From Monsta X To iKON, The 10 Best K-Pop Songs Of 2018

Jacques Peterson | December 31, 2018 6:55 pm
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2018 was another huge year for K-Pop in the West thanks to the breakout success of acts like BTS, BLACKPINK and LOONA. And while everyone from Grimes to Nicki Minaj has jumped at the chance to collaborate with K-Pop idols, it’s business as usual in Korea. Rookie groups like The Boyz and (G)I-DLE positioned themselves as future superstars, EXO and TWICE dominated the charts and unsung heroes like FIESTAR and STELLAR officially called it quits. After careful consideration, here are the 10 best K-Pop songs of 2018.

10. (G)I-DLE — “Hann”

Newcomers (G)-IDLE deviated from the current cute trend for this moody and mature breakup anthem reminiscent of K-Pop queens Brown Eyed Girls.

9. Wanna One — “Spring Breeze”

Wanna One started their career with the ultimate summer banger “Energetic,” and said goodbye with a masterful pop ballad with the nostalgic “Spring Breeze.”

8. Hyolyn — “See Sea”

Former SISTAR songstress Hyolyn finally released a solo single that lived up to her group’s summery discography without having to rehash their signature sound.

7. PENTAGON — “Shine”

Quirky, adorable and catchy as hell, “Shine” was one of the year’s most perfect pop moments.

6. Monsta X — “Jealousy”

Sexually charged and full of swag, “Jealousy” cemented Monsta X as a man-band in a sea of boys.

5. Loona — “Hi High”

For their official debut single, LOONA took all the best parts of their majestic electro-pop sound and put it on steroids.

4. Red Velvet — “Bad Boy”

Best known for their chirpy synth-pop, Red Velvet went sugar free for this icy R&B groove.

3. MOMOLAND — “Bboom Bboom”

Serebro’s “Mi Mi Mi” got an unofficial K-Pop makeover on arguably the most fun song of the year.

2. iKON — “Love Scenario”

iKON don’t always get it right, but the boys really found their sweet spot with this hip-hop mega-hit that had mass appeal without ever sounding generic.

1. APRIL — “Oh My Mistake”

The cool edge of Kavinsky meets the sugary sweetness of Korean girl-group pop in this endlessly addictive ’80s throwback.

What was your favorite K-Pop song of 2018? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!