21 Of The Best K-Pop Songs From 2019
2019 was an interesting year for K-Pop. World tours happened, albums were released, and international eyes were on our favorite idols. While much sadness overtook the K-Pop world toward the back half of 2019, much light came to meet it. The ‘Hallyu Wave’ seems to pick up more people with each passing day, and more and more people are becoming curious about the things that many already hold so close to them.
The Love Yourself Speak Yourself World Tour
The Korean music industry is rising to prominence all over the world, and it’s all happening pretty fast. People wonder what makes K-Pop unique, and I’ll always say it’s the music.
But anyone who knows anything about K-Pop knows that it’s not just about the music. It goes much deeper than that. What makes K-Pop great? What makes a song “the best?”
Below are the “Boba Culture’s Best K-Pop Songs of 2019”
*These songs are not ranked or ordered in any way*
Boy With Luv - Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS)
Yes, you knew this song was going to be included, so why not make it the first one you see. Not only is this one of the most iconic BTS songs of all time, but it is already one of the best collaborations ever. Halsey is featured on 'Boy With Luv,' and it’s like she became the eighth member of Bangtan. Her vocals flowed nicely with the track, and she adds even more texture to the hook.
Breaking the 24 hour record for most views of a music video on YouTube, ‘Boy With Luv’ has smashed all expectations, and has charted well on the Billboard charts. It’s like with each title song BTS has, more and more recognition to their name comes about.
The song features one of the most 'Instagram quote worthy lines’ in any K-Pop song with: “Love is nothing stronger, than a boy with love.” Not only is the song very memorable for its lines, but the choreography is special as well. Both the visuals and choreography featured in the M/V reference older BTS projects. This brings the narrative throughout the Bangtan Universe even more full circle.
‘Boy With Luv’ is one of seven other songs featured on their ‘Map Of The Soul: Persona’ album, and it definitely has its own voice amongst other iconic songs.
It’s also worth noting that this song was crowned Song Of The Year at the 2019 MAMA awards!
Fancy - Twice
People seem to have a preconceived image of what they think Twice is supposed to look and sound like. While this “image” was at the front of many topics, ‘Fancy’ ended all of those conversations. On April 22, Twice put the doubters to shame as they released their most unique concept to date. Revered by many as the “Nation’s (Korea) Girl Group, Twice has proved that they can pull off a variety of looks.
'Fancy' is simply a song about liking somebody. Now this isn’t to different from some of the other songs in their discography, but the way it is presented makes it hard to look away. The M/V features individual concepts from each of the members, and the video takes a more abstract look at the stunning visuals that Twice has to offer.
The choreography is extremely intricate with memorable moves that people at their ‘TWICELIGHTS World Tour’ can do in the audience. Like many other Twice songs, the key point in the choreography stands out, as well as the hook of the song. It’s impossible to be sad while listening to a Twice song, and ‘Fancy’ is no exception as it has already become one of the best selling Twice songs ever.
‘Fancy You,’ the mini-album released by Twice features songs written by many of the members. Not only does this make the music featured even more special, but it allows fans to hear the creative minds inside the group. As Twice prepares to embark on their world tour, ‘Fancy’ will be at the forefront of the minds of Once.
Kill This Love - Blackpink
Its impossible to talk about K-Pop in 2019 without mentioning Blackpink. 2019 is the year of the ‘Kill This Love’ mini-album, Blackpink In You Area World Tour, and the legendary Coachella set that BP performed. Blackpink is one of the most recognizable K-Pop groups today, and they have only been around since 2016. Off the heels of the wildly successful ‘Square Up’, Blackpink had high expectations with their next comeback. With all eyes on the girls, they came back with an even more powerful style.
‘Kill This Love’ is a song about “killing” a toxic love before it ends up consuming you. Its choreography is just as memorable as its music video. It features such strong visuals from all four of BP’s members. Jisoo, Rosé, Jennie, and Lisa make it very hard to look away when they are on screen. Not only does the song contain a very blunt message, but the production behind it pulls no punches.
Legendary YG Entertainment producers Teddy and R.Tee successfully crafted a song that feels like it’s in your face. When you combine its color schemes, visuals, lyrics, and production, ‘Kill This Love’ was a song made to make people turn up. With it being released right before their Coachella set, it’s easy to see why the song was produced the way it was.
We don’t have any inklings as to what might come next from Blackpink. However we do know that Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa are set to have solo debuts coming sometime soon. We can only speculate, but there’s no doubt that Blackpink will become even more of a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Dalla Dalla - Itzy
Monster rookies as they call them. Itzy blasted on to the scene in early 2019 with their hit song ‘Dalla Dalla.’ Over the course of about a month, Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryoung, and Yuna racked up a total of nine wins on Korean music programs. Not only did the song find success in Korea, but it also found success internationally as it topped out at number two on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart
Dalla Dalla (달라달라) literally translates to “different different.” Different is the exact word that comes to mind when thinking about this song. All the promotions for ‘Dalla Dalla’ were focused on the fact that Itzy is meant to be “different” from the rest. This track is an electro pop ride with hip-hop influences. The choreography to this song has been the subject of many covers on online, as many people can’t stay away from eye catching moves. The M/V also fits very nicely into the new color palette JYP has been featuring in many of their videos.
Itzy already has one of the most viewed K-Pop M/V’s of 2019, and Itzy already has their first hit with ‘Dalla Dalla.’ With reports of an Itzy comeback in the summer, fans can only hope that the girls will come back with something new, and something different.
No - CLC
Will we stop streaming this bop? No.
Gotta Go - CHUNG HA
You have gotta know “Gotta Go” by Chungha. Released on January 2, 2019; Chungha began the year with a bang. When you combine memorable choreography, an ethereal sounding instrumental, and Chungha’s silky smooth vocals; you get 'Gotta Go.'
It’s a banger, and it’ll get stuck in your head. Facts only.
Crown - TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)
The title song on one of the most solid debut albums from any rookie group, 'Crown' by TXT is a song that needed to be included on this list. Coming from the illustrious Big Hit Entertainment, TXT is the junior group to none other than BTS. While these two groups should not be compared to each other, many had their eyes glued to what TXT would be releasing as they are Big Hit’s second boy group.
TXT did not disappoint. The hook is dangerously catchy, and the instrumental is so well done that it can be sung along with the actual words. The lyrics of ‘Crown’ surround itself on not being alone. While much of it is very abstract, it seems that TXT might be weaving a narrative similar to their senior group into their projects. Lyrics and video aside, TXT’s choreography is one of the most energetic choreo’s that I’ve ever seen. Every beat is accounted for, and TXT really understands the idea of dancing as a group. It is like watching a picture being painted with each move the quintet performs.
‘Crown’ seems like it is the birth of a new boygroup coming from Korea. In a few years TXT is going to be seen as a senior group, and with the legacy they are already paving for themselves, they are going to have a bright future.
Violeta - Iz*One
'La Vie en Rose' was a massive success in the eyes of many, and the much anticipated title track of their second comeback pulled no punches. Think about a picture. Not just any picture, but an elaborate one that could be seen in a modern art gallery. That is exactly what can be used to describe the song ‘Violeta’ as a whole.
With each of the 12 members taken into account, Iz*One is able to create beautiful pictures by using their signature hand movements. ‘Violeta’ is a pop song that dabbles into the realm of a punchy deep house song. The color scheme used in the M/V add to the canvas like visuals Iz*One has shown off. Not only do the real life colors have the ability to stun fans around the world, but the song itself is actually about the beauty of a persons colors.
Iz*One is on their way to even more success. Heart*Iz (their album) had a massive opening week in terms of record sales. This is extremely impressive as they are a group who has been around for less than a year. ‘Violeta’ his one that needs to be heard, and with it, the world clearly hear the many colors of Iz*One.
9 and Three Quarters (Run Away) - TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)
TXT had one of the hardest jobs a rookie K-Pop group could have. They had to follow up a massively successful first album. '9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)' is a magical ride. Literally. Musical cues in the song point to a “magic” concept for their second album named “The Dream Chapter: Magic.”
No other group has the image that TXT has. They are very individualized, and they stand apart from the rest of the boy groups in K-Pop. It’s hard imagining a group this young taking on a song and concept this unique, but TXT pulls it off, and it only enhances the stronghold the BigHit Entertainment has on the Korean music industry.
Keep your eyes on TXT in 2020. They are going to be something incredible to see.
You Calling My Name - GOT7
If your not here, I’m not here. Straight up slappin’ banger. Stream this ASAP.
Senorita - (G)-Idle
Coming off of the wildly successful “I Am” album released in 2018, (G)-Idle came back in 2019 with one of their most catchy tracks. Senorita is a song with one of the most memorable instrumentals in all of K-Pop. It centers on the melody of some latin-inspired brass, and it never lets listeners go until the song is over.
As with many songs on this list, ‘Senorita’ has found itself in many YouTube videos as many people try their hand at covering the choreography. Compared to many other (G)-Idle songs, ‘Senorita's’ choreo finds itself in a much more sleek and chic area. It’s smooth, similar to the way the trumpets sound in the instrumental.
‘Senorita’ was produced by (G)-Idle’s very own Jeon Soyeon. In fact, Soyeon went ahead and produced all the songs featured on (G)-Idle’s most recent comeback. While ‘Senorita’ might only be the group’s second title track, it’s certain that (G)-Idle will continue to find success as all of the members have individual talents.
Bon Bon Chocolat - Everglow
Everglow debuted in March of 2019 and took the K-Pop world by storm. Everglow is six member group, with members coming from a variety of different Korean survival singing competitions.
‘Bon Bon Chocolat’ is a song with strong Hip-Hop elements, and towards its’ end, even reaches into the realm of dubstep. The choreography for the track was created by the legendary Lia Kim; and the song was done as a collaboration with the decorated writer: Melanie Fontana.
Everglow is only just starting their journey as a group, but if one thing is for certain, they have already made one song that resonates with many people. It’s a fast paced roller coaster ride that feels like its going 100 mph until the next song comes on shuffle. ‘Bon Bon Chocolat’ might just be the beginning of something special. It truly is the Arrival Of Everglow.
Psycho - Red Velvet
Red Velvet came back late in 2019 to drop one last album before the year closed out. Psycho is unapologetically “velvet,” and there was no better way to appeal to the masses than by releasing a song like this.
Icy - Itzy
I see that I’m ICY. These are hard lyrics to ignore. It’s even harder to get this song out of your head. Icy by Itzy expands on the same genre that 'Dalla Dalla' touched upon.
Itzy is the future of K-Pop, but Icy shows that Itzy are still very young. Instead of treating this as a disability, Itzy uses this to their strengths and they sing a song that sounds like it comes from the fire of angst and youth.
This one is an essential for any playlist!
Miroh - Stray Kids
Have you ever been to a rave before? Even if you haven’t, 'Miroh' by Stray Kids is a song that can make you feel like you are at one. Coming in as the 20th music video ‘Miroh’ has a very distinct voice amongst its predecessors. Scoring their first number one album on the Gaon Chart with “Clé 1: Miroh,” SKZ has successfully crafted one of the best K-Pop songs of 2019.
‘Miroh’ was produced by Stray Kids’ own 3Racha. Aside from this song itself, many Stays have pieced a storyline running through some of the SKZ music videos, and ‘Miroh’ is one that contains another piece to the puzzle. The MV is shot extremely cinematically with heavy focus on the “story” elements being presented.
The choreography of the song is very interesting as well, as it has an unconventional influence for a K-Pop song. While it was never confirmed by JYP or Stray Kids themselves, the Maori dance known as Haka appears ever so slightly throughout the songs’ choreo. This could be due to the fact that a few of the Stray Kids members are from Oceanic countries where the Haka is very prominent. This could also be because the song itself is a call for battle, and this is what the dance is meant to represent.
Hip - Mamamoo
Mamamoo are no strangers to taking on multiple concepts. The M/V for 'Hip' is quite simply…multiple concepts. In 2018, the four took a dive into Latin vibes with the hit song 'Egotistic,' and what followed would be a series of pop songs that would rock the K-Pop community to its’ core.
Hip is the icing on the cake. It has a message. The choreography is great. The concepts are on point. That instrumental is straight up awesome. You could go on and on about the intricacies that go in to this song, but I thing it’s best to just make sure 'Hip' lives somewhere on a playlist of yours.
Make It Right (feat. Lauv) - Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS)
Ed Sheeran wrote a song for BTS. BTS sang the song and put it on Map Of The Soul: Persona. Then came the re-release. An English verse was added by American singer-songwriter: Lauv.
Straight flames. Not only is this one of the BEST SONGS of 2019, but it’s one of the best collaborations of 2019.
The M/V isn’t a “regular” music video from BTS, but it still follows a storyline that is simple to follow, and sweet to see. MOTS:P is already an amazing album considering how great all the other songs on it are; but Make It Right has a certain quality to it that makes it irresistible to listen to.
You can party to it. You can sing to it. You can cry to it. Make It Right is a vibe, and this one will be played for years to come.
Superhuman - NCT 127
NCT 127 is quickly becoming one of the biggest K-Pop groups around the world. It would be a disservice if they were not included on this list. They are just beginning to wrap up their Neo City The Origin Tour all around North America, and they dropped ‘Superhuman,’ their latest comeback.
As K-Pop fans know, NCT stands for Neo Culture Technology. I feel as if 'Superhuman' is the perfect song to encapsulate who NCT 127 is. This song is the embodiment of the Neo Culture Technology. The M/V’s color palette is very futuristic, and the song uses synths in a very aggressive, yet melodic way.
I could go on and on about the different components that exist within the song, but seeing how much exposure NCT has been gaining over the past few months, it’s only appropriate to say that this song is going to push them even further. In the world of K-Pop where songs blend, and it’s hard for groups to stand out; NCT 127’s ‘Superhuman’ is one that gives 127 an even more nuanced voice amongst a world of content.
Jopping - SuperM
Dubbed the “Avengers of K-Pop,” SuperM released their first studio album with the title track “Jopping.” SuperM takes a mix of guys from other SM Entertainment boy groups, and mashes them together to create a K-Pop supergroup.
Jopping is a heavy hip-hop influenced “K-Pop superhero theme song,” that also happens to have an abundance of English lyrics. While it might not be the deepest song on this list, it stands as a testament to where K-Pop is heading in the future. SM Entertainment pushed for SuperM to have a “western takeover” with tour dates mapped out across the United States. This would tour took place after their first album released.
With the sudden push for their new group in the West, SM was met with many criticisms from fans who questioned whether SuperM was a necessary creation. Despite this, the group still managed to prosper and left fans wanting to see more. Only 2020 can tell what is next for K-Pop’s first supergroup.
Feel Special - Twice
On the heels of their earlier 2019 EP “Fancy You,” Twice was met with the challenge of topping a possible career defining era. Not only was the pressure on for the nine members, but they were cut down to eight due to member Mina taking a break from group activities. With this news out, Twice would perform many of their TWICELIGHTS World Tour dates without their sixth member, and as you might imagine, it began taking a toll on them.
Feel Special is a song written and produced by the legendary producer JYP, and he based it off of real-life conversations he had with each of the members. All the members of Twice are given their own unique concepts to run with in the M/V, and it makes for their most ambitious song as a group.
Feel Special is meant to confront the obstacles Twice has had to face since debuting back in 2015. The subject matter of the song pertains to the emotions of sadness and loneliness, and how they have coped with it by staying together.
This track propelled Twice to new heights, proving why they are one of the most legendary K-Pop groups of all time.
Share this post on social media, and JOIN THE CULTURE below for more K-Pop!
