Another year has passed. Phew! I don’t know about all of you, but this year has been…rough in so many ways. A lot of the time, I’ve felt like I was white-knuckle gripping the bar on a roller coaster that I hadn’t gotten in line for. So, as we head into 2026, and I’ve been reflecting on my kpop obsessions for the year, I need to express my gratitude for the artists that have comforted me or given me an outlet for my feelings.
Perhaps the year itself has been the reason that I had SUCH a hard time relating to or enjoying songs this year. I’ve been picky, to the point that I wasn’t sure I would get to a top 50, at least not without giving up on my rules regarding foreign language songs, OSTs, and covers. But here we are!
Before we really dive in, I do want to highlight a song from last year that I missed:
Universe - EPEX
There is some pretty good rap in this song along with a strong rock presence in the choruses, but the softer vocal focused verses are such a nice way to keep the song from getting overwhelming or from overwhelming the performance of the artists. Some of those notes are so crisp and clean though. Love it!
Now let’s dive in!
2025 KPOP Favorites!
50. Rush - Baekho
For my first confession of the article: This song isn’t and has never been on my playlist. It won’t ever be there either. Haha. I like this song as a concept, but it is most definitely not for me. I told Steven when it came out that it felt like Baekho was talking to someone and said “Ya know, I’d really like to do some club music, but I think my voice is too high and smooth.” and the other person said, “You could always super synth and distort your voice to the point that no one can tell what you’re saying any more.” Then Baekho walked away nodding happily at this new found method of making club music. And that mental cannon is why I like this song.
49. Episode - Kang Daniel
I think Daniel has mostly settled his style. The musical styling varies, but his songs tend to have catchy repetitive parts with a pleasant overall sound. That suits him well, because it makes his performance the centerpiece and he is a fantastic dancer. This song leans into some afrobeats, but is very much in the style of Daniel, so it’s a nice enough song for the background.
48. BEBE - STAYC
I actually love the verses of this song. It would be much higher for me if the chorus was a little less…whatever it is. I don’t mind the lyrics of the chorus, but something about it musically feels jarring to me. It’s not enough to put me completely off the song, but it is a small miss for me there.
47. BA BA BYE - Rocky
Okay, so I have to honestly admit that I skip this song almost every time it comes onto my playlist. It’s way too powerful for me emotionally to handle most of the time this year, but it’s also so good that I can’t take it off my playlist. He probably deserves to be higher on my list, but I can’t take the emotions. I need him to put out a happier song for me next year so I can gush about his talent some more. Haha.
46. Saturday Preacher - Cha Eunwoo (of Astro)
This was not what I would have guessed a solo from Eunwoo would be like. The music itself feels actually pretty perky and I love this song for some chores because it has that steady drum beat and melody that makes you bounce. But the lyrics and music video are…dark, maybe. That’s what threw me off the first time I tried out the song. I guess I’m still more sold on the early Astro’s happy summer vibes overall, but not enough to give up this song.
45. Beautiful Strangers - TXT
I like this song when it’s on, but I couldn’t sing you a line if you asked for it when the song isn’t on. It doesn’t stick for me for whatever reason even though I enjoy it every time.
44. Python - GOT7
Grown up GOT7 is refreshingly experimental and familiar at the same time. I liked what they did last year and was surprised because I had expected what they had been before, but they have taken their creative freedom and found a sound I think is interesting and unique to them both last year and this year. I’m looking forward to more from them. Oh…describing this song…uh…just try it out once. I’m not sure how to do it justice.
43. BORA - HUTA (Minhyuk of BTOB for those that don’t know his solo stage name)
So, this song is far more hip hop or club than I would usually go with, but it does some interesting things with its backtrack. And I kinda adore the low ooooh section of the song.
Note: this man has gotten BIG in the muscliest way possible and it made me giggle so hard when he did the dance challenge for STAYC’s “I Want It”...never knew such a cute dance could look almost threatening. He totally went full cutesy too.
42. Smashing Concrete - WOODZ
HE’S BACK! I’m so happy to have him back in the music scene after his mandatory military service. He’s always doing something unique and fun compared to the current trends in kpop and it never fails to add interest. This time, we’re doing a punk rock anthem styled song. It may not have gotten to the top of my list, but it was a breath of fresh air none-the-less. (Side note: he still seems to be feuding with his hair stylist. It’s been years now…)
41. Shoulda Loved You Less - YongYong feat. Lee Honggi of FT Island
Anyone else expect “What if God was one of us,” to suddenly start the chorus of this one? No? Just me…okay, fine. Anyway, both singers in this have incredibly unique voices and that’s really fun, always. It’s a soft rock…ballad…ish. It’s a nice listen.
40. Wait On Me - Kai
Kai’s been experimenting this year with a song that has Latin or Afro beats behind a very rhythmically intricate vocal melody. The melody is usually simple, mind you, if you just focus on the note progression, but thanks to the overlapping rhythms of the music and the vocal line, it creates an interesting song for the ear. It also suits his controlled power and flow style of dancing perfectly, so I think he’s onto something.
39. 100! - OnePact
This is a cute song. Uptempo and with a very 80s/90s sound effect backtrack, it is fairly effortless and fun. As usual, I appreciate their dancing as individuals and as a group, which is nice
38. Ghost Girl - Yeonjun (of TXT)
The verses on this song are fine and the chorus is enjoyable with an overall good beat and pleasant background musical styling. But the reason this song is on my list is because I am bonkers in love with the bridge. His vibrato and emotion there is the slaying point of that song, hands down.
37. SWAY (Zzz) - Jang Dongwoo (of Infinite)
I like this song more and more as time goes on. It somehow feels cohesive while also giving the feeling of a mashup of 3 very different songs. It’s got a very Dongwoo feel, somehow, in the way it all makes sense but goes from this to that apparently at the drop of a hat. Any long time Insprits out there? Back me up. Haha. Anyway, this song grows on you and makes good music for long drives.
36. Biii:-P - XLOV
Okay, let me start by saying that I do know that there is a deeper meaning to this song in the music video, etc. Honestly, I don’t need it. The song alone, without too much thought, is perky fun fun fun and that’s what I have wanted and needed a lot of the time this year. I’ve learned a lot of the choreo, just because I could. –On a side note, please watch every one of the part switch dances that these lovelies have done. Rui is one of the best dancers in KPOP today and he just slays any part he gets and leaves the rest of the group to drown in confusion….and Hyun drowns hard in that confusion. Poor Hyun looks like some random person that accidentally walked into the dance and is trying not to be too conspicuous about not belonging there, rather than one of the members. I love every second of it.
35. Electric Heart - LUN8
This new song has a nostalgic vibe for me and not nostalgia for an older generation of kpop. It feels like some of the teen club music from when I was in high school. Solidly fun song for jumping up and down with your hand pumping in the air. Also some unexpectedly pretty harmonies. I never go look it up as a song I super want to hear right now, but I never skip it either.
34. Adult Swim - Kai
Again, he’s on to something this year. This one has a fantastic little section at the very very end where he pulls in more to remove the vocal spaces from the earlier choruses. It creates this great swell that feels like the peak of a party. The song may have failed for me if he had left the spaces in there, honestly. Good choice!
33. Lemon Drop - ATEEZ
I love that this is soft and easy compared to what they have been doing lately. It’s a great vocal highlight song, which makes it easier to sing along with in addition to showing off their great technique.
32. Starry Night - AIMERS
This is a pretty typical and expected pop song. It really only stands out because of some really beautiful and controlled vocal runs-not all of which are in the chorus where you’d expect them. A solid, positive message pop song is always welcome in my book though.
31. Rupert’s Drop - Oneus
I’ve established in previous years that I love the Fan-Gift or Fan-Thank-You songs, right? This is one of those. They are invariably a love song and lean toward ballads, so I know they won’t be the thing for everyone, but because I am a fan, they always get me. Just as this one is and did.
30. Can you Entertain? - Kim Lip
I really prefer her as a soloist, to be honest. She has a pleasant, femininely distinct sound that I can’t find anywhere else. This song is meant to be something of a demanding flirt looking for exactly what she wants at the bar…if that makes sense. It has some great breath work!
29. Rebel Heart - IVE
Steven actually covered this pretty perfectly. I’ll only comment on the choreography because he didn’t. Haha. So fun! And it looks so big even without a ton of movement. That’s a sign of thoughtful choreographers in my book.
28. Chains - Highlight
This song has a sensual surrealism element to it that is fun and unique. There is an R&B lean in the music itself. These veteran artists are capable of doing just about anything they choose to do and I enjoy almost anything they choose to put out. This may not be my favorite from them ever, but it’s still good music.
27. Hello Stranger - Kwon Eunbi
I’m a little surprised Eunbi didn’t make Steven’s list. I love the flirtiness of this song and the tropical house additions. The choreography has some tough and counterintuitive moves that she absolutely slays too.
26. Bad Enough - TRENDZ
The opening sound on this song always sends me to the desert and then the song is all urban landscapes and it takes me a second to get over it. Anyway, as I’ve come to expect from TRENDZ’s discography, this song has just enough elements to keep it from being perfectly on trend, but doesn’t go so far that it’ll lose you if you’re stuck on the trend. The vocals fly in parts of this song and choreography is strong even in silhouette.
25. 사랑한 마음엔 죄가 없다 - SORAN (prefer the duet version with Kihyun of MonstaX)
In English, this is called, “There is no sin in a loving heart”. It’s a ballad and it’s lovely. SORAN puts out a lot of well-composed music, but I don’t often put it in my list. It’s just not my style and their lead singer's voice isn’t my favorite. He’s a great balladeer, but…it’s kind of like the preference between classical violin and fiddling…same instrument, different sound. Anyway, I was able to put this in my playlist because of the duet version. He also did full duets with Chen (of EXO), YoungK (of Day6), and Eunho (of Plave). The ‘challenge’ for this song is a vocal challenge and they invited almost every great singer in Korea to join them…many did. If you ever want to get an idea of how key, pitch, tone, vibrato, power, breathing, style…etc, make a difference in a song, go watch all these challenges. It’s a good study.
24. Dangerous - Infinite
If you’ve been missing the Infinite sound, you’re in for a treat. They are 100% back with one. I was going to try to add more, but I really don’t think I need to.
23. Walls Don’t Talk - Kai
This follows the same pattern as I mentioned earlier with the overlapping rhythms. This is higher on my list because I like the lyrics and Latin sounds better.
22. Go or Die - Choi SooHo
What a lovely break from pop or pop rock or even hip hop! I had this song on one day when my son walked in. He paused and asked, “Why are you listening to Mexican restaurant music?” I had to laugh, of course, but I can see where he is coming from. Those high, long held power notes with a single guitar and simple drum backing him on a song all about emotion and melancholy. It’s definitely not on trend and I love it.
21. Run Wild - &Team
I no longer have to find ways to squeeze them into my list! They have debuted in Korea! YAY!
They do a kinda horse riding move in the choreography for this song and I think that’s probably a great indicator of the song's vibe. It gallops across an open plain and you’re left breathless from the ride.
20. DETOX - KARD
I loved this for KARD. Much like ‘Fireworks’ from them last year, this is a complete departure from their more adult concepts and lyrics. Instead they focus on something softer, purer, and that shows off their incredible talents. The message is also rewardingly confident and healthy. (Thank you to J.Seph for keeping this on the Top 50 list instead of the rule breakers list. Haha)
19. Mismatch - &Team
I don’t know what girl is out there not texting them good night, but she’s cray cray. This song is an unrequited love song and it’s adorable.
18. IKUK - ONEUS
I read that as ‘ih-cook’ the first time I saw it and then realized it stood for “I Know You Know” and I felt very blonde, so obviously I needed to share that embarrassment. Pfft. Seoho was still here for this song and the music video is very fun. It’s kiiiiiinda a series of optical illusions. It’s visually interesting at the very very least. The song is elevated pop, as you’d expect from Oneus, leaning a bit into R&B, with a dance break that comes right out of some dramatic opera or something. Weirdly fun.
17. Back to Life - &Team
Music video so cool, what? I think I’ll label the song alt-rock leaning pop. I wasn’t totally sold on some of the no-melody, hit-every-beat segments of the song at first, which is probably why this is lower than some others, but I love the rock-ness of it and of course the performance. Fuma’s detail…no words. The man is such a pleasure to watch (and so strong! That push-up!)
16. Touch - KARD
The music video on this one leans into the raunchy side of hip hop…which is part of the reason I gave up on a lot of Western music, so I’m hoping KARD moves back into some of their more experimental stuff going forward. That said, the song itself is enjoyable to listen to.
15. Bad Desire (With or Without You) - ENHYPHEN
This comes close to filling the void of sensual (not sexy) songs that we had for a decent stretch in kpop, but the concept hasn’t been done in a while. I think the autotuning is what keeps it from really hitting that mark. Even so, it has a pleasant melody along with a rise and fall feeling that keeps it moving. It’s a nice listen.
14. Sign - IZNA
Love girl groups with vocalists that sing in a range that isn’t approaching dolphin squeaks, so I was glad when IZNA debuted. While I didn’t fall in love with their debut song last year, this hit right for me. Steven covered this one in his Top 50 and I agree. It’s a great song.
13. Freak - BM feat. B.I.
There is a reggaeton feel to the music in this song that makes it really easy to listen and bob along with. The simplicity and general groovy nature of it is perfectly suited to B.I. so I think he made a great addition as a featured artist as well. I never skip this song and haven’t skipped it from my first listen. Solid.
12. Thunderstorm - FT Island
Long-time fan of this group (through the ups and downs). Lee Honggi’s voice is so phenomenally good that you have to appreciate everything he does. This song gives more lines to their guitarist who has a high smooth sound as a direct contrast to Honggi’s lower gravel and power voice. The impact is great! Find shelter, that thunderstorm of life can be rough.
11. La La Love Me - VIVIZ
Vocal fairies are back again with a bop! This song is a tad slow compared to their other comebacks, but it’s so lovely and fun at the same time that you don’t need the speed.
Also, I LOVE drill sergeant SinB! “No no no”.
10. X - Oneus
I am missing Seoho’s vocals already (come back safe!), but the rest of the group picked up the slack and ran with it. This song has a funk inspired chorus which is a fun difference from the norm these days and the verses lean toward rock which I enjoy more often than not.
9. N the Front - MONSTAX
I surprised Steven by immediately liking this song. I don’t generally go in for hip-hop songs, but something about MONSTAX’s intentionality, and raw talent, means that I almost always enjoy what they put out. They know how to have fun in the genre without becoming less powerful. You know you’ll get something that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but that seriously loves what it’s doing. It’s a fine line and they never disappoint.
8. Lunatic - &Team
“We cry for the moon.” Yeah we do! OOOooohhh! I feel like this song, more than most of the rest of their discography, really hits the nail on the head about the werewolf theme and that amuses me to no end. It’s their rock-ish style of music, so I like that too.
7. I WANT IT - STAYC
Pure, perky fun pop! Maybe not the most innovative, but the song itself claps along with the beat…it’s impossible to deny! (And any song with a dance challenge self-proclaimed a hip battle is my kinda song.)
6. Lost - LUN8
In spite of the drum focus of the background, I think the best adjective for this song is ‘gentle’. There is something almost soothing about the melody and lack of most background music. The vocals are clean and carry from note to note as if floating along. And yet, the song is in no way slow paced or ballad-esque. It’s soft without being a letdown.
5. Go In Blind - &Team
This has their signature Rock Werewolf style (just go with me guys), with a soft bridge that keeps the song from feeling same-same the whole way through.
4. Enough - ATEEZ
These gents are over here serving up a handbook on how to keep stumbling along in the harder times that we go through. This was my anthem for a while this year. (Again, thank you to the rappers of ATEEZ for keeping this on my Top 50 instead of moving it over to my rule breakers list.)
3. Deer Hunter - &Team
First, this songs electronic backtrack is weirdly satisfying considering I don’t usually like electronic backtracks. Most of the rest of the backtrack is claps, snaps, or a ticking clock, so the song is really about the performance and the melody, which is plenty interesting and fun to carry itself. Second, and Third, and Finally, FUMA, Sir, what…just…why? Man’s trying to kill me.
2. 1&Only - XLOV
I guess at this point I should just go ahead and admit that I haven’t ever seen the music video for this song…or any XLOV song. I go straight to performances or dance practices because Rui is so incredible and it feels like a waste not to see him dancing for the entire song, even on songs I don’t love. I was actually pretty shocked by how much I loved this song because I had come for Rui’s artistry (like I’ve been doing forever with that ridiculous amount of skill). And the next day I’m singing this song as I go about my day and next day and the next. It is exactly my style.
…DRUM ROLL FOR NUMBER 1 OF THE YEAR…
1. Do What I Want - MONSTAX
I love this song so much. It’s incredibly fun and upbeat, so it’s perfect background music even with the strong MONSTAX style. The music video is so unapologetically weird too: elf ears, horn nubs, angel wings, car washes, dance offs, billiards…I mean, so weird. A personal point of amusement for the song is that it sounds like a cutesy kids song when I sing it too. I have this same problem with Oneus’ Lit. I cannot hit the wild and forceful sounds and it sometimes takes a song to a hilariously different dimension, which adds extra fun for me.
