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K-pop that was popular in 2020. Korea’s best hit songs.

K-pop has become beloved worldwide, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this trend truly took off in 2020.

From BTS’s “Dynamite,” a masterpiece etched into music history, to ZICO’s “Any Song,” which effectively sparked the dance challenge boom on social media, and more.

There were mainstream hip-hop hits, the soaring popularity of girl groups, and many people who got hooked on Korean dramas during the pandemic.

It was also a year when many OSTs were widely embraced.

This is a collection of K-pop hit songs that defined 2020—perfect for when you want to listen in one go.

Now, let’s enjoy!

K-pop that was popular in 2020. Korea’s Best Hit Songs (1–10)

MariaHwasa

[MV] 화사 (Hwa Sa) – 마리아 (Maria)
MariaHwasa

A track released in June 2020 by Hwa Sa, an artist from South Korea, that shines as a testament to her personal growth.

Debuting as a member of the girl group MAMAMOO and later rising as a solo artist, this song fully reflects her unique individuality.

Centered on themes of self-affirmation and self-acceptance, it features an impressive sound where energetic beats meld seamlessly with R&B textures.

Hwa Sa’s powerful yet delicate vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Included as the title track of her solo debut EP, it earned high acclaim both at home and abroad, reaching No.

2 on Billboard’s K-pop Hot 100.

A must-listen for anyone who values staying true to themselves.

Any song(아무노래)ZICO

[MV] ZICO(지코) _ Any song(아무노래)
Any song(아무노래)ZICO

Since its release in January 2020, a song by Zico, a rapper from South Korea, has been creating a huge buzz both domestically and internationally.

It spread on TikTok as the #anysongchallenge, with numerous celebrities taking part.

It also stayed high on the charts for an extended period, setting a record with seven consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Gaon Digital Chart—the longest in its history.

Featuring a catchy melody and an upbeat rhythm, the song’s lyrics—about finding freedom in everyday life—have resonated widely.

Its message of forgetting stress and enjoying the present is sure to strike a chord with many.

Highly recommended for fans of dance music.

When We Disco (Duet with 선미)J.Y. Park

박진영 (J.Y. Park) “When We Disco (Duet with 선미)” M/V
When We Disco (Duet with 선미)J.Y. Park

Written and composed by the man himself, J.Y.

Park (Park Jin-young), it was released in August.

Some of you may have discovered him through Nizi Project—the audition program that produced the then-buzzed-about NiziU—and followed his work from there.

This collaboration was reportedly proposed by Sunmi, based on songs she often listened to during her Wonder Girls days.

It’s a disco number brimming with mature allure, highlighting a refined sensuality unique to the two of them.

Inspired by the American film Saturday Night Fever, its dazzling atmosphere consciously nods to the ’80s.

The lustrous vocals make for an outstanding duet.

K-pop that was popular in 2020: Korea’s Best Hit Songs (11–20)

MORE & MORETwice

The title track of their ninth mini-album released in June shares the same name.

Perfect for the summer season, its synth-laced tropical vibe feels refreshingly pleasant.

Within TWICE’s catalog, this is a track that highlights their cool allure, yet it still offers the catchy hooks fans love.

The lyrics, featuring R&B artist BIBI, might come off as provocative if taken at face value, but you can also sense a message about facing things with strong determination.

Be sure to watch the dance break centered on Momo during the interlude, as well as the rap parts by Dahyun and Chaeyoung—they’re incredibly cool!

FIESTAIZ*ONE

IZ*ONE (아이즈원) – ‘FIESTA’ MV
FIESTAIZ*ONE

The long-awaited title track that colors their first full-length album, crafted by the group as they built their career since their 2018 debut.

It became a hit, landing in the Top 50 of Melon’s year-end chart, and you could even call it their signature song.

Among IZ*ONE’s tracks, its particularly light and breezy melody is easy to listen to and fits a variety of situations.

Above all, it was moving that it was delivered after overcoming a hiatus.

“FIESTA” means celebration or party in Spanish, and it brims with IZ*ONE’s dazzling charm, like flowers in full bloom.

The lyrics are uplifting, so it’s also a great song to give you strength during big moments.

ONBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘ON’ Kinetic Manifesto Film : Come Prima
ONBTS

A globe-trotting superstar group, BTS’s 2020 number.

It’s included on the album “MAP OF THE SOUL: 7,” released in February.

Layered, powerful brass and percussion pleasantly stimulate the ears.

With its freely unfolding sound and driving rhythm, this is a track that’s sure to captivate you more each time you listen.

It conveys lessons and growth gained from overcoming hardships, delivering an encouraging message that makes your heart flutter—and somehow eases those uneasy feelings, too.

It’s a uniquely BTS song that feels like it opens up a whole new world—perfect for starting your day!

Start OverGaho

[LIVE] 가호(Gaho) – 시작(Start Over) [이태원클라쓰 OST Part.2 (ITAEWON CLASS OST Part.2)]
Start OverGaho

This is the signature song by Gaho, a highly acclaimed singer who drew widespread attention.

It was released in January 2020 and produced as part of the OST for the popular drama Itaewon Class.

Its easy-to-listen style and heartfelt message likely contributed to its success.

The song reached No.

1 on Korea’s Gaon chart and Billboard’s Korea K-Pop 100.

The richly expressive, distinctly Korean lyrics and gentle melody are wonderful, and Gaho’s powerful vocals further enhance the track’s appeal.

It’s a song that gives you courage when you’re starting a new challenge.