NewJeans, aespa, ILLIT, ZICO and more

One of the most dynamic K-pop collaborations of the year, “SPOT!” combines ZICO and Jennie’s distinctive styles into a chart-topping fusion of hip-hop and pop. The track’s catchy hooks and clever lyrics could only be pulled off with two stars as charismatic as this duo – ensuring that the song became a standout hit that ultimately earned ZICO his first No. 1 hit on the World Digital Song Sales and filled the K-pop veteran with “joy.”

While elements of Afrobeats continue to influence K-Pop across the industry, Tribes “Diamond” is a particular example. The girl group sings together on the chorus “Not every moment, but every day/ I get happier,” almost hypnotizing the listener to embrace the song’s positive vibe. With a universal message and lyrics in Korean, English and Spanish, “Diamond” marked a potential moment of global breakthrough for TRIBE and collaborator Shinsadong Tiger – it is all the more heartbreaking that we lost the creative K-pop producer in February. But the song remains a beautiful gift for the group and listeners worldwide.

With powerful vocal performances and anthemic melodies that evoke a sense of hope and resilience, “Lighthouse” lets the members of TEMPEST shine as the versatile group they are – the dynamic arrangement and uplifting lyrics are sure to hold a special place in the group’s discography and in the hearts of fans.

Although Junho is now more active as an actor than a musician, “When We Meet Again” is a nice reminder of the 2PM member’s sweet crooning style and his ability to sound like intricate pop productions are part of his personal history. Hopefully, this track is a taste of more music to come from the versatile star later this year.

A masterclass in blending R&B and K-pop, “Yes or No” features sophisticated, atmospheric production from popular DJ-producer duo Groovyroom. Crush’s soulful vocals, which explore indecision and vulnerability, complement Huh Yunjin’s expressive delivery, giving their collaboration a feel that is both effortless and emotional. A standout single, “Yes or No” shows how GroovyRoom continues to push musical boundaries to become a leading force in merging the K-pop and R&B scenes.

Rising solo artist Gyubin has proven herself to be someone to keep an eye on with her fantastic debut single. “Really Like You” has some of the sweetest melodies in K-pop today with clever, catchy songwriting reminiscent of recent rising pop stars like Gracie Abrams and Sabrina Carpenter: “You make me so amped up / Like I’ve had too much caffeine / Everything feels so good / My heart’s beating so fast, but I don’t care.”

A song that almost seemed overdue, “Shooting Star” takes the planetary concept behind Kep1er’s name with otherworldly vocal effects, followed by some of the most vibrant K-pop hooks this year. While Kep1er announced that members Yeseo and Mashiro will be leaving the band in July and the rest will continue as a seven-piece, the then-nonet made the most of their last release along with a song that captures the feeling of reaching for the stars.

As a former member of NU’EST, BAEKHO shows off his emo rock skills with the release of Love or diea collaborative EP with indie rap-rock sensation BigOne. The title track showcases the seamless synergy between the blend of BAEKHO’s K-pop melody and BigOne’s bite – and keeps the party going with additional EDM and unplugged versions.

Opening with a piercing call to arms from (G)I-DLE leader and “Super Lady” producer Soyeon, this anthem made an impression not only with the girl group’s powerful messages, but also with its consistently wide musical range. From the guitar-heavy build-up to the dramatic electro-pop chorus to the big-room EDM breakdown that closes the track, (G)I-DLE proves that “Super Lady” can master all kinds of genres and styles in under three minutes.

For their latest folk-pop triumph, “Hero,” the sibling duo’s signature harmony style plays with various echoes and layering – before kicking in the sunny chorus “Shubi doobi love to you,” which feels like soothing sunshine in the warmer months.

“Bam Yang Gang” is a mesmerizing blend of dreamy waltz rhythms and BIBI’s unique and emotional vocal style. Melancholic lyrics and a quirky music video add to the value of one of the most unexpected K-pop hits of the year. But the captivating narrative that BIBI is known for in her visuals, combined with the track’s catchy, bittersweet chorus, ensured it stuck in listeners’ minds.

“Every Night” captures the essence of the introspective longing that comes with the evening hours. The moody beats and Paul Blanco’s signature smooth and soulful vocals make “Every Night” another R&B gem from the rising star. The track’s minimalist moments allow Blanco’s emotional delivery to shine as he declares, “I want to come home to you every single night.”

A hypnotic fusion of electronic and pop elements, “Magnetic” is not only the perfect title to describe ILLIT’s elegant debut single, but also how it attracted listeners around the world. The track debuted at number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100, an unprecedented feat for a K-pop group’s first song, while also landing in the top 10 on both the Global 200 and Global 200 Excl US charts. A track that is both futuristic and refreshingly nostalgic, these newbies should only attract greater things in the future.

With its driving Euro-house beat mixed with soaring and uplifting vocals, “Impossible” creates a sense of urgency and determination, making it one of the most inspiring K-pop anthems this year – which is only made better by its high-kick spinning choreography.

With CIX celebrating its fifth anniversary this month, the group’s discography is so popular that several press outlets have made it a point to get their hands on the band’s favorite songs, as they are all so recommendable. The guys’ comeback single “Lovers or Enemies” once again delivers a track that manages to bring a soulful quality to the robot-style Auto-Tune. Expect the next interview to shine even more light on this track.

A breakup track with a refreshing feel, the breezy warmth of “How Sweet” is perfect for summer and as an anthem of freedom. With the group’s harmonies effortlessly gliding over one another, NewJeans’ latest infectious K-pop hit gets better with every listen.

With unforgettably beautiful orchestration and dramatic lyrics, “Bye My Monster” uses the narrative theme of self-preservation to explain leaving someone you love for a better future for all. With a new track that’s itching to be performed live with a full orchestra at some point, ONF continue to be one of the most exciting K-pop acts – refusing to follow trends and instead breaking new, creative ground.

“Plot Twist,” the song that launched HYBE and PLEDIS Entertainment’s new boy band TWS, stays true to its name, offering unexpected yet dynamic twists in production that keep listeners hooked from the opening note to the anthemic vocals at the end of the track. It’s a sonic adventure that embodies not only the excitement of K-pop creatives, but also the general unpredictability of life.

aespa really couldn’t have wished for a better start to their first album Armageddon. A glittering cosmic dance track, “Supernova” introduces a new chapter of aespa’s storytelling into the group’s universe, opening doors to a whole new dimension. Showcasing KARINA and GISELLE’s biting rap style with WINTER and NINGNING’s vocals at their best – and all members able to mix their roles – “Supernova” feels like the kind of track that only aespa could pull off. The whirring synths that kick in midway through the second verse are the final cherry on top, showing that “Supernova” doesn’t use copy-paste formulas – a staple of aespa’s strongest musical moments.

“Hmm BOP” is a three-minute sonic journey strategically packed to showcase HUI’s full artistic versatility. It blends pounding funk-pop production with walking basslines and gleaming horns, while the PENTAGON leader’s vocal range spans multiple octaves, providing one of the idol’s best vocal performances of the year. The song’s unconventional structure only underscores how “Hmm BOP” can weave classic inspiration and modern experimentation into an anthem that can resonate across generations.