80. Fly – CRAVITY
A bright, poppy boy group summer song that offers a rush of serotonin no matter your mood. However, it is not to be enjoyed excessively, for there is a real danger it may become too much.
79. Sacrifice (Eat Me Up) – ENHYPEN
If it were not for the excessive vocal effects lathered in the song’s chorus, this song would be so much higher. ‘Sacrifice’, though very melodically simple, alternating between 3 to 4 notes through most of its top line, has a production which exudes a wonderful atmosphere that is wholly immersive, and the simplicity of the melody allows one to fully bask into it in a way that most K-pop songs don’t allow. Not to mention, the chorus melody has great replay value.
78. Bubble – STAYC
A great follow-up to ‘Teddy Bear’, many have noted that they prefer this track over the latter. Personally, the verses are a little too ‘ABC’ for my liking despite the Disney-esque strings that accompany the opening (which should prompt me to give it some bonus points), and the opening line of Teddy Bear’s chorus grabs my heart every time. Nevertheless, STAYC do an excellent job in selling this bright and poppy song, and it is definitely worth a shot.
77. I don’t wanna know – Lee Chaeyeon
‘I don’t wanna know’ deserves a mention for its bonkers instrumental that sounds completely unique from any other K-pop song that has ever been released. While there is not that much actual singing going on, the instrumental is more than enough to carry the song above the rest of the pack.
76. WATCH IT – THE BOYZ
The Boyz has definitely grown to be one of my favorite K-pop groups in 2023, with ‘WATCH IT’ being a solid follow up their stellar ‘LIP GLOSS’. It borrows from classic boy-group tropes but executes them in a tasteful manner that makes it stand out from the rest of the industry.
75. Summer Vacation – The Wind
While I believe ‘WE GO’ is their superior title track, ‘Summer Vacation’ is no slouch either. Listening to the opening melodies of the chorus is one of the most euphoric moments I’ve experienced when listening to any K-pop track for the first time, thanks to the special care taken when choosing the song’s chords.
74. Bills – ENHYPEN
ENHYPEN does not have very many vocal-focused songs, but ‘Bills’ proves they should have more. They showcase pure commitment to the song’s conveyed emotions and meaning. Noteworthily, the chorus has a resigned sense of yearning brewing in its undercurrent that echoes long after one has finished listening.
73. On and On – AMPERS&ONE
While it may be a bit too straightforward for its own good, ‘On and On’ is one of 2023’s strongest debuts. It rumbles and rolls with a seemingly unstoppable stream of energy that threatens to plunder anything that opposes their bright and youthful agenda.
72. I Want Your Love – Treasure
Honestly, the weakest part of I Want Your Love is its chorus, which has some somewhat questionable and potentially cringe-worthy lyrics. Otherwise, it is a worthy tribute to the original YG sound, with Treasure sounding absolutely brilliant throughout the track.
71. Baggy Jeans – NCT U
‘Baggy Jeans’ is the kind of song that would only work if it was given to the particular members within this NCT unit, being the OG members that performed the now iconic ‘The 7th Sense’, thanks to their sheer charisma that manages to bring this unconventional song to life. Its unusual low-pitched chorus has a trance-like quality that grows more addictive over time, and the outrageous final chorus certainly leaves a lasting imprint. It is probably the most fun K-pop has ever gotten in 2023.
70. ISTJ – NCT Dream
‘ISTJ’ has an unforgettable chorus that lurches you forward every time it comes along, as well as a unique SM-esque bridge that alters the tempo and genre of the song entirely while still somehow maintaining a sense of cohesion. Attitude underlines the whole track, worthy of the veterans that the NCT Dream members are.
69. Fire Eyes – THE BOYZ
Another standout b-side from the Boyz, Fire Eyes sparkles thanks to its lurching and prominent synth and baseline that goes unreasonably hard. The moment you think that you can escape, it makes a fierce return, slapping you in the face as if daring you to ever doubt its presence.
68. Sugar Rush Ride – TXT
‘Sugar Rush Ride’ has some of the most engaging and promising opening verses that is somewhat let down by a chorus that sucks the momentum that the the verses had built. Nevertheless, one can’t deny the sheer effectiveness of the sprightly melodies underlined by a funky bass line and rhythm present through most of the song, and that haunting pre-chorus.
67. Rollercoaster – NMIXX
Being the title track of the album title ‘Midsummer’s Night Dream,’ ‘Rollercoaster’ absolutely succeeds in delivering the whimsical and dreamy atmosphere from their play of which it derives its inspiration from. It has some of the most interesting musical interval choices in K-pop laced within its verse melodies, and it is brought together with its catchy chorus that acts as the song’s foundation.
66. Shhh – Kiss of Life
‘Shhh’ is huge grower for me, as I was quite critical of it in my initial review. Having seen it performed live many times enabled me to foster a new appreciation for the song’s bombastic production and the unsuspectingly catchy nature of its chorus that in theory, really shouldn’t work. It truly defied my expectations.
65. Love Effect – ONF
ONF had one of my most favorite songs of 2021 with ‘Beautiful Beautiful’, and while they may not have surpassed it since, Love Effect is a noteworthy follow up since the group members have returned from the military.
64. Here I Am – Boys Planet
This was Boys Planet’s signal song and was one of my standout tracks in January 2023. Though much time may have passed, its lush strings and nostalgic melody still evoke emotions from deep within. Of course, this high placement stems with great bias, but ‘Here I Am’ is a strong song on its own right.
63. Welcome to MY World (Feat. naevis) – aespa
Immersive and atmospheric, ‘Welcome to MY World’ impresses with a strangely creepy and intriguing melody with unique production choices. I still do feel that it could have leaned more into the mentioned qualities, however.
62. TIC TAC – 8TURN
‘TIC TAC’ is a very interesting debut song that was incredibly divisive, yet, the sheer confidence and self-assured delivery of the talented 8TURN members truly came through, making it a massive grower. Its sneakily incorporated vocal adlibs and motifs sprinkled throughout the song also greatly contributed to its staying power.
61. OVER ME – Overdose
Though I haven’t played this song as much as I expected, ‘OVER ME’ remains to be of 2023’s most successful sexy K-pop anthems, with its notably dynamic production and solid chorus still sticks out among all those out there.
60. Kitty Cat – Kiss of Life (Julie Solo)
Chic, classy, and confident, Julie immediately became one of my favorite K-pop rappers through this wonderfully performed solo song. It’s chorus is a surprising earworm!
59. Hypnosis – IVE
‘Hypnosis’ sounds quite unlike any other song IVE has released so far, but it is a very successful experiment, captivating the listener through its sentient yet alluring vocal and funky production choices.
58. B.O.M.B – TREASURE
Along with ENHYPEN’s ‘One and Only’, I believe that ‘B.O.M.B’ is 2023’s strongest inoffensive feel-good boy group song (unless one can count Riize’s ‘Get a Guitar’, though I’d argue the latter goes beyond that). It satiates the listener with relentlessly warm and sweet melodies that provide a reliable sense of reassurance.
57. Teddy Bear – STAYC
Many debate whether Teddy Bear is too saccharine for its own good, but I would like to digress, as there are many far more sugary-sweet girl group songs that have been released in the past. Its chorus melody feels like an instant classic, but its post-chorus can be cloying with repeated listens, though it is still an excellent song in its own right.
56. Hot Summer – Boys Planet
I have my reservations about ‘Hot Summer’. While its wasted potential with regards for the need for a more powerful vocal delivery overall still remains, its melodies and production somehow still ring and resonate. In particular, the way the melodies are written within the transitions between each section are very satisfying, launching it all the way near the top 50.
55. Love or Die – TNX (The New Six)
‘Love or Die’ perfectly captures the essence of teenage angst both in the production and vocal delivery, with a tastefully executed bridge and final chorus that no other K-pop song this year pulled off with such flair. The second half of the chorus, unfortunately, weakens the song slightly.
54. The Wonderful Escape – U-KISS
U-KISS delivered an epic comeback that heralds so strongly to the 2nd gen sound. Their vocalists are out and belting a chorus with pure confidence fit for a veteran, containing a lingering emotive quality. Its verses, however, while strong, don’t quite match up.
53. Thirsty – aespa
‘Thirsty’ is a very easy-to-digest type of song, buoyed by its laidback and sleek production and a smooth vocal performance from one this generation’s strongest vocal groups.
52. Cupid – FIFTY FIFTY
Its English version dominated tiktok early 2023, and for good reason; ‘Cupid’ has some of the catchiest melodies in K-pop history. I still prefer the Korean version that keeps the rap section that is quite seamlessly incorporated, as well as a stunning key change that to this day, I still wonder why it was dropped in the twin version.
51. No-Return (Into the unknown) – LE SSERAFIM
This almost Taylor Swift-esque song with a flamboyant saxophone solo has one of LE SSERAFIM’s catchiest melodies within their whole discography. Its rhythm is easy to get lost in, making it quite difficult to be swept up in its charms.
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