Although the world tours may have been postponed this year, it did not stop the best and brightest K-Pop stars who released some solid returns in 2020.
From big hitters BTS and BLACKPINK to newer groups like Weeekly and veterans like BoA and Taemin, there was something for everyone.
K-Pop fans were lucky enough to enjoy enough content from the industry with online concerts that enable idols to connect their followers around the world.
At the end of 2020, we look back at 20 of the strongest versions and rank them from great to great.
Did we miss it? Let us know in the comments!
20. Super Junior – 2YA2YAO
In January, K-Pop legends Super Junior return with the retro 2YA2YAO.
From the pun in the song title to the energetic, jumping refrain, the SM Entertainment group’s ‘amazing performance’ has clearly not faded over the years.
19. NCT Dream – Deja Vu
With member Mark returning to the time away from NCT’s most beautiful unit, there was concern that he might have become a little too mature for NCT Dream.
Deja Vu made it work by mixing the group’s youthful fresh sound with a bit of edge; the second half of the chorus is too catchy to be denied.
18. BLACKPINK – How you like it
How you like it is sparse; the main sound is an electronic jingle. However, it makes Jennie, Jisoo, Rose and especially Lisa’s attitude shine through.
“Look at you, look at me now” they taunt before demanding: “Bring your boss forward!” in a hyped finale. We like it a lot.
17. Lost Children – God’s Menu
Sprinkled with food references, the group sees themselves comparing themselves to almighty beings in the music world.
Felix’s low voice and Changbin’s bravado are used with great fruit for this fierce cut. Add it to your current playlist.
16. Weeekly – Zig Zag
Beginners Weeekly started strongly with Zig Zag. It is playful, cute and more important for a rookie group, memorable. This may not be what you usually go for in the genre, but you will see it sung in the shower. Keep an eye on these girls.
15. SuperM – Tiger Inside
With less noise, more singing and an early 00-hour club atmosphere, Tiger Inside does something that SuperM’s actual title track 100 did not – let every member shine. SM Crossings crossover group sounds and also looks more and more cohesive.
14. signature – Nun Nu Nan Na
Newbies’ autographs began in February with this cute main single.
Nun Nu Nan Na is fun to say and sing, should be enjoyed for the simple, high energy, candy colored joy it is.
13. EVERGLOW – DUN DUN
Quite simply, DUN DUN is a riotous, glowstick-waving riot with the best drop of the year.
“I will dominate in a flash and leave you breathless,” Aisha spat in her confident pull. Task completed!
12. Kai – 음 (Mmmh)
Although he is better known for his dance than his singing, this chilled, seductive slow jam is suitable for the EXO star’s voice. Kai does not do too much and does not have to. The ‘Mmm’ refrain does all the talking.
11. Dreamcatcher – Scream
Props for Dreamcatcher to stay stuck in their musical trajectory. This year they stood out with the fast, furious and dark Scream, a song that no other group could fetch.
ITZY – Wannabe
“I do not want to be someone, but only I want to be,” says ITZY, who came out swinging with this song.
No two parts of Wannabe are the same – except the choir – so it keeps your attention throughout, and a message of confidence is delivered about a power choir. It just fluctuates.
9. TWICE – Can’t stop me
Perhaps people are craving nostalgia more than ever before, even in their music – the critical praise of Dua Lipa and Kylie Minogue’s latest albums is proof of that. This could somehow explain why I Can’t Stop Me, a synth-pop roller coaster back in time, sounds so good.
8. Irene & Seulgi – Monster
Monster sounds as dangerous as the title suggests, sexy and slightly scary.
The crunchy, teeth chattering baseline is a nice contrast to Irene and Seulgi’s sweet voices, and what is that sad cry all the time? Ghostly.
Taemin – Criminals
Taemin always delivers with his comebacks and he gave us the sultry dance single Criminal this year, enhanced by his breathtaking voice.
BoA – Better
K-Pop icon BoA delivered with a slice of sensual old school R’n’B telling her lover to sharpen their game.
This year she is celebrating 20 years in the K-Pop industry and Better is a perfect way to mark it; it is the sound that made her stand the test of time.
5. MAMAMOO – Dingga
Only MAMAMOO is cool enough to put the phrase ‘drink like a fish’ in a glittering disco track to laugh with your buddies. And who can resist Hwasa for “Do you want to dance?” right on you?
4. GOT7 – Asem
It’s the choir that makes Breath wonderful. The sound that falls halfway is a smart production choice, while the whistle comes into your head and refuses to move. Not that we want it to …
BTS – Black Swan
Launching their Map Of The Soul: 7 comeback with a somber pre-release was a risk to follow the heights of Boy With Luv, but it paid off. The result is a gripping mix of strings and stair knocks as the group ponders what it means to be an artist.
2. GFRIEND – Appel
For some reason, Apple passed many people by when it was released in July, a hidden gem in the summer of BLACKPINK. Sweet and mysterious at the same time, it hooks you up from the start with its 80s feel.
1. NCT 127 – Kick It
NCT 127 stood out in a year when the girls served the victims slightly more than the boys, and it has once again been proven that this group is indeed unlimited and can shape themselves in any genre.
The martial arts concept, the head-pounding guitar riffs, the Bruce Lee exclamation, shouts the best at the top of your voice – all about Kick It was pure fun.
Honorable mentions …
Baekhyun – Candy
Hwa Sa – Maria
(G) -IDLE – O my God
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