2024 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!

Paul: Epik High - "Ok Good"

I remember hearing the teaser for "Ok Good" back in 2018 and eagerly anticipating its release, but it didn’t drop until six years later in 2024! The wait was absolutely worth it. This is Epik High at their finest, delivering a smooth, laid-back beat paired with Tablo and Mithra Jin’s flawless, bar after bar lyrics. "I just wanna chill. There's no stress... They hate to love me, love to hate me."

Susan-Han: IU - "Shopper"

The message of this song is a message of warmth and affection for anyone who needed to hear in 2024, "It's okay to want things in life."

KatL903: Red Velvet - "Cosmic"

Red Velvet never disappoints, and their 10th-anniversary comeback was no exception. ‘Cosmic’ is a truly stunning song. I’ve replayed it dozens of times this year, and it's just as good every time. The song gives each members’ vocals time to shine, and has one of the most beautiful choruses I’ve ever heard.

Demian09: 100RED - "The Last Christmas"

This song, released on December 10th, has been a constant companion lately, on walks, while relaxing, and even when a little pick-me-up is needed. What makes The Last Christmas so special is the incredible lineup of artists involved: Lee Seung Gi, Taemin, Baekhyun, Chen, Xiumin, Ha Sung Woon, VIVIZ, Lee Mu Jin, BE'O, and BADVILLAIN. Each artist brings a unique flair, but their voices blend beautifully together to create something truly magical. The lyrics are poignant, reflecting on the season with a mix of hope and bittersweet nostalgia. It feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day.

ean1994: RIIZE - "Boom Boom Bass"

The funk, the pop, the Michael Jackson inspiration, this is by far one of my most listened songs of 2024. I love everything about it, especially towards the end when the song really picks up and everyone is shouting out "Hey! Alright!" It's definitely a song that can get you moving at any time of the day.

JanieReign: RESCENE - "Pinball"

For me, K-pop has reached a point where it feels almost impossible to choose just one favorite song in a year. However, I always take this opportunity to spotlight a relatively lesser-known act or song, hoping it gets the recognition it deserves. Quality-wise, "Pinball" by RESCENE absolutely earns this mention, even in a year filled with heavyweights like aespa’s "Armaggeddon"—a commanding manifesto solidifying their status as a powerhouse girl group—and Yeonjun’s "GGUM," a track as addictive as its accompanying MV and choreography. While aespa’s and Yeonjun’s songs are undeniably sophisticated and catchy, filled with masterful sound engineering, RESCENE’s "Pinball" stands out for its subtlety. And that subtlety is precisely its greatest strength. What some might relegate to a potential B-side track, RESCENE elevates with a beautifully feminine concept that feels both intelligent and sweet. The moment you hit 'Play,' the song unfolds effortlessly, like the sensation of applying a smooth body lotion or slipping back into the sweetest remnants of a dream you don’t want to end. "Pinball" captures the uncertainty and hesitations of a lover’s heart without leaning into overt cuteness or sugary tropes. It’s a song that feels delicate yet deliberate, showcasing a balance many lesser-known girl groups manage to achieve despite the limitations they face. That’s one reason I chose "Pinball." My runner-ups include Young Posse’s "ATE THAT" and "XXL," two entirely different tracks and concepts from RESCENE’s, but equally powerful, catchy, and femininely kitschy. Beyond the impressive contributions from girl groups this year, ATEEZ’s title tracks and NCT DREAM’s "Smoothie" also earned spots on my list of favorites.

Sofia Sayson: aespa Karina - “UP”

2024 has seen a lot of bops, so it wasn't really easy to pick one to name as my “favorite song of 2024.” But Karina's solo song undoubtedly ranks among my top tracks. One phrase to describe Karina's “UP”? “It's such a vibe.” It consistently gets me grooving along every time.

MaiaD: TXT - "Heaven"

"Heaven" by TXT is a track that captures the joy of meeting once again through its ethereal production and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s dreamy atmosphere is complemented by powerful vocal performances, creating a deeply emotional and immersive listening experience. With its intricate harmonies and lush instrumentation, Heaven is a testament to TXT’s artistry, with members Yeonjun, Soobin, and Taehyun participating in writing the lyrics, proving their ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.

Jia-Lin: RIIZE - "Impossible"

I absolutely love "Impossible"! The heavy thumping beats and retro-funk vibes are so addictive, it's a song that gets stuck in my head for days. Every time I hear it, it keeps my energy high and makes me want to dance (spoiler alert: I am terrible at dancing). The choreography is also amazing, perfectly complementing the song's intensity and groove. RIIZE really delivered with this one!

Minsoo-Kim: aespa - "Whiplash"

Aespa’s confident voices awaken the energy within me. They satisfy all the musical genres that female idols under SM have rarely ventured into. Their latest track, “Whiplash,” embraces the house beat genre. Listening to it while working out might just help you lift 120% of your usual weight.

hjang: NewJeans - "Bubble Gum"

It was a comfortable song that I could easily listen to at any time in any situation in my daily life.

A-Nish: BTS Jin x Red Velvet's Wendy - "Heart On"

Beautiful song and one of the best tracks on ‘HAPPY’ album. The two vocalists got their A-game to the song and made something really genuine. I loved their harmonization. When they sang it live together, it was like cherry on top. The only complaint is that the song was too short.

Rika-Go: G-Dragon ft. Taeyang x Daesung - "Home Sweet Home"

“HOME SWEET HOME” by G-Dragon (feat. Taeyang & Daesung)" is an absolute hit and a heartfelt gift to VIPs. It gives us a glimpse of how future BIGBANG songs will sound like, and it’s absolutely beautiful. The song evokes nostalgia while showcasing the incredible chemistry between three members of the legendary boy band.

Ari: KISS OF LIFE - "Sticky"

This song brings back the nostalgic vibes of old-school K-pop, with its fun, colorful choreography and infectious energy. Kiss of Life's "Sticky" is pure ear candy, and I can’t stop hitting replay!

KG: G2 - "Ride With Me"

This Korean-American rapper from Texas is an incredible talent. I've been a huge fan since his days under the now-defunct Hi-Lite Records in Korea. His latest release is pure hip-hop excellence and absolutely deserves more recognition!

ReneeT: Xdinary Heroes - "XYMPHONY"

Xdinary Heroes might not have gained ensued mainstream success following some breakout hits here and there, of which “Strawberry Cake” might be the most familiar to most. Despite the lukewarm reception of their newer music, they are a self-penning band who has consistently distinguished themselves from their predecessor from the same agency, DAY6, by leaning into a heavier sound. They seemed to have lightened things up a bit with their first album ‘Troubleshooting’, also released this year, but I’m beyond glad that they went straight back into their darker side with their latest EP album, ‘LIVE and FALL’. While the title track “Night before the end” is perhaps the most pleasing heartbreak song of the year, the sonically-rich “XYMPHONY” takes the cake. Written and composed by every member of Xdinary Heroes, Sim Eun Jee, and Lee Hae Sol, it interpolates an old-school rap into their unique gritty sound with just the right amount of dissonance, rendering it the perfect follow-up to “Strawberry Cake” to reinforce their identity while also displaying maturation. Xdinary Heroes proves that they are not done exploring different genres but also remain resolute in their roots.

Alec06: Rose x Bruno Mars - "APT."

There is no doubt that 'APT', a collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars, has caused a global syndrome and was selected as the 'Song of the Year' by Rolling Stone Magazine. It's the catchiest and best song of 2024 in my opinion.

Sophie-HA: HAON ft. Giselle - "Skrr"

This hip-hop R&B track is perfect for a light listen or as the soundtrack to a late-night drive. I love songs that fit any occasion, and HAON’s “Skrr” is truly a track for all seasons. I also loved how this track allowed aespa's Giselle to demonstrate her vocal abilities in a genre outside of traditional K-pop. It also showed her talent beyond her role as a K-pop artist.

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