Collaborations, unexpected comebacks, and iconic debuts— 2023 gave us a year’s worth of hits to remember! Join us at POP TOKKI as we compile a list of our favorite songs this year has given us.
Sugar Rush Ride – Tomorrow X Together
Tomorrow X Together started the year off strong with the release of their EP ‘The Name Chapter: Temptation’ in late January. “Sugar Rush Ride,” the title track of this album broke records as it highlights the feeling of devilish temptations, but eventually falling into them. The upbeat track was easily one of the most fun and addicting songs of 2023 with its unexpected anti-drop and appealing choreography. Maybe the song itself is a temptation…
Fighting – BooSeokSoon
A BooSeokSoon comeback in 2023 was the last thing we expected to mark off our bingo card. SEVENTEEN’S quirky trio featuring Hoshi, DK, and Seungkwan returned after their debut in 2018. Yes, a 5-year hiatus. Their sudden return was paired with 3 new songs featuring the title track “Fighting,” an upbeat motivational track that belongs on any playlist to get you moving. In this song, BooSeokSoons acts as a motivator, to keep you going through your day with words of affirmation. With the help of Lee Youngji, BooSeokSoon’s “Fighting” became a vital part of our morning motivation.
Smoke Sprite – So!YoOn! ft RM of BTS
“Smoke Sprite” is the lead single off of indie musician So!YoON!’s latest studio album ‘Episode 1: Love” features BTS leader RM. This song touches on the topic of a love that only lives in your dreams, as heard in the chorus. So!YoON! combines her unique and dreamy vocals with psychedelic guitar and drums. Along with RM’s sensual but gentle lyrics, this track highlights both RM’s artistic versatility and So!YoON!’s musicality.
On The Street – j-hope ft J. Cole
Teaming up with his role model J. Cole, j-hope delivered one last gift to his fans before he departed for mandatory military service. Set in the very place where J. Cole’s debut music video took place, j-hope raps about his own career, reminiscing on his days as a B-Boy. J. Cole, also reminiscing his career, gives credit to a higher power for being able to live as a successful artist. This collaboration was one of the most surprising pairings of 2023, but the chemistry between them made it feel like it was meant to be.
SET ME FREE -TWICE
“Set Me Free” is the title track of TWICE’s 12th mini album ‘Ready to Be’ and has both Korean and English versions. This riveting dance-pop song contains elements of funk and disco and was produced by German producer Lindgren, who has frequently collaborated with Twice and other notable K-pop groups. The lyrics of “Set Me Free” express an exhilarating feeling of love in the form of a confession to a crush. This song highlights a more intense side of TWICE, who are known for their bubbly songs but possess duality in their performances. “Set Me Free” exhibits the many charms of TWICE, a group whose sound has matured over the years with the members themselves.
Rover – Kai
EXO’s Kai took the world by storm with the release of “Rover.” In his countdown live, he states that the song is a reinterpretation of “Mr. Rover” by DARA, a Bulgarian artist. Kai describes the instrumental as a rhythmic dance song with hip-hop vibes— carrying heavy 808 bass, marimba, and multiple percussion instruments, “Rover” is a song that blurs the lines between genres and creates a bigger picture. “Rover” follows the tale of a wanderer who lives freely after throwing away others’ misconceptions of him.
Like Crazy – Jimin
“Like Crazy” is one of 2023’s most unique releases. Taking on a synth-heavy retro party sound, BTS’ Jimin sings about escaping from the reality of heartbreak. In the music video, Jimin is in two mindsets — one mindset is his escape, where he’s a party animal. The other mindset is reality, where his sadness and despair take over, forcing him to go back into the first mindset mentioned. This track exhibits Jimin’s light vocals entirely in a style we’ve yet to see from his previous solos in BTS.
Haegeum – AGUST D
“HAEGEUM” hit many people’s lists of top releases in 2023 for its impactful lyrics, heavy instrumental, and legendary music video. AGUST D commands listeners to question freedom, question government, question economy, and question unspoken societal expectations. Similar to his other songs, we see AGUST D fighting with another version of himself, making him both the protagonist and antagonist in this song about self-reflection and pushing against unspoken rules and expectations. “HAEGEUM” is an essential song when mentioning the K-pop industry’s 2023 releases.
Cat & Mouse – BlackSwan
BlackSwan created the perfect dreamy R&B track with “Cat & Mouse.” The multi-national quartet, wrapped in bubblegum pink ensembles, displayed their delicate vocals while captivating us with an eye-catching choreography. As the final line-up of BlackSwan, Fatou, NVee, Gabi, and Sriya established themselves as one of the strongest line-ups yet! Fatou has teased fans about their upcoming comeback on social media, only meaning 2024 will give us yet another BlackSwan comeback to obsess over!
Perfume – NCT DoJaeJung
Jaehyun, Doyoung, and Jungwoo collaborated to create the first R&B-focused unit of NCT— NCT DoJaeJung. As NCT units incorporate R&B into their discography, this trio had a clear focus on the genre with their 6 track R&B album. NCT Dojaejung left a strong impact with their debut track Perfume, a 90’s Hip Hop and R&B track that lingers on your senses. The song’s addictive beat and groove paired with its sensual lyrics is a symphony to the ears. Just like the scent of the sweetest perfume, this track etches itself on your memories so you never forget it.
Super – SEVENTEEN
In an anthem that pays homage to their team and teamwork, “Super” is SEVENTEEN’s way of giving praise to their strength and determination as a group. Throughout the song, the group expresses how they’ve kept a strong mind which inevitably led to their success along with how important it is to keep a strong mind. SEVENTEEN ends the song with the claim “This is the anime’s ending song” emphasizing they’ve won the battle.
Icky – KARD
“ICKY” is the title track off of co-ed group KARD’s latest EP ‘ICKY’. Chock full of innuendos and not-so-subtle metaphors — “She needs more than a tip, I ain’t talking ’bout guidance” — this track was fondly dubbed “Adult K-pop” by Hidden KARDs and other K-pop fans. Along with the addictive chorus, this track may be KARD’s most boundary-pushing title track yet.
Bite Me – ENHYPEN
“Bite Me” was no doubt a summer anthem with its catchy chorus of “oh, oh, oh my god” and dance club beat. Enhypen proved their growth with this music video and the title track. With lyrics, “just come over and bite me” & “come here and get some” taking their vampire concept to a whole new level. Evolving from the baby vampires in 2020 with “Given-Taken” Enhypen used “Bite Me” to show the world they have grown up with the mysterious vampire vibe. Whether you are an Engene or casual listener, “Bite Me” caught the attention of many for its hip hop, R&B undertones and alluring, mature but classy vampire aura throughout its lyrics and dancing.
Queencard – (G)I-dle
“Queencard” is a certified girl-anthem. Emphasizing the importance of confidence and individuality, “Queencard” reminds us that there’s more to being a “Queencard” than just physical appearance. (G)I-dle embodies this concept flawlessly throughout the Y2K-esque music video and overall aesthetic. (G)I-dle gave us the perfect song to blast on our girls’ night out.
Shalala – TAEYONG
NCT’s Taeyong officially debuted as a solo artist on June 5, with “SHALALA.” In a bouncy tune, “SHALALA” IS about having fun and being confident in oneself. Throughout the song and abstract music video, Taeyong encourages the listener to let loose and enjoy themselves while showing off his unique charms and style. “SHALALA” is the confidence boost that everyone needs!
S-Class – Stray Kids
Stray Kids proved again that they are an “s-class” act. When their album ‘5-star’ was released it surpassed 5 million pre-orders. Their title track “s-class” was the perfect intro to their album, Shocking Stays with its insane production both visually and musically. Stray Kids proved that they’re a force to be reckoned with. The various fusions of different music genres in this one track displayed the versatility of Stray Kids’ talents.
Sugarcoat – NATTY (Kiss of Life)
Fans were ecstatic to see their favorite SIXTEEN trainee, NATTY, get another chance at the spotlight. After a solo debut, NATTY decided to bring her talents to the girl group Kiss of Life. In an introduction to people who are unfamiliar with her, “Sugarcoat” takes a classic bouncy R&B sound and pairs it with NATTY’s impressive smooth dance moves and soft vocals. She dances in the street as she sings about dancing freely without anyone else’s judgment.
Bouncy (K-Hot Chilli Peppers) – ATEEZ
ATEEZ created the perfect summer song with “BOUNCY.” The song highlights elements of Korean culture through a heavy, electrifying beat that enticed every K-pop fan to take a listen. The song title teases the spiciness and vibrancy of the group’s lyricism and composition. “Bouncy” went viral and broke many of ATEEZ’s records, becoming one of the top-streamed 4th Generation music videos. It was one of the perfect hot and addictive songs that came out of the K-pop industry in 2023.
New Jeans – NewJeans
Anything NewJeans touches turns to gold. With almost every song going viral, NewJeans has not disappointed us in 2023. From Ditto to Super Shy, they took over the internet, Lollapalooza, and the world! “New Jeans” is a take on DnB (Drum & Bass) and UK garage, giving it the compelling ability to make anyone dance. Paring with the Powerpuff Girls for the music video, “New Jeans” was one of the most notable releases of 2023.
HARD – SHINee
SHINee made a buzz this year with “HARD.” The song celebrates the group’s hard work and success over the past fifteen years. The lyrics express their determination to succeed and commitment to their craft. “HARD” showcases the dedicated, hardworking, and energetic group and proves their dedication through music. This return of SHINee proved that as time passes by, their talents only grow stronger.
In Bloom – ZEROBASEONE
ZEROBASEONE gave us their debut track, “In Bloom” after their formation from Mnet’s survival show “Boys Planet.” As it was highly anticipated, the track is the ultimate refresher and gives off the vibe of a successful day. Perfect for summer, spring, or any sunny day, “In Bloom” easily became a fan favorite. The bright theme, upbeat lyrics, and energizing choreography made for a perfect debut and many were pleased with the outcome. The next time you need a feel-good song to get you through your day, stream “In Bloom!”
Cake – ITZY
Did someone say cake? “Cake” by ITZY is an energetic track that makes you want to keep the party going. Not only is the song hype, but the choreography is addictive and you can’t help but move. The next time you’re looking for a party anthem, make sure that “Cake” is in your queue!
Seven – Jungkook
“Seven” was certainly the song of the summer. As BTS Jungkook’s solo debut single, this song crushed the charts and dominated playlists everywhere. “Seven”, an all-English song, has both a clean and explicit version. The clean version – the version used in the official music video featuring actress Han Sohee – details being devoted to a lover seven days a week. The explicit version is the same, but more, of course, explicit in its messaging – the narrator is still devoted, and they show it by having sex seven days a week. “Seven” features American rapper Latto with her verse in the last half of the track.
Tantara – iKON
A notable release on the idol hip-hop scene with their strong take on the genre, iKON made sure their comeback to the hip-hop genre is yet another iconic one by doing it right with “TANTARA”. The track pulses with the 90s old-school boom bap and synths, unleashing iKON’s infectious energy and identity. The strong energy of “TANTARA” opened iKON’s 2023 as their first release under their new label, 143 Entertainment, which served as the commencement of the group’s stronger and brighter future as independent artists.
Drama – Aespa
Aespa took charge with their 4th mini-album, ‘Drama.’ With a title track of the same name, the quartet takes on a Hip-hop dance sound with bold drums and refined synth bass. Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ning Ning display a carefree “bad girl” person throughout the music video matching the confidence theme of the track. The girls display their stunning vocals in the breakdown in the bridge, pulling the song together in a classic aespa fashion.
We couldn’t fit even half of our favorite songs into this list due to the amount of iconic releases given to us this this past year. We’re highly anticipating what groups will deliver in the new year! What’s your favorite song of 2023? Let us know on our Twitter and Instagram! Happy New Year!
