/Best K-pop Releases 2024

Happy 2025, everyone! The Korean entertainment industry in 2024 was a whirlwind of controversies and surprises, but somehow, we still ended up with some truly fantastic music. Drama aside (for now), this marks my first time doing a ranking like this. When evaluating albums, I take a music-first approach - though performances, concepts, and other elements can certainly influence my rankings. I don't just focus on the title tracks; I evaluate the entire album. After all, one bad track can sour an otherwise excellent release.

I'll highlight some standout b-sides and explore how they complement the overall themes of their respective albums. That said, this isn't meant to be overly serious. I'll admit I have my biases (both literal and figurative), but I hold all releases to a high standard. With that, let's dive in!

10. NMIXX - Fe304: BREAK

In summer 2023, their release A Midsummer NMIXX's Dream caught my attention as it seemed that NMIXX's "MIXX POP" concept was finally maturing into something special. While I've always appreciated their stellar performances, their music had largely been underwhelming for me up until this point. With that said, I eagerly anticipated their next release, which came under the name Fe304: BREAK. Right from the start, the name demands attention - Fe304, the chemical formula for iron oxide (magnetite), highlights the group's ability to attract fans and stick together.

The title track, DASH, is a jazzy hip-hop song that exemplifies peak MIXX POP. The change-ups in the song work brilliantly, perfectly complementing their vocal range and unique sound. I mentally divide this EP into two halves. The first half feels visceral and intense, embodying themes of breaking boundaries, enduring hardships, and embracing authenticity. The latter half has a more "flowy" feel, characterized by lighter instrumentals and upbeat vocals. Passionfruit ended up being my top song on this year's Spotify Wrapped - a result both surprising and unsurprising. It's a fun, easy listen with enough bounce to stay lodged in your mind.

Unfortunately, the EP's uneven number of tracks - seven - throws off its balance. The final track, which I've only listened to a handful of times, feels like filler and fails to serve as a satisfying outro to an otherwise stellar EP. In my mind, I treat Fe304: BREAK as a six-track release, but I have to dock some points for that underwhelming closer. Each track must carry its weight, and this one simply doesn't.

9. Irene - Like A Flower

While I typically praise Red Velvet for their vocal prowess, Irene hasn't usually been the first member I think of in that regard. However, her debut album completely changed my perception. Irene's voice stands out for its smooth, tactile, and melodic qualities. Unlike other Red Velvet solo releases, which I've found to be a mix of filler tracks and a few gems, Like A Flower aligns perfectly with my taste for atmospheric and rhythmic soundscapes.

The album divides neatly into two halves, much like Red Velvet's "Red" and "Velvet" concepts. The first half leans toward the latter. At first glance, Like A Flower might seem like a straightforward pop song, but its high-tempo intensity and moody, mysterious undertones reveal a sensational combination that showcases Irene's artistry. The song feels groovy, wistful, romantic, and energetic all at once - a delicate balance between light pop and darker, introspective vibes.

Summer Rain and Calling Me Back are solid tracks in their own right, but the real standout is Strawberry Silhouette. This song single-handedly elevates the album to its #9 ranking. The dark synths rumble, the beat is sharp and tactile, and Irene's vocals mesh perfectly with the production. It's reminiscent of a darker LOONA or tripleS dance track but with an added layer of maturity. Irene's rap section is the cherry on top - perfectly catchy and tastefully executed. Even the subtle vocal fry adds depth and complexity to this standout track.

8. Loossemble - TTYL

It's no secret that I'm a huge LOONA fan and have been following the members in their respective new groups. Loossemble's first EP was an amazing release, but their musical reputation took a hit with their second EP, One Of A Kind. The only redeeming feature of that EP was the concept photos; the album itself felt like a throwaway. Now, Loossemble's third (and sadly final) EP arrived with great hype and expectations. Stylistically different from Charli XCX's acclaimed Brat album, the striking green cover nonetheless raised expectations even higher.

I have to admit, on first listen, I wasn't impressed. Nothing was bad, but it didn't reach the heights of their debut EP; it was simply inoffensive K-pop. While not inherently negative, it didn't warrant much praise either. The title track, TTYL, felt trend-chasing and didn't do much to showcase the members' voices. Though it was sonically unique compared to most K-pop releases, I could easily imagine any run-of-the-mill girl group pulling it off.

So why did this release earn the #8 spot? Let me explain. Loossemble's final tour, 2024 US TOUR: Up_Link Station, featured performances that reignited my appreciation. Fancams of Cotton Candy (Vivi, Hyeju, Yeojin) and Confessions (Hyunjin, Go Won, Yeojin) showed the subunit songs playing off each other brilliantly, highlighting the members' individual strengths. While these tracks aren't particularly groundbreaking, the Loossemble girls elevated them through their performances - something hard to ignore. Hocus Pocus and Secret Diary maintain the momentum with dance-pop rhythms, closing out an EP that leaves a lasting impression.

7. tripleS - Visionary Vision

Half of tripleS returns with a new concept: a dance unit! This time, MODHAUS introduces a "harder" concept while still retaining their signature atmospheric sound. The unit's lineup is perfect, with each member shining in the title track, Hit the Floor. It's speculated that this track was originally intended for the upcoming MODHAUS boy group, but it was handed to Visionary Vision instead. This isn't surprising, as the track follows a familiar SM boy group formula. I can easily imagine NCT 127 or RIIZE performing it. The production evokes RIIZE's SIREN, and the rap sections feel very NCT-inspired. While it's great to see tripleS experimenting, this isn't their strongest work.

In 2023, the LOVElution unit performed Atmosphere for the first time, though it wasn't officially released until Visionary Vision. I found myself repeatedly returning to their performance video, even a year later. Atmosphere perfectly encapsulates the tripleS sound. When Atmosphere (VV ver.) was finally released, I was a bit disappointed with the structural changes, as the LOVElution version remains superior. That said, the VV version is growing on me, and I'm glad to see other units may release their own versions, as the "(VV Ver.)" implies.

The album's sequencing, however, feels disjointed and awkward. Following Hit the Floor, the next three tracks - Choom, Éclair, and 룡애소설 (Love Soseol) - create an overly cute and upbeat sequence that disrupts the album's flow. Strangely, Atmosphere (VV ver.) acts as an interlude, but it leads into 12 Rings, another cutesy song. This arrangement feels counterintuitive. A more logical sequencing would place Atmosphere as a transition into the softer, more familiar tracks like Choom, Éclair, and Love Soseol. Starting with Visionary Vision's bold, experimental sound - such as Vision and Bionic Power - and gradually transitioning into tripleS's lighter, cutesier territory would result in a much smoother and cohesive listening experience.

6. NewJeans - How Sweet + Supernatural

I know I'm bending the rules a bit here, but it's for good reason. How Sweet and Supernatural were released within weeks of each other, and with both being two-track releases, it's hard to separate them. Arguably the most hyped girl group of the year, all eyes were on NewJeans.

How Sweet is another banger produced by 250, featuring a clean dream dance-pop instrumental. There's nothing over-the-top about the song, and that's by design. It's an easy listen - steady yet dreamy. Let's set aside the fact that it's essentially a Coca-Cola advertisement and focus on Hanni and Danielle's outro parts, which set the mood for the second track, Bubble Gum. This transition flows seamlessly. The production is polished, but Bubble Gum doesn't quite capture the emotional depth of NewJeans' previous slow track, Hurt. While the vocals are fine, I would suggest leaning more into the R&B aspect when dialing down the tempo.

Technically, Supernatural is a Japanese release, but by my rules, it still counts as K-pop - especially with its mix of Korean, Japanese, and English lyrics. I'll be frank: this release is simply better than How Sweet, but I'm grouping them together for sixth place. Supernatural is a bouncy new jack swing track that gets stuck in your head on the first listen, practically begging for a replay. This is exactly the R&B-esque sound I wanted earlier, elevated by NewJeans' signature charm. The song evokes a bittersweet feeling, capturing the joy of connection with an undertone of longing and uncertainty. It might just be a perfect song.

The b-side, Right Now, reminds me of NMIXX's Passionfruit, which I mentioned earlier. It's catchy, complements Supernatural, and is about 80% in English. Not much more to say there.

I won't delve into the group's ongoing drama - contract issues, HYBE, Min Hee-jin - but I sincerely hope this isn't the end of NewJeans. Fingers crossed for another release in 2025.

5. NAYEON - NA

Unlike TWICE's vocalist's first release, IM NAYEON, NA doesn't fall apart after the first three tracks - which is great because I love Nayeon's tone.

The title track, ABCD, is better than POP, plain and simple. I won't dwell on it because the b-sides are where this album truly shines. If you haven't listened to Heaven (Feat. Sam Kim) yet, stop reading and put it on right now. Nayeon's voice fits this R&B vibe perfectly, and I hope she leans more into this sound in the future. I've admired Sam Kim's vocals for years, and his feature here couldn't be more perfect.

Next is another standout track featuring Julie from KISS OF LIFE. Her rap adds just the right amount of spice and sass, giving the song an extra edge. The cheesy English lyrics and catchy melody make me think this could've been a contender for the title track. It's also nice to see Julie getting a feature on a big artist's song so early in her career.

The low point of the album is HalliGalli (Prod. by LEE CHANHYUK) - it's just not appealing to me. That aside, the rest of the b-sides stand strong (shoutout to Something!). While I've been disappointed with TWICE's recent releases (aside from their Japanese album DIVE), if more members put out solo work like this, I'll stay invested.

4. Billlie - Appendix: Of All We Have Lost

Billlie returns as seven with another groovy and jazzy EP. Following the enormous success of The Billage of Perception: Chapter Three, which showcased their unique synth-funk sound, expectations were high. So, how does Billlie follow up on a near five-star release?

It's clear they aimed to continue building on their signature sound with Of All We Have Lost. However, these six songs don't stray far from what we've already heard in their previous projects. In fact, any of these tracks could seamlessly fit into their earlier EPs. Even so, this latest release is far from a disappointment - it's just that Chapter Three set an almost unbeatable standard.

The dual title tracks, Remembrance Candy and Trampoline, don't quite feel like title tracks. They lack the punch and flair you'd expect, even though both feature the groovy, funky sound typical of Billlie. While they're not bad songs by any means, they're missing that extra push.

The true standouts are the b-sides, particularly Bluerose. This track sees Billlie pushing their musical boundaries with an artistic city-pop-inspired jam. The members deliver flawless vocals over a jazzy instrumental, prioritizing art over charts. And that's what sets Billlie apart: they are arguably the most artistic group in the current K-pop landscape. It's hard not to enjoy everything they release. However, I believe they could reach even greater heights by broadening their scope just a bit more. I'm not asking them to reinvent themselves with each release, but when they've shown such excellence outside their self-imposed boundaries, it's perplexing that they continue to soften their direction.

3. IVE - IVE SWITCH

IVE returns with HEYA, a very 3rd-gen-sounding title track filled with mini switch-ups and a sense of spectacle and grandeur. It's quite refreshing amidst the current wave of chill, laid-back title tracks by modern girl groups. I can't help but compare it to a Red Velvet release. While it has mass appeal and strong replayability, it doesn't quite match the impact of IVE's previous title tracks. Surprisingly, Dem Jointz produced this track, and it's relatively tame compared to his usual works. However, the build-up to the ending is always appreciated; the vocals from Wonyoung and Liz really elevate the track for me.

Now for the true star of the EP: Accendio. It follows a similar direction to LOVE DIVE but leans into a darker, more ominous, and haunting sound mixed with energetic pop elements. This darker sound is where IVE truly excels. The synths create a magical vibe that hooked me from the first listen. HEYA should have been the pre-release track instead of Accendio.

This is IVE's most cohesive release to date, with the soundscape's identity unfolding seamlessly throughout each track. The standout here is Ice Queen, which feels mystical, royal, and powerful. Its production is airy and refreshing yet striking at the same time. It's like the musical equivalent of a Dark Frutiger Aero desktop: futuristic, sleek, and glassy. WOW and RESET continue the airy soundscape but bring a lighter, more carefree vibe. While I enjoy the bubbly closure of this EP, I hope Starship realizes that prime IVE is dark IVE.

2. tripleS <ASSEMBLE24>

After almost two years, tripleS has finally released their first complete album featuring all 24 members. <ASSEMBLE24> is not just a milestone for the group; it's one of the boldest experiments in the K-pop industry in recent years.

"We unite as one, twenty-four dreams"

The album's title track, Girls Never Die, represents the culmination of the group's journey from S1 to S24. The pressure of crafting a song that encapsulates their theme must have been immense, but tripleS delivered spectacularly. Girls Never Die is easily the greatest title track of 2024. Watching all 24 members come together to create something so cohesive and powerful made the wait worthwhile. The song and music video prominently explore the motif of rebirth, delving into the complexities and challenges of daily life while highlighting themes of struggle, resilience, and unwavering determination. It's a rare blend of sincerity, vulnerability, and raw power.

That said, I have one small gripe: much like my Atmosphere dilemma, the best version of Girls Never Die isn't available on streaming platforms! The music video includes a stunning dance break in the middle of the song, which is sadly absent from the album version on <ASSEMBLE24>.

When it comes to the b-sides, this album truly shines, offering a dynamic showcase of tripleS's versatility. White Soul Sneakers sets the tone with a steady build that culminates in a hypnotic final minute. S14 SoHyun's composition might not be overly complex, but every detail feels intentional. DaHyun's vocals blend effortlessly with the melody, creating an experience that's both captivating and immersive.

Next comes Chiyu, a track where the production takes center stage. The layered, reverbed vocals evoke the gentle echoes of distant peaks, enveloping the listener in a serene, dreamlike calm. The chorus, with its unhurried and languid melody, feels like the quiet stillness of a moonlit night, leaving a lasting impression.

24, on the other hand, leans into the group's signature sound, with driving synths, catchy "lalalas," and groovy percussion. However, its resemblance to Rising makes it feel a little too familiar, losing some of its potential to stand out.

Finally, Beyond the Beyond closes the set with its striking vocal delivery, particularly from DaHyun. Yet, the sheer number of members presents a recurring challenge - not just for this track but for the album as a whole. It's no easy task to showcase all 24 members in a cohesive way. Moving forward, the group could benefit from highlighting more vocalists, integrating varied rap sections, and experimenting with fresh arrangements to bring out the unique strengths of each member.

<ASSEMBLE24> is nothing short of a magnum opus for tripleS, signaling a genesis in their evolution. While there's room for refinement, the album's ambition and execution firmly establish tripleS as one of the most innovative forces in K-pop today.

1. ARTMS - <Dall>

After LOONA's dissolution, five of its members - Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, HaSeul, and HeeJin - were reborn as ARTMS. Their debut was highly anticipated, and the team behind <Dall> clearly aimed to make it as impactful and, fittingly, as ARTistic as possible.

The album tells a cohesive story throughout its runtime. It opens with the pleasant and mysterious intro url, setting the tone before transitioning to the title track, Virtual Angel. This song blends retro vibes with a touch of melancholy, creating a dreamy and ethereal landscape that permeates the entire album. Themes of desire and longing intertwine with a cultish, psychedelic atmosphere - beautifully strange yet captivating. The album carries a vibe of escapism and running from reality until finding someone who inspires a return to the world. The accompanying music video for Virtual Angel further explores themes of religion and celebrity obsession, adding depth to the track.

What sets this album apart is its "remix" tracks - Flower Rhythm, Candy Crush, and Air. These songs sample elements from previous ARTMS releases, reinforcing the concept of "rebirth" for the members. While these tracks are intriguing, they're not particularly outstanding and don't flow seamlessly within the album. The reliance on singles gives the album a somewhat fragmented identity. However, repeated listens reveal the strength of the arrangements, atmospheric production, and background vocals. Despite their standard melodies, the songs possess an understated sophistication, offering a unique auditory experience.

The latter half of the album ventures into darker territory with Distress and Butterfly Effect. These tracks incorporate darker EDM elements and layered compositions, featuring heavily reverbed vocals. The album culminates in the final track, Birth, a haunting song with a horror theme. The music video for Birth explores heavy themes such as death, reincarnation, loss, and grief. While it's an ambitious closer, its stark contrast with the rest of the album makes it feel slightly out of place.

As a spiritual successor to <XX>, <Dall> falls short in cohesiveness. Still, the artistry and creativity behind this project deserve recognition. It's far from perfect, but the ambition to push boundaries while maintaining familiarity is commendable - a testament to ARTMS' ability to balance innovation with the evocative, transformative nature of art.