39. POR – Boyfriend
A group that samples Avril Lavigne in the chorus to just jump into chiller verses? kinda odd, but very into it.
38.Wonho – What would you do
Just out of the military and looking as good as ever, my guy delivered a beautiful ballad that really showcases his vocals, even if it’s not quite as catchy as some of his earlier hits.
37.Zerobaseone – Sweat
I know someone’s gonna come for me and be like “Why is this ranked so low!?” I do like the song, and i do find it catching but honestly i dont think the sound is giving us anything interesting or new, it is not “In bloom”, now that song is top tier.
36.(G)-Idle – Superlady
The girls really treated us to a big-budget production in this 2ne1-esque MV! The song is super catchy, and it’s hard not to join in singing “lady lady call me super lady.” However, it doesn’t feel quite as fresh as Queencard, especially with that Blackpink ending. We can’t deny they all looked absolutely gorgeous, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they bring this year with all those contract changes!
35. Gyeongree – Cherry
I am being very biased here cause 9muses was one of the first Kpop groups that i got into. My girl hasn’t aged and still looks stunning as ever. The song is sweet, but simple, but there’s nothing wrong in simplicity, plus it features a cute cat!
34.n.SSign – Love Love Love
Kinda corny, kinda cute, kinda dorky, but i am into it. Also i want all the outfits on the MV.
33. TXT – Over the moon
The boys from TXT showcase a more mature sound in this track. Although still very pop coded, Over the moon is a bit more soulful with a very catchy high-pitched chorus. Their vocals really shine in a song produced perfectly to let their strengths shine.
32.Jaessbee – Every moment with you
MMTG’s special project titled “The Great Jaessbee” features JAEJAE, SeungHeon, and GABEE as they embark on their journey to debut as a co-ed group, and they truly did not disappoint with this track! The chorus is delightful, showcasing their impressive vocal talents. With a touch of synth and a strong citypop vibe, this song was definitely one of the most underrated gems of 2024.
31.Le Sserafim- Crazy
Do i go crazy (pun intended) everytime i hear this song? Yes, yes i do, and although i enjoy it a lot, i dont think its anything crazy (another one!) or innovative. It is a club banger and catchy as hell, but that’s about it.
30.Rescene- YOYO
The girls teased a debut with YOYO and what a sonnnng, a bit Red Velvet coded, a bit mysterious with an infectious chorus, sadly very very short.
29.Sistar19 – No more (Ma boy)
2/4 of the original summer queens were briefly back to show us that they still got it (white furry diaper aside). Hyolyn and Bora delivered a sexy,dynamic (they’re dancing on tables!),sophisticated comeback that just left us earning for more music. Here’s to 2025 hopefully bringing us the full lineup for a summer comeback!
28.Fifty Fifty – SOS
After the whole fiasco with this group and their not-so-great label, I wasn’t really keen on stanning them or checking out their releases. That changed one day when I heard this song come on while I was driving and fell in love with it! Turns out it was by Fifty Fifty. I’ve got to give them credit because they delivered a really sweet, girly tune with an incredibly catchy chorus (even if it’s not quite as catchy as Cupid).
27.TWS – Plot Twist
My only critique might be that the music might slightly sound like a youtube video intro music at times, but i feel that if someone was to ask what a kpop group sounds and looks, this would be it. A very fun, bright Kpop song that quite essentially covers what Kpop is (IMO).
26.ONF – Bye my monster
One of the most experimental boy group releases this year, “Bye My Monster” does a fantastic job of blending an intriguing mix of rap and a touch of hip-hop with electric guitars and orchestral instruments. The chorus features some beautiful strings that make this song really captivating to listen to, and then the bridge introduces a key change, amazing!
25.BOYNEXTDOOR – Nice Guy
“Don’t be such a wuss” I love the melodic forward tone of this song, the brassy chorus, and the fun choreography.
24.Viviz – Shhh!
I commend my girls for still trying to give us some sexyness in an ocean of cute or edgy concepts. This sont is not up there with Maniac or Untie, but its a solid track for them and i hope they continue with this type of sound and look.
23.Ateez – Ice on my teeth
I thought this song was a bit noisy at first, but the more i listened to it the more i liked it (and lets be honest, this is one of their less noisy songs). The chorus is catchy and those strings hit right where you need them to, i do feel the lyrics are a bit silly. Not to mention they all look great in the Music Video, a great year for them.
22. Yena – Nemo Nemo
Yena’s first attempts at a solo career, i must admit were not for me. I found her early releases a bit on the childish side and not particularly catchy. However, I happily changed my tune when “Nemo Nemo” was released. It’s fun, catchy, and has a hint of that anime vibe. While it may still have a slightly juvenile feel, this song is definitely a great time!
21. I’Chillin – Official
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the year for me, this banger coming from a relatively nugu group. Official is fast, fun, bright and definitely for the gays.
20. Triple S- Girls Never Die
Having 24 members in one group might seem a bit chaotic, but the talented girls from Triple S have truly proven everyone wrong by delivering one of the best songs (and mini albums) of the year. With empowering lyrics, stunning visuals, a dreamy bridge, and impressive choreography, Triple S has become one of the most exciting girl groups in recent times.
19.Taeyong- Tap
Me being biased again cause he’s one of my favorite kpop idols, love the style, the vocal fry, the moves, the face. Everything about this.
18.NMIXX – Dash
I have a confession, hated what they were putting out when they debuted but oh man, they’ve grown on me tremendously (also Lily might be one of my fave idols right now just cause of how damn funny she is). Dash is another impressive delivery by the NMIXX girls. Still sticking to their mix of sounds, Dash is dynamic, fun, catchy and incorporating that twist that works really well in this track.
17.Itzy – Algorhythm
The popular lists are calling “Imaginary Friend” Itzy’s best track of 2024 (though honestly, I’d say their best 2024 song is “Supernatural,” even if it doesn’t have an official MV), but I have to lean toward “Algorhythm” as my favorite. The girls look like stunning fashion robots in a factory for this funky track that really goes all out in the last minute—it kind of reminds me of SNSD’s “I Got a Boy.” Either way, it’s such a highly underrated and overlooked song from them that brings back their fun roots!
16.IVE – Accendio
They had me at magical girls with the MV and with the first line “Dear priest, i have a confession to make”. A great year for IVE, Accendio is interesting, a little bit out of the box but still showcasing the groups vocals and energy.
15.CIX – Lovers or enemies
This 80s-ish song mixes pretty well smooth votals with a smooth edgy beat giving a slight of mystery. These guys have been putting good music since Movie Star and i dont see enough people talking about them. Lovers or enemies is a great example of a push and pull between soft and edgy. One of my favorite songs of 2024.
14.SF9 – Bibora
I’ve been a fan of SF9 since Teardrop, and they never fail to impress me! They totally nail the boy group sound I love, with cool and sexy melodies, amazing vocals, and slick choreography. The beat just keeps you moving from left to right, and I honestly think it features one of the best choruses of the year! Also i feel this is one of the few boygroups that they do have a very distinct sound to each one of their releases, this is Teadrop’s sister.
13. Kep1er – Tipi Tap
After losing two members, Kep1er came back with probably one of their funnest tracks to date. I know a lot of best of lists have listed Shooting Star as their best release of 2024, and honestly it could’ve been both. Watching their journey from Girls Planet has been such a ride; I’m genuinely impressed by how much they’ve grown. Sure, they’ve had a few misses along the way (looking at you, “We Fresh”), but this year they’ve delivered some amazing tunes. If you haven’t already, definitely give their Japanese release “Straight Line” a listen
12.Kiss of Life – Sticky
2024’s song of the summer, soooo damn good, very Sistar coded in everything.
11. Yves- Loop
The ex-LOONA members have been solidly delivering great music post band split, and Loop is a clear and exciting example of this. The song mices cool electronic beats that are a bit minimalistic and hypnotic. Even Lil Cherry’s nasally rap fits perfect in this song.. Yves is definitely the one to keep an eye out, cause she has a clear concept in mind and her aesthetics are very defined. Check out her equally good release Viola.
10.Enhypen – XO
I’ve been checking these guys out since excellent Drunk-dazed, and XO is a release that didn’t disappoint. Love the kinda drowned beat mixed with the glitchy chorus.The song is not quite a ballad, not quite a dance pop song, but a great mix of both? I think this is one of the freshest and most innovative songs to come out in 2024. Great great stuff.
9.NewJeans – How Sweet
Do these girls really have a bad song? It’s incredible how they keep trends moving forward, partnering with huge brands, being innovative, and delivering absolute bangers. It’s a bit disheartening to see how some might want to sabotage their success… but that’s a topic for another time! This laid-back R&B/pop track is super catchy and mellow, with dreamy, smooth synths. The vocals blend beautifully, though I must admit I find the song a touch repetitive. Although the MV is a big Coca Cola ad, it’s still innovative and fun. Hopefully the girls can get out succesfully of this evil plan to screw them and soar, cause everyone loves them.
8.fromis_9 – Supersonic
RIP my girls, but before their disbandtment they delivered this banger. A whispery chorus followed by a belted vocals Supersonic is a great upbeat track with a very very good chorus. Its a bit futuristic but the beat doesn’t alienate any listeners, its very digestable with the nice base and the fiery incredible vocals. A perfect track for the summer.
7. RIIZE – Impossible
Definitely the little brother of SHINee’s “View”. RIIZE’s Impossible is doesnt stop throughout the whole song with the perfect summer house beat. A fun, fresh, high kick of energy.
6. Rosé – APT ft Bruno Mars
APT taps into its influences (The Ting Tings anyone?),a bright banger that sparks with fun energy, from its punchy pop-rock beat to its catchy chanted chorus,a flirty bop based on a popular drinking game. I was hoping her album was full of more bangers like this, but it gave more Taylor Swift than anything, although Drinks are Coffee is also another song i like. Excited for her to tap more into the fun side of pop, but if she doesn’t we always have Lisa.
5. ARTMS – Birth
Here’s an experimental track that’s a fascinating mix of nightmareish, dreamy, and mysterious vibes. The mystery layers off in the change of beat speeding up to a thrilling pace with a drum-and-bass run, adding a clever and trendy twist with the line “I could gather exboyfriends”. Now, will this song be everyone’s cup of tea? Probably not, and it’s not exactly the sound I usually gravitate toward, but I found myself genuinely intrigued and entertained by this quirky yet highly successful track. If you’re a fan of Dreamcatcher, I think you’ll really enjoy this one!
4.STAYC – GPT
A lot of you didn’t get the genius of Cheeky Icy Thing, and that’s ok cause apparently neither did S.Korea, but my STAYC girls (It’s going down) redeemed themselves with the release of GPT. This song truly showcases their vocals in the best way possible. It’s such a lovely blend of dreamy and trendy vibes, fitting perfectly with the current K-pop scene. And I have to say, the real standout moment is Sieun’s mesmerizing vocals, especially that ethereal bridge that to me brings the song to a whole new level. “GPT” keeps its overall sound consistent while still packing enough intriguing elements in the production to keep us all hooked.
3. ILLIT- Magnetic
How not to include this masterpiece? Even the locals were bopping to it,this is what i would call a perfect bubblegum KPOP song.
2. LUN8 – Superpower
Honestly, I don’t know much about this group or how I first discovered their song, but wow, am I glad I did! “Superpower” has quickly become my favorite boy group release of 2024. It’s everything I love in boy group music—melodic, catchy, fun, with amazing vocals and just a wonderfully happy vibe. It’s super replayable and keeps things straightforward without getting too pretentious or surprising. Just a fantastic K-pop track! Sadly i think the song fizzled pretty fast, so im hoping y’all can check it out if you haven’t because IMO it’s very very good.
Drumroll
Here are my three (yes three) absolute favorite songs of 2024.
1.
Loosemble – TTYL
RIP My girls, before disbanding the girls from Loosemble (5/12 ex-LOONA members) delivered the funnest, catchiest release amongst their former members. TTYL is fast, catchy, in your face and overall just really good? I am obsessed with the opening verse and the recall to the “obssesed and desperate” bits. It feels like they really found a unique sound that could make them shine, but sadly, they chose not to continue their contracts. I also want to take a moment to highlight the brilliance of “Cotton Candy” and “Confessions.” Even though they’re completely different in mood and lyrics, they share the same instrumentals—how cool is that? Plus, I loved that the MV gave a little nod to LOONA; it really warmed my Orbit heart. Although I’m not sure what the future holds for the girls, I can’t wait to see where they go next. STAN LOONA!
Red Velvet- Cosmic
I absolutely love music! Even though I’m a Cancer and not overly sentimental, I have to admit, this bridge just gets to me every time. There’s something special about the vocals, and the song carries this wonderful blend of nostalgia and sadness. That bridge really takes the cake: “Come with me, you say, discover things no human eyes have seen,” and then that powerful “I just can’t say goodniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!” It’s honestly one of the most incredible moments in music.
Aespa- Supernova
Is anyone really surprised? Supernova was an absolute masterclass in pop music and it absolutely deserved all the attention it got! This song is so campy, catchy, and fun, with just the right amount of chaos. With its synth-forward vibe, Supernova treats us to a dazzling dance break while keeping that out-of-this-world energy going strong. Supernova was definitely the song of the year!
That’s it yall!
Kpop still has a choke on me but i just love fun music. Hope you agree with some of these decisions, and like i said if your fave isn’t here….sorry!
Source / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 /10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16
