K-POP that was popular in 2021. Korea’s best hit songs

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

K-pop has spread into the mainstream and is now loved by many people.

In 2021, BTS kept up the momentum from the previous year’s release of “Dynamite” while scoring a hit with “Butter,” further accelerating their popularity beyond just K-pop fans.

Solo tracks by girl group members, including BLACKPINK’s Rosé, also became major hits.

You also can’t miss the new-generation solo artists and the sleeper hits that climbed back up the charts!

It felt like there were many bright songs that broke through the mood of the time, giving listeners energy.

Let’s look back and listen to this collection of K-pop hit songs that defined 2021!

K-pop that was popular in 2021: Korea’s Best Hit Songs (11–20)

ThunderousStray Kids

Stray Kids “소리꾼(Thunderous)” M/V

ThunderousStray Kids

Released in 2021, Stray Kids’ track “Thunderous,” known for its addictive trap beat, is themed around “Sorikkun,” a traditional Korean folk performing art, and features powerful choreography with hip-hop elements.

The chorus includes many groove-based moves, so both strength and body fluidity are crucial—be mindful of foundational techniques like body waves and musicality.

It’s also important to make big movements when hitting strong accents.

In addition, the formation work that leverages the number of members is striking, so synchronizing everyone’s breathing and timing will make it perfect!

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Fukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda

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MONEYLiSA

LISA – ‘MONEY’ EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO

MONEYLiSA

Lisa, known as a member of BLACKPINK.

While BLACKPINK is a stylish group with hip-hop influences, Lisa’s solo work explores a more authentic hip-hop style.

Among her tracks, the one especially popular on TikTok is MONEY.

The song is primarily rap-based, but the chorus is sung melodically.

Its catchy chorus has led to widespread use as background music for dance videos in many countries.

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In conclusion

I introduced K-pop hits from 2021. There were so many buzzworthy tracks, from chart-climbing comeback hits to new-generation artists! Looking back and researching again, I got the impression that the year’s hit songs were the kind you want to listen to on repeat. Every track is great, so be sure to give them all a listen!