K-POP has taken over the world this year. So many Korean artists have charted on iTunes compared to previous years, with many embarking on world tours.
To celebrate the successful year that Korean music has had, we have put together a list of ten of our favourite K-POP songs from 2017.
10. NCT 127 – Cherry Bomb
The hip-hop song was a risky move for NCT but it paid off immensely. Cherry Bomb not only proved that NCT indeed have one of the best rap duos in K-POP, consisting of members Mark and Taeyong, but even within a heavy rap song they can show their vocalists abilities. Cherry Bomb attracted many international fans and boosted NCT’s global popularity, which we hope continues into 2018.
9. Taemin – Move
The SHINee member came back with a R’n’B influenced track that made waves in Korea and internationally. Taemin aimed to portray his true identity and break gender stereotypes through the music and the choreography presented in the accompanying music videos by incorporating typical masculine and feminine moves and merging them into one routine. Move is a sultry and seductive track that showcases Taemin’s ability to create this aura with his voice and we adore it.
8. Monsta X – Beautiful
2017 has been the best year for Monsta X so far! Beautiful saw Monsta X further advance in their signature sound of hip-hop mixed with EDM elements, accompanied by Jooheon and I.M’s powerful rap placed perfectly between the flawless vocals, especially lead vocalist Kihyun. The track started the group’s year off perfectly, allowing them to gain a host of new fans and go from strength to strength.
7. Red Velvet – Peek-a-Boo
Peek-a-Boo has been Red Velvet’s most mature title track release to date. The single clearly indicates that their ‘velvet’ side has been the main influence here, something not seen in the past few Red Velvet releases. The music video also mirrors the mature portrayal of the group. Peek-a-Boo allows each member to showcase either their vocal or rap abilities and has been a hit in their native country.
6. Wanna One – Energetic
After forming on season 2 of the South Korean survival show Produce 101, Wanna One debuted with one of the most powerful and ironically, energetic K-POP songs of the year. Energetic is a feel good, catchy track that you will not forget anytime soon. It set the group up for an incredible year, including being the first Korean group to sell one million copies of their debut album.
5. CLC – Hobgoblin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJYDix4FttA
Another group who took a risk that paid off, CLC shied away from their soft concepts to show a sexy, strong image that we are here for. Hobgoblin is a catchy, EDM influenced track filled with strong vocals and rap elements accompanied by an energetic dance routine. We hope CLC continue to show their versatility as a group in 2018.
4. Winner – Really Really
Winner released one of the most successful songs in South Korea of 2017. Really Really was the boy group’s first release since the departure of member Tae-Hyun and it proved to be a success. The tropical house influenced track has become one of the catchiest songs of the year and the repetition of the chorus proves to not be an annoyance even when it’s stuck in your head for days on end.
3. BLACKPINK – As If It’s Your Last
Previously only showing their edgier ‘black’ side, the girl group opted for a change to concept to show their colourful, upbeat ‘pink’ side. As If Its Your Last was the perfect summer song, consisting of house and reggae influences to create the most fun Blackpink track to date. The song was certainly a success and became the most watched music video by a K-POP group in 24 hours and remains the second most watched K-POP video of 2017. The track also landed in the top 40 of iTunes in the US and UK. Well done Blackpink!
2. Seventeen – Don’t Wanna Cry
Seventeen struck gold with Don’t Wanna Cry. The single sampled The Chainsmokers hit ‘Something Just Like This’ and alongside the members’ powerful vocals formed a track that was not only adored by their fan base, but with the general public too. The music video was simple but accompanied by the most clean cut choreography, which awarded them with the MAMA award for ‘Best Dance Performance.’ Don’t Wanna Cry has marked Seventeen’s place in the K-POP industry and their growth will only expand in 2018.
1. BTS – DNA
BTS have had one of the most successful years for any music artist. DNA is the product of a much stronger EDM influence than previously seen in the BTS discography, while also being more positive lyrically than title tracks such as Blood, Sweat, Tears. The contrast showed a new side to BTS and caused a global interest in the group causing DNA to be their first Billboard Top 100 entry and their first UK Official Chart entry. The BTS track is high tempo, joyful and a true feel good song that you cannot help but dance to.
So, do you agree with our Top 10 of K-POP list? Tell us if you agree or not by tweeting the CelebMix twitter account!