[ ₊ TOP 10 . ﾟ ── ﹟ ✶ ◌ best kpop songs ever . ]
₊ ﹟ . ﾟ while this is a list of the best kpop songs ever realsed, ill warn you that this list has more female artists than male. as this is my opinion so dont take this list to heart if you’re offended or hurt! additionally, im compiling the best kpop songs not throughout all of kpop history, but in the past 10 years!!
₊ ﹟ . ﾟ honorary mentions: 4 walls by f(x), bad boy by red velvet, let me out by jonghyun, one shot two shot by boa, rum pum pum pum by f(x), spring day by bts, i feel you by wonder girls, puzzle moon gwsn, sweet chaos day6, hype boy by newjeans, catallena by orange caramel, un village by baekhyun, tt by twice, whistle by blackpink, tempo by exo.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 10 ! Ditto by NewJeans 𓄹
You might argue that other Newjeans songs should’ve taken this place but I’d say this was the turning point for the group. Never before had they leaned so heavily into the UK garage sound and this song was a massive hit. Of course it was slightly overshadowed by their follow-up single, “OMG,” but this song is captivating and makes you feel nostalgic with its production.
The of synths, snare drums, catchy hooks, and retro vocal melodies of ‘Ditto’ is something to admire. This combination easily qualifies this song as one of best sounding Kpop songs of this decade.
Additionally, ‘Ditto’ catapulted a phenomenon throughout Kpop that just started. Now their sound is not original, UK garage originated in the late 80’s and newer artists like Pinkpantheress had gained notoriety for it before Newjeans, but they came in guns blazing to the Kpop music scene. Imitations and inspirations are everywhere concerning Newjeans’ aesthetic, sound, artistic identity. Regardless of the issues about plagiarism and the integrity of Ador, this song and Newjeans will go down in Kpop history as a time people wished they witnessed in real time.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 9 ! View by Shinee 𓄹
While this may seem like a boring Euro-dance and pop song, it stays as one of the best 2010’s songs and especially by a boy group in my opinion. It is an impeccable summer anthem that manages to serve as both a time capsule for 2015 and a track that remains replayable to this day.
It blends deep house and techno to an extent as well, that is catchy and danceable. Providing a refreshing alternative when it was released, emphasizing melody and rhythm over sheer intensity. And in the history of Kpop, it introduced these sounds to the mainstream and helped broaden the musical landscape of releases to come.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 8 ! The 7th Sense by NCT U 𓄹
‘The 7th Sense’ is stylish, moody, sexy, and dreamy all at once. Its energy is something hard to describe other than sticky. Your ears are glued to every part of the song as if it’s about to sip at any moment. It relaxes and softens, then becomes more aggressive with its tone, keeping you on your toes.
While maybe to some ears this song sounds like a product of its time, and something that won’t hold much longevity, I very much disagree. It’s a confusing and delicious track that probably can’t ever be recaptured. This was fresh and additive when it came out and hasn’t lost those qualities since.
And it didn’t change the game like the previous songs, it highlighted the enginuity that could only come from the Kpop industry (even while its inspirations from the West are so prominent). It’s unfortunate and fortunate that we didn’t get a hundred ‘The 7th Sense’ copycats after NCT U’s debut.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 7 ! Girl Front by Odd Eye Circle 𓄹
‘Girl Front’ is probably one of the best pop bangers ever! While Odd Eye Circle were not revolutionary with their sound and vibe when releasing this track, it is definitely one the best-executed pop tracks I’ve ever heard. With their electronic influences, energetic and upbeat vocals, and stuttering keyboard sounds make this seem like a punch in your face with sugar.
Moreover, this song captures what makes Kpop so enthralling in the first place with its soundscape so rich and dynamic, it remains fresh with every listen. Even though this is not officially a LOONA release, it raised the group’s popularity and set the precedent regarding the memorable artistic vision for the group.
And while LOONA and were not the trendsetters that they could have been, their near-perfect discography and style will stand as one of the pinnacles of Kpop, along with this wonderful song. Even if I wasn’t a LOONA fan, I wish for nothing but the best for the girls as they so desperatly deserve it!
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 6 ! Red Light by f(x) 𓄹
This stands out in F(x)’s discography for its bold, slightly abrasive, complex production. Mushing together EDM, trap, pop, and house with its pounding beats and synths definitely makes it a song you won’t forget whether you like the song or not.
F(x) were not pioneers of experimental music in Kpop when looking at their contemporaries like Girls Generation with “I Got A Boy,” they seemed to continually perfect the concept since their debut. And this track stands as one of their best among their very critically acclaimed and highly praised catalog.
With “Red Light” specifically being a standout from their usual pop formula regarding the structure and vibe, F(x) currently stands as one of the most under-appreciated, talented, and innovative artists to ever be seen.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 5 ! MOVE by Taemin 𓄹
TALK ABOUT THE KING OF GROOVE HIMSELF MR. LEE TAE-MIN! This song oozes sexiness and refinement. It’s classy, sensual, groovy, and funky. These mixtures of sounds and concept that can only be pulled off to perfection by Taemin.
“MOVE” has this addictive bass, hard-hitting synths, and R&B melodies that blend perfectly, and never does one element overpower the other. When groups and soloists aim to do a sexy or mature concept, this is one of the benchmarks.
It’s unapologetic and not shy about its androgyny. And Taemin’s ability to embody the feminine and masculine sides of this song makes this song not just a hit, but a cultural statement. While this exploration of sexuality is only a fraction of what Taemin would later release, it remains an inspiration to the different ways of expressing sexuality, gender, and the ways in which boundaries can be pushed in Kpop.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 4 ! The Rain by Ladies Code 𓄹
This song is unjustly underrated and unappreciated. It shines with its R&B, Jazz, and piano sounds combined with haunting and beautiful vocals. Despite its mellow tempo and vibe, it captures the listener with its funky chorus and rise in tension throughout the song.
Most send-off albums and songs are poorly executed and half-assed, however ‘STRANGER’ is anything but. It’s deep, dreamlike, and moody. This song especially conveys a vibe unique and ethereal and stays a hidden, but very well made gem in Kpop.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 3 ! Supernova by aespa 𓄹
Aespa continued to be a symbol of different and boundary-pushing music with their title tracks since “Next Level,” often polarizing people with their sudden beat switches and intricate production. However, with “Supernova” they really mastered their craft as it sums up what makes Aespa so compelling.
It sounds pleasant, punchy, and grand with its perfect sound design, laced perfectly with “Planet Rocks” by Dem Jointz & KENZIE (also heard in “Twerkulator” by City Girls) which is something only Aespa could make work with this song. And it’s not too obscure that it’s all that daring, but it executes every tone, vibe, and sound so well that it easily deserves to be this high on this list.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 2 ! Automatic by Red Velvet 𓄹
The most underrated song off Red Velvet’s discography simply because this is one of the best song this decade and no one is talking about it. “Automatic” is painted with a compelling baseline, R&B and pop sound, relaxing but seductive tone, and a catchy chorus that holds even after ten years since its release.
Everything about this track if overflowing with perfection and elegance. It was a refreshing change of pace from their debut “Happiness,” instead delivering a sophisticated, stylish, and timeless classic. Red Velvet, before “Bad Boy” or “Kingdom Come,” truly cemented themselves as the queens of R&B and with making some of the best quality music in Kpop history with this song.
# ✶ ✺ . 𓂅 NUMBER 1 ! Free Somebody by LUNA 𓄹
WHEN I THINK ABOUT POP I THINK ABOUT THIS SONG!!! It is so infectious and bright and encapsulates everything addictive about pop music: catchy hooks, powerful but not overbearing vocals, instant danceability, and LSD-infused tempo.
It sort of reminds of me “Rush” by Troye Sivan because that is another song that makes me feel like I’m on some type of high. And in that way, it is a classic and could be realsed right now, or even five years from now it’d still hit! “Free Somebody” explores electro-house and it SLAPSSS!!!
Even when there might moments where the tempo slows down, you’re just on a sugar high roller coaster till the 3 minutes are finished. So much charisma, quality, and power in is packed into this three minute and twenty second song that this can never be forgotten or truly replicated in Kpop.
