As 2024 inches closer, the final Ladies Corner article of 2023 is about our favorites from female artists this year. What did The Kraze crown as their favorites in such a packed year for strong contenders? As expected, there was some overlap—that’s what happens when songs refuse to stop looping in everyone’s minds—but also some variety as well. 

Khannie’s Pick

The Kraze founder and CEO Khannie couldn’t get enough of IVE this year. “IVE has been really impressive for me this year,” she said. In particular, Khannie loved “I AM,” “Off the Record,” and “Either Way.” Check out The Kraze’s coverage of I’ve IVE and I’VE MINE earlier this year. 

Jean’s Pick

IVE really should name an upcoming EP I’VE FALLEN because that’s how many of us at The Kraze felt about their music. Photographer Jean also took a liking to “I AM.” PURPLE K!SS’ “Sweet Juice” was another notable pick. From soloists, Kim Sejeong’s “Top or Cliff” and LE SSERRAFIM’s Yunjin’s “I = / Doll” were highlights. Check out The Kraze’s coverage of “Sweet Juice” and artist spotlight on Yunjin.

Cara’s Pick

Editor Cara fell in love with NewJeans’ “GODS,” the anthem for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship. Initially listening to the song because of LOL itself, Cara found the song on repeat for the last few months. “GODS” was something different but NewJeans pulled it off spectacularly. “The NewJeans buff really works,” as Cara described. 

Vivian’s Pick

NewJean’s music also reached the top for editor Vivian. “Super Shy” from their Get Up EP was her pick. NewJeans’ presence this year didn’t shy away from making themselves popular with other The Kraze staff either. NewJeans appeared in seven of our articles this year alone. Check out The Kraze’s coverage of Get Up from July.

Chloe’s Pick

Email marketing specialist Chloe couldn’t get enough of XG, a Japanese group who promotes within the K-Pop sphere. “SHOOTING STAR” and “LEFT RIGHT” became some of Chloe’s “most listened to songs of the year.” Check out The Kraze’s coverage of Shooting Star from January. 

Cidney’s Pick 

XG’s hold on the minds at The Kraze didn’t stop at just Chloe; writer Cidney also named an XG song as one of their favorites. XG’s “Puppet Show” from NEW DNA,  NMIXX’s “Love Me Like This” from expérgo, and KISS OF LIFE’s “Nobody Knows” from Born to be XX took the top spots. Check out The Kraze’s coverage of NEW DNA from September, coverage of expérgo from March, and coverage of Born to be XX from November. 

Roxy’s Pick

The Kraze co-owner and CMO Roxy had plenty of favorites from female artists this year. These favorite songs depended on the category: (G)I-DLE’s “Queencard” stood out as the catchy earworm and aespa’s “Drama” was the favorite soundwise. In the indie scene, So!yoON’s “Smoke Sprite (feat. RM of BTS)” spent its time well on Roxy’s playlist. Check out The Kraze’s review of Drama from November. 

Nia’s Pick

Graphic designer Nia loved STAYC’s “Teddy Bear,” ITZY’s “Cake” from KILL MY DOUBT and SOMI’s “Fast Forward.” It’s a trio of confident messages with music videos featuring fashionable looks to die for. Check out The Kraze’s coverage of Teddy Bear from February and KILL MY DOUBT from August. 

Jay’s Pick  

VIVIZ’s “MANIAC” had marketing director Jay hooked this year. Despite hardly listening to girl groups, Jay found themselves “obsessed” ever since the VERSUS EP dropped. Check out The Kraze’s coverage of VERSUS from November. 

jacob’s Pick

My two favorites from this year contain very different vibes from each other. There’s Kep1er’s bright and bubbly “Galileo” placed beside Dreamcatcher’s hard-hitting yet cool “OOTD.” With them topping my 2023 “Spotify Wrapped” results, Kep1er’s releases for both Korean and Japanese markets impressed me greatly this year. Dreamcatcher’s “OOTD,” despite releasing in late November, managed to become a favorite with its surprisingly chill chorus in conjunction with powerful energy everywhere else. Check out The Kraze’s coverage of Kep1er’s Magic Hour and review of Dreamcatcher’s [VillainS] earlier this year.