Throwback Thursday: 2020 Hits
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a taxing year, but even in the most trying of times, our favorite K-Pop artists were there, doing what they could to bring happiness and comfort to their fans. For the final Throwback Thursday of 2020, we take a look back at the songs that were the year’s silver lining.
“Any Song” - ZICO
Released in the first month of the year, ZICO’s “Any Song” took Korea by storm. Not only did the track debut at the top of the Gaon Digital Chart—it stayed there for seven non-consecutive weeks. The virality of the track did not stop at the charts, however, as ZICO also created a TikTok dance challenge in which countless Korean celebrities participated. The craze surrounding the song helped it garner ten music show wins, despite ZICO never promoting, and has culminated in multiple year-end awards thus far.
“Dumhdurum” - Apink
Back with a bang, Apink made their triumphant return with April’s “Dumhdurum.” With a synth hook that feels like straight-up hypnotization, the dance track led Apink back to the tops of Korean charts. As a result, “Dumhdurum” topped the Gaon Digital Chart and earned the girls eight music show wins.
“Nonstop” - Oh My Girl
Oh My Girl made a comeback in April with their mini-album Nonstop and its title track of the same name. On top of eight music show wins, “Nonstop” floated around the tops of Korean music charts for weeks to come, but it wasn’t alone: the group’s B-side “Dolphin” remained by its side, cementing Nonstop’s impact on 2020.
“Eight” - IU feat. SUGA
IU’s digital single “Eight” was released in May and produced with the help of featured rapper BTS’s SUGA. The nostalgic pop-rock song is about experiencing life as a twenty-eight year old and serves as the latest in her coming-of-age series following previous releases “Twenty-Three” and “Palette.” As expected of IU, the song instantly topped Korean music charts and has already been certified platinum by the Korea Music Content Association.
“Maria” - Hwasa
June saw Hwasa make a comeback in the form of “Maria,” a nod to the artist’s baptismal name. Known for her confident image, “Maria” is the musical retelling of Hwasa’s balancing act between her celebrity status and personal life, all amidst Latin trap beats. Hwasa has been a favorite of the Korean general public since her debut, so it’s no surprise “Maria” won her multiple music show awards. The song was even chosen as one of Time’s “Songs and Albums That Defined K-Pop’s Monumental Year in 2020.”
“God’s Menu” and “Back Door” - Stray Kids
2020 was quite the year for Stray Kids. In June, they released their first full-length album GO生 with lead single “God’s Menu.” The release saw many firsts for the group, including earning a platinum sales album certification from Gaon and landing on the Gaon Weekly Download Chart. The album was later re-released in September as IN生, along with new title track “Back Door.” Both albums and songs have been held in high regard around the world, with many critics citing each as an integral part of the K-Pop scene in 2020.
“Dynamite” - BTS
Though “Dynamite” was BTS’s first all-English single, the song brought joy into homes all around the world. Released in August, the unapologetically bright, disco-influenced track instantly topped domestic and international charts, even nabbing the boys their first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and a GRAMMY nomination. Furthermore, “Dynamite” has garnered BTS 28 Korean music show wins...and counting.
“Open Mind” - Wonho
2020 saw the solo debut of former MONSTA X member Wonho. After parting with the group in the fall of 2019, the following months saw an outpouring of love and support from Monbebe around the world that ultimately led to the release of Wonho’s first mini-album Love Synonym Pt. 1: Right for Me in September. “Open Mind” puts Wonho’s talents as a performer in the forefront, making for one of the most powerful debuts of 2020 in more ways than one.
“Criminal” - TAEMIN
Let’s face it: every TAEMIN comeback is a notable comeback and September’s “Criminal” once again saw the artist dominate the K-Pop industry. Oozing with the confidence and sensuality that only TAEMIN can bring, the song helped him rise to the top of the Gaon Album Chart. It’s certainly another milestone in TAEMIN’s illustrious career; as such, various overseas outlets have named “Criminal” as one of the top K-Pop songs of the year, with the song topping the list on more than one occasion.
“Lovesick Girls” - BLACKPINK
In October, BLACKPINK made a much-awaited comeback with “Lovesick Girls,” a track that blends numerous genres to tell the story of overcoming heartbreak. The song saw the girls change up their sound and their efforts were worthwhile: on top of a stellar performance on domestic charts, the track even landed at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100. Critics around the world have praised the song, easily making it a staple for 2020.
“Daisy” - PENTAGON
PENTAGON made their comeback in October with WE: TH and its title track “Daisy.” Filled with PENTAGON’s characteristic emotive vocals, the track leans more into alt-rock territory than their previous titles. Numerous outlets have listed “Daisy” as one of the K-Pop songs that defined 2020, but Universe will remember it as the song that finally gave the group their much-deserved first win.