After 'Me Gustas Tu' blew up in 2015, G-Friend had a lot to live up to with their comeback, and they definitely managed to please with 'Rough'. In addition to setting a ton of first-time records as a rookie girl group, 'Rough' really paved the road for G-Friend to earn their place as one of Korea's most trending girl groups in 2016.
2.
Taeyeon's 'Rain'
When Girls' Generation's Taeyeon sings anything, it's a hit, because her voice is absolutely incredible. But her solo single 'Rain' is impressive not only because it's loved by so many, but also because it successfully launched SM Entertainment's new experiment, 'SM Station'.
3.
MAMAMOO's 'You're The Best'
MAMAMOO's 'You're The Best' is so fun and easy to listen to, all the while proving that the group is made of stellar quality vocalists. After sweeping charts and making the group's name blatantly known to the masses, 'You're The Best' ends up at MAMAMOO's most popular song yet.
4.
Lee Hi's 'Breathe'
Lee Hi's 'Breathe' is the perfect combination of Lee Hi's soulful voice coupled with a beautiful song of compassion. The lyrics are like a warm, gentle hand patting you on the back, for every soul who just needs a break from the chaos of life. Plus, 'Breathe' also marked a monumental collaboration between a YG artist and an SM composer (a.k.a SHINee's Jonghyun).
5.
NCT U's 'The 7th Sense'
This song may not have earned a very high score from the Korean public compared to others, but it marked the beginning of a new kind of idol group, as well as the launch of another of SM Entertainment's innovative experiments of 2016. The fact that the same name-bearing group who released this futuristic bass genre song can release 'Chewing Gum' a few months later in itself proves that K-Pop music has unlimited potential.
6.
TWICE's 'Cheer Up'
JYP Entertainment conjures up magic once again with an upbeat, cheerful song from the label's maknae group. This song is everything a girl group fan loves about girl groups - full of bubbly energy, easy-to-follow dance moves, adorable aegyo, and on and on.
7.
BTS's 'Fire'
BTS is an original hip-hop idol group who can't help but succeed right now because the world is currently that obsessed with the kind of music that BTS loves to make in the first place. When was the last time you heard 'Fire's electro trap beat playing as background music on a variety show? Like, yesterday?
8.
EXO's 'Monster'
One of the current forerunners in K-Pop, EXO's comeback definitely had everyone pretty excited, and it's really your preferences if you like 'Lucky One' or even 'Lotto' a little better than 'Monster'. All 3 of EXO's title songs can end up on this list because this year, EXO achieved the incredible by becoming K-Pop's first Triple Million-sellers.
9.
Wonder Girls' 'Why So Lonely'
Wonder Girls showed us who's boss with their first ever self-composed title track, 'Why So Lonely'! The reggae-pop song was playing in everyone's heads all July-long, displaying JYP's top-class girl group power.
10.
Black Pink's 'Whistle'
YG Entertainment's first new girl group after 2NE1 hit it off right away with their debut songs, 'Whistle' and 'BOOMBAYAH'. Both songs are not only super catchy masterpieces from YG's hit composer Teddy, but earned some impressive records for the girl group, making us all wonder what they're coming out with next!
11.
Bonus! Writer's Pick #1 - ASTRO's 'HIDE&SEEK'
Picked by beansss. Setting all chart rankings, public response, popularity, and whatever else aside, ASTRO's debut song makes me so happy every time I listen to it, and is still my favorite release of 2016. Their comeback song 'Breathless' is fun too!
12.
Bonus! Writer's Pick #2- Block B's 'A Few Years Later'
Picked by yckim124. Composed by Zico and Park Kyung, this one's definitely different from the group's signature upbeat, hip-hop songs. It had me hooked from the very first listen, and it also had me impressed at Block B's capability to perfect a slower tempo, sentimental piece. I can literally listen to this every day!
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