Top K-pop Songs of 2022

By: Diana Sanchez and Jennifer Loja

As a tribute to 2022, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top k-pop songs of 2022. Please note that these songs are not in any particular order and the list was shortened. If some songs you thought were good didn’t make it on the list, don’t take offense. 

 

Top K-pop songs of 2022:

1. Love Dive – IVE

IVE’s Love Dive took early 2022 by storm. The song was everywhere. While IVE’s debut, Eleven, was a major success, Love Dive had a different vibe. The music video, concept, and overall era interested K-pop fans. Having former members of the popular 4th generation girl group, Iz*one, helped a lot with the debut process however it’s ultimately all 5 members of IVE who make the group successful.

 

2. That That – PSY and Suga

PSY is most famously known for his hit single Gangnam Style released in 2012. Since then he has released a couple of songs, however, none of them are comparable to the success of That That. Featuring BTS’s Suga on the song added the support of many ARMYs who wanted to support him in his solo activities. 

3. Antifragile – Le Sserafirm

Le Sserafirm’s debut was greatly anticipated as they were the first girl group to debut under HYBE Labels. With a successful, yet controversial, debut they quickly gained fans, and having two former Iz*one members defiantly added support. Despite their successful debut, it’s arguable that Antifragile, the group’s first comeback, had a huge impact. The song’s chorus reminded some of Latin music and fans loved it.  

4. Pink Venom – Blackpink 

It’s safe to say that Blinks were fed this year with Blackpink’s first comeback since The Album was released in 2020. As a pre-release to the Born Pink album, it stunned fans with its experimental music choice. Fans were glad they got some new music this year and the song charted in the Billboard Global Top 200 for about two weeks. 

5. Pop! – Nayeon

Nayeon, a popular member of the girl group Twice, had her solo debut in June. Fans were excited as this was the first solo work of any member of Twice, and Nayeon did not disappoint. Pop! became an instant hit. Her outfit and choreography amazed fans.

 

6. Hype Boy / Attention / Ditto – New Jeans

New Jeans debuted in mid-2022 and their debut Attention and Hype Boy gained the attention (haha) of all K-pop fans. New Jeans quickly took over the industry with their seniors dancing to their songs on TikTok and V-Live. It’s safe to say that these rookies are taking over the k-pop industry as icons of 4th gen. Recently, their comeback Ditto ensured fans that they were not going to be one-hit wonders.

7. Forever 1 – Girls Generation

The SM girl group, Girls Generation, has been around since 2007 but they have been consistent with their music and presentation. Although the group members ventured out as individual artists they still maintained their group chemistry. After a five-year hiatus (that’s really long!) they came back with their title track Forever 1 to celebrate their 15th year anniversary. The melodies and lyrics were comforting to fans that have been waiting for the groups’ next move.

8. BTBT – B.I.

B.I. (also known as Kim Hanbin) reintroduced himself as a solo artist with his self-produced single, BTBT. B.I. collaborated with Soulja Boy and Devita, an American rapper and upcoming artist. He mentioned wanting to try different styles of music and chose a futuristic style. The song captured listeners with its rhythm and its Korean wordplay. The performance version of the song has awed many fans with its choreography. 

9. DICE – NMIXX

NMIXX’s debut O.O received a lot of backlash for the confusing shifts in the song – as much for British headlines to label it as the “worst song of all time.” So with their comeback, DICE needed to be good to prove to the industry that they are capable. Their unique and difficult choreography shocked fans along with members’ Sullyoon hit notes.

[(G)-Idle got their first music show win for “TOMBOY” on SBS MTV’s ‘The Show’]

10. Tomboy / Nxde – (G)-idle

(G)-idle released another hit. Tomboy, was released after a one-year-long hiatus the group had taken. The song emphasizes the group’s uniqueness and bold attitude. Member, Yuqi took part in composing, Tomboy. G-idle’s unique voice and charm really shone through in their music video. G-idle revealed that Nxde showcased their feelings about negative comments that have been made against them as a group. It also brings about the message they being true to themselves is most important to the group. It has gotten mixed reactions because of the title but it solely means G-idle showing their authentic self to the audience.

11. Polaroid Love – ENHYPEN

ENHYPEN’s Polaroid Love might just be the b-side of 2022. The iconic TikTok dance made by a fan took over social media and gained attention to the b-side. 

12. Talk that Talk – Twice

Talk that Talk was part of TWICE’s newest album, Between 1&2. Their long-awaited comeback, Talk that Talk, was a fun and cheerful song that had such an exciting choreography to go along with it. The overall music video is neat but also fun to watch along and listen to.

13. Run BTS – BTS

BTS released their anthology album in June and with the collection of their previous works came new songs for ARMY. A major hit was Run as the song’s powerful beat, vocals, and rap drew in ARMY. At their Busan Concert, BTS showed ARMY the strong choreography that comes with the song. After this, all of HYBE’s artists posted TikToks of them doing the choreography (not to mention Jungkook’s version of the dance which he posted on his Instagram). In the end, the song provided ARMY with strong beats and a catchy chorus. 

14. The Astronaut – Jin

After the announcement of the BTS members departing for the military, the oldest member, Jin, released The Astronaut to comfort fans. The soft beat, thoughtful lyrics, and message in the music video were enough to make fans cry over the reality of the members leaving to go to the military.

15. MORE – j-hope

After the announced break for BTS, j-hope was the first member to announce his solo work. Having released a solo album, Hope World, in 2018, fans expected something similar to this. However, as the concept photos dropped, and eventually the music video, fans knew this would show a new side of j-hope. And they were right. Jack in the Box had a different vibe and j-hope expressed sides of himself that the fans had never seen before. The old-school hip-hop instrumentals were new and refreshing for fans.

16. Wild Flower – RM

Fans waited eagerly after RM teased his album on Instagram, mentioning it would outline his 2019-2022 journey, a huge part of his twenties. He is currently the third member of BTS to have a solo debut. RM (also known as Namjoon) made his official solo debut with his album, Indigo. He released Wild Flower as a collaboration with Youjeen of Cherry Filter (Her voice made it even better!). Wild Flower portrays RM struggle with staying true to himself while also gaining fame and success. This song was loved by many for its meaning and blend of instruments in the background. This track shows how versatile his music is and it did not disappoint!

17. Feel My Rhythm – Red Velvet

Red Velvet has done it again! They made a comeback with their extended play. In March of this year they released their 9th mini-album, The ReVe Festival 2022 – Feel my Rhythm. The song was viewed by many and played repeatedly. The upbeat and fresh style made fans love this song even more. The song drew inspiration from classical music and ballet. Themes from their other songs were also portrayed making it nostalgic for ReVeluv (fandom name).

18. The Feels – Twice 

Twice never fails to release good music. This time their title track The Feels was included in their 3rd full-length album, Formula of Love: O+T=<3. The song gained recognition from ONCE and non-fans for its catchy melody and explosion of energy. They recently went on tour (4th World Tour III) and performed it as their opening song.  

19. Good Boy Gone Bad – TXT

TXT released Good Boy Gone Bad and left many Moas stunned at the concept. Since their debut, they have been known for trying different concepts. But this time the concept was different from their early released songs. The song was put on repeat. Fans appreciated how hard the members had worked for the comeback.

 

Honorable Mentions:

1. Yet to Come / For Youth– BTS
2. INVU – Taeyeon
3. GingaMingaYo (The Strange World) – Billlie 
4. Girls – Aespa 
5. Maniac / Case 143– Stray Kids
6. WA DA DA – Kep1er
7. Sour / Childhood -The Rose
8. HELLO – Treasure 
9. Step back – GOT the Beat
10. CHEERS / _WORLD / HOT – SEVENTEEN 
11. Doom Du Doom – P1Harmony
12. Darari – Treasure 
13. Bop Bop! – Viviz
14. RUN2U– STAYC
15. Zoom – Jessi
16. Paradoxxx Invasion / Future Perfect – Enhypen
17. Rush Hour – Crush ft. j-hope
18. Honey – Solar
19. Generation – Acid Angel from Asia 
20. Smiley – Yena Ft. BIBI
21. 28 Reasons – Seulgi 
22. O.O – NMIXX
23. Shut Down – Blackpink