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.
- K-POP that was popular in 2021. Korea’s best hit songs
- [2026] A roundup of popular K-POP hits that were trending this year
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Summary of Korean female idols: Introducing popular K-pop girl groups
- K-POP Masterpieces & Best Hits [Latest and Classic Popular Songs + Editor’s Select]
- Guaranteed to hit repeat: Energetic K-pop songs that will lift your mood
- What is the ranking of popular songs by (G)I-DLE?
- K-pop to color your Instagram stories: recommended Korean songs
- K-pop Idols of a New Era! Ranking of aespa’s Most Popular Songs
- [Cute Korean Songs] K-POP used on TikTok
- PENTAGON Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Jay Park Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Summary of Popular K-POP Hits from 2022 (1–10)
MANIACStray Kids
Stray Kids is a boys group that debuted in 2018 and has a large fan base in Japan as well.
One of the tracks included on their album “Oddinary” is “MANIAC.” This song is EDM with a drum-and-bass foundation, resulting in a stylish and exotic sound.
The lyrics delve deeply into the dual nature of humanity.
There are many interpretations, so start by listening carefully.
It seems there may also be hidden clues in the music video.
Pink VenomBLACKPINK
Showcasing a dark yet beautiful worldview, BLACKPINK—the globally popular girl group from South Korea—captivates once again.
Released in August 2022, this track made major waves as the lead single from their second album, “BORN PINK.” Its distinctive sound fuses an oriental flair with hip-hop, perfectly matched by the four members’ uniquely expressive vocals and rap.
The music video surpassed 100 million views in just 29 hours, setting a new record for the fastest by a girl group.
Powerful yet refined, this song is highly recommended not only for K-pop fans but also for lovers of dance music.
Talk that TalkTwice
The song released in August 2022 is packed with TWICE’s charm.
Its lyrics, which sing about the desire for love and the importance of communicating with your partner, resonate deeply with listeners.
Announced as the lead track of the album “Between 1&2,” it became a major hit, surpassing one million pre-orders.
With members taking part in writing and composing, the work reflects the group’s growth.
It’s a recommended track not only for TWICE fans but also for those in love or anyone wanting to express their feelings.
Its refreshing sound and addictive melody are sure to capture your heart.
POP!NAYEON
The song that marked TWICE’s Nayeon’s solo debut features a catchy melody and a strikingly pop sound.
It’s a track that showcases the full charm of the Korean-born artist and has the power to lift your spirits just by listening.
Released in June 2022, the song gained worldwide popularity, even ranking high on the Billboard charts.
Nayeon’s powerful yet endearing vocals match perfectly with the dynamic, vibrant beat.
With a level of polish that hardly seems like a debut, it’s likely to win support not only from K-pop fans but from a broad audience.
It’s the perfect song for boosting your mood or for a drive with friends.
Tomboy(G)I-DLE
The track (G)I-DLE released in March 2022 marks a new frontier for the group with its rock-infused sound.
The lyrics, carrying the message of “cherish your true self,” are sure to resonate with listeners.
The five-member group from South Korea has earned overwhelming global support with this song, surpassing 28 million views on YouTube.
Its powerful beat and bold melody will energize anyone who listens.
Released as the lead single from their first full-length album, I NEVER DIE, the song portrays a confident image of womanhood and heralds the beginning of a new era.
HOTSEVENTEEN
“HOT,” which was a hit not only in Asia but also in the United States, is a hip-hop song crafted by the boy group SEVENTEEN.
Released as the lead single from the album “Face the Sun,” it quickly spread by word of mouth.
A defining feature of the track is its sampling of car alarm sounds throughout.
The alarm’s sense of urgency pairs perfectly with the powerful vocals.
If you like it, try listening to the entire album—you might discover something new.
After LIKEive
The song by the six-member South Korean girl group IVE has garnered attention as a sharp, high-energy dance number.
Its edgy rhythms and catchy melodies blend exquisitely, instantly captivating listeners.
The lyrics, featuring uniquely K-pop-style rhymes, offer a fresh auditory experience.
Released in August 2022, the track achieved major commercial success, earning over ten first-place wins on music shows.
It was also included in Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Teen Vogue’s year-end best songs lists for 2022.
Centered on shifting romantic feelings and the importance of embracing those emotions honestly, the song carries a message that resonates powerfully with listeners.
ANTIFRAGILELE SSERAFIM
Debuting in 2022 and appearing on that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, then launching a world tour in 2023, LE SSERAFIM has become a standout presence in today’s K-pop scene.
Their cool yet dynamic tracks are hugely popular as dance challenges, with many musicians and celebrities taking part and creating major buzz.
This work adopts reggaeton-style beats and innovative sound design, projecting a new facet onto the K-pop landscape.
The choreography radiates confidence and strength through its movements, making it irresistibly captivating to audiences.
And its rhythmic vibe is guaranteed to get your body moving and give you an energizing boost.
FOREVER 1shōjo jidai
Girls’ Generation, a debut girl group behind many hit songs, released an album in 2022 to mark their 15th anniversary—about five years since their last one.
Its title track is “FOREVER 1.” The song features heartwarming lyrics that depict love and bonds that last forever.
Paired with a disco-inspired sound, it’s the kind of track that lifts your spirits.
And considering it’s their first release after a hiatus, listening with that context may make it even more emotionally resonant.
GingaMingaYo (the strange world)Billlie
Billlie is a girl group that debuted in 2021.
Their lead single from their second mini-album, “the collective soul and unconscious: chapter one,” is “GingaMingaYo (the strange world).” It’s a track with catchy phrases and a bouncy sound that you’ll find yourself hooked on.
By the way, a Japanese version of the song has also been released, so you can check the lyrics there as well.