20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2022
The year 2022 in K-pop was defined by new as well as solo acts. Whether it is stretching the comfort zone or stepping out of it, many idols tried to present themselves as ‘artists.’ While the 4th generation is bringing their A game, the older generations are proving that they are in this for the long run. Some of these songs are popular chartbusters, others chartered their way into our hearts.
While we await what 2023 has in store for K-pop fans, here are, in no particular order, the 20 best songs of 2022.
1. Hype Boy - NewJeans
Dominating almost every K-pop playlist in stores, malls, or on Spotify, “Hype Boy” shot NewJeans to fame quickly. Now nicknamed ‘Nation’s Little Sister,’ NewJeans were able to earn salaries just two months after the debut, thanks to this song and its popularity. This is a big achievement for a group that debuted just seven months ago. The song talks about feeling hyped when you like or love someone; it has a fun, lazy yet fresh vibe. “Hype Boy” doesn’t have just one but four MVs, each focusing on different members of the group. Apart from catchy tunes and addictive choreography, the song also needs to be praised for its representation of the LGBT community.
2. BTBT - B.I X Soulja Boy (Feat. DeVita)
Inspired by an onomatopoeia, “BTBT” (pronounced as “biteul-biteul” in the Korean language) means to stagger. The song talks about falling in love at first sight and the staggering feeling it leaves one with. Loved for its smooth choreography that simply flows just like the song, it is an example of B.I's potential and evolution. Both Soulja Boy and DeVita perfectly blend into the song at the right places. Sensual, encapsulating, and much different from other songs on this list, this song leaves us staggering for more.
3. 달려라 방탄 (Run BTS) - BTS
While “For Youth” and the title track, “Yet To Come,” may be well-liked songs of the album, “RUN BTS” is undoubtedly a top number. A fan favorite from the anthology album, Proof, the track talks about BTS’ struggles, their early days, and their resilience to just keep running toward their dreams. ARMYs, especially the ones who have been with BTS since the beginning, find the lyrics meaningful and almost personal. The powerful vocals and even more powerful, well-orchestrated choreography make it captivating. For many fans, the song is a reminder of the hip-hop vibe BTS projected back in the day.
4. GANADARA - Jay Park (Feat. IU)
Another highly anticipated collaboration between two different genres of artists, presented us with a cool number like “GANADARA.” The first single from Jay Park’s new label More Vision, “GANDARA,” talks about two love birds unable to communicate due to language barriers. ㄱ (g) ㄴ(n) ㄷ(d) ㄹ(r) form the first constants of Hangul or Korean language, whereas ㅏ(a) is the first vowel. Together they make 가 (ga), 나 (na), 다 (da), 라 (ra), the first 4 letters of the Korean alphabet. Much like saying ABCD in English. This song is a bit far from Jay Park’s modus operandi. The chorus certainly sticks. IU and Jay Park’s voices blend quite well.
5. 다라리 (DARARI) - TREASURE
This B-side track by TREASURE took the internet by storm. It’s one of the most calming and soothing songs on this list, and in members' words, it’s like a “warm coffee in the morning.” The song is like a confession and a request. It talks about a person being the members’ muse for their music, asking the person to listen carefully and fall in love with them. The song has a great arrangement and doesn’t seem to break anywhere. Owing to the success of the song, the group also dropped a remix version in the latter half of 2022.
6. ANTIFRAGILE - LE SERRAFIM
ANTIFRAGILE is a complete girl crush concept but still feels refreshing. The “anti-ti-ti-ti-fragile fragile” is sure to give you song-stuck syndrome. The song talks about how the members are anti-fragile and will not break even if they fall down. It also conveys that one should live boldly and enjoy what one wants to do without caring about what others think. LE SERRAFIM debuted less than a year ago under HYBE and SOURCE Music with another hit number “FEARLESS.”
7. MANIAC - Stray Kids
Stray Kids are known for their rowdy tracks and killer hooks, and “MANIAC” doesn’t fall far from the tree. It starts off smooth and then falls into their usual style— a switch to their strong suit: a deep voice chorus. The song talks about the members embracing their odds and celebrating the “un-normal” self, calling themselves “Maniac.” The message they want to convey is clear from the first line, “Relax everyone, stop pretending to be normal.” The song manages to pack great energy and make an impression. With bold beats and colorful, well-edited contrasts, there is a lot to look for in the MV.
8. That That - PSY (prod. & feat. SUGA of BTS)
A much-awaited collaboration between two of the biggest and best-selling artists of K-Pop, “That That” needless to say became a top chartbuster. The song talks about the pandemic being over (for most parts) and being able to come to the usual hustle and bustle of life. PSY returned with “GANGNAM STYLE” vibes, which many K-Pop fans have been missing, with the title track of his album. The high tempo of the song makes it a perfect summer dance number. “That That” pushes SUGA to new limits as a producer, as the vibe is different from what he’s used to. His cool rap perfectly balances out PSY’s silliness. It’s PSY at his best. A quirky song that makes it known it’s here to be fun, playful, and frolic.
9. ZOOM - Jessi
Known more for her loaded voice, Jessi surprised everyone with her vocal range in this song. Being nothing but her unapologetic self, this is a number that no one could pull off as she did. The song acts as a mirror about the sad reality of living our life on social media, zooming in and out of other people’s images, gawking, judging, and trolling them. It also talks about how all of this puts unrealistic pressure and expectation on people to look and be a certain way. The song seems to find a good balance between mighty and mellow. For a song that took only two days to make, it sure is a bop.
10. Birthday - TEN
When it comes to seductive concepts, SM Entertainment definitely knows how to master them. Case in point: TEN’s “Birthday.” The song talks about a passionate affair where TEN gives in to the desires of his love interest. It offers a seductive vibe, and the jerky drops provide goosebump-inducing moments. With his delicate vocals, TEN definitely cements his persona as a solo artist with this track.
11. 방화 (Arson) - j-hope
Although many fans would argue that “MORE“ should have been on the list, “Arson” seems to have a wider appeal. It’s a straight-cut song with deep-meaning lyrics that talk about j-hope’s journey. Owing to the massive success of BTS, members have achieved a position and influence that they also don’t have control over now. In the entire song, j-hope is fighting the dilemma of continuing to burn brightly or stop the arson. j-hope is known for his smooth rap delivery, and he doesn’t disappoint here either. The song will catch your attention even on the first listen.
12. Polaroid Love - ENHYPEN
With a happy but soothing tone, “Polaroid Love” is sure to catch your attention. The song is warm and has a spring-like vibe, perfect for the coming season. ENHYPEN compares puppy love to a polaroid photo, and how it brings happy and nostalgic vibes. There is not a lot to be said here, it’s just a simple feel-good song.
13. Guerrilla - ATEEZ
ATEEZ is leading a revolution with “Guerrilla.” They continuously sing about breaking the wall, pushing individual boundaries, and not conforming to the norms of society. The song is reminiscent of their “HALA HALA” days. The group mainly plays to its strengths: powerful but noisy hooks, high pitch pre-chorus, and a grandeur vibe.
14. Nxde - (G)I-DLE
This number had to be included because of its crazy concept. It’s probably the first time I am seeing a concept like this in K-Pop, and (G)I-DLE deserves all the praise for it. “Nxde” talks about the sexualization of idols, especially women in showbiz. It is a courageous concept that empowers women to break away from the stereotype of being a sex symbol. With this song, (G)I-DLE brought back the vibe that I felt slightly missing in “TOMBOY.”
15. Darl+ing - SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN’s “Darl+ing” is a complete English track, so I am not sure if it counts under “best K-Pop songs.” But because it is sung by a K-Pop band for their album, we will take the liberty to mention it. “Darl+ing” is a simple song that symbolizes SEVENTEEN and everyone who listens to their music coming together and becoming one. The song completely embodies the usual K-Pop mood. It simply screams SEVENTEEN, whether it is the vocals, MV, or vibe.
16. Wild Flower - RM (with youjeen)
After j-hope and Jin, the third member of BTS to release solo music in 2022 is RM. “Wild Flower,” the title track, is about RM’s journey. He looks back on his struggles, feelings of exhaustion, pressures of being an artist, and connections with his inner self. Supported by Youjeen’s powerful vocals, the song has definitely managed to bring the much-needed spotlight to her voice and work. RM has supremacy when it comes to creating profound lyrics, and “Wild Flower” is no exception. This song is arranged very well and is a personal favorite.
17. 나쁜년 (BIBI Vengeance) - BIBI
You can leave it up to BIBI to hold the “Bad B” concept in the K-Pop industry. The song is a revenge tale where a politician is trying to make a move on BIBI. He pours soju on her head when she rejects him. She kidnaps him and he begs for forgiveness when water is being poured on him. She rejects his pleas and eventually buries him alive. Neither the song nor the MV is for the faint-hearted. Far away from a poppy-colored MV, the song offers a dark and daring performance. BIBI delivers killer expressions and a deeper chorus.
18. Thursday's Child Has Far To Go - TXT
TXT is certainly not failing when it comes to presenting a range of music for its fans to choose from. “Thursday's Child Has Far To Go” is an upbeat song with members Soobin, Beomgyu, and Taehyun singing about moving on from a breakup. ‘It's Thursday, let's break up on Thursday/ On Fridays, I'll cry as much as I like/ Pull yourself together on a Saturday night/ There's one more Sunday.’ Even if you are not going through heartbreak, the song will put you in the right spirit to achieve whatever it is you want in the day.
19. LOVE DIVE - IVE
IVE has stepped up their game with this song and cemented themselves as a force to be reckoned with. “LOVE DIVE” won numerous ‘Song of the Year’ awards. The anti-drop is clearly the catch here. The song talks about how love is like diving into a pool. ‘Narcissistic, my god I love it’ is a line you will definitely take away from the song.
20. 승천 (Ascension) - KINGDOM
A group with a fairly unique concept is KINGDOM, where members represent different kings. Each album is centered around a different king. In this particular song, the focus is on the ruler of the Kingdom of Change, Dann. With poignant vocals, “Ascension” is describing Korean history and resonates with Han. Han is an internalized feeling of deep sorrow, resentment, grief, regret, and anger felt by all Koreans. The MV, music, choreography, and costumes are all painted with Korean history but perfectly embody today’s music tastes. The production is top-notch, good enough to give popular groups a run for their money.