aespa
SM Entertainment
Every week, the Korean music scene delivers outstanding songs across various genres and styles, and the past week was no exception, with a heavy-hitting selection of hits with global potential, satisfyingly nostalgic duets and some of 2024’s most promising new artists.
Internationally adored groups like aespa and ENHYPEN both dropped new singles to tide their ravenous fanbases over while they await their next full-length projects. Meanwhile, K-pop fans were treated to duets with special meanings as Lovelyz members Ryu Sujeong and Yein teamed up for a collaboration (co-produced and written by Hot 100 artist XYLØ, nonetheless) while Sorn and Hongseok also duetted for a new track showing an ongoing bond even after both departed their former label, Cube Entertainment. Alongside newcomers like DXMON and Yungin, embracing a range of unique genres and concepts to connect with audiences, there’s also K-pop sensations ZEROBASEONE and their new single “Feel the POP” that pairs perfectly with the warming weather.
As the K-pop industry moves at a rapid pace, it’s important to pause and appreciate the innovation and diversity it offers across its different acts. Last week, Billboard readers chose Stray Kids’ “Lose My Breath” as their top K-pop pick of the week but fans of Lim Young Woong, Yook Sungjae, BM and D.O all came through with major support.
Take a moment to explore these nine new gems that embody the spirit of the scene and deserve a permanent spot on your playlist. Then cast your vote in our poll for the top of K-pop for the past week.
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aespa, “Supernova”
A slithering slice of synth-pop to prepare for the girl group’s first full-length album, Armageddon, on May 24. The cosmic-inspired “Supernova” returns aespa to their most enjoyably experimental form and seemingly has found fans at N.A.S.A. too.
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ALICE, “Milky Way”
Despite five members departing the underrated girl group within the last two months due to contract expirations or retiring from the industry, ALICE released the new single “Milky Way” on May 13, quite possibly marking the final single from ALICE.
Despite the uncertain circumstances around the group, “Milky Way” is undoubtedly a high note to go out with for a serving of the saccharine bubblegum pop the “Dance On” girls were known for delivering.
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Yungin, Paul Blanco & Changmo, “Homesick”
Three Korean heavyweights in hip-hop and R&B team up for one of the best shape-shifting, genre-hopping tracks from the scene this year.
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ENHYPEN, “Fatal Trouble”
Image Credit: Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images The emotionally charged new track from ENHYPEN’s special album MEMORABILIA delivers all the drama of the BELIFT LAB boy band’s best and pair it with a cinematic, animated music video.
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Ryu Sujeong & Yein, “Orange Juice”
While Ryu Sujeong has spent most of 2024 working on experimental crossover material with Hot 100 artist XYLØ, her new song “Orange Juice” reunites her with her former Lovelyz band mate Yein. With XYLØ helping with the production and songwriting, the girl group members’ collaboration reminds us of what made Lovelyz so special and their ongoing potential as individual artists.
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ZEROBASEONE, “Feel the POP”
A refreshing return for the K-pop sensations, “Feel the POP” lets the ZB1 boys show off their bubbly effervescence in the perfect single in the heart of springtime.
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Sorn & Hongseok, “crazy stupid lovers”
Both former artists signed to the large K-pop label Cube Entertainment, Sorn of CLC and Hongseok of PENTAGON come together for a super sweet and satisfying duet for those who watched their groups debut within a year of each other.
“crazy stupid lovers” also marks a reunion of Sorn and Hongseok almost six years after they first sang “Follow Your Dreams,” a track released as part of the 2016 Cube label compilation ONE that brought together different artists under the agency including (G)I-DLE, BToB, HyunA and more.
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MARK, “200”
Image Credit: JungMin Park The NCT MVP unveiled new solo single “200” ahead of announcing his debut album dropping all the way in February 2025. While that might seem like an unfiarly long wait for MARK’s first LP, songs like “200” are proving it should more than worth the wait.
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DXMON, “Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls”
Rising rookie boy band DXMON made a splash on the K-pop scene with a punk-rock look for their debut in January. The sextet follow up with “Girls, Love Boys, Love Girls” that has a lighter approach but still brings a punch of intense nostalgia that could mark a signature style for the new group.