If 2022 Ok-pop had a theme, it will be “historic.” This 12 months was large for Ok-pop debuts, hiatuses, and reunions, with new teams corresponding to NMIXX making their debut, well-known teams like KARA reuniting, and present teams together with BTS saying massive adjustments going ahead. And all through all of this, Ok-pop artists simply stored conquering the world, delivering banger after banger.
From Stray Children’ “Charmer” to iKON’s “FOR YOU,” these previous 12 months have been completely stuffed with nice Ok-pop songs. Nonetheless, there have been some Ok-pop performances that had an even bigger influence than most in 2022. Whether or not they went viral, kicked off a TikTok pattern, or marked an necessary second for the group, this 12 months had no scarcity of great Ok-pop performances that made an impression far past their very own fandom.
A information to Ok-pop fan apps
In chronological order, listed here are a number of the finest, most influential Ok-pop performances of 2022.
1. ‘DARARI’ by TREASURE turns into an cute TikTok pattern
TREASURE underwent important adjustments this 12 months, as members Mashiho and Bang Ye-dam departed the group because of well being causes and to pursue music manufacturing, respectively. However earlier than TREASURE’s lineup was lowered from 12 to 10, the two-year-old group went viral on TikTok with their B-side monitor “DARARI,” which lists Bang Ye-dam as one among its composers and lyricists.
Simply days after “DARARI” was launched on Feb. 15, TikTok consumer Aidafi3 posted a easy dance video by which she mimicked listening to a sped-up model of the intense love track by way of headphones. Considered 45 million instances, her cute choreography shortly grew to become a TikTok dance pattern, spreading amongst creators, different Ok-pop idols, and finally to TREASURE themselves. The group even used Aidafi3’s unmistakable strikes within the official choreography for “DARARI,” seamlessly incorporating them with added footwork.
2. ‘Tomboy’ by (G)-IDLE tops South Korea’s music charts
“Tomboy” was (G)-IDLE’s first track as 5 members following dancer Soojin’s departure from the group final 12 months. But regardless of this obvious setback, it grew to become the woman group’s hottest track but, attaining (G)-IDLE’s first excellent all-kill by topping all South Korea’s main music charts concurrently. “Tomboy” has additionally collected over 190 million views on its music video, exceeding (G)-IDLE’s earlier frontrunner “Oh my god” by just a few million.
Written by (G)-IDLE chief Soyeon, “Tomboy” is an attitude-fueled pop-punk track declaring the group’s intention to behave precisely how they need reasonably than undergo being mannequin, demure girlfriends. Whereas “Oh my god” actually gained (G)-IDLE well-deserved consideration, “Tomboy” was a breakout track that made clear this Ok-pop group is not going wherever — and nonetheless has rather a lot to say.
3. BIGBANG’s ‘Nonetheless Life’ ends their four-year hiatus
BIGBANG are generally referred to as the Kings of Ok-pop, and have reigned with that title for over a decade. Having debuted 16 years in the past in 2006, this celebrated Ok-pop boy group was instrumental in driving Korean leisure media’s worldwide reputation, and are extremely considered progressive and influential trendsetters.
As such, BIGBANG’s long-awaited April launch was important each for the group and the Ok-pop scene as an entire. Not solely did single “Nonetheless Life” mark BIGBANG’s first new track since suspending actions to finish their necessary navy service in 2018, nevertheless it was additionally the enduring group’s first single as 4 members after dancer Seungri formally left in 2019. A sentimental track that displays BIGBANG’s maturity, “Nonetheless Life” debuted within the Billboard International 200 chart’s prime 10 and has since racked up 77 million views on its music video.
4. IVE’s ‘LOVE DIVE’ places the rookie group within the historical past books
IVE solely debuted in December final 12 months, however the Ok-pop woman group has been making waves from the second their debut track “Eleven” dropped. They adopted up that success in 2022 with April single “LOVE DIVE,” a darkish pop tune which received each the MAMA Award and Melon Music Award for Tune of the 12 months. This was no small feat, particularly contemplating the rookie group was up in opposition to Ok-pop giants corresponding to BTS, BLACKPINK, and BIGBANG.
Each of those awards are additionally daesang — essentially the most prestigious prize given at an annual award present. As such, profitable these accolades made IVE one among solely 4 Ok-pop woman teams to take dwelling each a rookie award and a daesang in the identical 12 months, following within the footsteps of Miss A, 2NE1, and aespa. As of writing, the music video for “LOVE DIVE” has virtually 180 million views on YouTube.
5. ‘ZOOM’ by Jessi has TikTok creators dancing
For those who spend any time on TikTok, there is a good probability you will recognise Jessi’s “ZOOM” inside moments of hitting play. The opening of the rapper’s hip hop single grew to become a viral dance problem on the video sharing app this 12 months, with 1000’s of creators copying Jessi’s attitude-filled choreography. Some even paired it with dynamic camerawork or outfit transitions, contributing to 4.4 million TikTok clips which have jumped on the sound.
“ZOOM” was additionally important for Jessi as her final launch beneath PSY’s file label P Nation, having opted to not renew her contract as a way to pursue different endeavours. Jessi hasn’t but revealed what mentioned endeavours might be, nevertheless it’s wanting as if 2023 might be an necessary 12 months for her.
6. 2NE1 reunite to carry out hit ‘I Am The Greatest’ at Coachella
It has been six years since 2NE1 disbanded, which is nearly so long as the four-member group had been energetic. Even so, half a dozen years is much from sufficient time to permit anybody to overlook this unquestionably legendary group. 2NE1 have been instrumental within the world unfold of Korean media and had a large influence on the Ok-pop scene, credited with increasing the scope of Ok-pop woman teams by eschewing cute or attractive ideas to give attention to themes of girls’s empowerment.
It was subsequently thrilling to see 2NE1 come collectively for a historic shock reunion on the second day of Coachella 2022. Closing out file label 88rising’s showcase, Bom, CL, Dara, and Minzy handled a screaming viewers with a efficiency of their assertive hit 2011 single “I Am The Greatest” — a track that’s persistently included in lists of the perfect Ok-pop songs of all time.
12 of the perfect, most influential Ok-pop performances of 2021
7. PSY returns to the stage with ‘That That’ (feat. SUGA of BTS)
PSY’s hit track “Gangnam Type” took Western markets by storm in 2012, catapulting the solo artist and his galloping horse dance to worldwide consideration. PSY then proved he wasn’t a one-hit surprise with profitable singles corresponding to “Gentleman” and “Daddy (feat. CL of 2NE1),” earlier than taking a break in 2018 and founding leisure firm P Nation.
“That That” marked PSY’s first return to the stage in 4 years, which might be important sufficient by itself. Nonetheless the upbeat track was additionally a collaboration with BTS’ rapper SUGA. Although SUGA solely meant to put in writing and produce “That That,” PSY steadily roped him into that includes on it, studying the choreography, and having the time of his life hamming it up within the music video. The joyful clip has since racked over 380 million views in simply seven months.
8. ‘NANANA’ leads GOT7’s first album after leaving their firm
When GOT7 left JYP Leisure in 2021, many followers feared the boy group was disbanding. It was a good assumption. Whereas it is not remarkable for Ok-pop teams to proceed with out the leisure corporations that shaped them, it is nonetheless a comparatively unusual association, and GOT7 had already been collectively for seven years. Fortuitously the seven-member boy group have been fast to say they have been sticking collectively, reassuring followers with single “Encore” earlier than taking a break to give attention to solo initiatives.
This 12 months, GOT7 adopted up on their promise with “NANANA,” the lead single of their first album with out JYP Leisure. With writing credit together with chief JAY B (beneath the pseudonym Def.), “NANANA” was an necessary step ahead for GOT7, demonstrating the group’s new route and ambitions for the long run whereas concurrently returning them to their roots.
9. ‘POP!’ by NAYEON bubbles over to TikTok
TWICE’s vocalist NAYEON made her solo debut in June, releasing an album of vibrant and bubbly pop songs led by the energetic tune “POP!” This love track was addictive sufficient by itself, racking up virtually 160 million views in 5 months and providing the kind of vibrant optimism we might all do with much more of.
However what actually gave “POP!” an edge over the competitors was its easy but memorable choreography, which has impressed quite a few dance covers and a TikTok pattern. The sound has been used over 2 million instances on the video sharing platform, with numerous creators and celebrities copying NAYEON’s cute popping hand gestures.
10. ‘Hype Boy’ by NewJeans will get South Korea’s navy dancing
NewJeans solely debuted this July, however you’d by no means understand it judging by how a lot consideration they’ve earned in simply 5 brief months of exercise. The rookie woman group’s appropriately-titled debut track “Consideration” was already warmly obtained, however their reputation actually took off with their EP’s second single “Hype Boy”. NewJeans’ enjoyable, catchy love track received followers and impressed their seniors, whereas its full of life choreography grew to become a preferred dance pattern that was picked up by Ok-pop idols corresponding to GOT7’s JAY B and Stray Children’ Changbin.
But whereas quite a few artists jumped on the pattern, essentially the most notable “Hype Boy” dance cowl was by a bunch of idols finishing their necessary navy service. The video of enlisted Ok-pop idols shaking it to “Hype Boy” in uniform went viral throughout a number of platforms, with only one copy of 1 video on Twitter gaining 8.2 million views alone. The widely-shared efficiency featured SF9’s Inseong, ONF members E-Tion and J-US, Spectrum’s Jongchan, and dancer Kim Namwook, all of whom have been serving in additional methods than one.
11. Women’ Technology marks their fifteenth anniversary with ‘FOREVER 1’
For some, the primary Ok-pop track to captivate them was “Boy With Luv” by BTS (feat. Halsey). For others, it was PSY’s aforementioned “Gangnam Type”. However for numerous listeners internationally, the tune that taught them to like Ok-pop was the 2009 bubblegum bop “Gee” by Women’ Technology.
Women’ Technology are record-breaking Ok-pop icons who’ve been collectively for so long as another idols have been alive, even when they have not technically been energetic for your entire time. Whereas this 12 months marked Women’ Technology’s fifteenth anniversary, the group has been on hiatus since 2017 because the members have targeted on their respective solo careers.
“FOREVER 1” was Women’ Technology’s first new launch as a bunch in 5 years, providing the celebratory 2010s throwback in a return that some followers feared would by no means come. As such, the cheers and fanchants through the group’s first reside efficiency of “FOREVER 1” actually appeared sweeter than regular, lastly welcoming the well-respected Ok-pop veterans again to the stage after their lengthy absence.
12. ‘Pink Venom’ returns BLACKPINK to the realm
BLACKPINK are undoubtedly expert singers, rappers, and dancers, however arguably what they excel at most is making their followers crave extra. Although the Ok-pop woman group by no means formally went on hiatus, BLACKPINK’s final launched track collectively was again in 2020, which is virtually an eternity within the fast-moving Ok-pop scene. The members stored followers fed by diverting focus to their solo careers within the interim, nevertheless it wasn’t the identical as seeing all 4 on stage collectively.
“Pink Venom” was Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa’s extremely awaited return as a bunch, as soon as once more delivering BLACKPINK’s unmistakably fierce sound to their followers. The music video gained over 480 million views in simply 4 months, reflecting the group’s overwhelming world reputation and demonstrating that, irrespective of how lengthy BLACKPINK aren’t of their space, the followers will all the time await them to return again.
13. BTS delivers the primary ever reside efficiency of ‘Run BTS’
International superstars BTS introduced in October that the group can be happening hiatus till 2025, lastly ending years of hypothesis by enabling the members to enlist for his or her necessary navy service in addition to pursue solo alternatives. The largest Ok-pop group on this planet wasn’t about to up and go away with no correct goodbye, although.
Earlier than revealing their enlistment plans, BTS held one final massive live performance in Busan to assist the native authorities’s bid to host the World Expo 2030. With free tickets supplied by way of a lottery, keen followers gathered from all around the world to see BTS carry out songs starting from older tunes corresponding to “Butterfly” to English hits like “Butter.”
It was general a incredible night time for followers, however arguably the standout was BTS’ first and to this point solely reside efficiency of “Run BTS” (to not be confused with “RUN” or their actuality collection Run BTS). Launched this 12 months as a part of BTS’ anthology album Proof, “Run BTS” departs from the group’s latest dance-pop sound to ship a hip hop banger that displays on the group’s journey, returns to their musical roots, and exhibits the world precisely why thousands and thousands of individuals have change into followers.
14. LE SSERAFIM perseveres with ‘ANTIFRAGILE’
As the primary Ok-pop woman group to debut beneath BTS’ firm since 2012, all eyes have been already on LE SSERAFIM earlier than they ever took the stage. Sadly, their Could debut ended up being one of many rockiest in latest reminiscence. Simply over three weeks after LE SSERAFIM formally debuted, their vocalist Kim Ga-ram was placed on hiatus earlier than being faraway from the group altogether. It appeared an inauspicious begin for the brand new idols whose careers had solely simply begun.
However, the remaining quintet continued on to launch “ANTIFRAGILE” simply three months later, decided to reveal the resilience they sing about. The lead single of LE SSERAFIM’s second EP, “ANTIFRAGILE” boldly introduced the group into a brand new period after their tough begin, proclaiming that, irrespective of how massive the setback, nothing will cease these rookies from pushing ahead.
