From satisfyingly short EPs to in-depth LPs, these releases reached for more than a quick hit single.
The K-pop industry is heavily focused on one single per release. Whether it’s an EP, LP, deluxe version, greatest hits or anything in between, K-pop artists tend to define releases by one central song. But thanks to how listeners now curate their own playlists and soundtrack stellar social-media moments with music, the single is not necessarily the only song on a release to get attention.
In addition to K-pop having more worldwide eyes than ever, today’s listening habits demand more material from artists and more quality material on par with the singles already getting expensive investments and heavy promotional pushes.
Luckily, these 25 artists below not only delivered on their title tracks and singles but created bodies of work that deserve further exploration beyond the glossy music videos. From TVXQ!‘s Max Changmin, BTS‘ J-Hope, and Red Velvet‘s Seulgi letting listeners into new parts of their minds with their solo efforts, to AKMU’s Lee Chahyuk adopting a whole new character with his concept album Error, plus RM creating a musical museum to honor his twenties on Indigo, there was a lot to dig into this year. Meanwhile, unexpected viral sensations came from B-sides by (G)I-DLE, TREASURE and ENHYPEN, proving that these artists packed their records with songs and messages to connect even further with fans.
From satisfyingly short EPs to the more in-depth full-length albums, each of these releases stood out thanks to the artists reaching for something beyond a quick hit single. Read on for Billboard‘s staff picks for the best K-pop albums of the year.
25TREASURE, ‘The Second Step : Chapter One’
Photo : YG ENTERTAINMENT
While the single off TREASURE‘s The Second Step : Chapter One EP was technically the pulsating “JIKJIN,” it was B-side “DARARI” that truly took off to spotlight a new side of the YG Entertainment boy band. While “JIKJIN” leaned into the group’s high-flying performance style (particularly on the final chorus), a TikTok trend utilizing a sped-up version of “DARARI” helped the track debut on Billboard Global 200 even without a music video or proper single push. It’s a shame “DARARI” didn’t get any additional love beyond a “dance practice” video, because the song’s numbers showed significant potential to rise beyond other K-pop tracks.
Alongside the peppy funk on “U” and acoustic ballad “It’s Okay,” Second Step : Chapter One showed the importance of having solid tracks even on a four-track EP, and TREASURE proved they know how to make each song count. – JEFF BENJAMIN
24WJSN, ‘Sequence’
The past two years have been important in WJSN‘s growth after they won the K-pop performance competition show Queendom and explored new music styles in smaller splinter groups, but July’s Sequence brought them back to a familiar yet more developed sweet spot. Lead single “Last Sequence” delivers the glossy, sophisticated synth-pop the ladies are known for in one of their catchiest earworms, while “Done” turns them into dancefloor divas with an empowering message: “‘Cause I love myself, I love my body…/ Don’t touch my mind.” The power ballad “Stronger,” sung by members Dawon and Yeonjung, who had not partaken in the unit groups mentioned above, brought the group’s ongoing evolution full circle and showcased how the 10 members in Korea all share the spotlight. – J.B.
23ENHYPEN, ‘Dimension : Answer’
ENHYPEN dropped their first studio album in 2021, but its deluxe repackage Dimension: Answer released at the top of this year showed why the boy band remains a leader in this new generation of K-pop. Lead single “Blessed-Cursed” produced one of the group’s most ambitious singles to date with its blend of ’70s hard rock and modern hip-hop poured over Post Malone-esque deliveries. Plus, the B-side “Polaroid Love” became an unexpected viral breakout and signature hit for the band, showing the importance of making sure each song on your album hits hard. – J.B.
22MCND, ‘The Earth : Secret Mission Chapter.2’
MCND, a boy band to keep your eye on, kicked off the second chapter of their The Earth : Secret Mission series by surprise dropping the EP’s opening track “W.A.T.1” (or “We Are the One”) with a music video to introduce a refreshing pop lean to the hip-hop–focused act. Once they revealed lead single “#MOOD” (written by leader and main rapper Castle J), MCND proved their evolution with expanded genre offerings (“Back to You” is an unexpected piano ballad, also written by Castle J) while honoring their roots and core message to one day achieve greatness. – J.B.
21STAYC, ‘Young-Luv.com’
Since entering the scene in late 2020, STAYC has risen in the K-pop rankings by proving their consistency with irresistible hits. While their Young-Luv.com EP included yet another earworm with the surging, bubblegum-pop single “RUN2U,” tracks like the stunning mid-tempo “Young Luv” (which lets the members’ vocals shine their brightest yet), as well as slinky R&B numbers like “Same Same” and “Butterfly,” laid the groundwork for STAYC to show far more than radio-ready hits. – J.B.
20TEMPEST, ‘It’s Me, It’s We’
While new girl groups stole the spotlight in 2022, rookie boy band TEMPEST shouldn’t be overlooked, especially with how strong they came out the gates. The septet’s first single, “Bad News,” brought feel-good pop with a playful, hip-hop twist, reminiscent of the early days of K-pop superstars like Block B and SEVENTEEN. Standouts like the melancholic-to-euphoric “Just a Little Bit” and the racing trap-pop gem “Bad at Love” demonstrate even more promise. Even more impressive: Members Lew and Hwarang have writing credits throughout every track on the release. – J.B.
19BLACKPINK, ‘Born Pink’
Photo : Courtesy of YG Entertainment
The pressure was certainly on when it came time for BLACKPINK to follow up their smash 2020 debut The Album. But instead of giving BLINKs more of the same, Jisoo, Rosé, Jennie and Lisa subverted expectations for what a sophomore album could be by filling Born Pink with a devastating, career-defining ballad (“The Happiest Girl”), a surprise solo track (Rosé’s “Hard to Love”) and a previously unreleased fan favorite cut (“Ready for Love”) amid bangers like “Pink Venom,” “Shut Down” and “Typa Girl.” – GLENN ROWLEY
18Kwon Eun Bi, ‘Color’
After various starts and stops in the K-pop industry, Kwon Eun Bi finally made her impression on the scene after competing in the singing competition Produce 48 and earning enough votes to debut as a member of the girl group IZ*ONE. While the female troupe was only contracted for two-a-half years, Kwon Eun Bi proved she has what it takes to stay with Color. Lead single “Glitch,” alongside tracks like “Magnetic” and “Colors,” take sharp, unexpected musical turns (particularly during the final minute of the former) that Kwon navigates like a pro. Meanwhile, cuts like “Speed of Love” and “OFF” showcase her knack for jazzy arrangements, demonstrating that the star can handle the experimental and the traditional. – J.B.
SRC: https://www.billboard.com/
