2024 shook the K-Pop world with new groups, iconic comebacks, and unexpected collaborations. Here are some highlights.
Best Albums
RIIZE released their youthful and charming first EP, Riizing. After debuting in 2023 with “Get a Guitar,” they built upon their signature groovy sound on this album. The track “One Kiss,” is a catchy, classic love song backed by powerful vocals. The song resembles a classic K-drama soundtrack, representing the desire to pursue a crush. The next song, “9 Days,” highlights each member’s unique vocals with a stripped-back chorus and simple instrumentation. The energetic, rap-heavy “Siren” is the complete opposite, with a catchy, loud chorus.
aespa’s Armageddon dives deeper into the group’s A.I. concept of coexisting in the Real World and Virtual World with lead singles “Supernova” and “Armageddon.” Multiple dimensions of the group are weaved together within the prokect, centering around a cataclysmic “Supernova.” In “Armageddon,” the final fight between good and evil, the bridge describes the end of the world and the birth of a new one. The electric, hypnotizing beats and high vocals throughout show aespa’s storytelling strengths and range.
In 2023, ENHYPEN’s music was vampire-themed, with hits like “Bite Me.” Romance: Untold, on the other hand, is confessional and summery. The album opens with “Moonstruck,” a dreamy, sensual R&B song that stands out in Enhypen’s discography. Filled with reverb, the song captures the wistful charm of being “Moonstruck” by love.
LE SSERAFIM released their album Crazy in August. The title track embraces self-love and individuality with lyrics like “act like an angel and dress like crazy.” The EDM beat is addictive and matches the confident lyrics. The next track, “1800-hot-n-fun” has a similarly intoxicating beat but incorporates rap, which compliments the song’s bold electric guitar.
Best Debuts
ILLIT made their highly anticipated debut with Super Real Me in March. “Magnetic,” the lead single, stole fans’ hearts immediately, capturing the irresistible magnetic pull of attraction. The instrumentation sounds like a video game, with fast-paced synth pulses. The chorus’ playful rhythm mirrors the push and pull of the lyrics. Within a week, the album sold 380,000 copies. There’s no doubt that ILLIT pulls listeners in.
TWS kicked off the year with their refreshing debut album Sparkling Blue. The title track, “Plot Twist,” portrays the excitement and uncertainty that comes with first encounters. Beginning with powerful drums before transitioning to electric guitars and synths, the song highlights the group’s youthful appeal. With its infectious energy and catchy chorus, the song reached 100 million streams within six months of its release.
Singles
After making their debut in 2023, Kiss of Life released a summery hit, “Sticky,” on July 1, capturing the essence of summer love. The addictive lyrics, afrobeat rhythms, and alluring vocals are enchanting. “Sticky” is yet another iconic addition to Kiss of Life’s diverse genres.
Yeonjun made his solo debut with “GGUM,” a physical mixtape that came out in late October. Compared to his group TXT’s usual dreaminess, “GGUM” marks an eccentric twist, showcasing Yeonjun’s individuality. With modulated vocals and electronic instrumentals, “GGUM” certainly doesn’t play it safe. The song sticks in your head, just like gum.
Collaborations
Blackpink’s Rosé released a collaboration with Bruno Mars in mid-October, an energetic song enhanced by the duo’s harmonies. Based on a Korean drinking game, “APT” shows Rosé’s creativity and is punchy and fun.
Known for their retro synths and sweet melodies, TWICE takes a turn on “Strategy,” which features Megan Thee Stallion. The song shows off TWICE’s allure as the group plans to get the person they want. Each verse brings new surprises, with waves of harmony. When Megan bursts in after the second chorus, she brings a surge of energy, adding a bold edge and flair to the song. The contrast between Megan’s rap and TWICE’s smooth vocals results in a powerful, addictive track.
2024 has been another year of growth and experimentation for K-pop. From the debut of fresh voices to bold, catchy twists, these releases have set the stage for even more groundbreaking music to come.
