As 2024 winds down, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the music that defined our year. From late-night jams to get-you-through-the-day anthems, this year’s playlist had something for everyone. Whether it’s the nostalgic comfort of a ballad or the exhilarating beat of a dance track, these songs have been the soundtrack to our highs and lows. Team Namaste Hallyu has picked their personal favorites, and we’re sure you’ll find a song or two to add to your own playlist. So, buckle up and dive into the best K-Pop had to offer in 2024!
1. ‘Last Night’ by JXW (JEONGHAN X WONWOO)
‘Last Night’ is the lead track of the single album ‘THIS MAN’ by SEVENTEEN’s sub-unit, JXW (JEONGHAN X WONWOO). With guitar by Park Juwon, ‘Last Night’ is an alluring track that captures the essence of pining for lost love. The song was Aaradhana’s favorite track of the year, and she shared, “The instrumental is nostalgic to the songs I used to listen to (and loved) in my teenage days, and the ballad is further enhanced with Jeonghan’s soft vocals and Wonwoo’s deep ones.”
2. ‘LIKE THAT’ by BABYMONSTER
Composed by singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, ‘LIKE THAT’ is a B-side from BABYMONSTER’s debut EP ‘BABYMONS7ER’. The pop song is reminiscent of early 2000s sounds, groovy and with a fair bit of pizzazz. Nirmiti sums it up perfectly: “Loved the song, rap, and video—everything about it!” BABYMONSTER’s energy is palpable in this track, combining fierce rap with dynamic vocals and a visually stunning music video. ‘Like That’ is the kind of song that commands attention from the very first beat and leaves you humming it long after it’s over.
3. ‘WORK’ by ATEEZ
‘WORK’ is a hip-hop number from ATEEZ’s mini album ‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part 1’. With a playful vibe, the song features rhythmic rapping and melodic vocals. If you are looking for some inspiration to get out of bed on a Monday morning and make it to work, this track is all you need. “A great song that gives a lot of motivation to work,” Anjali agrees.
4. ‘Suit Up’ by Super Junior L.S.S.
Super Junior’s members Leeteuk, Shindong and Siwon created the group’s sixth sub-unit this year and formed Super Junior L.S.S.. ‘Suit Up’ is the group’s Korean debut and a dance-pop funky song, with a retro sound. “It’s a blast! The energy and personality they bring totally steal the show, and the MV is super cute. The fun concept fits them perfectly,” shared Ranjana. The upbeat tempo and playful lyrics make ‘Suit Up’ a standout, while the colorful and quirky music video adds an extra layer of joy.
5. ‘Heart on the Window’ by Jin ft. WENDY
“VOCALSSSS!!!” exclaims Priyanjana about ‘Heart on the Window’ by Jin ft. WENDY from Jin’s debut studio album ‘HAPPY’. The song is a bittersweet conversation between two people filled with longing and vulnerability. It’s a masterclass in vocal harmony, blending Jin’s powerful range with WENDY’s ethereal tone to create a soulful masterpiece. The emotional depth of the song, paired with its exquisite melody, makes it a standout collaboration that’s sure to be remembered.
6. ‘Who’ by Jimin
BTS Jimin’s ‘Who’ is the lead single from his second studio album ‘Muse’. A R&B, hip-hop track, the song encapsulates a sense of yearning for a soulmate as well as the introspection into what you want from your lover. It stresses on longing for someone you have never met but still can’t live without. Komal enjoys the song “Because it’s Jimin and his overpowering voice and moves!!!” Madiha adds, “The vocals and the choreo are spectacular!! The acoustic version is also mindblowing.”
7. ‘APT.’ by ROSÉ ft. Bruno Mars
The infectious and catchy ‘APT.’ by ROSÉ ft. Bruno Mars became the anthem of 2024 the moment it dropped. The pop-punk song based on a Korean drinking game is an absolute banger that gives an old-school 2000s vibe. Ariba shared, “This song is such a vibe; it’s like just how K-Pop used to be back in the days.” With its nostalgic yet contemporary feel, ‘APT.’ bridges the gap between past and present, delivering a track that’s both comforting and refreshing. The blend of ROSÉ’s delicate vocals and Bruno Mars’ signature style is pure magic.
8. ‘Cheers to youth’ by SEVENTEEN
In a day and age when everyone is struggling with their mental health, a song like SEVENTEEN’s ‘Cheers to youth’ is a dose of much-needed motivation. Shivani expressed, “It is a song that gives me the will to live on every day, no matter how hard I’m struggling.” Uplifting and heartfelt, SEVENTEEN captures the essence of youthful optimism with this empowering anthem. The lyrics inspire hope and determination, while the melody wraps listeners in a warm embrace. It’s a celebration of life and the resilience of youth.
9. ‘Love Wins All’ by IU
Written by IU, ‘Love Wins All’ is the lead single of the artist’s sixth Korean EP ‘The Winning’. The ballad is a heartwrenching tale of love, loss, and despair. Eeshna called the song “A soothing, touching, and emotional track.” IU’s evocative vocals and poignant lyrics make this song a heartfelt ode to resilience and love. It’s a track that wraps you in its warmth and reminds you of the enduring power of love and hope, even if the end isn’t as happy as you want it to be.
10. ‘Can’t Get You’ by Jaehyun
If you have ever had an intense crush on someone, you’ll get what Jaehyun is trying to say through his song ‘Can’t Get You’. The pop song is Nandini’s favorite track from Jaehyun’s debut album ‘J’, “It stands as the album’s crown jewel.”
Nandini further shared, “I’m just over the moon that Babyface’s masterful R&B production sensibilities met JAEHYUN’s natural affinity for the genre. The track has everything you’d expect from a typical Babyface production – sophisticated arrangement layers, sultry saxophone lines, subtle flute embellishments, and carefully placed female backing vocals. It creates a rich sonic texture that you won’t usually hear in K-Pop. It feels both 2000s nostalgic and contemporary. JAEHYUN even delivers the narrative-style verses channeling classic 2000s R&B, while the bossa nova jazz-influenced instrumental outro elevates the track beyond typical K-Pop song structures, allowing the musical themes to develop and breathe in a way that’s rarely heard in contemporary pop productions. The thoughtful mixing and arrangement showcase his voice as an instrument within the ensemble rather than simply laying it on top. It’s such a sophisticated, cohesive piece that could easily sit alongside classic R&B records.”
So, did your favorite make the list? Whether these tracks were on repeat during your morning commute or helped you unwind after a long day, music has a way of making every moment memorable. Let us know in the comments which songs shaped your 2024.
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