For the final decade, Ok-pop boy teams have confirmed to be amongst probably the most rabidly consumed and desired acts in music. The tides are turning, nevertheless. Ok-pop, or Korean pop, is increasing its attain worldwide with women-led Ok-Pop acts flourishing and attracting extra followers annually. There’s no denying the vital and business affect of those Ok-pop acts in 2023: BLACKPINK continued their takeover with the highest-grossing live performance tour by a feminine group, Crimson Velvet proved their mettle as one of the vital versatile acts within the scene, NewJeans and aespa leaned into noughties-inflected dance and pop tropes making them uncommon crossover success tales.
As we strategy year-end, resident Ok-pop contributor Sofia Gomez commemorates the renascent femme-centric wave of Ok-pop, choosing 25 of the very best tracks launched in 2023 by scene stalwarts and extra area of interest alternate options.
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FIFTY FIFTY – Cupid
Had been you or a beloved one impacted by the ‘Cupid’ impact? If that’s the case, it appears you weren’t the one ones. Each nook of the world indulged in FIFTY FIFTY’s dreamy pop single ‘Cupid’, making it almost unimaginable to disregard. For a second, it appeared like ‘Cupid’s’ arrows solid a love spell onto the world with FIFTY FIFTY’s hit — whether or not your favorite was the Korean or English model.
At that second, FIFTY FIFTY turned a rising quartet destined to take over the planet with the monumental success of ‘Cupid’, with two Billboard Music Award nominations and a film soundtrack single for Barbie of their timeline. Nevertheless, a sequence of unlucky occasions led to their demise resulting from critical authorized troubles brewing, leading to a “reorganised” change in lineup from 4 members to at least one. The rise and fall of FIFTY FIFTY within the span of a yr could have been premature, however the world will always remember the efforts and resilience of former members Saena, Aran, Sio, and remaining member Keena.
Cherry Bullet – P.O.W! (Play On The World)
There may be at all times room for songs that push the envelope and evade the established order, and Cherry Bullet does a implausible job at showcasing simply that on ‘P.O.W! (Play On the World)’. The intermixing of thumping bass, descending vocal melodies, and an unconventional, but spunky refrain, are what makes this observe a standout. However what actually brings this onto our radar is the aura, attracting folks to its avant-garde ambiance.
Quickly after its launch from their third mini-album ‘Cherry Sprint’, members Bora, Jiwon, and Chaerin went on to take part in Mnet’s survival present ‘Queendom Puzzle’, with many involved about the way forward for the septet. All three ladies had been later eradicated from this system. While this isn’t the primary time the members of Cherry Bullet have joined a survival sequence for a second probability, we hope they’re capable of succeed whether or not it’s within the group or someplace new. It’s not typically Cherry Bullet are given their flowers, particularly with a small catalogue, however ‘P.O.W! (Play On the World)’ proves there’ll at all times be a flock of lovers that take pleasure in gutsy eccentric anthems like this. Not everybody will get it, however we do.
aespa – Spicy
As summer season slowly approached, a refined, palpable shift was felt within the air — turning into noticeable within the fashion and sound of Ok-pop songs through the summer season. Little did we all know that scorching woman summer season was about to take over. aespa channeled that vitality on ‘Spicy’, one in every of two new tracks from their third mini-album, ‘MY WORLD’. The extraordinary synth bass and driving dance beat go hand in hand with the quartet’s fierce and free-spirited lyrical content material.
Acting at festivals like Exterior Lands and the Governor’s Ball, embarking on their 14-date ‘Synk : Hyper Line Tour’, and recording for the soundtrack of the movie ‘Tetris’, aespa’s sugar and spice had been in excessive demand this yr. However we already knew what they convey to the desk: unbreakable confidence. In relation to ‘Spicy’, don’t be petrified of aespa’s moxie. Bear in mind, should you can’t beat them, be a part of them.
(G)I-DLE – Queencard
It’s time to ask your self one query: Do you wish to be the Queencard? The Queencard agenda reignited the recognition of Y2K/Barbie aesthetic and coming-of-age movies like Imply Women. And it’s all because of (G)I-DLE. Named after the Korean slang time period ‘퀸카 (queenca)’ or ‘standard’, Jeon Soyeon put her pen to the check to see if she may create an anthem that empowered listeners to be snug in their very own pores and skin. And that she did.
Earlier than we knew it, ‘Queencard’ turned one of many high challenges and traits to take over TikTok. Now the lyrical content material could appear odd to some, particularly with strains that say “my boob and booty is scorching” and “I’m twerking on the runway”, however that’s what made this components work so nicely. It could have been a danger, however it labored in (G)I-DLE’s favour as a result of championing feminine empowerment, self-love, and energy was what they sought to do from the very starting.
KISS OF LIFE – Shhh
It ought to come as no shock that KISS OF LIFE’s debut caught the eyes of many in 2023. Whereas they had been frivolously launched in a documentary about Ok-pop final yr, KISS OF LIFE lastly bought the prospect to introduce themselves and their contemporary sound on their self-titled debut album. The lineup accommodates 4 members Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul. Many are conversant in the member Natty, who beforehand appeared on survival sequence ‘Sixteen’ and ‘Idol Faculty’, even debuting solo previous to her addition to the quartet.
‘Shhh’ accommodates a Western-inspired R&B and dance soundscape that embraces individuality, and challenges the world to specific themselves with out concern of judgment. With one probability to shake up the music trade, it actually labored. The world turned captivated by the quartet’s bold angle and personalities, making KISS OF LIFE’s debut a scorching subject of 2023.
NMIXX – Social gathering O’Clock
The storage pop stylings of NMIXX’s ‘Social gathering O’Clock’ is greater than only a tune, it’s an immersive observe that teleports you right into a whimsical and serene odyssey. As they are saying within the tune’s first verse – “Hey, buckle up, prepare, prepare to bop.” And dance we will.
The celebration NMIXX has invited us to seems like a trance-like expertise full of fairy and cottage-core aesthetics and delicate vocal ranges from the ladies. When wanting again at their earlier releases, you’ll encounter their MIXX-pop sound with an anticipated change-up to return. However this time round, they took on a danger to skip it with ‘Social gathering O’Clock’ to showcase a softer tone. Releasing ‘A Midsummer NMIXX’s Dream’ after finishing their showcase tour ‘NICE TO MIXX YOU’, it was time for NMIXX to modify issues up and go in opposition to the expectations introduced of their earlier work. Afterall, these new challenges present the world what NMIXX is able to.
Odd Eye Circle – Air Pressure One
Many will bear in mind the 2017 sub-unit Odd Eye Circle (OEC) beforehand linked to their former group, LOONA. Final yr, all members determined to file lawsuits in opposition to their earlier label, Blockberry Leisure, to terminate their contracts. By January 2023, members of the OEC sub-unit Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry had received their lawsuits and signed unique contracts with Modhaus. It was about time these women had a second probability.
OEC resumed their actions with the discharge of their second mini-album ‘Model Up’. Jersey Membership anthem ‘Air Pressure One’ re-introduced the world to OEC, with an optimistic new chapter simply up forward. With all of the negativity that surrounded their profession prior, they knew it wasn’t over simply but. ‘Air Pressure One’ might need an ambiguous which means, however the timing of all of it appears to counsel their forward-facing trajectory. If that’s the case, it’s a message everybody can get behind. Hold shifting ahead and by no means look again.
NewJeans – ETA
You’d be mendacity should you stated you’ve by no means heard of NewJeans’ music since their 2022 summer season debut. The five-piece woman group has been on a record-breaking run since then, gaining new followers at each nook of the globe.
Lifted from their second mini-album ‘Get Up’, ‘ETA’ spoke to us in a manner that no different observe did at first impression, flaunting a frivolous allure and hypnotising dance beat made for replaying vigorously. The favela funk ambiance is inviting, particularly for the reason that lyrics play out as a dialog between a pal that confides within the quintet for recommendation. NewJeans don’t have to show their price, however nonetheless took that probability with their first US stay efficiency at Lollapalooza 2023 – the primary feminine Ok-pop act to carry out on the Chicago competition. In case it hasn’t been stated already, NewJeans are destined to change into a serious femme-centric juggernaut in Ok-pop for years to return.
BBGIRLS – ONE MORE TIME
Previously generally known as Courageous Women, quartet Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna, appeared prepared to shut out their profession originally of 2023 after it was introduced they’d not renew their contracts. We had been unsuitable to imagine that: BBGIRLS was born, signing to new label Warner Music Korea.
On their first album as BBGIRLS, ‘ONE MORE TIME’ marked their first comeback since departing Courageous Leisure. Regardless of the lyrical content material alluding to the return of an outdated flame, ‘ONE MORE TIME’ lets followers know this isn’t the tip for the quartet. That includes a pattern from Rick James’ ‘Give It To Me Child’, the dance single accommodates a mixture of soul-funk, pop, and retro pop. Rebranding themselves in 2023, BBGIRLS is a woman group redefined.
STAYC – BUBBLE
Generally the world might be tough to navigate, particularly when society is ready in your downfall and failure. Fortunate for us, we stay in a timeline the place songs like STAYC’s ‘BUBBLE’ choose us up after we want a lift. Because the observe begins, a stunning orchestral development elicits robust feelings, with the boldness that listening to ‘BUBBLE’ will restore your sombre temper. From their third mini-album ‘TEENFRESH’, the electro-pop observe goals to encourage listeners to disregard hate, as a result of these ‘bubbles’ of negativity might be resolved by merely popping them. Folks will decide you it doesn’t matter what you do. So simply do what makes you cheerful.
LOVElution – ‘Women’ Capitalism
Society appears to have forgotten how typically its mistreated ladies. The ingenious resolution for tripleS’ third sub-unit LOVElution to launch ”Women’ Capitalism’ as a critique of how capitalist society treats women and girls quickly turned ironic when you realised it circles again to us.
A lighthearted pop tune from their debut album ‘ↀ’, ‘Women’ Capitalism’ makes a degree in saying how a lady presents themselves on this world, and the way they will change into marketable and earn cash off of it. You both match the requirements or go broke. Appears easy sufficient, let’s not overcomplicate it. It’s a basic case of irony contemplating we (the listeners) discovered their observe marketable, agree with the message, attend their first world tour ‘Genuine’, and have generated income for each the group and their firm. “Women’ Capitalism” reminds you to take a step again and open your eyes, as a result of cash is the foundation to energy, so why not reap the benefits of it? Rattling, this tune was too good for its personal good.
KIMSEJEONG – Prime or Cliff
A real multi-hyphenate in South Korea’s leisure sphere, KIMSEJEONG has constructed a reputation for herself over the previous decade. Collaborating in competitors packages like ‘Ok-pop Star 2’ and ‘Produce 101’, to her idol profession in teams I.O.I and Gugudan, and turning into a profitable actress in musical theatre and quite a few Ok-dramas, there’s no denying her triple menace standing. In 2023, she determined to return to music to launch the eleven-track album ‘Door’.
Cryptic, darkish, and chilling, these are the phrases that describe her contemplative single ‘Prime or Cliff’. Over clean R&B template, the lyrics allude to dealing with the stress to be excellent. Does the protagonist push herself off the sting of a cliff simply to get to the highest? With a Black Swan-esque parallel, KIMSEJEONG’s crooning brings chills down your backbone from the observe’s brooding aura. Her music video equally stuns. ‘Prime or Cliff’ might be one of many solely releases that really left my jaw on the ground, leaving nothing however respect and appreciation for KIMSEJEONG’s unerring imaginative and prescient.
PURPLE KISS – 7HEAVEN
The summer season of 2023 needed to finish someday, however not on PURPLE KISS’ watch. Lifted from their first single album ‘FESTA’, ‘7HEAVEN’ celebrates a carefree life, making the most of these enjoyable moments; a becoming soundtrack for reliving the dear reminiscences we’ve made this previous summer season. It shouldn’t be difficult or overrated to have enjoyable, so take part on the enjoyable with PURPLE KISS’ bubbly tune.
The chorus is so heavenly and infectious, you’ll catch your self buzzing “24/7, seven, seven, seven” after the primary play. The quantity of expertise this six-member group has is noteworthy, it’s no marvel they shine in any idea they tackle; mysterious, quirky, fashionable, and euphoric. After not too long ago finishing an eponymous tour in the US, PURPLE KISS have the apparent potential to achieve this trade. It’s about time all of us see that.
The Deep – BAPPI
‘BAPPI’ turned a beloved hidden gem that had fairly the chatter on X and gained on the spot reputation for its indie-RnB sound. An unbiased singer-songwriter, The Deep is a potential Ok-Indie soloist that has an “it woman” issue. She’s decided, bold, and uncooked. Dwelling in a fast-paced world, the lyrics to ‘BAPPI’ convey the relentlessness to maintain working in direction of your profession and objectives. The Deep’s use of repetition for her chorus is an encouraging credo and affirmation to inform your self: “I do what I do, let me get it, I do what I do, that’s what I like.” There’s one thing about The Deep that fascinates. She encourages us to maintain tabs on her subsequent singular transfer.
HUR YOUNG JI – L.O.V.E
Hur Youngji isn’t any extraordinary identify within the trade; she’s finest generally known as a member of the second technology woman group KARA. Whereas she participated of their reunion single ‘WHEN I MOVE’ final yr, it was time for her to debut as a soloist. On her first single album ‘Toi Toi Toi’, ‘L.O.V.E’ has a fab soundscape paying homage to the golden period of Ok-pop. An ebullient pop single, ‘L.O.V.E’ is precisely that, a tune about love. Youngji’s single speaks of a sort of love that seems like the ultimate vacation spot after wandering the world on the lookout for your fated different half, and as soon as you discover that individual, they’ll at all times really feel like residence. Youngji’s nurturing vocals really feel like a heat hug to your soul that can heal anybody’s spirit. Whether or not it’s romantic, platonic, or self-loving, Youngji’s debut single will depart you with an amazing to seize that emotion.
Dreamcatcher – BONVOYAGE
The main women of Ok-Rock Dreamcatcher bid farewell to their ‘Apocalyse’ trilogy, finishing the ‘From us’ chapter with the emotional observe ‘BONVOYAGE’. The progressive rock soundscape leaves a harrowing undertone that leaves a pit in our abdomen. Seems, it’s a tune devoted to our struggling planet. With the trilogy’s intent to deliver consciousness to local weather change and the results of air pollution, Dreamcatcher suggests leaving our residence so it could possibly heal by itself.
Dreamcatcher have used their platform earlier than to amplify considerations in regards to the surroundings, utilizing ‘MAISON’ and ‘VISION’ to teach and encourage motion. However they’ve exhausted all efforts. All of us stay on this planet collectively, we have to work more durable than ever to restore the injury performed by our recklessness and apathy. The brand new yr is coming, let ‘BONVOYAGE’ encourage you to be that change.
mimiirose – FLIRTING
Mimiirose’s ‘FLIRTING’ makes fairly the primary impression with a whistling introduction, calling your consideration instantly. The reggae-influenced moombahton dance observe is the main single for his or her second single album ‘LIVE’, making this their first comeback since their 2022 debut.
mimiirose have expressed in a number of interviews that ‘FLIRTING’ evokes their daring and powerful need to command their audiences’ consideration. Their harmonies have a siren-esque vary that really feel magical and fascinating, nearly such as you’ve been solid beneath a spell of their doing. Whether or not it’s intentional or not, it’s an attention-grabbing concept that enhances the temper of the tune. It’s confounding that ‘FLIRTING’ is the quintet’s first comeback as a result of it’s a robust observe for his or her vocal ranges. We’re braced for what they do subsequent.
IVE – Both Method
We’re human. We frequently take into consideration how others understand us and the way we understand ourselves. It may be difficult to not overthink your character or folks please your manner into an id disaster. However IVE problem you to not let the perceptions of others misery you. A hauntingly sombre synthpop observe from their first mini-album ‘I’VE MINE’, ‘Both Method’ is a stark diversion from their regular upbeat hits. Given the context, it’s an essential tune that reminds us that others’ opinions of you don’t dictate your self-worth; solely you do.
IVE repeats the road “both manner I’m good” within the refrain as an effort to guarantee themselves their individuality is regular. Seeing that IVE battle with these feelings (particularly after watching the uncooked music video), it helps to know we’re not alone in studying acceptance and self-love. With how influential and standard IVE have change into, we’re hopeful their upcoming ‘Present What I Have World Tour’ permits the six-piece group an opportunity to showcase extra of their abilities.
YOUHA – FLIGHT
At simply 24, YOUHA is a jack of all trades with many titles – singer, songwriter, producer, and composer – and had constructed an empire of her personal as a soloist beneath Common Music Korea. ‘FLIGHT’ will get its identify from the Korean phrase ‘비행 bee-haeng’ that carries two meanings: flight and adolescence/puberty. Placing that into perspective, the city-pop-inspired single focuses on the anxious and reflective emotions she carries as a younger grownup. It’s as if her grownup years felt like a second spherical of puberty. Her silky vocals are sufficient to make you a fan for all times. YOUHA deserves extra recognition as her singles are pleasing to the ears, thoughts, and soul. An underrated soloist of her calibre is simply too good to be saved a secret or be “underrated” in perpetuity.
Chuu – Howl
Additionally a former member of Blockberry Leisure’s LOONA, Chuu is named a singer, TV character, and wonderful human being deserving of a second probability after a difficult authorized dispute. The world waited patiently for Chuu. Fortunately, she lastly noticed the sunshine on the finish of the tunnel.
On her debut solo album and title observe of the identical identify, ‘Howl’ was marked as Chuu’s contemporary begin within the music trade. The electro-pop tune is wistful, nearly like a brave cry as we hear Chuu’s accapella vocals with zero instrumentation. The primary line of the tune needs to be sufficient to empathise along with her struggles: “Even when the world collapses, no matter, I’ll be alright. Increase one other layer of wall, it’s okay, I’m protected right here”. The lyrics illustrate two wounded folks turning into one another’s solace, a becoming sentiment for somebody who’s overcome many hardships. As Chuu enters this subsequent chapter of her profession as a soloist, there’s consolation understanding the load has been lifted off her shoulders.
NiziU – HEARTIS
JYP Leisure’s Japanese woman group NiziU has labored exhausting since their 2020 debut — efficiently finishing dome excursions in Japan and releasing catchy hits. In October, it was introduced that NiziU would have their official Korean debut with their single album ‘Press Play’. Primarily based on the recognition of their Japanese tracks, there was little doubt that their title observe ‘HEARTRIS’ can be an on the spot hit.
The interpretation of ‘Heartris’ makes use of the analogy of the sport Tetris as a strategy to discover their excellent relationship match. A bubblegum-pop tune in regards to the exhilarating emotions of affection, ‘HEARTRIS’ matches proper in with their high-spirited sound. Fortunate for them, it was an instantaneous hit, successful their first-ever music present win on MBC’s ‘Present Champion’. One factor’s for certain, this isn’t the tip of NiziU’s profession in South Korea. It’s solely simply starting.
VIVIZ – MANIAC
The will to have VIVIZ’s ‘MANIAC’ on repeat must be studied. Ever since its launch, it’s change into an earworm tune we are able to’t evade; it’s taken over TikTok as a well-liked dance problem (we are able to thank their choreographer Kany Diabaté Ahn for that).
From their fourth mini-album ‘Versus’, the upbeat dance observe communicates an correct depiction of what falling in love can do to somebody. Love could also be affected person and sort, however it’s additionally an emotional rollercoaster of feelings that flip you into, you guessed it: a maniac. As one line of the tune states, it’s “a melodrama that may’t be defined by different phrases than love”. In almost two years since their re-debut, the vocal synergy and prowess that Eunha, SinB, and Umji share in VIVIZ has clearly been an distinctive sight to witness. There’s no denying the star high quality these women have collectively.
SOOJIN – AGASSY
2023 was full of many surprising and thrilling surprises in Ok-pop, and Soojin’s return to the music trade was one in every of them. In 2021, Soojin departed from (G)I-DLE after she turned the topic of bullying allegations and has spent the final two years out of the highlight. In her official debut as a soloist for BRD Leisure, Soojin launched her first EP ‘AGASSY’.
The eponymous title observe will get its identify from the Korean time period ‘아가씨 agassi’ which means ‘Miss/Woman’. Drawing on conventional Korean music for inspiration, the tune has an impressive and enchanting vibe that pairs nicely with Soojin’s tenacity. ‘AGASSY’ accommodates metaphors about flowers that signify Soojin’s progress, change, and sweetness; blossoming in even probably the most tough circumstances. Whereas the lyrics stay refined, it parallels Soojin’s resilient journey. After an extended interval away, let’s permit Soojin to inform her story at her personal tempo.
Crimson Velvet – Chill Kill
Crimson Velvet will at all times discover a strategy to flip every little thing they contact to gold. It’s a powerful ability to have almost a decade into their profession. An ethereal and chilling comeback, ‘Chill Kill’ describes how transformative love might be in our lives; craving to remain within the current and maintain onto it whereas it lasts. The lyrics are ambiguous and have various interpretations, however the notion that love has the duality to be each cathartic and tragic feels poetic. If we take it a step additional, ‘Chill Kill’ may very a lot be impressed by Romeo and Juliet’s tragic destiny. Crimson Velvet’s creative imaginative and prescient and dedication to theories and lore are what make their comebacks so creatively stimulating.
TAEYEON – To. X
Taeyeon has been dubbed many names all through her profession — the crown jewel of SM Leisure, powerhouse, even the colloquial Gen Z praise ‘Mom’. We will’t presumably wrap up 2023 with out together with her fifth mini-album and title observe of the identical identify, ‘To. X’. The RnB-laced observe reminisces on a ex romantic flame, languishing in reminiscences that they had collectively earlier than the connection got here to a poisonous and unhealthy finish. Taeyeon grows bored with remembering the sacrifices she made for her previous associate, even going so far as catering to their needs. She says her goodbye and proceeds to dam them.
Whereas it strays from Taeyeon’s signature energy anthems, ‘To. X’ sticks to its theme of recovering from a damaged coronary heart. She doesn’t let it management her. As an alternative she chooses the latter: eradicating any and each reminiscence that they had collectively. We’ve all gone via heartache like this. It’s time we take a web page out of Taeyeon’s ‘To. X’ and depart any relationship that strips us of our individuality.
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Phrases: Sofia Gomez
