Every week, the Korean music scene delivers outstanding songs across various genres and styles, and the past week was no exception, with a heavy-hitting selection of hits with global and crossover potential, satisfyingly nostalgic duets and some of 2024’s most promising new artists.
Recently, beloved groups like NewJeans, ONEUS, MCND and JUST B dropped new songs to satisfy their ravenous fanbases while also demonstrating impressive growth. Meanwhile, K-pop fans were also treated to special collaborations like EXO’s Suho enlisting Wendy of Red Velvet for his new single “Cheese” and JinJin of ASTRO bringing indie singer MRCH for his special music project.
Indicative of the global K-pop scene, there also boasted a massive amount of crossover potential for the industry’s latest batch of releases. AleXa dropped one of the best vocal performances and singles of her career with the all-too-relatable “i’m okay” that could easily hop onto Top 40 and rock radio. B.I linked up with hitmaking producers, including Malibu Babie, for his latest hip-hop hit “Tasty.” GSoul delivered a silky R&B single just as his North American tour kicks off on May 30. Plus, JUST B dropped their surprisingly punk-rock English single “Daddy’s Girl,” which could certainly earn them new fans.
As the K-pop industry moves at a rapid pace, it’s important to pause and appreciate the innovation and diversity it offers across its different acts. Last week, Billboard readers chose ENHYPEN’s “Fatal Love” as their top K-pop pick of the week but fans of aespa, ZEROBASONE, MARK, and Lovelyz’s Ryu Sujeong and Yein all showed love.
Take a moment to explore these nine new gems that embody the spirit of the scene and deserve a permanent spot on your playlist. Then cast your vote in our poll for the top of K-pop for the past week.
