Posted on Jan 4, 2020

37 Of The Best K-Pop Songs Of 2019, According To Fans

We asked, and you brought the bops!

Sarah Han

BuzzFeed Staff

We asked the BuzzFeed Community what their favorite K-pop songs of 2019 were, and I'm ready to play all of these on repeat:

1. "Obsession" by EXO

"I may be being biased, but it was just phenomenal." —hoeforyeollie"'Obsession' was such a great comeback for EXO — the vocals, dance, and visuals were everything." —huangariana8 — SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I may be being biased, but it was just phenomenal." —hoeforyeollie
"'Obsession' was such a great comeback for EXO — the vocals, dance, and visuals were everything." —huangariana8

SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I may be being biased, but it was just phenomenal." —hoeforyeollie
"'Obsession' was such a great comeback for EXO — the vocals, dance, and visuals were everything." —huangariana8

2. "%%(Eung Eung)" by Apink

"Don't sleep on Apink because %%(Eung Eung) is a bop!" —huangariana8 — Play M Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"Don't sleep on Apink because %%(Eung Eung) is a bop!" —huangariana8

Play M Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"Don't sleep on Apink because %%(Eung Eung) is a bop!" —huangariana8

3. "+I Quit 180327+" and "+Done 161201+" by CL

"My favorite favorites. They're clearly about her trash former label, and their independent release immediately after the end of her contract with them would be an FU enough, but she had to make them SO GREAT." —k4c2fcce79 — SuneV / Via youtube.com

"My favorite favorites. They're clearly about her trash former label, and their independent release immediately after the end of her contract with them would be an FU enough, but she had to make them SO GREAT." —k4c2fcce79

SuneV / Via youtube.com

"My favorite favorites. They're clearly about her trash former label, and their independent release immediately after the end of her contract with them would be an FU enough, but she had to make them SO GREAT." —k4c2fcce79

4. "Boom" by NCT Dream

"When it came out, I listened to it at least three times every day. The beat is amazing, and the dreamies have evolved so much since 'Chewing Gum.' This song has a mature aspect with amazing vocals. I love the sound of Jisung’s voice. It was a powerful, fantastic comeback." —kookietae"It's a certified banger, and you can see how much they've grown since their last comeback." —97jungkooky"They're the youngest members [of NCT], but this year I felt their music (and they themselves) matured so much!" —m451d89b2c — SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"When it came out, I listened to it at least three times every day. The beat is amazing, and the dreamies have evolved so much since 'Chewing Gum.' This song has a mature aspect with amazing vocals. I love the sound of Jisung’s voice. It was a powerful, fantastic comeback." —kookietae
"It's a certified banger, and you can see how much they've grown since their last comeback." —97jungkooky
"They're the youngest members [of NCT], but this year I felt their music (and they themselves) matured so much!" —m451d89b2c

SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"When it came out, I listened to it at least three times every day. The beat is amazing, and the dreamies have evolved so much since 'Chewing Gum.' This song has a mature aspect with amazing vocals. I love the sound of Jisung’s voice. It was a powerful, fantastic comeback." —kookietae
"It's a certified banger, and you can see how much they've grown since their last comeback." —97jungkooky
"They're the youngest members [of NCT], but this year I felt their music (and they themselves) matured so much!" —m451d89b2c

5. "Deja Vu" by Dreamcatcher

"The song is beautiful. It sounds like a perfect theme song for an anime show, and the video is absolutely stunning!" —tikamomo7 — Happyface Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"The song is beautiful. It sounds like a perfect theme song for an anime show, and the video is absolutely stunning!" —tikamomo7

Happyface Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"The song is beautiful. It sounds like a perfect theme song for an anime show, and the video is absolutely stunning!" —tikamomo7

6. "Mikrokosmos" by BTS

"Beautiful melody, beautiful lyrics. That song has all the power to lift me up whenever I’m in a bad mood and you can tell from the lyrics they made this for their fans." —heyitsmariab — KBS World TV / Via youtube.com

"Beautiful melody, beautiful lyrics. That song has all the power to lift me up whenever I’m in a bad mood and you can tell from the lyrics they made this for their fans." —heyitsmariab

KBS World TV / Via youtube.com

"Beautiful melody, beautiful lyrics. That song has all the power to lift me up whenever I’m in a bad mood and you can tell from the lyrics they made this for their fans." —heyitsmariab

7. “Zimzalabim” by Red Velvet

“For some people it was a miss, but for me it was definitely a hit! Did you hear the high notes, and see that dance? It may sound like a cult anthem, but at least it's a likeable cult anthem.” —moo1601 — SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

“For some people it was a miss, but for me it was definitely a hit! Did you hear the high notes, and see that dance? It may sound like a cult anthem, but at least it's a likeable cult anthem.” —moo1601

SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

“For some people it was a miss, but for me it was definitely a hit! Did you hear the high notes, and see that dance? It may sound like a cult anthem, but at least it's a likeable cult anthem.” —moo1601

8. "Money" by Dawn

"'Money' is an amazing return by Dawn, and it shows off his talent and how far he's come after being part of an over-the-top dating scandal. I'm glad he came back with such amazing music, and I'm so happy he and Hyuna are still going strong. They're both perfect. (Also, Hyuna's 'Flower Shower' is obligatory listening as well)." —moggydrake"THE song of the year!!!!" —pocotom"Soooo underrated. You don’t even have to be into K-pop to enjoy that song." —madal03 — P Nation / Via youtube.com

"'Money' is an amazing return by Dawn, and it shows off his talent and how far he's come after being part of an over-the-top dating scandal. I'm glad he came back with such amazing music, and I'm so happy he and Hyuna are still going strong. They're both perfect. (Also, Hyuna's 'Flower Shower' is obligatory listening as well)." —moggydrake
"THE song of the year!!!!" —pocotom
"Soooo underrated. You don’t even have to be into K-pop to enjoy that song." —madal03

P Nation / Via youtube.com

"'Money' is an amazing return by Dawn, and it shows off his talent and how far he's come after being part of an over-the-top dating scandal. I'm glad he came back with such amazing music, and I'm so happy he and Hyuna are still going strong. They're both perfect. (Also, Hyuna's 'Flower Shower' is obligatory listening as well)." —moggydrake
"THE song of the year!!!!" —pocotom
"Soooo underrated. You don’t even have to be into K-pop to enjoy that song." —madal03

9. “Hip” by Mamamoo

"It's an absolute masterpiece." —bigbeanman"DUH." —corrines44283c405 — RBW / Via youtube.com

"It's an absolute masterpiece." —bigbeanman
"DUH." —corrines44283c405

RBW / Via youtube.com

"It's an absolute masterpiece." —bigbeanman
"DUH." —corrines44283c405

10. "Nap of a Star" by Tomorrow X Together

"It's a whimsical and beautiful love song that's very different from the more upbeat tracks (like 'Crown' and 'Runaway') that the group is known for. It's so easy to listen to on loop, and if you haven't yet, check out the music video! It portrays themes of self-acceptance and friendship, all with a heavy dose of dark fantasy. I also about teared up when I read the English lyrics. There's a reason it was my most-streamed song of 2019." —nikkil28 — Big Hit Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"It's a whimsical and beautiful love song that's very different from the more upbeat tracks (like 'Crown' and 'Runaway') that the group is known for. It's so easy to listen to on loop, and if you haven't yet, check out the music video! It portrays themes of self-acceptance and friendship, all with a heavy dose of dark fantasy. I also about teared up when I read the English lyrics. There's a reason it was my most-streamed song of 2019." —nikkil28

Big Hit Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"It's a whimsical and beautiful love song that's very different from the more upbeat tracks (like 'Crown' and 'Runaway') that the group is known for. It's so easy to listen to on loop, and if you haven't yet, check out the music video! It portrays themes of self-acceptance and friendship, all with a heavy dose of dark fantasy. I also about teared up when I read the English lyrics. There's a reason it was my most-streamed song of 2019." —nikkil28

11. "Blueming" by IU

"I mean, the song is a bop. Nothing more to say." —reigneting — Kakao M / Via youtube.com

"I mean, the song is a bop. Nothing more to say." —reigneting

Kakao M / Via youtube.com

"I mean, the song is a bop. Nothing more to say." —reigneting

12. "Illusion" by ATEEZ

"The album this was on, Treasure Ep. 3: One to All, was pretty different from what they usually do, but they killed it nonetheless. It’s such a fun song to listen to and the melody is so catchy." —heyitsmariab — KQ Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"The album this was on, Treasure Ep. 3: One to All, was pretty different from what they usually do, but they killed it nonetheless. It’s such a fun song to listen to and the melody is so catchy." —heyitsmariab

KQ Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"The album this was on, Treasure Ep. 3: One to All, was pretty different from what they usually do, but they killed it nonetheless. It’s such a fun song to listen to and the melody is so catchy." —heyitsmariab

13. "Butterfly" by Loona

"As if loving the group and their concept wasn't enough, they had to go ahead and release this masterpiece — the music, the visuals, the empowerment, and THE CHOREO." —joevan — Blockberry Creative / Via youtube.com

"As if loving the group and their concept wasn't enough, they had to go ahead and release this masterpiece — the music, the visuals, the empowerment, and THE CHOREO." —joevan

Blockberry Creative / Via youtube.com

"As if loving the group and their concept wasn't enough, they had to go ahead and release this masterpiece — the music, the visuals, the empowerment, and THE CHOREO." —joevan

14. "Eclipse" by Got7

"I honestly wish I knew more people who like Got7, 'cause they’re the best. Eclipse is one of my all-time faves by them!" —n00dia_ — JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I honestly wish I knew more people who like Got7, 'cause they’re the best. Eclipse is one of my all-time faves by them!" —n00dia_

JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I honestly wish I knew more people who like Got7, 'cause they’re the best. Eclipse is one of my all-time faves by them!" —n00dia_

15. "Fancy" and "Feel Special" by Twice

"I love every single song Twice released this year! Honestly they keep coming out with bop after bop and we love that! But if I really had to choose, it would definitely be 'Fancy' or 'Feel Special,' obviously because they're both SOTY (song of the year) material — and even if you're not a fan, you'll still be bopping to these songs all year." —machalatte811 — JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I love every single song Twice released this year! Honestly they keep coming out with bop after bop and we love that! But if I really had to choose, it would definitely be 'Fancy' or 'Feel Special,' obviously because they're both SOTY (song of the year) material — and even if you're not a fan, you'll still be bopping to these songs all year." —machalatte811

JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I love every single song Twice released this year! Honestly they keep coming out with bop after bop and we love that! But if I really had to choose, it would definitely be 'Fancy' or 'Feel Special,' obviously because they're both SOTY (song of the year) material — and even if you're not a fan, you'll still be bopping to these songs all year." —machalatte811

16. "Shall We?" by Chen

"'Shall We' isn’t really 'jammable' because it’s a ballad, BUT it’s definitely a beautiful song with an adorable music video." —curlygirly6 — SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"'Shall We' isn’t really 'jammable' because it’s a ballad, BUT it’s definitely a beautiful song with an adorable music video." —curlygirly6

SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"'Shall We' isn’t really 'jammable' because it’s a ballad, BUT it’s definitely a beautiful song with an adorable music video." —curlygirly6

17. "Hit" by Seventeen

"I've been a huge fan of these talented boys for a few years now, and seeing their musical progression has been so flipping awesome. They are a self-producing group, and especially with 'Hit' and the full-length album, An Ode, it was released with, it's amazing to see their growth as musicians. 'Hit' is very different from their previous comeback. It has almost an EDM feel to it, and it's been stuck in my head since, like, July, lol. The music video is equally fantastic, colorful, and so damn COOL. I always recommend Seventeen to people, and 'Hit' is one of the first videos I tell them to watch." —zintk — Pledis Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I've been a huge fan of these talented boys for a few years now, and seeing their musical progression has been so flipping awesome. They are a self-producing group, and especially with 'Hit' and the full-length album, An Ode, it was released with, it's amazing to see their growth as musicians. 'Hit' is very different from their previous comeback. It has almost an EDM feel to it, and it's been stuck in my head since, like, July, lol. The music video is equally fantastic, colorful, and so damn COOL. I always recommend Seventeen to people, and 'Hit' is one of the first videos I tell them to watch." —zintk

Pledis Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I've been a huge fan of these talented boys for a few years now, and seeing their musical progression has been so flipping awesome. They are a self-producing group, and especially with 'Hit' and the full-length album, An Ode, it was released with, it's amazing to see their growth as musicians. 'Hit' is very different from their previous comeback. It has almost an EDM feel to it, and it's been stuck in my head since, like, July, lol. The music video is equally fantastic, colorful, and so damn COOL. I always recommend Seventeen to people, and 'Hit' is one of the first videos I tell them to watch." —zintk

18. "Sunrise" by Gfriend

"Such a beautiful and majestic song, and the ending with Eunha and Yuju’s high notes is ICONIC." —kittyg481a60325 — Source Music / Via youtube.com

"Such a beautiful and majestic song, and the ending with Eunha and Yuju’s high notes is ICONIC." —kittyg481a60325

Source Music / Via youtube.com

"Such a beautiful and majestic song, and the ending with Eunha and Yuju’s high notes is ICONIC." —kittyg481a60325

19. "Savage" by A.C.E

"SOTY (song of the year)???" —izabela2839 — Beat Interactive / Via youtube.com

"SOTY (song of the year)???" —izabela2839

Beat Interactive / Via youtube.com

"SOTY (song of the year)???" —izabela2839

20. "Kill This Love" by Blackpink

—rebeccah4b9eb6432 — YG Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—rebeccah4b9eb6432

YG Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—rebeccah4b9eb6432

21. "All Night" by Astro

"The song is great, the dance practice is aesthetic, and the music video is mesmerizing." —animaljy — Fantagio / Via youtube.com

"The song is great, the dance practice is aesthetic, and the music video is mesmerizing." —animaljy

Fantagio / Via youtube.com

"The song is great, the dance practice is aesthetic, and the music video is mesmerizing." —animaljy

22. "Adios" by Everglow

"Absolutely no competition; rookie of the year for sure." —taurt — Yuehua Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"Absolutely no competition; rookie of the year for sure." —taurt

Yuehua Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"Absolutely no competition; rookie of the year for sure." —taurt

23. "Astronaut" by Stray Kids

"This was the first song they released without Woojin. I was reluctant to listen to it because I was still so sad from having to see him go. It’d been really hard for me to listen to them since then, but hearing the lyrics and watching the video I had this sense of joy that I can’t explain. I might be getting tickets to their concert and would love to hear it live." —heyitsmariab — JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"This was the first song they released without Woojin. I was reluctant to listen to it because I was still so sad from having to see him go. It’d been really hard for me to listen to them since then, but hearing the lyrics and watching the video I had this sense of joy that I can’t explain. I might be getting tickets to their concert and would love to hear it live." —heyitsmariab

JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"This was the first song they released without Woojin. I was reluctant to listen to it because I was still so sad from having to see him go. It’d been really hard for me to listen to them since then, but hearing the lyrics and watching the video I had this sense of joy that I can’t explain. I might be getting tickets to their concert and would love to hear it live." —heyitsmariab

24. "Flower Shower" by Hyuna

—emilyymichelle — P Nation / Via youtube.com

—emilyymichelle

P Nation / Via youtube.com

—emilyymichelle

25. "Days Gone By" by Day6

"The retro feel, the MV, and the vocals. Amazing." —armanadeem13 — JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"The retro feel, the MV, and the vocals. Amazing." —armanadeem13

JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"The retro feel, the MV, and the vocals. Amazing." —armanadeem13

26. "Fun!" by Fromis_9

—jinswaifu — Off The Record Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—jinswaifu

Off The Record Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—jinswaifu

27. "Dumb Litty" by KARD

"Let's be smart about this. Obviously 'Dumb Litty' was the best song of the year." —laurenn4669bc096 — DSP Media / Via youtube.com

"Let's be smart about this. Obviously 'Dumb Litty' was the best song of the year." —laurenn4669bc096

DSP Media / Via youtube.com

"Let's be smart about this. Obviously 'Dumb Litty' was the best song of the year." —laurenn4669bc096

28. "Superhuman" by NCT 127

—hufflepuff223—minghaosmk — SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—hufflepuff223
—minghaosmk

SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—hufflepuff223
—minghaosmk

29. "Find You" by Monsta X

"Soothing. Meaningful. Heartwarming." —armanadeem13 — Starship Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"Soothing. Meaningful. Heartwarming." —armanadeem13

Starship Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"Soothing. Meaningful. Heartwarming." —armanadeem13

30. "Pink Walk" by Gaho

"It's perhaps one of the best songs of the year, period, K-pop or not. The instrumentation is fairly simple but does its job of being a certified groovy bop. And Gaho’s vocals are incredible! The kid has serious range and the vocal bouncing effect at the end of the second verse is magical every single listen." —breannej467b52e0d — Planetarium Records / Via youtube.com

"It's perhaps one of the best songs of the year, period, K-pop or not. The instrumentation is fairly simple but does its job of being a certified groovy bop. And Gaho’s vocals are incredible! The kid has serious range and the vocal bouncing effect at the end of the second verse is magical every single listen." —breannej467b52e0d

Planetarium Records / Via youtube.com

"It's perhaps one of the best songs of the year, period, K-pop or not. The instrumentation is fairly simple but does its job of being a certified groovy bop. And Gaho’s vocals are incredible! The kid has serious range and the vocal bouncing effect at the end of the second verse is magical every single listen." —breannej467b52e0d

31. "Focus On Me" by Jus2

—samanthas4cc98a2a4 — JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—samanthas4cc98a2a4

JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—samanthas4cc98a2a4

32. "Focus" by Kim Donghan

"It's just so danceable and the rhythms make me so excited, you just can't stay still when you hear it! It was my most listened song this year, but I just can't get enough!! And Kim Donghan's looks aren't that bad either." —skrrtu03 — Oui Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"It's just so danceable and the rhythms make me so excited, you just can't stay still when you hear it! It was my most listened song this year, but I just can't get enough!! And Kim Donghan's looks aren't that bad either." —skrrtu03

Oui Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"It's just so danceable and the rhythms make me so excited, you just can't stay still when you hear it! It was my most listened song this year, but I just can't get enough!! And Kim Donghan's looks aren't that bad either." —skrrtu03

33. "9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)" by Tomorrow X Together

"As far as comeback tracks, my favorite was 'Run Away' by Tomorrow X Together. Their style for the whole album was so unique and different, and their voices and choreo shined so well here." —kilamenapie"I’d been following TXT since predebut, and I had absolutely loved their first album. And when I heard The Dream Chapter: Magic, I realized what I thought to be impossible: they had gotten even better in the span of only a few months. They only debuted this year but have accomplished so much and I’m so proud of them." —heyitsmariab — Big Hit Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"As far as comeback tracks, my favorite was 'Run Away' by Tomorrow X Together. Their style for the whole album was so unique and different, and their voices and choreo shined so well here." —kilamenapie
"I’d been following TXT since predebut, and I had absolutely loved their first album. And when I heard The Dream Chapter: Magic, I realized what I thought to be impossible: they had gotten even better in the span of only a few months. They only debuted this year but have accomplished so much and I’m so proud of them." —heyitsmariab

Big Hit Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"As far as comeback tracks, my favorite was 'Run Away' by Tomorrow X Together. Their style for the whole album was so unique and different, and their voices and choreo shined so well here." —kilamenapie
"I’d been following TXT since predebut, and I had absolutely loved their first album. And when I heard The Dream Chapter: Magic, I realized what I thought to be impossible: they had gotten even better in the span of only a few months. They only debuted this year but have accomplished so much and I’m so proud of them." —heyitsmariab

34. "You Calling My Name" by Got7

"It's such a catchy song that's constantly in my head!"—hoseokhopeangel711"A masterpiece. Periodt." —katchichlp — JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"It's such a catchy song that's constantly in my head!"—hoseokhopeangel711
"A masterpiece. Periodt." —katchichlp

JYP Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"It's such a catchy song that's constantly in my head!"—hoseokhopeangel711
"A masterpiece. Periodt." —katchichlp

35. “Ya Ya Ya" by EXO

"It flawlessly blended two different genres into one song. From the beat to the chorus, it’s just a song you can’t get out of your head. And the fact they sampled SWV's 'The One?' Truly iconic." —annahensley12444 — SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"It flawlessly blended two different genres into one song. From the beat to the chorus, it’s just a song you can’t get out of your head. And the fact they sampled SWV's 'The One?' Truly iconic." —annahensley12444

SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"It flawlessly blended two different genres into one song. From the beat to the chorus, it’s just a song you can’t get out of your head. And the fact they sampled SWV's 'The One?' Truly iconic." —annahensley12444

36. "Follow" by U-Know

"I know he’s a veteran idol, but I think a lot of TVXQ music is still jammable today." —curlygirly6 — SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I know he’s a veteran idol, but I think a lot of TVXQ music is still jammable today." —curlygirly6

SM Entertainment / Via youtube.com

"I know he’s a veteran idol, but I think a lot of TVXQ music is still jammable today." —curlygirly6

37. And last but not least, "Boy With Luv" by BTS ft. Halsey

—quaild — Big Hit Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—quaild

Big Hit Entertainment / Via youtube.com

—quaild

Here's a Spotify playlist for your listening pleasure!

Spotify — Sarah Han / Spotify / Via open.spotify.com

Check out my personal list of faves as well!

Share This Article