It’s the season for spooks, chills and frights! Whether you’re out in the streets seizing loads of candy from every house on the block or chilling on your couch with a scary movie, this POP TOKKI team-curated spooky playlist is the perfect companion for your Halloween this year.
Hypnosis – IVE
While the song may not be inherently spooky, IVE’s performance of “Hypnosis” during their Show What I Have World Tour gave it new meaning. The stage was packed with smoke, rocking chairs, and white sheets, setting an eerie atmosphere—the vibe was complete with the exploration of an ominous dark mansion on the screen behind the performance. The song’s lyrics explore the feeling of being so infatuated that you begin to feel hypnotized by love. Hypnosis is a spooky concept, and IVE depicts it well with the cadence and technique of the chorus, repeating “섬찟, which means to be suddenly startled or scared, in a prolonged, higher-pitched manner. This track will enchant listeners, placing them under IVE’s trance.
Chirstmalo.win – Seo Taiji
This alternative rock and nu-metal track by the “Godfather of K-pop” Seo Taiji, uses the imagery of Christmas Santa Claus (symbolizing good) and Halloween (symbolizing evil) to question the societal norms of what is considered right or wrong and criticize the hypocritic and materialistic modern world. The song blends this dark social commentary with the experimental sound of heavy guitar riffs and electronic beats. The music video has a dark color tone and includes various Halloween elements, such as Jack-o’-lanterns and skeletons, creating a spine-chilling atmosphere. The song cleverly juxtaposes the two holidays with a different atmosphere by incorporating “You better not cry” from the classic Christmas carol “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The creepy music and this extreme contrast elicit a surprisingly spooky feeling. The Christmas sleigh bell sounds and the little girl’s voice singing the chorus at the end gives you goosebumps every time you listen.
Monster – SEVENTEEN
Although there’s no official music video for “MONSTER,” SEVENTEEN’s hip-hop unit brought the song to life by transforming the stage into a chilling graveyard on their FOLLOW AGAIN TOUR. The stage props enhanced the chilling atmosphere, which featured scary jack-o-lanterns and flashing red lights, which paired perfectly with the song’s lyrics and eerie instrumental. A sudden, blood-curdling scream, used as an ad-lib in the song, contributes to the chilling vibe. The lyrics explore the concept of embracing individuality and challenging societal expectations. By comparing themselves to “monsters” like Dracula, SEVENTEEN metaphorically conveys their message of being exceptional and standing out from the crowd.
Phantom – WayV
Greatly inspired by the Phantom of the Opera in its visuals and sound, “Phantom” pays homage to its source material. With a haunting and dark concept and visuals, WayV is controlled by a mysterious force that holds them captive. The production of “Phantom” is as grand as it is theatrical. With a thumping percussion, orchestral strings, and choir-like melody, WayV’s impressive vocals and low-tone raps stand out powerfully. The music video is lavish and mystical in its theatrical sets, costuming, and special effects. With its robust and opulent aura, “Phantom” tells the story of WayV fighting against the Phantom’s clutches and control. In a world of illusions, WayV fights to break free and escape the nightmare they are trapped in.
Drunk-Dazed – ENHYPEN
What’s better than charming vampires partying it up at a bloody party for the spooky season? Nothing! “Drunk-Dazed” by ENHYPEN has become a must-have on any spooky playlist. It’s the perfect track to get the party going. The visuals of bright neon glittering colors and red hues capture the party atmosphere perfectly. However, what makes this music video perfectly spooky is when the viewer notices ENHYPEN supernatural powers being used, a red liquid being toasted and sipped on in crystal glasses, and, most importantly, the beautiful bloody dance sequence performed by Sunghoon. You can never go wrong with “Drunk-Dazed” for the spooky season. Whether a full-fledged K-Pop fan or casual listener, “Drunk-Dazed” will get anybody on the dancefloor wanting more and curious about the bloody and supernatural storyline.
War Cry – &TEAM
Fun fact: &TEAM’s werewolf concept is connected to ENHYPEN’s Vampire concept. & TEAM’s “WAR CRY” music video is full of cool tones and solid black and red colors. Visuals of bats fluttering around, full moons, and glowing eyes bring to life & TEAM’s werewolf qualities. “War Cry” pulls you in from the very second it starts, packed with heavy guitar riffs and stand-out bass sequences. What makes this music video stand out is the utilization of wolf-like moves intertwined with the choreography. This song encapsulates and brings to life the significance of a wolf pack ready for battle mixed with a fun and pop-rock sound.
Pentagon – Dr. BeBe
With its emotionally dark themes and internal struggle, Pentagon’s “Dr. BeBe,” written by the group’s leader Hui and main rapper Wooseok, aptly conveys the spooky intensity of Halloween. From gloomy spaces full of suspense, symbolic ropes of imprisonment, and inner anguish portrayed in the music video and lyrics, the group shows the classic horror motifs of the destructive aspect of love. The metronomes, constantly ticking in various scenes of their walled-up prison, add to the inescapable torment the members face. These elements, combined with the dark, gothic styling and choreography, make the song an ideal addition to anyone’s spooky playlist.
PIRI – Dreamcatcher
“PIRI” by Dreamcatcher is an excellent addition to anyone’s spooky playlist and is one of their numerous eerie tunes. The heavy guitar riffs accompanied by flute sounds establish a haunting tone. The song portrays a sense of isolation and desperation with lines about being trapped in a repetitive, nightmarish reality and searching for someone to save them. The mood is heightened when the group is lost in labyrinth-like hallways tormented by ticking clocks and creepy dolls. The repeated call to ‘play the Piri’ intensifies the sense of urgency and distress, reflecting their desperate need to escape the chaos and find peace.
Bewitched – PIXY
The eerie ambiance and dark concept of “Bewitched” by PIXY make it an ideal choice to add to your spooky playlist. The song “Bewitched” has a dark pop or electro-pop sound style, influenced by trap beats and ethereal, dreamy soundscapes. Despite not explicitly being visually creepy, the song’s haunting atmosphere perfectly encapsulates the season’s spirit. The visuals create an Ominous atmosphere, featuring red lights and burning seats. With a mesmerizing, spooky rhythm of synthesizers and reverb-heavy voices, this twisted fairytale created by the lyrics conjures a dark fantasy full of manipulation and curses, perfect for Halloween’s mystical and magical atmosphere.
Jekyll – EXO
Scottish author Robert Stevenson wrote the Gothic horror story Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in 1886. Dr. Jekyll is a kind, well-respected scientist who uses science to transform into Mr. Hyde, his evil alter ego who doesn’t repent or accept responsibility for his evil crimes and ways. There have been many adaptations of this story, and EXO took inspiration from the narrative. “Jekyll” explores the concept of duality and one’s internal struggles. EXO dives into the separation of human nature, the battle of hidden secrets, and the longing to claim one’s true self despite internal conflicts. This edgy R&B track with EDM influence will make you feel the transformation from Jekyll to Hyde.
Zombie – Purple Kiss
If you want a song combining flirtation and fun with light zombie metaphors, Purple Kiss’ “Zombie” is the song for you. This track brings a quirky and energetic feel to the zombie theme, perfect for those who want to embrace Halloween without diving into full-on horror. The infectious chorus gives the song a catchy and danceable vibe, making it ideal for Halloween parties or fall playlists. The music video also adds a vibrant and fashionable touch with zombie designs that are both cute and creepy. These styles are perfect for anyone who wants a unique twist on the zombie look.
Villian Dies – (G)I-DLE
“Villain Dies” by (G)I-DLE leans into a darker and sultry theme for this track, making it perfect for those who enjoy more atmospheric Halloween vibes rather than the traditionally spooky. Though this song has no music video, the live performance choreography beautifully matched the song’s dark tone. Fans of anti-drops will appreciate how the song subverts typical musical expectations, making it an enticing and sophisticated track for a lovely autumn late-night drive. The song explores themes of betrayal, power, and ownership, with the singers embracing the role of the villain in their own “novel” while refusing to meet a “tragic end.”
Can’t Stop This Party – Seori
For people who want to enjoy an atmospheric track that blends gloomy, trippy vibes and a hypnotic sound, “Can’t Stop This Party” by Seori is perfect for those looking for a more unique and eccentric sound this spooky season. With its underrated sound and distinctive visual styling, this song captures the feeling of being caught in a never-ending, ethereal moment. The music video, set on a train filled with characters that resemble monsters, mirrors the song’s vibe as they dance while the singer moves from one cart to the next.
Devil By The Window – TXT
TXT is known for their bright songs with dark undertones. In this case, they’ve released a dark track with a dark undertone. “Devil by The Window” is one of those songs that keeps the hairs on your back standing. The song depicts the feeling of temptation that accumulates when one is pulled away from reality. With an eerie bridge and hard-hitting intro, it’s difficult to miss the possessive nature of this song. Additionally, the choreography taps into the loss of autonomy due to its sharp movements. You may want to keep an eye open tonight because this one will give you the creeps!
POP TOKKI wishes you a happy and safe Halloween! Which K-pop track is your Halloween theme song? Let us know on Instagram and X.
