14 of one of the best, most influential Ok-pop performances of 2022

If 2022 Ok-pop had a theme, it will be “historic.” This yr was big for Ok-pop debuts, hiatuses, and reunions, with new teams similar to NMIXX making their debut, well-known teams like KARA reuniting, and present teams together with BTS asserting large modifications going ahead. And all through all of this, Ok-pop artists simply saved conquering the world, delivering banger after banger.

From Stray Children’ “Charmer” to iKON’s “FOR YOU,” these previous 12 months have been completely filled with great K-pop songs. Nonetheless, there have been some Ok-pop performances that had an even bigger affect than most in 2022. Whether or not they went viral, kicked off a TikTok development, or marked an vital second for the group, this yr had no scarcity of serious Ok-pop performances that made an impression far past their very own fandom.

In chronological order, listed below are a number of the finest, most influential Ok-pop performances of 2022.

1. ‘DARARI’ by TREASURE turns into an cute TikTok development

TREASURE underwent vital modifications this yr, as members Mashiho and Bang Ye-dam departed the group resulting from well being causes and to pursue music manufacturing, respectively. However earlier than TREASURE’s lineup was diminished 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 in every of its composers and lyricists.

Simply days after “DARARI” was launched on Feb. 15, TikTok user Aidafi3 posted a simple dance video through which she mimicked listening to a sped-up model of the intense love track by means of headphones. Considered 45 million occasions, her cute choreography rapidly grew to become a TikTok dance development, spreading amongst creators, other K-pop idols, and ultimately 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 yr. But regardless of this obvious setback, it grew to become the lady group’s hottest track but, reaching (G)-IDLE’s first perfect all-kill by topping all South Korea’s major music charts simultaneously. “Tomboy” has additionally amassed over 190 million views on its music video, exceeding (G)-IDLE’s earlier frontrunner “Oh my god” by a couple of 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” certainly gained (G)-IDLE well-deserved attention, “Tomboy” was a breakout track that made clear this Ok-pop group is not going anyplace — and nonetheless has lots to say.

3. BIGBANG’s ‘Nonetheless Life’ ends their four-year hiatus

BIGBANG are generally known 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 recognition, and are extremely considered modern and influential trendsetters.

As such, BIGBANG’s long-awaited April launch was vital each for the group and the Ok-pop scene as a complete. Not solely did single “Still Life” mark BIGBANG’s first new track since suspending actions to finish their obligatory navy service in 2018, but it surely was additionally the long-lasting 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 World 200 chart’s high 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 yr, however the Ok-pop lady 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 gained each the MAMA Award and Melon Music Award for Music of the 12 months. This was no small feat, particularly contemplating the rookie group was up in opposition to Ok-pop giants similar to BTS, BLACKPINK, and BIGBANG.

Each of those awards are additionally daesang — probably the most prestigious prize given at an annual award present. As such, profitable these accolades made IVE one in every of solely 4 Ok-pop lady teams to take house each a rookie award and a daesang in the identical yr, 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

In case you spend any time on TikTok, there is a good likelihood you may 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 yr, with hundreds 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 vital for Jessi as her final launch underneath PSY’s report label P Nation, having opted not to renew her contract so as to pursue different endeavours. Jessi hasn’t but revealed what stated endeavours will likely be, but it surely’s trying as if 2023 will likely be an vital yr 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 lively. Even so, half a dozen years is way from sufficient time to permit anybody to overlook this unquestionably legendary group. 2NE1 had been instrumental within the world unfold of Korean media and had an enormous affect on the Ok-pop scene, credited with increasing the scope of Ok-pop lady teams by eschewing cute or horny ideas to concentrate on themes of ladies’s empowerment.

It was due to this fact thrilling to see 2NE1 come collectively for a historic shock reunion on the second day of Coachella 2022. Closing out report 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 one of the best Ok-pop songs of all time.

7. PSY returns to the stage with ‘That That’ (feat. SUGA of BTS)

PSY’s hit song “Gangnam Style” 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 similar 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 vital sufficient by itself. Nevertheless the upbeat track was additionally a collaboration with BTS’ rapper SUGA. Though SUGA only intended to write and produce “That That,” PSY progressively 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 Entertainment in 2021, many followers feared the boy group was disbanding. It was a good assumption. Whereas it is not exceptional for Ok-pop teams to proceed with out the leisure firms that fashioned them, it is nonetheless a comparatively unusual association, and GOT7 had already been collectively for seven years. Happily the seven-member boy group had been fast to claim they had been sticking collectively, reassuring followers with single “Encore” earlier than taking a break to concentrate on solo initiatives.

This yr, 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 (underneath the pseudonym Def.), “NANANA” was an vital step ahead for GOT7, demonstrating the group’s new course and ambitions for the longer term 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 shiny 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 shiny optimism we may 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 trend. The sound has been used over 2 million occasions 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 realize it judging by how a lot consideration they’ve earned in simply 5 quick months of exercise. The rookie lady group’s appropriately-titled debut track “Attention” was already warmly acquired, however their recognition actually took off with their EP’s second single “Hype Boy”. NewJeans’ enjoyable, catchy love track gained followers and impressed their seniors, whereas its vigorous choreography grew to become a well-liked dance development that was picked up by Ok-pop idols similar to GOT7’s JAY B and Stray Kids’ Changbin.

But whereas quite a few artists jumped on the development, probably the most notable “Hype Boy” dance cowl was by a bunch of idols finishing their obligatory navy service. The video of enlisted K-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 had been serving in additional methods than one.

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11. Ladies’ 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 Model”. However for numerous listeners the world over, the tune that taught them to like Ok-pop was the 2009 bubblegum bop “Gee” by Girls’ Generation.

Ladies’ 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 lively for your entire time. Whereas this yr marked Ladies’ 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 Ladies’ 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 throughout the group’s first live performance of “FOREVER 1” definitely appeared sweeter than common, 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 lady 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 saved followers fed by diverting focus to their solo careers within the interim, but it surely 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 recognition and demonstrating that, irrespective of how lengthy BLACKPINK aren’t of their space, the followers will all the time watch for them to return again.

13. BTS delivers the primary ever reside efficiency of ‘Run BTS’

World 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 obligatory navy service in addition to pursue solo alternatives. The largest Ok-pop group on the planet wasn’t about to up and go away with no correct goodbye, although.

Earlier than revealing their enlistment plans, BTS held one final large live performance in Busan to help the native authorities’s bid to host the World Expo 2030. With free tickets supplied through a lottery, keen followers gathered from everywhere in the world to see BTS carry out songs starting from older tunes similar to “Butterfly” to English hits like “Butter.” 

It was total 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 sequence Run BTS). Launched this yr 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 reveals the world precisely why thousands and thousands of individuals have develop into followers.

14. LE SSERAFIM perseveres with ‘ANTIFRAGILE’

As the primary Ok-pop lady group to debut underneath BTS’ firm since 2012, all eyes had been already on LE SSERAFIM earlier than they ever took the stage. Sadly, their Might 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. 

Nonetheless, the remaining quintet continued on to launch “ANTIFRAGILE” simply three months later, decided to exhibit 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 large the setback, nothing will cease these rookies from pushing ahead.