A roundup of popular K-pop songs that trended in 2022

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Looking back at K-pop in 2022, the most striking thing—also noted by international music media—was the dominance of girl groups.

While third-generation groups like BLACKPINK continued to enjoy global popularity, fourth-generation acts such as LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, and NMIXX debuted, and earlier fourth-gen debut groups like (G)I-DLE and IVE made major breakthroughs.

With the big news of BTS going on hiatus and comebacks from BIGBANG and Girls’ Generation, 2022 truly felt like a year of transformation.

Curious which songs defined K-pop in 2022? Be sure to check this article to find out.

Summary of popular K-POP songs that trended in 2022 (11–20)

WA DA DAKep1er

Kep1er 케플러 | ‘WA DA DA’ M/V

WA DA DAKep1er

Released in January 2022 as a debut track, Kep1er’s song boldly proclaims a fearless challenge toward their dreams.

Born from a Korean survival show, the nine-member girl group delivers a powerful statement of intent that captivates listeners with its rhythmic beat and catchy melody.

The music video quickly drew attention, surpassing 100 million views in about three months.

With energetic sound and uplifting lyrics, the song has garnered wide support, especially among younger audiences.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for concerts, parties, and many other occasions.

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ELEVENive

IVE 아이브 ‘ELEVEN’ MV

ELEVENive

This song brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you fall in love, when the world starts to sparkle like a kaleidoscope.

It opens with an exotic melody, settles down briefly, then explodes with emotion in the chorus—a truly breathtaking structure.

The lyrics vividly evoke a confident girl who discovers her own charm and captivates the one she loves.

Released in December 2021 as the title track of the single album “ELEVEN,” this debut song took first place on a music show just one week after debut and ultimately won 13 trophies.

If you want to relive that invincible feeling of being completely absorbed in something, listening to this track might just send your mood soaring.

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FEARLESSLE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM FEARLESS OFFICIAL M/V

FEARLESSLE SSERAFIM

This is the landmark debut release from LE SSERAFIM, a girl group whose name is an anagram of “IM FEARLESS.” It portrays a strong will to move forward fearlessly—unfazed by others’ gazes and accepting even one’s scars as part of oneself.

The restrained sound and addictive bassline coolly underscore their unshakable resolve.

Their debut EP, FEARLESS—titled after this track—sold over 170,000 copies on its release day in May 2022.

It’s sure to give a powerful push to anyone who wants to stay true to themselves without being swayed by others’ opinions!

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In conclusion

Looking back, K-pop in 2022 was marked not only by the overwhelming strength of the third generation, but also by the debut of fourth-generation groups that signaled a transformative shift leading into 2023 and beyond.

If you’re a Western music fan who became interested in K-pop thanks to NewJeans’ dramatic rise in 2023, be sure to check out K-pop from 2022 as well!