15 best K-pop songs of 2022: from rookies NewJeans and Le Sserafim, to solo artists Jin and Nayeon

Le Sserafim proved that they are fearless with their statement track “Antifragile”. Combining Latin music elements with a thumping bass, strong vocals and powerful choreography, the song is an electrifying dance track sure to keep you bopping along.

With its repeated hook of “Anti-ti-ti-ti-fragile”, it is an anthem to the girl group’s confidence that they cannot be stopped.

With six awards from South Korean music shows, “Case 143” is one of Stray Kids’ most successful songs. This electric hip-hop fusion uses “143” to represent the number of letters in each word of the sentence, “I love you”.

“Why do I keep getting attracted?” is a recurring question throughout the addictive song about being uncontrollably in love – and you won’t be able to get this tune out of your head.

Boy group Seventeen warmed fans’ hearts with their first English single, which was co-produced by one of the group’s members, Woozi. In an interview with Teen Vogue, member DK shared that the plus sign in the title symbolised unity between the group and Carats, their fans.

Seventeen expressed appreciation for their fans’ support through this sweet and uplifting song, and this message is emphasised in the lyrics, “you know, without you, I’m so lonely”.

The seven-member boy band’s new hip-hop release is a departure from the pop style of their previous songs.

As said by group leader Jungwon in an interview with The Korea Herald, the song was named to show “promises for the future and convey feelings of hope”. The positivity and unity is evident in the lyrics, which emphasise teamwork through lines like, “You and I have become us”.

Red Velvet ventured into the world of classical music with the release of their musical masterpiece, “Feel My Rhythm”.

Blending the quintet’s upbeat vocals with elegant samples from Bach’s “Air on the G String”, the unique song blends new and old while maintaining the group’s signature cheerful vibe.

In the lead single for their latest EP, Minisode 2: Thursday’s Child, up-and-coming quintet TXT tackles the topic of heartbreak.

Layering catchy vocals over a hip-hop and rock sound, the song is about being completely changed by the end of a toxic relationship. The group’s versatility shows that they are certain to go far.

After making an explosive debut in August, NewJeans has surprised the K-pop scene with their unique Y2K style and smooth vocals.

“Hype Boy” is a fresh and dreamy endeavour, far away from the typical overproduced sound of most other K-pop songs. It showcases the clear vocals of the five members alongside a fun, upbeat choreography.

There are a whopping six music videos for this one song, with some telling the story of different members as they experience teenage love.

Ive enchanted fans with “Love Dive”, a dreamy song combining a strong bass, satisfying synths and a lilting melody.

As described by member Won-young during a press conference, the song expresses that you should “dive into love if you have the courage”. The girls’ alluring, velvety vocals encapsulate the song’s concept. “Love Dive” is a spectacular addition to Ive’s discography, making listeners eager to plunge further into the girl group’s charm.

Twice’s Nayeon kicked off the summer with the release of her sugary solo single “Pop!”, which explores the flirtatious and sweet sides of love. Nayeon’s bubbly vocals and energetic choreography make the song unforgettable.

“Shut Down” took the world by storm in September, solidifying Blackpink’s status as global superstars – the track was the group’s second No 1 hit on the Billboard Global 200.

The track begins with a violin sample from Paganini’s “La Campanella” before the girl group’s trademark bass kicks in, and they deliver their iconic “Blackpink in your area” line. Members Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa shut down haters in a stylish, undeniably Blackpink style while dropping references to previous songs.

Created by the powerful duo of Psy and BTS’s Suga, “That That” keeps listeners on their toes.

In the music video, the two singers’ cowboy outfits set the playful tone of the energetic song, celebrating life after the pandemic. With repeated lyrics like “let’s get loco, pandemic’s over” and the groovy chorus “that, that, I like that”, the song will certainly lift listeners’ spirits.

Jin’s enlistment has shaken the BTS fandom, called the Army, as he is the oldest member of the group.

Before leaving for military service, Jin released his debut solo single, “The Astronaut”, which he co-wrote with British rock band Coldplay. Jin’s soulful vocals shine in the song, conveying his sincerity and affection for fans through lines like, “when I’m with you, there is no one else”.

With so many outstanding songs, (G)Idle has made 2022 their year, but the one that stands above the rest is “Tomboy”.

With its explosive, headbanging chorus, the song projects a confident, girl-crush aura. The group shows how it has broken out of the “perfect girl” mould through lyrics like, “Do you want a blond Barbie doll? It’s not here, I’m not a doll”.

As the global superstar Bangtan Boys go on hiatus, “Yet to Come” is a reflection on the nine years since the band’s debut.

Co-written by members RM, Suga, and J-hope, the song features an upbeat hip-hop sound with lyrics that offer insight on the group’s purpose, success and future.

The track’s catchy vocals and meaningful lyrics have even won it a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video.

NCT 127, a subunit of the boy band NCT, reached new heights in 2022 with their intense lead single, “2 Baddies”.

A highlight of the song is its catchy chorus – “two baddies, two baddies, one Porsche”– making the song a real earworm. With the music video’s eye-catching neon lights, the song motivates listeners to strive towards their goals despite criticism from others.