The 10 best K-pop songs of 2023, starring Jungkook and NewJeans – RIFF Magazine |

In 2023, we saw the domination of girl groups, as well as the return of groups that paved the way for the current generation. The year marked comebacks by EXO, Red Velvet, Shinee and Monsta X, and starring solo turns from the members of K-pop superstars BTS, such as Jungkook. This list of the best K-Pop songs highlights hard-hitting pop beats and thumping bass lines alongside iconic dance moves and visuals.

10. “Get a Guitar” — RIIZE

The newest group out of SMTOWN, septet RIIZE, formed early in 2023. It’s comprised of former NCT members and SM rookies. Debut single “Get A Guitar” quickly became popular last fall. The song features a smooth and funky bass line that’s paired with vibrant guitar chords and bombastic percussion. ”Get a Guitar” draws on classic 2000s pop sounds, making for an infectious ear-worm.

9. “Bite Me” — Enhyphen

Enhyphen continued its global rise with “Bite Me,” off the group’s fourth EP, Dark Blood. The song has a catchy beat with a hard-sounding 808 bass that acts as the blood-pumping core of the vampire-themed song. By muddling the bass and feathering in light hand drumming, this song ties two distinct vibes into a bumping beat.

8. “Cream Soda” — EXO

After a four-year hiatus due to required South Korea military enlistments, as well as sub-unit and solo projects, octet EXO returned with its fifth album Cream Soda and the album’s hit title track. And it sounds like what we’ve come to expect over the 11-year tenure of the group that revitalized Hallyu outside of South Korea. Serving up its classic sultry vocals and head-turning concepts, EXO delivers. The perfect R&B summer jam heated up the warm summer nights.

7. “Like Crazy” — Jimin

As the members of BTS have been gearing for hiatus, with four of seven looking at mandatory military service, each member has been focused on releasing solo projects focusing on his individual sound. Jimin’s first solo song, “Like Crazy,” features a warm synth and ’80s-influences sounds. The softness of his tone on the radio-friendly jam resembles artists like the Weeknd.

6. “Chill Kill” — Red Velvet

Red Velvet’s first LP in four years, Chill Kill is solid release that recalls 2017’s Perfect Velvet. The perfect blend of the eerie yet distant piano lines, chimes, reverberating synth and bubbly beat gives it a cinematic feel. Each member leaves their mark on the track via the solo parts and harmonies.

5. “Beautiful Liar” — Monsta X

Released at the beginning of the year, “Beautiful Liar” starts with a rough punk riff and a wailing guitar solo leading into a fast beat. The hip-hop-versed group brings in the heavy hitters with punchy bars. Leaning into their seniority in the genre, Monsta X maintains the intensity of the pounding beats, which are married to amazing vocals.

4. “Seven” — Jungkook

Although “Seven” was on Jungkook’s first solo English-language album, all his songs show the versatility and staying power that he’s cultivated with BTS. The group’s youngest member, Jungkook has honed his singing prowess. The track features rapper Latto, continuing BTS’ cross-pollination with Western sounds.

3. “Guilty” — Taemin

After his anticipated return with SHINee, Taemin released solo single “Guilty,” the title track of his fourth EP. The favorite K-pop artist of many other K-pop artists and now in his 15th year in the industry, Taemin has become synonymous with forging his own path rather than following trends for low-hanging hits. “Guilty” is no different. The cinematic nature of the song is enhanced with orchestral strings that add complexity and drama that build to the chorus. The eerie whispered background vocals raise the intensity. Taemin continues to push the envelope.

2. “Eve, Psyche & Bluebeard’s Wife” — Le Sserafim

“Eve, Psyche & Bluebeard’s Wife” was easily the best song of Le Sserafim’s new album, Unforgiven. The song stood out with its infectious beat that led to countless remixes by artists like Rina Sawayama, Demi Lovato and Upahl. The pace really drives the song. Making a second appearance on this list of best K-pop songs, Le Sserafim backs up our claims and exceeds expectations. This group is leading the new wave of girl groups.

1. “Super Shy” — NewJeans

NewJeans repeat a champions on my list of the best K-pop songs with “Super Shy,” the apex of their bubblegum-pop-influenced second EP, Get Up. Influenced by “Powerpuff Girls,” the song can be pulled from the same universe. A year on from their debut, NewJeans gave already left a mark on the K-pop world. As this song was released, several popular peers of the group participated in dance challenges, and this song led to a movement. It’s a perfect summer jam that provides all the serotonin you could get out of a pop song.

Follow K-pop lover Onome Uyovbievbo at Twitter.com/byonome and Instagram.com/by.onome.