Staff Picks: Our Favorite MVs of 2017 (First Half)

Now that it's July and summer has arrived, that means 2017 is already halfway over (That was fast)! The year was a blur so far with all the dating scandals, debuts, and more - but the crazy (good) music video releases are what always has the K-Pop fans coming back for more. There have been many amazing MVs that boasted great cinematography, touching stories, and great shots of some addictive dance moves, but which ones made the Staff Picks list (MV's released from January to June)?

Check them out below and then let us know your favorite K-Pop MV so far in 2017.

Cara: The Black Skirts ''Who Do You Love''

Nowadays, many K-Pop MVs captivate viewers with synchronized choreography, vibrant colors, rapid motions, and extravagant cinematography. Although that's all very great and amusing, I've missed those classic K-drama in 5-minute music videos. That's one of the reasons why I love the MV for ''Who Do You Love''. The dramatic love story and the action can seem a bit corny in general but it's very touching. I also liked the vintage style; they reminded me of models from Urban Outfitters, which I thought was a turn away from the typical style seen in K-Pop MVs. And I just really like the song. It's ironic because the lyrics are so sweet but the melody is so... sad and gloomy. The ironic match really caught my attention. Also, I love Tablo's productions and I think this is one of the best releases from his independent label High Ground. Oh, and it has stunning cinematography. MV like this definitely deserves more attention and views. It's just b-e-a-utiful.

Paul: Hyorin x Changmo "Blue Moon"

I really wanted to go with Palo Alto's "Home" but that was released in Q4 2016. So, out of all the MV's that were released in 2017 so far, I think Hyorin x Changmo's "Blue Moon" is the best MV. You don't see Changmo and only see Hyorin but I'm not complaining as she is a very pretty lady. I bought a DJI Mavic last year and I like the drone aerial shots in the MV. There's a bit of nostalgia too as the Tommy Hilfiger shirt that Hyorin is rocking is the same shirt that I owned back in elementary school. Combine the visuals with Hyorin's sweet voice and Groovy Room's top-notch production and you have a sensory pleasing experience.

KpopJoA: BoA ''CAMO''

It was quite impressive to see so many attractive MVs out in the first half of 2017, popping colors to dramatic acting. Can't go wrong with BoA though. She is the Queen of K-Pop. Her 'Camo' MV is full of vibrant colors and visual aesthetics, sci-fi imagery and of course, flawless choreography. BoA looked stunning in red, her makeup was done exceptionally well, giving off a geisha-style aura. I liked how she wore a camo outfit also, kind of reminded me of her earlier days.

Jenny: MONSTA X ''Shine Forever''

The sole reason I love this MV is for the last 30 ish seconds, starting from all the lights turning on in the grass and ending with a close up on Kihyun's pupils. A+ aesthetics, enough said.

beansss: Roy Kim ''Egoist''

If you haven't seen this MV, watch it, because it WILL make you laugh! The MV executes a classic case of using a storyline to accentuate the song very well, framing the two main characters into derpy-and-therefore-lovable characters and delivering exactly what the lyrics want to convey in visual form. It's also not overloaded with color as MVs these days tend to do, and is a refreshing piece of work simply meant to entertain, which is the best thing an MV can do.

Esther: Seventeen's ''Don't Wanna Cry''

I had a tough decision choosing between BTS' "Not Today" and Seventeen's "Don't Wanna Cry" because, hello, V in a headband. But, looks aside, both MVs had magnificent cinematography and choreography. However, personally, I think the backdrop for "Don't Wanna Cry" was just astounding. The natural scenery that the group used as their canvas can't compare to a man-made music video set. Sometimes a created set can make things look a bit too crowded, it draws away from actually focusing on the group and their choreography but not in this MV. The scenes from the rooftop, the desert, and the beach enhance the group's choreography so that my attention is solely on what the group is doing. I love the simplicity of it: the group and nothing extra (lights, dancers, bright splashes of color). Plus, when a group of handsome, talented men comes to shoot a music video in the state you live in, of course, I am going to have to choose it as the best music video so far. We have to give credit where it's due. I don't know about you, but I don't think I could be dancing for several hours under the blazing hot sun in a desert.

Matt: SISTAR ''Lonely''

When I had to choose the best music video for the first half of 2017, I immediately thought of SISTAR's Lonely. The recently released music video had everything any fan would've wanted from their favorite group's last promotion: a beautiful farewell. The soft medley and the voices of each member in the background complemented extremely well with the music video that was beautifully shot while creating a feeling of nostalgia. The video really showed the group's personality but the strong relationship they have had throughout the years. Despite the goodbye, the group ended on a very positive term with one another that is very difficult to see in this business. "Queens of Summer" SISTAR's disbandment truly signaled the end of an era.

elliefilet: VIXX ''Shangri-La''

I found VIXX' "Shangri-La" concept very aesthetically pleasing both on stage and in the MV. The inspiration from Eastern art is obvious, and it was nice to see something created through a distinctly Asian lens. The scenes for each individual member are equally gorgeous and purposeful as well.

Eric: Stellar ''Archangels of the Sephiroth''

Stellar has always been known for their over the top, raunchy videos. However, after gaining mass market appeal they retooled their concept to a more feminine image. In this one, they go dark and it had some awesome results. Not only is it an epic song, it's an epic video, with angels, witches, and eye-popping effects.

Edward: PRISTIN ''Wee Woo''

PRISTIN definitely stole the show with their debut of "Wee Woo!" The song is absolutely catchy and the MV brings it to life with its zany colors and rough exterior! I love when an MV can somehow utilize the girl group's aegyo charms and still showcase their badass style as well! "Wee Woo" also contains a cute and quirky dance that you can't resist dancing along to as you watch it. I also love when MVs contain random bits such as running on the treadmill or casting magic spells! Overall, "Wee Woo" is just a fun and lively MV that I can't resist replaying it over and over again!

Patrick (Guest User Contributor): PRISTIN "Wee Woo"

From the second this one starts, it feels like a classic K-pop MV. Maybe it's the "breaking news" headlines. Between little details like that, the well-thought scenery choices, and a crop of beautiful girls singing and dancing to one of the catchiest under-the-radar bops of the year, "Wee Woo" is a winner. If these girls keep bringing their "tongue in chic" style forward, they're sure to be one of the next huge girl groups.

Rebecca: BTS "Not Today"

Within five hours of release on Feb.20, this video garnered a record of over 1.6 million views -- now it's surpassed one hundred million. Dubbed the "socially conscious" group in K-pop, BTS typically addresses issues considered taboo in their songs -- like mental health in "Whalien 52" and female empowerment in "21st Century Girl." "Not Today" offered perhaps the most important message at the perfect timing. Released amid a time of political turmoil in South Korea, the song's strong beats and lyrics -- "All the underdogs in the world, a day may come when we lose. But it is not today. Today we fight!" -- seem to push back and call for unity. All that is backed by hard-hitting, intense dance moves choreographed by one of the best in the industry, Keone Madrid -- also the mastermind behind the choreography in Justin Bieber's "Love Yourself" video. Almost as in an act of protest, the BTS members jump in unison and fling their arms into the air each time they proclaim "Not today." And now, with the video well over 100 million views, it's clear BTS' messages are hitting home all around the world. After all, the group did snag the BiIlboard Top Social Artist award this year!