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K-pop Bops

  • Writer: Liana Progar
    Liana Progar
  • Jan 5, 2022
  • 7 min read

Updated: May 12, 2023

Korean popular music, K-pop, is a very large umbrella title. So much music is classified under K-pop that it can be hard to keep up with it all. With comebacks and debuts right on top of each other, you might have missed a few. Many 2021 comebacks seem to be leaning into a rock/band-esque sound, which has received praise from fans globally. While rock songs dominated, for those seeking other sounds, the usual ballads, R&B and everything in between were also released this year, giving listeners an endless ocean of songs fitting for every mood. Selected through emotional-draw and accolades, here's our list of some of the top K-pop songs from Jan. to Oct. 2021.





"Bicycle"

By Chung Ha

February 15

"Bicycle" features in Chung Ha's first audio album "Querencia" and is a confident, self assured anthem. Chung Ha split the album into four sections: noble, savage, unknown and pleasures. “Bicycle” is a part of the noble section, represented by the explosive backing track and confident lyrics like “Coz I’m the baddest queen // I’m sicker than all of them.” “Bicycle” can bring out anyone’s inner sassiness and is a great confidence booster.





"Don't Call Me"

By SHINee

February 22

After three of the members returned from compulsory military enlistment, veteran group SHINee came back with "Don't Call Me," their seventh album. Their title track "Don't Call Me" is a moody blend of old school hip-hop and angsty synth. The backing track features a mix of synth and piano, creating the perfect ear worm melody. The lyrics express heartache and anger stemming from a clingy ex won’t stop calling, preventing the speaker from moving on, creating further turmoil. The album landed at No. 1 on the Gaon Album Chart and the title track reached No. 3 on the

Gaon Digital Chart showing SHINee’s popularity

even after a hiatus.






"After School"

By Weeekly

March 17

Rookie girl group, Weeekly had their second comeback with "After School'' which quickly became a TikTok hit and proved to be a strong title track. Used 15,300 times on TikTok, many people made dance covers of “After School.” The bubbly song expresses the joy of friendship and is all around positive. "After School '' is a super cute and youthful song with playful choreography that will have you looping the music video over and over.





"libidO"

By OnlyOneOf

April 8

With their third mini album, OnlyOneOf took the internet by storm with their risqué title track "libidO." The track is sensual with the artists' whisper singing throughout the song. The group was praised for taking risks with their dance concept. True to the song’s title, the choreography includes provocative moves portraying the human instinct of libido and scalding gazes. At the 2:08 mark, two members are particularly friendly with each other which caused the song to go viral on the internet, eliciting shock, awe and praise from both OnlyOneOf fans and other K-pop fans

alike. Some fans say that OnlyOneOf broke the

“taboo of K-pop” and are “pioneers.”





"Drunk-Dazed"

By ENHYPEN

April 26

"Drunk-Dazed" is rookie boy group ENHYPEN's first comeback since their debut in November 2020. Despite just recently debuting, "Drunk-Dazed" earned the boys their first ever music show win on "The Show" on May 4. This song is a fusion between synth and rock; like the lyrics, the genre of the song lives in a confusing, gray area. The lyrics express the urge to flee, but also the desire to stay. It’s the perfect conundrum. “Drunk-Dazed” is great for a 2 a.m., one-person rager, accompanied with red lighting and plenty of room to jump around, “Drunk-Dazed” will help expel any excess energy.





"Butter"

By BTS

May 21

In their second entirely English single, BTS brought fans a feel-good, pop, EDM-infused song. The Recording Industry Association of America announced that "Butter" went double platinum on September 23. The song morphed into many remixes, the most notable remix featuring American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. This song can easily make you “side step, right, left” to BTS’s beat!





"0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. Seori"

By Tomorrow X Together

May 31

Kicking off a new album series, Tomorrow X Together found a new sound with "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)." In this song, the group pushes away from their typical sound to explore the rock genre. "I Know I Love You" blends together rough and soft pleading singing, expressing the desperate lyrics very well. "I Know I Love You" is the perfect song to scream-sing in your car, releasing all of the negative emotions.





"Don't Fight the Feeling"

By EXO

June 7

Although EXO was still missing some members, their seventh EP marked the inclusion of Lay, a Chinese EXO member previously working on solo music, for the first time on a Korean title track since their 2016 winter EP. The title track "Don't Fight the Feeling" is an upbeat groovy song about being bold, embracing yourself and various forms of love. "Don't Fight the Feeling" is a feel-good dance song that makes listeners feel like they were picked first in kickball or got to have a cookie fresh out of the oven.





"I Got U"

By LUCY

June 16

The title track "I Got U'' from their fourth single album is a sweet, playful song about supporting a loved one. The song is perfect for a long sunny car ride through the hills with the windows down. The song is upbeat yet soft. It is a comforting and supportive song you can lose yourself in. LUCY is a Korean band that consists of one guitarist, one bassist, one drummer, and one violinist, which is something very uncommon within the music industry in general.





"VAMOS"

By OMEGA X

June 30

In their debut song "VAMOS," OMEGA X, puts on a powerful performance; the smoothly sharp dance moves, the strong rapping and airy singing creates a good-time party vibe. OMEGA X consists of 11 members from disbanded or inactive groups. Since the members have prior experience, their performance isn't lacking in the slightest. "VAMOS" includes Spanish and Korean influences and is a charismatic, in-your-face party song. “VAMOS” is carefree and encourages listeners to let down their hair and have a good time.





"Bottom of the Ocean"

By Golden Child

August 2

In a fully English song from their second full length album, Golden Child brought listeners a pop-rock song about love. The song has a funky, little cow bell that adds to the song's youthful energy. You can’t help but want to dance around and sing when this song comes on. The song has an infectious joyful energy to it, reflecting the lyrics about falling head over heels in love.





"Thrill Ride"

By THE BOYZ

August 9

Having gained a substantial following from the Mnet competition shows "Road to Kingdom" and "Kingdom: Legendary War," "Thrill-ing" THE BOYZ's sixth mini album sold 523,630 copies in the first week of release-- 2.5 times the amount of their previous mini album, "Chase." The title track "Thrill Ride" closed out the summer and takes listeners on a thrill ride with sweet vocals and powerful raps. The song is joyful and bouncy, prompting listeners to get up and dance.





"Ride"

By Gaho

August 12

Moving away from his usual original soundtracks and ballads, Gaho dipped his toes into the rock genre with his single "Ride." This song let's listeners hear more of Gaho's range as a singer. “Ride” is a fun and energetic song. The rhythm is easy to ride and pleasing to the ear. Like the title suggests, "Ride" is perfect for any road trip.





"STEREOTYPE"

By STAYC

September 6

The rookie girl group STAYC had their second comeback with "STEREOTYPE." Following the success of their song "ASAP," the girls delivered a bright pop song that's too catchy for its own good. Although it is a bright pop song, the lyrics convey a powerful message telling listeners to not judge someone too quickly based on outward appearances. A positive message mixed with a positive sound, creates an overall irresistibly uplifting song.





"Deja Vu"

By ATEEZ

September 13

"Deja Vu'' marked ATEEZ's first comeback with all eight members since July 2020. "Deja Vu'' calls back to the darker sound ATEEZ started with, which made fans happy. The song is punchy, addictive and just a tad sensual. The raps are smooth and alluring like a siren’s call. The vocals carry tones of desperation and desire. Blended together, “Deja Vu'' makes a strong impression and ensures listeners won’t forget the song. With just a couple relistens, you’ll have the members singing “Da, da-da-ra, da, da-da-da-da-ra” as permanent background noise in your head.








Go Beyond the (Hallyu) Wave

We told you our top 2021 K-pop tracks, but it seems you can't get enough. Spanning from January to December 2021, these 40 songs were selected through emotional-draw and popularity, but weren’t quite strong (or early) enough to make it in our Top 15. Here are some runner ups of our top 2021 K-pop songs.



JANUARY

Jan. 7 - “Fallin’ (Adrenaline) [AB6IX Remix]” by AB6IX, Why Don't We

Jan. 11 - "What I Said" by VICTON

Jan. 11 - "My Treasure" by Treasure

Jan. 19 - "My Turn" by CRAVITY


FEBRUARY

Feb. 16 - "PARANOIA" by Kang Daniel


MARCH

March 10 - "Action Figure" by WayV

March 16 - "House Party" by Super Junior


APRIL

Feb. 2 - "Spider" by Hoshi

Feb. 15 - "Universe" by DONGKIZ

Feb. 16 - "Down" by A.C.E feat. Grey

Feb. 19 - "You make Me" by DAY6

Feb. 20 - "If You Call Me" by P1harmony


MAY

May 18 - “Advice” by Taemin


JUNE

June 1 - "Gambler" by Monsta X

June 7 - "Moonshot" by N.Flying

June 17 - "All Your Fault (Feat. GRAY)" by Yugyeom

June 28 - "Life is Still Going On" by NCT Dream

June 30 - "DAMAGE" by JUST B


JULY

July 1- "Warning" by KINGDOM

July 2 - "Yellow Cab" by DPR LIVE

July 5 - "Hey Hi Bye" by SF9


AUGUST

Aug. 17 - "Wave" by CIX

Aug. 23 - "Thunderous" by Stray Kids

Aug. 26 - "FAME (feat. JUNNY) - Prod. GroovyRoom" by Jay B


SEPTEMBER

Sept. 8 - "Zombie" by PURPLE KISS

Sept. 14 - “BLUE” by Wonho

Sept. 17 - “Road Trip” by NCT 127


OCTOBER

Oct. 1 - “The Feels” by TWICE

Oct. 5 - “Chaser” by WOODZ

Oct. 10 - “MONEY” by LISA

Oct. 15 - “I Don’t Know You Anymore” by Eric Nam

Oct. 22 - “Rock With You” by Seventeen

Oct. 24 - “LOCO” by ITZY

Oct. 26 - “Do 4 Me” by EPEX

Oct. 27 - “Bad Love” by KEY


NOVEMBER

Nov. 10 - “HIDE & SICK” by JUNNY

Nov. 18 - “STAB (Feat. eaJ) (Prod. dress)” by BIG Naughty

Nov. 25 - “Control” by GHOST9

Nov. 29 - “Christmas Evel” by Stray Kids


DECEMBER

Dec. 6 - “Happy Death Day” by Xdinary Heroes



 
 
 

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