K-POP Masterpieces & Best Hits [Latest and Classic Popular Songs + Editor’s Select]

죽겠다iKON

iKON – ‘죽겠다(KILLING ME)’ M/V

This is a track from the 2018 album NEW KIDS : CONTINUE.

Member B.I took part in the songwriting.

The title would be “I’m Dying” in Japanese.

The idea came from how young people often say things like “I’m so sleepy I could die” or “I’m so hungry I could die.” The result is a cool, somewhat chic song about a boy suffering from heartbreak.

In addition to the rap skills of BOBBY and B.I, the vocal members’ singing abilities are also a highlight.

IDOL ’BTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘IDOL (Feat. Nicki Minaj)’ Official MV

Many of you have probably at least heard of BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan).

In 2018, they became the youngest recipients ever—and the first idol group—to be awarded the Korean Order of Cultural Merit.

This likely owed a lot to their consecutive wins of the Top Social Artist award at the Billboard Music Awards in 2017 and 2018.

Furthermore, their 2018 album LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘Tear’, which includes this song, reached No.

1 on the Billboard 200, the main U.S.

albums chart.

There’s no doubt they’re a supergroup spreading K-pop and Korean culture worldwide.

This version even features the one and only Nicki Minaj.

NobodyWONDER GIRLS

Wonder Girls “NOBODY (Kor. Ver)” M/V

They belong to JYP Entertainment and debuted in 2007.

Their retro dance track “Tell Me” became an explosive hit, earning them the nickname “the Nation’s Little Sisters” and helping spark the subsequent Korean idol boom.

“Nobody” is a song that achieved the triple crown by winning the grand prize at each of the three major Korean music awards: MKMF, the Seoul Music Awards, and the Golden Disc Awards.

The chorus is crafted as an easy-listening dance number reminiscent of the 2000s-era dance groups familiar in Japan.

NINETEENNATTY

나띠(NATTY) – ‘NINETEEN’ M/V

Natty, a former JYP trainee who captivated viewers in various audition programs like SIXTEEN and Idol School, has finally made her debut with NINETEEN in May 2020 after many trials and tribulations.

The sound has a unique, airy comfort to it.

She sings about the moment of “opening a dream” and the hopes for what’s to come—something that overlaps with her own journey.

It also seems to carry the sincere feelings of a 19-year-old, which makes it especially moving.

Congratulations on your debut!

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KEI

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UP&DOWNEXID

[EXID(이엑스아이디)] ‘위아래’ (UP&DOWN) MV

EXID is a girl group whose name comes from the meaning “to exceed a dream.” They deliver cool, sultry vocals and dance performances to listeners.

Their track ‘위아래 (UP&DOWN),’ known for its intense yet cool sound, was released in 2014.

The glamorous synth tones etched over a hip-hop–style, deep track are striking.

Many are undoubtedly captivated by their coquettish vocal charm.

It’s a dynamic number that colors every kind of nighttime scene.

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mutō

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CheshireITZY

ITZY “Cheshire” M/V @ITZY

ITZY, whose Japanese debut is still fresh in our memories, released an album in 2022 with the title track “Cheshire.” While they’ve produced many intense dance numbers up to now, this time they deliver an exotic R&B song.

Fans of American R&B and hip-hop will likely enjoy it as well.

Be sure to check out the music video, where they showcase a mature, sophisticated dance performance.

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yamamoto

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Black Mambaaespa

aespa 에스파 ‘Black Mamba’ MV

After six years since launching Girls’ Generation and Red Velvet, SM has debuted a new girl group, aespa, with their debut track.

It’s a girl-crush concept that evokes a sense of revolution, packed with heavy bass and gritty synths.

“Black Mamba” apparently refers to the venomous African snake, which seems to align with the song’s mysterious, even devilish vibe.

It’s fascinating how it feels like it contains elements from various groups.

I think it’s a track that resonates with anyone who wants to feel strong-willed.

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KEI

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