The 10 best K-pop songs of 2022

Stray Kids, Blackpink, Seventeen, SVT, Tomorrow X Together, TXT, Taeyeon, NewJeans, Le Sserafim, Key, Kim Kibum, Psy, IVE

The best Kpop songs of 2022 are (clockwise from top left): Stray Kids, Blackpink, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, Taeyeon, NewJeans, Le Sserafim, Key, Psy and IVE.

From the singles of already established groups like BLACKPINK and Stray Kids to up-and-comers like NewJeans, 2022 showcased a slew of K-pop hits.

Our list of the top 10 best K-pop songs of 2022 highlights unmistakable pop beats infused with high-octane performances, shocking visuals and top-notch vocalists who draw you in to unapologetically hit “play” a second time. 



10. “Good Boy Gone Bad” — TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Flexing alt-pop flair, TOMORROW X TOGETHER released its fourth EP, Minisode 2: Thursday’s Child, last spring. TXT are labelmates with BTS and gave the blueprint to success. The quintet is forging its own path, though. “Good Boy Gone Bad” features a muddled, distorted guitar that rocks with a fast-hitting hip-hop beat. The edgy riff grooves along with the punchy vocals, adding a layer of depth to the song. The dark theatricality of the video helps intensify the rock-driven sound.


9. “Shut Down” — BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK, composed of Jennie, Lisa, Rose and Jisoo, returned with sophomore album Born Pink. The single, “Shut Down,” shows a more polished and refined BLACKPINK that plays to its strengths. The four exude a swaggering confidence, like they don’t need to prove themselves to anyone. The  accomplishments and talent of BLACKPINK speak for themselves. The vivaciousness of the strings over a hard hip-hop beat adds to the sophistication of the title song. BLACKPINK delivers a solid performance.



8. “MANIAC” — Stray Kids

Octet Stray Kids released “MANIAC” from its sixth EP, Oddinary, earlier this spring. The song starts with buzzing trumpets leading to a punchy hip-hop beat. As the bass in Felix’s voice reverberates throughout the track, the other members add their flair with rhythmic vocals and snappy rap verses. The ensemble delivers a high-energy pop performance that makes it hard not to vibe along to the song. Following the success of their most recent tour, Stray Kids are the ones to watch in the new year.


7. “HOT” — Seventeen

Opening with a twangy electric guitar strum (Muse’s “Knights of Cydonia,” anyone?), “HOT” hits the beat running, accompanied by a background whistle. The song is off of the fourth album by SeventeenFace The Sun. A viral TikTok dance features the chorus of the song and highlights the main visual points of the choreography. “HOT” is carefree, fun and sets the mood for dancing. Released in May, it’s the best of the output by Seventeen in 2022.



6. “Gasoline” — KEY

Debuting as a member of SHINee in 2008, 14-year K-pop veteran Kim Kibum—otherwise known as KEY—warms up the scene with his sophomore solo album, Gasoline. The title track opens with trumpets front and center over a hip-hop trap beat. The blending of these sounds and the trilling of digital chimes in the background introduces a layer of complexity. KEY’s versatile vocals shine through as he flows effortlessly across the hybrid beat.


5. “ANTIFRAGILE” — LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM is one of the rookie girl groups we were impressed with this year. Debuting under HYBE Corporation, the quintet made quite the impression with ANTIFRAGILE, particularly its second single, the title track. Sporting a vivacious and thumping beat inspired by reggaeton, LE SSERAFIM delivers a pop smash that instantly sticks in your head. With a bouncing beat, the song is undeniably worth being put on replay. The group continued to release enjoyable music, so keep it on your radar.



4. “That That” — PSY featuring SUGA of BTS

“That That,” off of PSY‘s eighth album, PSY 9th, is an infectious song that recreates the viral hype of 2012’s “Gangnam Style” a decade later. Coming five years after his previous album, the single retains PSY’s iconic sound. Min Yoongi (BTS’ SUGA) adds his lyrical smoothness to the track, showcasing his fluidity as a rapper and producer.


3. “Love Dive” — IVE

As part of the new class of girl groups that debuted this year, sextet IVE has already established itself as one of the “it” groups on the scene. “Love Dive” is a track that solidifies the group as rising stars. IVE has not missed the mark with any of its releases in 2022. The infusion of entrancing EDM in a dance-pop package allows the group to elevate above expectations and deliver songs that pack a punch in snack-sized singles. “Eleven” and “After Like” were great, but “Love Dive” is one of the year’s best. IVE has provided freshness and originality to a K-pop scene that’s benefited from an influx of new talent.



2. “INVU” — Taeyeon

Taeyeon returned in early 2022 as a solo artist and is also a member of influential K-pop group Girls Generation, who also released new music in 2022 to mark its 15-year anniversary. Taeyeon’s vocal prowess solidifies her as one of the most prominent singers of her generation and a genre staple. “INVU” is a master class that shows how perfection is achievable. Once compared to Taylor Swift, Taeyeon shows that comparisons to Western artists are unnecessary as she shines on her own.



1. “Hype Boy” — NewJeans

“Hype Boy” by rookie group NewJeans is the best K-pop song of 2022. Artists from GOT7 to Stray Kids shared videos dancing to the sensational smash. The bubblegum pop song embodies what a K-pop pop song should be. It’s got a sticky sweet chorus and lyrics with a burst of dreamy nostalgic R&B energy. “Hype Boy” is a powerful anthem for letting loose and immersing yourself in the infectious beat.

Follow K-pop lover Onome Uyovbievbo at Twitter.com/byonome and Instagram.com/by.onome.

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