With groups celebrating anniversaries like Super Junior and INFINITE alongside solo superstars like NAYEON, XIA, Sunmi and BOL4, which new song wins your vote?
Nayeon
JYP Entertainment
Every week, the Korean music scene delivers great songs across genres and styles, and last week was no exception, with a heavy selection of hits with global and crossover potential, satisfying nostalgic duets, and some of 2024's most promising new artists.
A number of major solo stars have returned to the scene lately, with TWICE's NAYEON dropping her sophomore solo effort, TOFriday (June 14), hoping to make history again after becoming the first K-pop soloist to score a Top 10 album on the Billboard 200 in 2022 IM NAYEON. Meanwhile, Kim Jae Joong and XIA — who hail from legendary groups TVXQ! and JYJ — marked exciting returns to the industry with their new tracks, while aespa's Sunmi, SAAY, BOL4, and GISELLE all have new material for their fans.
On the group front, beloved acts such as Super Junior and INFINITE are celebrating important milestones with anniversary singles. Meanwhile, ACE, ATEEZ and WayV are proving just how universal their latest releases are with new singles in multiple languages and/or getting different treatments via new remixes.
As the K-pop industry moves at a fast pace, it's important to stop and appreciate the innovation and diversity it brings to its various acts. Previously, Advertising sign Readers rallied behind ONEUS' “Now” as the top K-pop pick of the week as well as Jung Kook's “Never Let Go” as their favorite new music across all genres last week.
Take some time to explore these 13 gems that embody the spirit of the scene and deserve a spot on your playlist. Then vote in our poll for the top of K-pop for the past week.
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NAYEON, “ABCD”
Image credit: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage
The TWICE superstar returns with her second solo effort, TO, which showcases a range of genres tackled with Korean and English tracks, led by the super-pop single “ABCD”. Over blassy brassy beats, NAYEON sings, “A, you're gonna B my babe/ Every time you C me, drop D-eeper deeper babe,” no doubt hypnotizing fans in what should be another stellar showing map.
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INFINITY, “Flower”
Released to celebrate INFINITE's 14th anniversary together, “Flower” is a melodic track that showcases the boy band's harmonious vocals and intricate arrangements, proving their continued evolution as artists. Hopefully it won't be too long before they release another album together.
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BOL4, “Lips” feat. GISELLE by aespa
BOL4's signature soothing delivery gets a jolt of energy in collaboration with aespa's GISELLE and her fast-paced, charismatic rap style, creating a mesmerizing mix of indie pop and hip-hop that's both refreshing and addictive — perfect for summer.
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ACE, “Supernatural”
ACE's “Supernatural” combines mysterious lyrics with a sound heavily inspired by funk and soul, resulting in an addictive, harmonic jam. Reunited for the first time in years, the five members present their latest release in both Korean and English versions, with an irresistible whistle that makes it stand out and a universally appealing single in their discography.
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Kim Jae Joong, “I AM U”
As the K-pop veteran prepares to celebrate his 20th anniversary on stage, “I AM U” is a heartfelt, mid-tempo rock-pop performance that highlights the JYJ star's soulful vocal performance. It's a reminder of his lasting impact on the industry.
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Sunmi, “Balloon in Love”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Makeus Entertainment
One of K-pop's most consistently creative and impressive soloists, Sunmi imagines herself a balloon dependent on love to keep her filled with her low-key love jam 'Balloon in Love'.
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EVERGLOW, “ZOMBIE”
With a slow opening like a horror movie, EVERGLOW uses grinding synths and moments of seductive flutes to build “ZOMBIE” into a pulsating yet elusive track that manages to match the group's fiery and wild energy.
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Super Junior, “Show Time”
Made for Super Junior's 19th anniversary this year, “Show Time” delivers another of the group's signature high-energy anthems that seem made to be performed on stage. Its array of infectious hooks (and polished choreography, to boot) proves SuJu's enduring appeal in the K-pop industry.
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SAAY, “DOMINO”
With a special release for the week, singer-songwriter SAAY presents her latest experimental R&B track 'DOMINO'. The English track is an exciting new avenue for the Universal Music Korea signee, who already has three major K-pop records under her belt and has us curious to hear more.
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XIA, “Our Time”
Another member of JYJ is also celebrating 20 years in the industry, XIA returns with the piano-driven “Our Season,” marking a beautifully orchestrated mid-tempo set that highlights his vocal range and emotional expression, making this the perfect listen for any season.
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WayV, “Give Me That”
WayV's fifth EP, Give me this, features the title track in both Korean and Chinese, combining slick R&B beats and soft vocals to compliment the band's sharp choreography. Another bold, sonic effort from the China-based outfit, “Give Me That” cements WayV's reputation as one of the most versatile units in the NCT universe.
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Paul Blanco, “Every Night”
With another instant hit in an already flawless collection of songs, Paul Blanco delivers one of his most accessible singles in the melodic, R&B groove of “Every Night.” Recorded primarily in English for added crossover potential, the track boasts the warmth of a late summer evening topped off with Blanco's warm, heartfelt scream.
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ATEEZ X EDEN-ary, “WORK Pt.3”
Image credit: DAEHAN CHAE
Riding high for another huge debut on the Billboard 200, ATEEZ continue their run of success Golden Hour : Part.1 EP teaming up with longtime creative partner EDEN-ary (aka soloist EDEN) for the third take on new single “WORK,” following Don Diablo's stab last week. ATEEZ's classic intensity remains intact with EDEN-ary's masterful production able to transform their release into a genre-bending track with EDM and Latin elements, recalling the addictive nature of J Balvin's “Mi Gente.”
