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A few years ago, many of K-pop’s best tracks were buried as b-sides. This year was different, with most of my favorite music promoted as title tracks. I certainly prefer this approach. After all, great songs should be paired with great visuals/choreo whenever possible. However, it made for a slightly less prolific slate of “buried treasure” posts in 2024.
This countdown encompasses any track that didn’t receive a full music video. This includes album tracks, as well as songs that may have been performed but never actively promoted. It also includes Japanese b-sides from Korean acts. Just like the Top 50 Singles list, all songs here were released between December 1st, 2023 and November 30th, 2024.
Honorable Mentions:
ATEEZ – Selfish Waltz
HwasA – Just Want To Have Some Fun
ITZY – Crown On My Head
Onew – Maestro
ONF – Aphrodite
P1Harmony – Last Call
tripleS – 24
TWS – Fire Confetti
YOUNITE – How We Do
40. DREAMCATCHER – 2 RINGS
The girls had a song called STΦMP! on this same album, but it’s 2 Rings that unexpectedly stands as the track with most tread. (full review)
39. ONEWE – A PIECE OF YOU
ONEWE firmly escape ballad territory with this bouncy, jump-along anthem. (full review)
38. IVE – BLUE HEART
Melding quirky electronic sounds with an ice queen attitude, Blue Heart eclipsed both IVE singles this year. (full review)
37. CRAVITY – BLUE & WHITE
Hidden as the b-side of a Japanese single, Blue & White offers an expansive soundscape and anthemic pop hooks. (full review)
36. NMIXX – BREAK THE WALL
NMIXX try chugging, straightforward pop to great success. This has the energy of a hit single. (full review)
35. TWS – HIGHLIGHT
Befitting its season, Highlight is a sentimental winter standout buoyed by sweet melodies guaranteed to keep you warm.
34. WAKER – DASH
Pre-released before their debut, the jagged Dash sees Waker harnessing classic boy group sounds to their benefit. The harmonies into the chorus are very impressive. (full review)
33. MADEIN – DADARIDA
Many K-pop songs attempted Afrobeats this year, but Dadarida added more propulsion and drama to the sound. (full review)
32. VANNER – CIRCUIT
Clanging to life with heavy synth bass, Circuit stomps forward with panache. It feels like SHINee and VIXX mixed with new-gen energy. (full review)
31. ROCKY – MASTERPIECE
Rocky lets his full superstar presence unfold with Masterpiece‘s aggressive funk assault. This should have been his undeniable 2024 single. (full review)
30. SF9 – MY FANTASIA
SF9 can always be counted on for a great b-side or two, and this year it was pumping dancefloor energy of My Fantasia. I love its rapid-fire pace. (full review)
29. DAY6 – SAD ENDING
DAY6 bring so much intensity and emotion to this angsty banger. The surging, multi-part chorus alone deserves its flowers. (full review)
28. MA1 – HIGHER WIRE
It’s rare that a survival series track makes this list, but Higher Wire recalls too many 2nd-gen greats to be ignored. I hope the actual group releases music this solid. (full review)
27. P1HARMONY – COUNTDOWN TO LOVE
I almost always prefer P1Harmony’s b-sides to their title tracks and Countdown To Love‘s funky rock energy only seals the deal. This showcases so much of what makes the group great. (full review)
26. TWS – UNPLUGGED BOY
Before hey! hey! blew the door wide open, Unplugged Boy unveiled TWS’s penchant for soft rock. This is such a subtly addictive track.
25. XDINARY HEROES – NIGHT OF FIREWORKS
The entire Troubleshooting album is solid, but the guys saved the best track for its finale. Night Of Fireworks closes the album with wonderfully anthemic melodies. (full review)
24. ZEROBASEONE – KILL THE ROMEO
ZEROBASEONE promoted this track so often it almost feels as if it was a single. I prefer their brighter fare, but if they must go edgy this is the way to do it. The song is so catchy.
23. DIGNITY – FIRE
Fire attempts a very specific K-pop sub-genre (namely: Block B circa 2012) and pulls it off brilliantly. Had this been a single, I think Dignity would have made more waves this year. (full review)
22. VAHN – I SWEAR (FT. TAEB2)
Vahn goes full-on punk rock with this special digital single. His raspy voice is the perfect match for this sound, driving home the intensity of the music. (full review)
21. WHIB – PLAY
WHIB borrow The Wind’s producers for a bright bubblegum track that could have been performed by either group. I’m a sucker for this ultra-melodic sound and the skyscraper-sized chorus is a total standout. (full review)
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