2020'S TOP 10 K-POP SONGS BY BOY GROUPS
by Arielle Tindel
3/10/20
From BTS selling out arenas and stadiums worldwide, to NCT 127’s electric performance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2019 was a huge year for K-pop boy groups. If you haven’t been paying attention to the genre, now is the time! Unsure where to start? Take a look at our list of the most Iconic K-pop songs of 2019.
"BOY WITH LUV" BY BTS FT HALSEY
As BTS, Jungkook, V, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, Suga, and Jin have sold out stadiums worldwide, broken records, and are only on their way up from here. With over 360 million streams on Spotify and over 677 million views on YouTube, "Boy With Luv" featuring Halsey has become one of the most popular K-pop songs to date.
"RPM" BY SF9
With its 9 members, SF9 is one of the K-pop groups who do it all- rap, sing, dance, and create pop hits. On RPM every section builds in intensity. Released in June, the song details the exhausting lengths one would go for someone they love. The video features all 9 members in a futuristic, sci-fi setting. In 2020, the group has already released an album.
"JOPPING" BY SUPERM
SuperM is a 7-piece supergroup. Consisting of members from Shinee, Exo, NCT 127, and WayV, the band has quickly risen to success. Jopping, their most popular song, goes between English and Korean. Describing the combination of “jumping and popping,” "Jopping" has become a K-pop dance hit.
"OBSESSION" BY EXO
Joining BTS and Blackpink on the 2019 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity List, EXO is extremely popular. On "Obsession," the group talks about feeling suffocated by a relationship. With its blend of pop and hip-hop, the song has become a K-pop dance hit.
"HOME" BY SEVENTEEN
Seventeen is a huge band, and I don’t mean that solely in terms of popularity- There are 13 members! You might be wondering how a band of that size works. Divided into 3 units (hip-hop, vocal, and performance), they’ve got it figured out (and it seems to be working)! Off of their sixth mini album, Home became the stand out single. The lyrics are sweet, reassuring a partner that they can feel at home.
"HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN" BY NCT 127
If you watched this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you might recognize this top K-pop group. Consisting of 9 members, NCT 127 was formed in 2016 and have released various EPs and albums. The band put out two versions of their song "Highway to Heaven" (English and Korean), and even made two separate music videos.
"ALL NIGHT" BY ASTRO
In January of 2019, Astro broke their 8 month hiatus with the release of their first full length album, All Light. Standout track All Night has become one of their most popular songs. With a music video featuring stunning visuals of pastels and flowers, "All Night" is romantic and sweet.
"UNDER COVER" BY A.C.E.
Combining rock, hip-hop, and electronic elements, A.C.E. has created their own bold and unique K-pop sound. In 2019, the group released 2 EPs, one including "Under Cover." The lyrics translate to tell the story of being interested in someone who doesn’t feel the same, with lines like “I’m undercover in your feelings.”
"SAY MY NAME" BY ATEEZ
No, it’s not a Destiny's Child cover (though that would be pretty amazing)! While one of the newer K-pop groups, ATEEZ has already gained a large and loyal online following. With gang vocals and electronic production, "Say My Name" is a bonafide K-Pop Dance hit. In the music video, the 8 piece group appears in an industrial, futuristic landscape, where they impress with their choreography.
"MIROH" BY STRAY KIDS
As an 8 piece group formed in 2017, Stray Kids have already become huge K-Pop stars internationally. Their comeback song, "MIROH," was released in March. "MIROH" peaked at #3 on US world chards and hit #1 in Korea. Stray Kids are a great example of the incredible work ethic these boy bands possess. Immediately after the release of "MIROH," the group embarked on a world tour and they are heading back out on the road this spring.
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Releasing chart topping singles, creating pristine K-pop music videos, and touring the world, these groups have really gone above and beyond in 2019. And if you’re looking for more, check out our list of 2019’s Best K-Pop Songs by Girl Groups!
Arielle Tindel is a Berklee College of Music student from Cleveland, OH. She will graduate in December with degrees in Music Business Marketing and Songwriting. In her free time, Arielle can be found gardening or playing bass.