LADIES OF K-POP: BEST OF 2019
From debuts to disbandments, scandals to comebacks, 2019 certainly has been a wild 12 months for the women of K-Pop. We saw TWICE’s Jihyo’s relationship become scandalized by the media, the IZ*ONE and I.O.I line-ups come into question, and two of the brightest lights of K-Pop leave us for good (RIP Sulli and Goo Hara, you will be missed). Yet, we were also greeted with a plethora of talented rookies, treated to comebacks from our favorite artists, and given the opportunity to see them in a new light thanks to the idol show, Queendom. It is safe to say 2019 has been one hell of a year.
Yet, despite everything that has happened, the women of K-Pop haven’t disappointed when it comes to their latest releases. Whether it be a concept change, a fresh start, or even a simple debut—or even all three—idols have poured their hearts out for their fans, showcasing their hard work through their multifaceted talents, time and time again.
As 2019 draws to a close, let’s celebrate some of incredible work the women in K-Pop have put out this year, leaving this seemingly chaotic year on a high. So, without further ado, here are 20 of the best tracks from women in K-Pop this year.
20. “Dumb” - BVNDIT
2019 saw rookie group BVNDIT say goodbye to their negative influences and go their own way in the world. “Dumb” is the group’s second comeback, following “Dramatic” and their debut single “Hocus Pocus”, and sees the quintet demonstrate their performative flare with precision and perfection once again. This dance/R&B infusion is BVNDIT at their very best, showing how each member is a perfect fit for their mature concept. Standing for “Be Ambitious N Do It”, BVNDIT are unafraid to be bold and are bettering themselves with each comeback, especially when it comes to dance. This group is ambitious, powerful, and exceptional at what they do, and coming from the same company that house’s solo icon Chungha, we can only expect even better things to come from these rookies in 2020.
19. “gogobebe” - MAMAMOO
“gogobebe” sees MAMAMOO crave a break from the 9-to-5 in a bid to let loose and have fun, and they want you to come with them. It doesn’t matter if you make a fool out of yourself—quite frankly, that’s the whole point. As you would come to expect from MAMAMOO, “gogobebe” radiates swagger with its mellow tones and electronic-pop hooks, calling for chaos in a way that is completely intoxicating to listen to and will envelop you entirely into their world. So dress up in your best outfits, leave your responsibilities, and let MAMAMOO show you the good time you never knew needed.
18. “Kill This Love” - BLACKPINK”
Despite having only one comeback in 2019, BLACKPINK sure know how to leave their mark. This year saw the quartet quite literally break down walls as they reject the heartbreak of love with the title track “Kill This Love”. The track is filled with drama thanks to its brass base, heavy downbeats, and the contrast between rappers Jennie and Lisa with vocalists Rose and Jisoo. You would think this concoction would be overwhelming, but it in reality it's completely empowering and makes us feel like we can also get rid of those bad love affairs that inherently plague us.
17. “Come See Me” - AOA”
Following their similarly Western style finale appearance on MNET’s Queendom, AOA don their hats and flares and prepare for battle in an attempt to get a lover to open up rather than plunge their relationship into darkness. “Come See Me” is a refreshing addition to AOA’s already stellar repertoire, and now as a quintet, AOA have found their stride as they confidently lay the groundwork for the next era of their careers. Fusing dance and iconic Western guitar riffs together, AOA’s battle cry is one that should not be ignored, and is a true highlight of 2019.
16. “Bomb” - AleXa
Exploding into 2019, American-born Alex Christine returns to the airwaves as AleXa. The former Produce 48 contestant debuted on October 21 with “Bomb,” making her the first artist to debut under new company ZB Label. AleXa wastes no time in showing her performance prowess in “Bomb”, demonstrating strong vocal talent, killer dance moves, and charisma for days; AleXa is certain to be a force to be reckoned with in 2020. Though if the powerful electronic bassline in “Bomb” doesn’t quite do it for you, then check out some of the various genre swaps AleXa done with the track alongside global collaborators including rock band Diablo and AfroFusion artist, TinaMirae. AleXa truly encapsulates the phrase “small but mighty” and we are sure that she will rocket her way into 2020 with just as much power as when she has kicked off her career.
15. “Fun” - fromis_9
fromis_9 are here to bring the fun back to K-Pop, and quite frankly, we are here for it. In 2019, the Idol School group gave us “Fun!” a summer comeback that quite literally does what it says on the tin. Each member does not shy away from playing make-believe in the accompanying video, posing as coveted CF models for spoofs of well-known brands such as “Funta,” “Clear and Clean,” and “FROMISNINE NEW YORK,” and letting loose on camera. The MV seems to capture genuine fun as the members are caught off guard with their mischief, and allows the members to play and let loose in a way we often don’t get to see idols do. Each beat of the song is packed full of fun-fetti, and allows its listeners to simply have fun for the entirety of its three minute runtime, making it a much needed stress-reliever from an otherwise stressful world.
14. “Birthday” - SOMI
Over two years after the disbandment of Produce 101’s flagship group I.O.I, fans were finally greeted with the long awaited debut of the group’s leader and center, Jeon Somi. Now having left JYP Entertainment for YG subsidiary The Black Label, Somi shed her cute image for one of maturity that one would expect from an artist associated with the label created by rapper, songwriter, and producer Teddy Park. “Birthday” marks a new start for Somi as she unashamedly celebrates herself in a funky addition to the hip-hop genre, that is bound to have you bopping along. Although Somi’s debut marks a new start for the soloist, she still is the same Somi fans have come to love from her first public appearance in survival show SIXTEEN and “Birthday” perfectly showcases the great range of talents that the former JYP trainee has under her belt, and a promise for more to come.
13. “Picky Picky” - Weki Meki
Like it or not, Weki Meki are here to stay. In the first of their 2019 comebacks, Weki Meki took us back to school with “Picky Picky,” playing homage to classic teen movies such as Clueless, Mean Girls, and High School Musical as they fully encompass their “teen crush” concept. “Picky Picky” is a highly catchy track with luminous visuals and an abundance of energy that will make you want to jump up on stage with the members. Ultimately, “Picky Picky” feels like an anthem for teenagers everywhere, and one that perfectly encapsulates the bubblegum world of the movies, embracing individuality, friendship and most importantly, fun.
12. “Spark” - Taeyeon
Former Girls’ Generation member Taeyeon returned to the charts once again in 2019 with her second full album, Purpose. The title track “Spark” encourages fans to embrace their inner sparks and to rage into a fully fledged fire without being held back by fear. Though the track is ironically blues-inspired, it is full of a red-raw attack and feels like a welcome change of pace for Taeyeon, who often refrains from uptempo title tracks. The soloist also brings the percussion to the forefront of her track, giving audiences ample opportunity to clap along with the tambourine in an extremely catchy post-chorus hook. “Spark” is a new concept for Taeyeon, and is one that is fully welcomed—especially if this means she will slick her hair back like that more often.
11. “Piri” - Dreamcatcher
Queens of the K-Rock genre, Dreamcatcher prove just why they go against the grain with their single, “Piri.” Kicking things off with the sound of a foghorn, Dreamcatcher dive deep into another of their collection of horrors, begging for a loved one to save them with the sound of a pipe (if it’s not already too late). Switching between calmness and chaos, Dreamcatcher hits each note with pure force to create an overwhelming atmosphere that expertly recreates a chilling nightmare for each member. Accompanied by dynamic choreography and a jaw-dropping chorus that is bursting with an unshakable aura, Dreamcatcher don’t hesitate to become both our dream and our nightmare in this audacious hit.
10. “Feel Special” - TWICE
TWICE’s “Feel Special” may masquerade as a love song, but it is so much more. Written by JYP himself after consulting with the nine members of TWICE, “Feel Special” is a reminder to each girl that they will never be alone as long as they have each other. The MV may be extravagant (as you would expect from the nation’s girl group) yet it is tinged with loneliness, as each girl becomes isolated from one another. Though through the power of nine, they find each other and are able to make each other feel a little less alone in the world. If this meaning alone isn’t enough to convince you of why TWICE deserve a spot on this list, then maybe the fact that the song is an absolute bop just might.
9. “Snapping” - Chungha
It is no secret that Chungha is one of the most talented idols in K-Pop today. With vocals just as strong as her dancing, she is a force of determination that shows no signs of stopping. Her most recent comeback “Snapping” is a lesson in self-love and self-care as Chungha rids herself of a toxic personality, yet craves the very person she wishes to cut off. The song is sultry and mature, yet will ultimately have you snapping alone with Chungha as she applauds herself for doing something she feared. The accompanying MV exudes glamour, and spares no expense in showcasing the vast array of talent that Chungha possesses.
8. “Blueming” - IU
It feels like an absolute no-brainer to include K-Pop legend IU on this list, especially since her latest comeback is an absolute bop. “Blueming” compares the feeling of excitement you get when you receive a text from a lover to that of a blooming flower, resulting in a blossoming garden as their online relationship unfolds. “Blueming” feels like a perfect fit in the realm of quirky teen rom-coms (see: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before) and entrances us in the rise and falls of IU’s relationship with her unseen beau. This lighthearted track turns a color often associated with doom and gloom into one of hope and wonder, and makes us wish we could experience the same blooming delights of receiving a text from a lover too.
7. “Drip” - HINAPIA
“Drip” marks a brand new start for former PRISTIN members Minkyeong, Gyeongwon, Eunwoo, and Yaebin alongside OSR Entertainment’s sole trainee Bada, who step towards a brand new utopia together with their bold debut. “Drip” is an intoxicating and seductive debut that sees each member break free from their chains and find strength in their fellow members. It is an entirely different change of pace for the former PRISTIN members, but one that is welcomed, especially when their execution is so on-point. It is incredibly heartwarming to see the members talents finally being shown to the world after a prolonged disbandment, and we hope that this time, there will be no signs of slowing down for HINAPIA.
6. “ICY” - ITZY
ITZY are here and they are proving that that are here to bring something different to 2019 and beyond. “ICY” is ITZY’s first comeback following their debut in January of this year, and these rookies have already found their stride. ITZY demand to be heard in this shout of self-love, and they refuse to be defined by anything other than who they are. This dance track is filled with nothing but positive cheer, inspiring those around them to embrace who they are wholly and without fear. “ICY” is an absolute anthem, and defines exactly who ITZY are—despite their debut being less than a year ago. That in itself is an incredible feat, and is well-deserving of a spot on this list.
5. “Butterfly” - LOONA
LOONA is not one to play by the rules, and with “Butterfly”, they certainly don’t. “Butterfly” is nothing like LOONA has covered before, something which is vastly becoming their speciality. Yet with a debut project that has largely focuses on its 12 members and the intricate lore that surrounds them, in “Butterfly” they strip everything back to focus on other women from around the world. Each woman focused on in the video becomes empowered by LOONA’s butterfly effect, taking LOONA away from their universe and expanding it out into the world, encouraging others to rise up and use their voices. “Butterfly”’s dynamic EDM beat is unlike anything heard before in K-Pop, but the delicate execution of its rise and falls are as swift as a butterfly’s wings, and is well-deserved of its critical acclaim.
4. “Lion” - (G)I-DLE
Fresh from their third place ranking in MNET show Queendom, (G)I-DLE roar back into the charts with “Lion.” Premiering the song in Queendom’s grand finale, “Lion” sees each member of (G) I-DLE find their inner lioness and embrace the raw power of these fearsome animals. As with all of their title tracks, “Lion” was written, composed, and arranged by leader Soyeon and “Lion” might just be her best track to date. The song features an exceptional showcase of lead vocalist Minnie’s talents, breathtaking choreography, and a killer rap from the leader herself. “Lion” also sees the rise of Taiwanese-born maknae Shuhua, who finally gets to take the spotlight after receiving the least lines in every comeback since the group’s debut. The “Lion” debut performance on Queendom is easily one of their best, if not one of the best performances of the year, and the accompanying MV is just as incredible. Without a shadow of a doubt, (G) I-DLE have outdone themselves with this comeback, making it a no-brainer to be at the top of our list.
3. “Violeta” - IZ*ONE
2019 has allowed IZ*ONE to blossom from trainees to idols, most specifically with their comeback, “Violeta”. Their first Korean comeback sees the twelve members advance their floral concept with this bright uptempo summer that attempts to coax a lover into opening up to them, much like a flower in bloom. With “Violeta”, IZ*ONE truly hit their stride, providing a compelling mix of showmanship (especially from that of Kim Minju and Ahn Yujin), vocal talent, and chic choreography that surprises you at every turn. Truly, “Violeta” is a highlight of IZ*ONE’s already packed discography and we can only hope that in spite of the current controversy, they will be able to stand strong as 12 in the future.
2. “Psycho” - Red Velvet
Despite having only released their latest comeback within the final days of 2019, Red Velvet’s “Psycho” has completely whisked us off our feet. “Psycho” is the first “velvet” title track to come from the group since the release “Bad Boy” in 2018, and this far more devious and mature concept is something we have craved from the girls since. Red Velvet truly take things slow in this song, ensuring there is no crossover with their bright uptempo “red” singles. With everything from vocals to choreo and even toying with a classically playful horror beat, this urban pop hit is brimming with villainous intrigue, and shares just a sliver of insight into a murderous game the quintet intend to win. Without a doubt, “Pyscho” is one of Red Velvet’s best, and is one they are sure to be known for in years to come.
1. “Adios” - EVERGLOW
To say that EVERGLOW are monster rookies would be an understatement. With only one comeback to their name, EVERGLOW’s impact is certainly undeniable and they are sure to explode into 2020 with even more power than they have already created in their nine-month reign. Their first official comeback, “Adios,” demands silence from the listener as they explode onto the scene, waving goodbye to those who stand in their way. EVERGLOW know exactly what they want to do with this jaw-dropping hit, and to say they achieve it is an understatement, “Adios” is precision, perfection, and power mixed together with a fierce determination that has simply been unrivaled throughout 2019. So with only a few days left of 2019, be sure to say “Goodbye, Au Revoir, Adios” to the 2010’s with this K-Pop gem.