Nayeon
JYP 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 and crossover potential, satisfyingly nostalgic duets and some of 2024’s most promising new artists.
A slew of major solo stars have returned to the scene lately, with NAYEON of TWICE dropping her sophomore solo effort, NA, Friday (June 14), hoping to make history again after becoming the first-ever K-pop soloist to score a Top 10 album on the Billboard 200 with 2022’s IM NAYEON. Meanwhile, Kim Jae Joong and XIA — who come from legendary groups TVXQ! and JYJ — signaled exciting returns to the industry with their new tracks, while Sunmi, SAAY, BOL4 and GISELLE of aespa all have new material for fans.
On the group front, beloved acts like Super Junior and INFINITE are celebrating important milestones with anniversary singles. Meanwhile, A.C.E, ATEEZ and WayV are all proving how universal their latest releases are with new singles in multiple languages and/or getting different treatments through new remixes.
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. Previously, Billboard 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 in all genres last week.
Take a moment to explore these 13 gems that embody the spirit of the scene and deserve a 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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NAYEON, “ABCD”
Image Credit: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage The TWICE superstar returns with her sophomore solo effort, NA, which showcases a range of genres tackled with Korean and English tracks, led by the super-pop single “ABCD.” Over blasting brassy beats, NAYEON sings, “A, you’re gonna B my babe/ Every time you C me, fall D-eeper deeper babe,” no doubt hypnotizing fans into what should be another stellar chart showing.
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INFINITE, “Flower”
Released to celebrate INFINITE’s 14th anniversary together, “Flower” is a melodious track that showcases the boy band’s harmonious vocals and intricate arrangements, proving their continued evolution as artists. Hopefully it’s not much longer until they put out another album together.
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BOL4, “Lips” feat. GISELLE of aespa
BOL4’s signature soothing delivery gets a jolt of energy teaming up with aespa’s GISELLE and her quick, charismatic rap style, creating a captivating fusion of indie pop and hip-hop that’s both refreshing and addictive — perfect for the summertime.
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A.C.E, “Supernatural”
A.C.E’s “Supernatural” combines mystique-laden lyrics with a sound heavily inspired by feel-good funk and soul, resulting in an addictive, harmony-heavy jam. Reunited for the first time in years, the five members deliver their latest in both Korean and English versions, topped off with an irresistible whistle hook makes this a massive standout and a universally appealing single in their discography.
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Kim Jae Joong, “I AM U”
As the K-pop veteran gears up to celebrate his 20th anniversary in the scene, “I AM U” is a heartfelt, mid-tempo rock-pop performance that emphasizes the JYJ star’s emotive vocal delivery. 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 fancies herself a balloon dependent on love to keep her filled in her low-key love jam “Balloon in Love.”
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EVERGLOW, “ZOMBIE”
With a slow-moving and horror-movie like opening, EVERGLOW utilizes grinding synthesizers and moments of captivating flutes to build “ZOMBIE” into a pulsating-yet-elusive track that manages to still match the group’s fiery and fierce energy.
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Super Junior, “Show Time”
Crafted for Super Junior’s 19th anniversary this year, “Show Time” delivers another one of the group’s signature, high-energy anthems that feels made to be performed on stage. Its series 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 stand-out release for the week, singer-songwriter SAAY delivers her latest in the experimental R&B song “DOMINO.” The English track is an exciting new avenue for the Universal Music Korea signee, who already boasts three full-length K-pop records under her belt, and has us curious to hear more.
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XIA, “Our Season”
Another JYJ member also celebrating 20 years in the industry, XIA returns with the piano-led “Our Season,” marking a beautifully orchestrated mid-tempo cut that highlights his vocal range and emotional expression, making this one a perfect listen for any season.
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WayV, “Give Me That”
WayV’s fifth EP, Give Me That, includes the title track in both Korean and Chinese, combining slick R&B rhythms and smooth vocals to compliment the band’s sharp choreography. Yet another bold, sonic venture from the China-based outfit, “Give Me That” solidifies 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 impeccable collection of songs, Paul Blanco delivers one of his most accessible singles yet in the melodic, R&B groove of “Every Night.” Recorded in mostly English for additional crossover potential, the track boasts the coziness of a late summer night wrapped up in Blanco’s warm, heartfelt crooning.
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ATEEZ X EDEN-ary, “WORK Pt.3”
Image Credit: DAEHAN CHAE High off yet another massive debut on the Billboard 200, ATEEZ continue the success of their Golden Hour : Part.1 EP by teaming up with longtime creative collaborator EDEN-ary (also known as the soloist EDEN) for the third take of new single “WORK,” after Don Diablo took a stab last week. ATEEZ’s classic intensity stays intact with EDEN-ary’s masterful production that’s able to transform their release into a genre-bending track with elements of EDM and Latin, recalling the addictive nature of J Balvin’s “Mi Gente.”