2023 was another year filled with amazing K-Pop releases. Out of the countless songs that came our way this year, here are the favorites that the allkpop staff loved the most!

MaiaD's pick: BSS ft. Lee Young Ji - Fighting

The most-awaited comeback of SEVENTEEN's subunit, BooSeokSoon (BSS) finally happened in this fateful year of 2023 with the lead single, "Fighting", featuring rapper, "Show Me the Money" (SMTM) Season 11 winner, and self-professed CARAT, Lee Young Ji. "Fighting" is personally my pick for song of the year, with an exciting beat accompanying relatable lyrics of today's time, not to mention the energetic performance of BSS themselves. The notable lyrics illustrate how we face hardships every single day yet continue to keep on going and "fighting", which is also a great song to cheer you up, an amazing follow-up single from their earlier release, "Just Do It". It has been one of my most-played songs this year as it will effectively give you energy in your boring, uneventful everyday life.

Lorraine's Pick: Taeyang ft. Jimin - Vibe

I wonder if 2013 Jimin would have ever believed us if we told him he'd be on a song with Taeyang a decade later. The meshing of generational greats on "VIBE" topped my own Spotify Wrapped (and I'm sure many others!) and is my pick for SOTY. To collaborate a decade later with the idol who inspired you to become one is an iconic feat, especially for an idol like Jimin, who has since accomplished so much. The true "VIBE" of 2023.

A-Nish's Pick: Colde ft. RM - Don't Ever Say Love Me

From the song's slow start to the dramatic shift in the end, the switch has tension in it and is goosebumps-worthy. Both Colde and RM have a deep voice that suits such a song. They sing about hurtful love, break-up and the silence that comes with it.

ean1994's Pick: Jungkook - Standing Next To You

The Michael Jackson inspiration and the guitar riff that starts off the song, this song is absolutely wonderful and I've been listening to this nonstop on repeat.

Janie-Reign's Pick: Jungkook ft. Latto - Seven

Choosing one's favorite K-pop song of the year is never an easy task, especially considering the sheer volume of tracks released every week. But do I really need to say more about Jungkook's nearly historic solo debut song, "Seven"? I'll skip mentioning the records this song and Jungkook have achieved this year, as our news coverage does it all. Instead, I want to highlight what makes this song and release so special, especially since it comes from the youngest member of BTS. Jungkook couldn't have made a bolder choice with this song, particularly with the Explicit version, which, in my opinion, played a tremendous role in boosting its popularity on the streaming charts. Listening to the explicit version of "Seven" is like savoring a sweet, forbidden fruit quietly offered to individual listeners across the globe. Not only is the song itself sweet and well-paced, featuring jazzy crossovers between classic, almost old-school R&B and dance genres, but the somewhat 'spicy' lyrics somehow enhance the song's sweetness and the intentions (as seen in the MV), adding a heartfelt and even comical touch. Other runners-up on my list were NCT Dream's "ISTJ," ENHYPEN's "Bite Me" (along with their b-side tracks from both albums released this year), ZEROBASEONE's "In Bloom" (another 'happy-sad' song), and the underrated tracks "Waterfall" and "Love It" by YOUNITE (and if their tracks had been released by more famous hip-hop or indie artists like Crush, wouldn't more people have listened to them?)

Jia-Lin's Pick: &TEAM - FIREWORK - Korean ver.

HYBE Labels Japan's first boy group, &TEAM, marked their official Korean debut with 'First Howling: WE' and with it, the release of the title track "FIREWORK" in both Japanese and Korean versions. This is undisputably my song of the year. It effortlessly blends emotional depth with infectious dance-pop beats, compelling me to belt out the chorus every time it graces my ears. Maybe this is how it feels like to want to give something your all.

optimusnins Pick: Xdinary Heroes - Pluto

As soon as this one was released, I knew that it was going straight to my “most listened” list but I didn’t expect to still cry every time I hear it. The vocals and emotions in this song are just too raw and powerful, the beauty will have you tear every single time it plays. Gaon’s my bias, but when you hear Jungsu sings the “burning like a glowing star” part, you can’t help but fall in love with him. If you think the original song version is good, you’ll be even more impressed with the live version.

Sophie-Ha's Pick: D.O - The View

"The View" stands as one of the B-side tracks on D.O.'s second EP, 'Expection.' Every song on the album is essential, with D.O. skillfully expressing the emotions embedded in each track through his captivating voice. However, "The View" distinguishes itself by offering a distinctive fusion of a light-hearted melody coupled with the poignant sentiment of yearning for someone dearly missed.

Hannah's Pick: One Top - Say Yes

So they're not a "real group," but I can't deny how catchy this song is. Yoo Jae Suk always has amazing songs for his project groups, but this earworm refuses to leave me.

Sohnji's Pick: NewJeans - Super Shy

"Super Shy" by NewJeans was undeniably my anthem of 2023, striking a perfect chord with its minimalist sound and hypnotic, consistent beat. There's something incredibly addictive about its simplicity; it's a song that never grows old, no matter how many times it's played.

Rika-Go's Pick: Seventeen - F*ck My Life

In the vibrant musical landscape of 2023, the throne of my favorite song belongs to the masterpiece "F*ck My Life" by SEVENTEEN. This track stands out not only for its bold title but also for its exceptional ability to resonate with the depths of the human experience. SEVENTEEN's artistry shines as they navigate the intricate emotions embedded within the song's lyrics, making it an exceptionally relatable anthem for many.

Germaine-Jay's Pick: Yuju - Dalala

I really love how Yuju plays with the lyrics and melody. The song is not something we've heard from her before, but it was still very fitting. It made even more sense when I learned she was the main composer and sole lyricist for it.

Dani-Dee's Pick: STAYC - Teddy Bear

My favorite unofficial K-pop sub-genre is a hooky and bright girl group track that has nothing to do with cliched themes like love and heartbreak and has everything to do with sending an empowering message to listeners of all ages. Leading into the album's release, the group unveiled a number of teasers featuring the lyric "We're all living life for the first time," which is essentially the song's main theme. It reminds us to be kinder to both ourselves and others and pay less mind to what other people think. Pair that message with adorable choreography and the STAYC members in pink bear balaclavas, and I'm here for it.

Susan's Pick: Seventeen - Super

As mainly a boy group stan, I prefer a song that packs a little bit of a punch when it comes to picking out something fancy like 'Favorite Song of the Year'. Well, you could say Seventeen literally packed a punch with "Super". I'm also a huge geek and loved the 'Monkey King' references to the moon; the lyrics with the flying cloud and the magic staff made me smile. So fun, so high energy, so Seventeen!

Sofia-Sayson's Pick: LE SSERAFIM - Perfect Night

I think LE SSERAFIM did a great job taking on this genre, given that this is also their first English single. The song is soothing and enjoyable, plus its choreography is catchy and suits well with the vibe of the song. It's a feel-good song, and it makes me dance whenever I listen to it, especially for the chorus part. The song is so addictive and it gets your body moving every time.

Paul's Pick: Epik High ft. Hwasa - Catch

What happens when you combine Epik High's lyricism, a catchy 90s style beat, along with Hwasa's beautiful voice on the chorus? The result is a masterpiece that will leave you feeling epically high, this song is a vibe. It's my top pick from all the 2023 releases.

KG's Pick: NewJeans - GODS

I was able to climb out of being hardstuck Gold to Diamond after hearing this song (j/k). While it's debatable whether this all-English, Riot-produced song qualifies as K-pop, it undeniably features the charm of NewJeans. They took on the challenge of doing a song style they never tried before and they delivered. Over the past few months, it's been my go-to anthem, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of perseverance and triumph. Fittingly, it became the backdrop to T1 and Faker's victorious ascent at the World's tournament, the lyrics mirroring their epic journey. This song isn't just a melody; it's a motivational saga!