As the world plunged into further turmoil in 2018, the East Asian Peninsula of South Korea continued to pump out more and more bangerz.
From thumping bass lines, silky smooth vocals, to hypnotically tantalising melodies, there was no shortage of K-POP songs to have on repeat throughout the year. We at Mad Love have complied a comprehensive list of the top 15 hottest tracks bumping in the streets of Seoul to the world!
15. SHINee – Good Evening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dGwk5-QMpc
After a tragedy that shook the Korean music industry to it’s core, the every reliable veteran group SHINee returned with a track that is euphoric as it is heartbreaking. Sampling the immortal 112’s ‘Cupid’, try not to shed a tear as your body involuntarily moves to this infectious banger.
14. JENNIE – Solo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b73BI9eUkjM
DAMN this song blew up in a short time! When the leader of powerhouse group BLACKPINK – who will show up a little later in this list- decided to step out on her own, she did it in the most extravagant way possible. Rattling 808’s, squeaky horns and ice cold vocals create an anthem for anyone doing it for themselves in 2018!
13. Apink – I’m so sick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4oHuML9U2A
Veterans to the game, Apink decided to ditch their signature cute looks for something a little more dangerous. The track plays like an ode to heartbreak, disappointment, and self reflection, pulsating over the dance floor!
12. IZ*ONE – La Vie en Rose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZwr2a_lFWY
The product of the gruelling, sadistic, dystopian, and endlessly entertaining reality program Produce 48, IZ*ONE is here and boy are they here with a bang. Creating a velvety smooth track that pulsates with every vocoder and synth Korea could get its hands on, this track demands repeat listens!
11. MOMOLAND – Bboom Bboom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQGRg8XBnB4
This sugary sweet track works it way into your ears with the abrasiveness of a thousand cheerleaders screaming at you, this track might also take dance of the year (you’ll know it when you see it!).
10. EXID – I Love You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAdmzjsFVQo
Veteran Girl Crush group EXID came into 2018 with this hectic club banger, combining seductive vocals with a thumping loop proclaiming love is as simple as “la-la-la”.
9. iKON – Love Scenario
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vecSVX1QYbQ
Catchy and cute, kinda like a lullaby for a group of Sad Boys, throw in a few raps and modern Korean street fashion, and you get these dudes
8. MAMAMOO – Starry Night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FB2EoKTK_Q
Combine the crazy exotic guitar loop mixed with the scenic beauty of New Zealand and you have a recipe for success. Charismatic and charming, underdogs Mamamoo have had one hell of a progressive year.
7. SUNMI – SIREN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNWMZIf7eSg
The queen of Vigor and Vengeance, following a strong 2017, Sunmi came back with another one. This video sees multiple versions of her as well as a rare mermaid costume appearance.
6. IU – BBIBBI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM0xDI5R50E
Catchy, cheeky tune from the main boss IU. Amongst acting and advertising campaigns, this is the only song she released this year, but this bop alone was enough to sustain her popularity and continue to make waves.
5. BLACKPINK – DDU-DU DDU-DU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHNzOHi8sJs
Vicious and mean – the power group of YG entertainment. Insane raps, hugely expensive video, international charm and catchy point dance. Let’s gooooooooo
4. Twice – What is Love?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0p1bmr0EmE
The Staple leading “Girl-Group” in K-pop right now. Beginning from reality show fame like other K-pop groups, These 9 girls have concreted themselves as stars of the industry. This video showcases them parodying and reenacting famous romantic comedy and film scenes.
3. EXO – Tempo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwd8N6K-sLk
A crazy schizophrenic mash of every synth, sound and groove that a studio can make. EXO paints a beautiful landscape of robotic dancing, motorbikes and classic bed spring sounds.
2. Red Velvet – Bad Boy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_CFBjAyPWE
The Ultimate “Girl Crush” banger from industry staples Red Velvet. A shift from their regular bubbly tone, This power group hit 2018 with a vengence showing a sharper more mature edge and modern outfits.
1. BTS – Fake Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C2z4GqqS5E
The Epitome of the K-pop industry for the last two years, BTS personifies everything people think K-pop is – super precise choreography, full faced makeup, perfect hair/wardrobe and a penchant for flair and the overly dramatic side of things. All this to the constant hum & voices of millions of girls screaming around the galaxy!
So shout outs Korea and 2018! U crazy!
