While world tours may have been suspended this year, that hasn’t stopped the best and brightest K-Pop stars from making solid returns in 2020.
From big hits BTS and BLACKPINK to more recent groups like Weeekly and veterans like BoA and Taemin, there was always something for everyone.
K-Pop fans are lucky to enjoy a lot of content coming from the industry, with online shows allowing idols to connect with their followers around the world.
As 2020 comes to an end, we are looking at 20 of the strongest releases and rating them from excellent to incredible.
Have we lost any? Let us know in the comments!
20. Super Junior – 2YA2YAO
In January, K-Pop legends Super Junior returned with retro 2YA2YAO.
From the pun on the song title to the energetic and lively chorus, the SM Entertainment group’s ‘great showmanship’ has clearly not diminished over the years.
19. NCT Dream – Deja Vu
With member Mark returning after a while away from NCT’s cutest unit, there was concern that he might have become a bit mature for NCT Dream.
Deja Vu made it work by mixing the group’s fresh, youthful sound with a little edge; the second half of this chorus is too captivating to be denied.
18. BLACKPINK – How do you like it
How you like it is sparse; the main sound is an electronic sound. However, it allows Jennie, Jisoo, Rose and especially Lisa’s attitude to shine.
‘Look at you, now look at me’, they scoff before demanding ‘Bring your boss out! in a sensational ending. We like a lot.
17. Lost children – God’s menu
Filled with gastronomic references, he compares the group to all-powerful beings from the world of music.
Felix’s low voice and Changbin’s bravado are used to great effect in this ferocious band. Add it to your running playlist.
16. Weeekly – Zig Zag
Newcomers Weeekly started well with Zig Zag. It’s fun, cute and, most importantly for a group of newbies, memorable. It may not be what you usually do in the genre, but you will be surprised singing in the shower, we bet. Keep an eye on these girls.
15. SuperM – Tiger Inside
With less noise, more vocals and a club vibe from the early 2000s, Tiger Inside does something that the SuperM title track, 100, didn’t do – let each member shine. The SM Entertainment crossover group sounds and looks much more cohesive here.
14. cignature – Nun Nu Nan Na
Newbies cignature debuted in February with this cute button-like single.
Fun to say and sing, Nun Nu Nan Na should be appreciated for the simple joy, full of energy and the color of candy it is.
13. EVERGLOW – DUN DUN
Quite simply, DUN DUN is a riot of shaking your hair and waving luminous sticks with the best fall of the year.
‘I will dominate in the blink of an eye and leave you breathless’ Aisha spits in her slurred and confident speech. Mission Accomplished!
12. Kai – 음 (Mmmh)
Although he may be better known for his dancing than his singing, this slow and seductive jam is suited to the voice of the EXO star. Kai doesn’t do much and doesn’t have to. The chorus ‘Mmm’ does all the talking.
11. Dreamcatcher – Scream
Dreamcatcher accessories for staying firm on your music track. This year they stood out with the fast, furious and somber Scream, a song that no other group could make.
10. ITZY – Wannabe
‘I don’t want to be someone, I just want to be me’, says ITZY, who came out swinging with this song.
There are no two equal parts of Wannabe – other than the chorus – so he holds his attention all the time, and there is a message of self-confidence conveyed in a powerful chorus. It’s just too much.
9. TWICE – I can’t stop myself
Perhaps now, more than ever, people crave nostalgia, even in their music – the critical acclaim of Dua Lipa and the latest Kylie Minogue albums are proof of that. That could explain why I Can’t Stop Me, a synth-pop roller coaster back in time, sounds so good.
8. Irene & Seulgi – Monster
Sexy and a little scary, Monster looks as dangerous as the title suggests.
The crunchy bash of chattering teeth is a good contrast to the sweet voices of Irene and Seulgi, and what It’s that sad lament everywhere? Spooky.
7. Taemin – Criminal
Taemin always delivers on his returns and this year he gave us the sensual dance single Criminal, elevated by his breathless vocals.
6. BoA – Best
K-Pop icon BoA brought a slice of the sexy old school R’n’B telling his lover to step up the game.
This year saw her celebrate 20 years in the K-Pop industry and Better is a perfect way to mark that; it is the sound that made it stand the test of time.
5. MAMAMOO – Dingga
Only MAMAMOO are cool enough to put the phrase ‘drink like a fish’ on a sparkling disco banner about how to laugh with your friends. And who could resist Hwasa humming ‘Do you want to dance?’ well on you?
4. GOT7 – Breathing
It’s the chorus that makes Breath great. The sound falling in half is a clever choice of production, while the whistle enters your head and refuses to budge. Not that we want …
3. BTS – Black Swan
Launching your Map Of The Soul: 7 comeback with a dark pre-release was a risk after the heights of Boy With Luv, but it was worth it. The result is a stimulating mix of strings and trap beats as the group reflects on what it means to be an artist.
2. GFRIEND – Apple
For some reason, Apple passed over many people when it launched in July, a hidden gem in BLACKPINK’s summer. Sweet and mysterious at the same time, he hooks you from the start with his 80’s feel.
1. NCT 127 – Kick It
NCT 127 stood out in a year in which girls served bangers a little more than boys, proving once again that this group is truly unlimited and can fit any gender.
The martial arts concept, the head-banging guitar riffs, Bruce Lee’s best scream at the top of his voice – everything about Kick It was pure fun.
Honorable mentions …
Baekhyun – Candy
Hwa Sa – Maria
(G) -IDLE – Oh my God
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